Krafton Delays ‘Subnautica 2’ Game Ahead of $250 Million Payout

Krafton Inc., the South Korean video-game publisher, has decided to delay the eagerly awaited release of Subnautica 2. This decision comes as the company approaches a significant $250 million payout earmarked for the development team, according to insiders familiar with the situation. Initially, the game was set to allow early access to players later this year, but the timeline shifted following a leadership overhaul at Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the studio behind the game. Sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that Krafton’s recent management changes prompted this delay. A representative from Krafton did not respond to requests for further comment. The first installment of Subnautica, launched in 2018, achieved remarkable success, selling over 6 million copies. In 2021, Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds for an impressive $500 million and confirmed plans for a sequel. However, the recent postponement to 2026 goes against the wishes of the studio’s previous leadership, as reported by insiders. The substantial $250 million bonus was contingent on Unknown Worlds meeting specific revenue goals by the end of 2025, as outlined in the acquisition agreement. With the delay, it appears less likely that these targets will be met, potentially disqualifying employees from receiving the anticipated bonuses. Approximately 100 staff members were informed that they could expect bonuses ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, contingent upon the game's success. The leadership change at Unknown Worlds included the firing of founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, as well as CEO Ted Gill, with Striking Distance Studios’ CEO Steve Papoutsis stepping in to manage the studio. While Krafton has not disclosed the rationale behind the leadership shift, they emphasized their commitment to delivering the best possible gaming experience. In a recent social media statement, Cleveland expressed surprise at the developments, insisting that Subnautica 2 was ready for early access. During a company-wide meeting, Papoutsis informed employees that Krafton felt the game was not ready for release this year and that the delay would allow for additional content. When questioned if the postponement was a tactic to avoid the bonus payout, Papoutsis stated he was not privy to the details of the contract, emphasizing that the goal is to release the best version of Subnautica 2. Papoutsis assured employees that the intention behind the delay was not to impact any financial agreements and that aligning the game’s launch with both studio and company expectations was paramount.