The launch of Subnautica 2, scheduled for May of this year in early access, has been embroiled in a significant conflict between Unknown Worlds and its former publisher Krafton. Recently, a substantial change was observed in the Steam product page, where Krafton is no longer listed as the publisher of the game. Instead, it is Unknown Worlds that is now responsible for both development and distribution, a move that seems to have been deliberate and not an administrative error. The situation is becoming increasingly complicated. Discontent between the two companies intensified following the layoffs of the […]
The launch of Subnautica 2, scheduled for May of this year in early access, has been embroiled in a significant conflict between Unknown Worlds and its former publisher Krafton. Recently, a substantial change was observed in the Steam product page, where Krafton is no longer listed as the publisher of the game. Instead, it is Unknown Worlds who is now in charge of both development and distribution, a move that appears to have been deliberate and not an administrative error.
The situation is getting more complicated every day
Discontent between both companies intensified after the layoffs of the co-founders of Unknown Worlds, as well as Krafton’s refusal to pay a $250 million bonus that depended on the sales of the sequel. These tensions led to a back-and-forth that resulted in a lawsuit. As a result, a judge ordered the reinstatement of Ted Gill, CEO of Unknown Worlds, with full control over the launch of Subnautica 2.
Despite legal advancements, the situation seems far from resolved. No clear details have been provided regarding the reasons behind this conflict, which has generated speculation and discomfort within the industry. This uncertainty fuels rumors that the issues between Unknown Worlds and Krafton may continue to surface as the game’s release date approaches.
The gaming community is closely watching this development, as Subnautica 2 is one of the most anticipated titles of the year. With the saga’s story and the impact its release may have on the survival genre, it is expected that the events surrounding this conflict will continue to make headlines and news until and beyond the scheduled release date.
The dispute between Krafton and the co-founders of Unknown Worlds, creators of the acclaimed Subnautica franchise, has taken a significant turn following a court ruling that reinstates Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds. This controversy arose when Krafton sought to avoid paying a $250 million bonus intended for the studio, which depended on the commercial success of Subnautica 2. Krafton loses the battle The CEO of Krafton, Kim Chang-han, was questioned after it was revealed that he had consulted the artificial intelligence ChatGPT to find ways to evade this payment. Although Chang-han admitted to the interaction with the […]
The dispute between Krafton and the co-founders of Unknown Worlds, creators of the acclaimed Subnautica franchise, has taken a significant turn following a court ruling that reinstates Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds. This controversy arose when Krafton sought to avoid paying a $250 million bonus intended for the studio, which depended on the commercial success of Subnautica 2.
Krafton loses the battle
The CEO of Krafton, Kim Chang-han, was questioned after it was revealed that he had consulted the artificial intelligence ChatGPT to find ways to evade this payment. Although Chang-han admitted to the interaction with the AI and reportedly tried to eliminate evidence of his consultation, the judge in the case determined that such actions did not justify the breach of contract.
The ruling also establishes that the tense relationship between Krafton and Gill could complicate the work environment, but it will not affect Gill’s authority in the game’s launch. According to the judge, Krafton must respect Gill’s control over the publication of Subnautica 2, and the deadline for the bonus payment has been extended to September 15, 2026.
Additionally, the judge indicated that the reinstatement of other executives from Unknown Worlds is not essential, trusting that Gill can handle the situation. However, he retains the power to reinstate them if he deems it necessary. As a result of this ruling, it is confirmed that Subnautica 2 will be released in early access in May, although the announcement of the exact date is still awaited, which represents a hopeful moment for fans of the series.
The legal conflict between Krafton and the former executives of the studio Unknown Worlds, responsible for the development of Subnautica 2, has escalated in recent weeks, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future of the anticipated title. Since July, both parties have filed legal actions, and the accusations have ranged from wrongful termination to mismanagement of the project. A CEO replaceable by a machine The former executives, including Subnautica designer and director Charlie Cleveland, CEO Ted Gill, and co-founder Max McGuire, allege that Krafton is trying to avoid paying bonuses stipulated in the acquisition contract of the […]
The legal conflict between Krafton and the former executives of the studio Unknown Worlds, responsible for the development of Subnautica 2, has escalated in recent weeks, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future of the highly anticipated title. Since July, both parties have filed legal actions, and the accusations have ranged from wrongful termination to mismanagement of the project.
A CEO Replaceable by a Machine
The former executives, including Subnautica designer and director Charlie Cleveland, CEO Ted Gill, and co-founder Max McGuire, allege that Krafton is trying to avoid paying bonuses stipulated in the studio’s acquisition contract. In a document filed by their lawyers, it is stated that Krafton’s CEO, Changham Kim, was “desperate” not to have to make these payments, fearing it would cause him “professional embarrassment” by appearing to have overpaid for the studio.
The case becomes even more complicated with the revelation that Krafton allegedly consulted with artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, in an attempt to find ways to evade payments. According to the court document, even the AI suggested that it would be complicated to avoid the earnout payment. However, Krafton dismisses these claims and accuses former executives of having destroyed relevant evidence.
The dispute between the parties has led to a significant delay in the launch of Subnautica 2, which is now scheduled to enter early access in 2026. Krafton, in an attempt to manage the situation, has implemented “Project X,” which seeks to negotiate with the founders or take control of the studio.
This situation raises questions about Krafton’s business ethics, especially considering its recent self-designation as an “AI company”. Meanwhile, the future of the anticipated game remains uncertain.
Krafton has filed a lawsuit against the former leaders of Unknown Worlds, Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, accusing them of attempting to launch an incomplete version of Subnautica 2 to secure a multimillion-dollar payment of 250 million dollars. This move comes amid a growing conflict over the game’s development, which was originally scheduled to be released in Early Access in the first quarter of 2024. A good reason to launch a game that lacks adjustments In the counterclaim, Krafton argues that the lack of material for an early release was the cause of the delay and […]
Krafton has filed a lawsuit against former leaders of Unknown Worlds, Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, accusing them of attempting to launch an incomplete version of Subnautica 2 to secure a multimillion-dollar payment of 250 million dollars. This move comes amid a growing conflict over the game’s development, which was originally scheduled to be released in Early Access in the first quarter of 2024.
A good reason to launch a game that needs adjustments
In the counterclaim, Krafton argues that the lack of material for an early release was the cause of the delay and asserts that Cleveland and McGuire abandoned their responsibilities to focus on personal projects, negatively affecting the game’s development. Krafton alleges that Gill was more interested in getting paid than in the project’s success, which caused significant disorganization.
The new CEO of Unknown Worlds, Steve Papoutsis, has stated that the leadership restructuring aims for a commitment to players and a robust creative process, emphasizing that the priority is to ensure that the game meets expectations at the time of its launch. In contrast, Krafton argues that the former leaders showed an excessive focus on their payments, which led to a series of decisions that compromise the quality of the game.
The CEO of Krafton has stated that Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire’s focus was on securing their compensation rather than developing a title that honored the success of its predecessor. With 500 million dollars invested in the acquisition of Unknown Worlds, the company argues that the actions of the former leaders not only threatened the future of Subnautica 2, but also of future installments of the franchise.
The conflict continues to evolve, and there may be much more drama ahead in this legal battle between Krafton and its former employees.
Anthony Gallegos, designer of Subnautica 2, has used an unusual metaphor to describe the human connection with survival games, suggesting that “we are all little monkeys.” During a recent interview with Edge magazine, Gallegos explained that this idea resonates with the human nature of seeking shelter and food, essential attributes in survival games that attract a wide audience. The title Subnautica 2, which is expected to launch in Early Access in 2026, has faced recent turbulence following the sudden firing of several of its creators, which has triggered a call for a boycott by […]
Anthony Gallegos, designer of Subnautica 2, has used an unusual metaphor to describe the human connection with survival games, suggesting that “we are all little monkeys.” During a recent interview with Edge magazine, Gallegos explained that this idea resonates with the human nature of seeking shelter and food, essential attributes in survival games that attract a wide audience. The title Subnautica 2, which is expected to launch in Early Access in 2026, has faced recent turmoil following the sudden firing of several of its creators, which has triggered a call for a boycott from some fans.
We are all little monkeys
Gallegos also shared an anecdote that underscores the accessibility of survival games. He recalled a moment when he observed a child playing Astroneer without any prior guidance. To his surprise, the child managed to build a complex base, which led him to conclude that the mechanics of these games are simple enough to attract both children and adults.
In a remarkable turn in the video game development landscape, Krafton has acquired Last Epoch, a popular action role-playing game. The game’s development leader, referring to the recent controversy surrounding Subnautica 2, expressed confidence that the communication challenges affecting their project will not be repeated. “There is a lot of misinformation,” he commented, suggesting that the situation may have been misinterpreted by the public.
As Subnautica 2 fans await more news about the game, the video game industry closely watches how this multi-layered story unfolds, marked by creativity, challenges, and uncertainty about the future of the series.
Subnautica 2, one of the most anticipated titles on gaming platforms, is caught in a whirlwind of controversies following the announcement of a delay in its early access until 2026, restructuring within the development team at Unknown Worlds, and a lawsuit against Krafton, the parent company. This drama has captured the attention of the community, which has expressed itself with attempts to boycott and growing concern about the direction of the game. Many things to explain Recently, a leak from an internal document of Krafton has revealed the expectations that the company has regarding quality […]
Subnautica 2, one of the most anticipated titles on gaming platforms, is caught in a whirlwind of controversies following the announcement of a delay in its early access until 2026, restructuring within the development team at Unknown Worlds, and a lawsuit against Krafton, the parent company. This drama has captured the attention of the community, which has expressed itself with attempts to boycott and growing concern about the direction of the game.
Many things to explain
Recently, a leak from an internal document of Krafton has revealed the company’s expectations regarding the quality and content of Subnautica 2. According to the leak, which originated from a presentation in May 2025, Krafton has urged Unknown Worlds to enrich the game’s content to align with the demands of a broader and more competitive market. It was detailed that the anticipated version should include new creatures, gameplay mechanics, and a playtime of 16 hours in normal mode, extending to 30 hours in sandbox mode.
However, the document also notes that significant cuts have been made to the original game plan, such as the removal of two biomes and several customization elements. This discordance between Krafton’s vision and that of the original creators became evident after the South Korean developer’s decision to part ways with key figures of the team like Ted Gill and Charlie Cleveland, who expressed their astonishment at seeing how the project diverged from their initial ideas.
Krafton has stated that the leak is part of a normal internal review process, aimed at assessing progress and ensuring that projects meet their quality standards. Amid this uncertainty, the community remains anxious and expectant, highlighting the intense pressure to make Subnautica 2 a resounding success at the time of its launch.
The controversy behind the development of Subnautica 2 has recently escalated, becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the month in the gaming world. This is due to the criticisms launched by Krafton against the former leaders of Unknown Worlds, which has led co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, as well as former CEO Ted Gill, to file a lawsuit against the company. Cleveland announced this legal action through Reddit, emphasizing that he has no intention of abandoning the development of Subnautica 2, a project he considers his life’s work. A lawsuit with a […]
The controversy behind the development of Subnautica 2 has recently escalated, becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the month in the gaming world. This is due to the criticisms launched by Krafton against the former leaders of Unknown Worlds, which has led co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, as well as former CEO Ted Gill, to file a lawsuit against the company. Cleveland announced this legal action via Reddit, emphasizing that he has no intention of abandoning the development of Subnautica 2, a project he considers his life’s work.
A lawsuit with a million-dollar context
The lawsuit arises in a complicated context, as Krafton had planned a bonus of 250 million dollars for Unknown Worlds, contingent on certain financial results expected to be achieved in 2025. This bonus could be seriously affected by the delay in the release of Subnautica 2, scheduled for 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Cleveland has responded to Krafton’s accusations, which claimed that he and his team had abandoned their responsibilities during the game’s development.
In his response, Cleveland stated: “The idea that Max, Ted, and I wanted to keep the bonus for ourselves is completely inaccurate. I am in this industry because I love it, not for the riches.” He also reiterated his commitment to sharing the profits with the team, as they have done in the past, demonstrating that the intention to fulfill the corresponding bonus remains.
Meanwhile, Krafton has been the target of criticism, as its announcement of the game’s delay was met with numerous negative comments and calls to boycott the launch. The situation raises questions about the future of Subnautica 2 and the internal dynamics of Unknown Worlds, leading many to speculate about the long-term repercussions in the industry.
The anticipated sequel to Subnautica, titled Subnautica 2, has been delayed until 2026 with the aim of improving the content before its release. Krafton, the publishing company, confirmed the news today, indicating that there is still no specific date for the game’s early access. The decision comes amid significant changes in the direction of Unknown Worlds, the developing studio, including the firing of key leaders, which has raised concerns in the community. On the website, they deny the major issue about something they themselves claimed According to a statement published on the official site […]
The highly anticipated sequel to Subnautica, titled Subnautica 2, has been delayed until 2026 with the aim of improving the content before its release. Krafton, the publishing company, confirmed the news today, stating that there is still no specific date for the game’s early access. The decision comes amid significant changes in the direction of Unknown Worlds, the developing studio, including the firing of key leaders, which has raised concerns in the community.
On the website, they deny the main point about something they themselves claimed
According to a statement published on the official Unknown Worlds website, the reason for the delay is simply the desire to add more content before the game is released in early access. “Nothing is changing in the direction of the game or in the team behind it,” the developers assured. Despite the positive feedback received during playtests, areas were identified that needed improvement before the launch.
This announcement has come after the controversy surrounding the dismissal of several members of the leadership of Unknown Worlds. Charlie Cleveland, co-founder and former game director, commented that the game was ready for early access, contradicting the official information released after its exit. Increasing tensions, reports suggest that Krafton may have made this decision just before a $250 million payment that was due to the studio, although the company denies that the delay is related to financial or contractual reasons.
In an attempt to calm fans, Krafton has shared a gameplay teaser showcasing new features and underwater exploration. Subnautica 2 promises to be a single-player experience, with no subscriptions, loot boxes, or battle passes, which could reassure fans concerned about the direction of the game amid this internal uncertainty.
Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica 2, has announced a significant change in its leadership with the arrival of Steve Papoutsis as the new CEO, replacing Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, who will no longer be involved in the development of the game. Krafton, the parent company of Unknown Worlds, revealed that this change is effective immediately, although it is unclear whether the separations were voluntary. A change that raises questions about the direction of the game Despite these changes, Krafton has reiterated its commitment to delivering a Subnautica 2 that meets players’ expectations. In a statement, […]
Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica 2, has announced a significant change in its leadership with the arrival of Steve Papoutsis as the new CEO, replacing Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, who will no longer be involved in the development of the game. Krafton, the parent company of Unknown Worlds, revealed that this change is effective immediately, although it is unclear whether the separations were voluntary.
A change that calls into question the direction of the game
Despite these changes, Krafton has reiterated its commitment to delivering a Subnautica 2 that meets players’ expectations. In a statement, Krafton CEO CH Kim emphasized that “nothing is more important than the player experience” and that the team is focused on delivering the best game possible as soon as possible. Papoutsis, who has extensive experience in the video game industry, has worked on well-known franchises such as Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol, and will now take on the creative direction of Striking Distance’s Sustractación and Unknown Worlds.
Papoutsis expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and emphasized that “the player’s experience is our North Star.” He and his team are committed to delivering an experience that satisfies the Subnautica community. However, this leadership change at an advanced stage of development may suggest issues or conflicts regarding the creative direction of the game.
The design of Subnautica 2 keeps its promise of an early access release in 2025, although a specific date has not yet been set. Last April, the game’s design lead, Anthony Gallego, reaffirmed the commitment to this date, leaving fans eager but cautious after the recent restructuring. The situation is particularly unusual and could indicate challenges in the production of the highly anticipated title.
After the tragedy of the Titanic submarine, we recommend a handful of games about submarines or the sea to get rid of the bad taste in your mouth.
The ocean is dangerous. The ocean is dark and full of mysteries. Mankind has known that for a long time, but some people still don’t want to hear it. So that you don’t have to pay exorbitant amounts of money to find out the hard way, we have decided to make a selection of some of the best games that take place under the sea or that take place directly inside submarines. Because we understand that these days tasalophobia and morbidity are going to hit many people hard, so, at least, let’s take the opportunity to play good games.
Operating a submarine requires many people working together and Barotrauma takes care of letting us know it in absolutely every step we try to take in this intense game for between two and sixteen people. Probably the most acclaimed cooperative game of all those that have come out in recent times, our purpose is to investigate the mysterious oceans of Europara while we complete missions on a procedurally generated map and try to keep the submarine running while the ocean, and everything that inhabits it, puts us all the problems you can imagine.
Launching on June 5, 2019 in early access, having its official release on March 13 of this same year, this game by FakeFish and Undertow Games is the perfect mix between survival game and cooperative game. A video game that never allows us to be calm, always trying to predict what is the next thing that will try to kill us down there.
Iron Lung
The earth is uninhabitable. There are no resources in the unknown universe. You are a prisoner who will never see the sunlight again. You are given a proposition. If you agree to investigate an ocean of blood on a desolate moon in a tiny rusty submarine with no windows and all the doors welded shut, you will achieve your freedom. If you make it back alive. Knowing that you’re not going to make it out of where you are alive anyway, at least on the Iron Lung, the name of that submarine, it sounds like you have a chance of survival.
Released on March 10, 2022, Iron Lung is a game designed by David Szymanski available for Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows. The game is dark, distressing and deeply sinister. Even if all we can see takes place in literally two square meters, we have to move for hundreds of miles blindly, in an ocean of blood, while we hear our submarine slowly unraveling and hear strange things out there. You thought there was nothing worse than prison? Welcome to Iron Lung.
Sometimes surviving in the ocean doesn’t have to be absolutely terrifying, it can just be fraught with tension and the need to think carefully about what we need to do at any given moment to keep moving forward. That’s what happens with Subnautica. Created by Unknown Worlds Entertainment and published on January 23, 2018, it is a seabed exploration game where we will have to collect resources, establish bases and above all, be careful not to be devoured by hostile fauna or end up running out of resources to be able to continue advancing.
Much less dark than most of the games on this list, very focused on the playable loop, Subnautica could be considered in a way the underwater equivalent of No Man’s Sky. A game based on exploration, careful and quiet progress, that may not put huge threats in front of us on a regular basis, but never leaves us without clear purposes to keep moving forward.
Maneater
Changing the subject completely, how about for once we about the danger that lurks under the sea? That’s what Maneater proposes, a game developed by Tripwire Interactive that, inspired by Steven Spielberg’s movie Jaws, puts us in the shoes of a female bull shark from conception until she can finally take revenge on the fisherman who disfigured her when she was a pup and killed her mother.
In Maneater we will have to go through all the stages of a shark’s life. Starting with hunting small fish, graduating to hunting larger prey, to finally terrorize humans and end up with fishermen looking to turn us into trophies. Just because it doesn’t work that way in reality, doesn’t mean that this shark GTA isn’t completely realistic to what fiction has told us about sharks. And for that we curse you, Spielberg – sharks really are good buddies!
Few games are more mythical than BioShock if we talk about games that take place underwater. Even less if we talk about games that take place underwater because of millionaires who make absolutely terrible decisions by ignoring common sense and wanting to avoid listening to experts and having to listen to government decisions. Because BioShock is about Rapture, a city under the ocean, which should be a utopia created for the most brilliant people in the world and has ended up being a dystopia where there is only death and madness.
While it might seem that BioShock is probably that kind of game that hasn’t aged well, the reality is that it has stood the test of time incredibly well. Both its first and second parts hold up to this day as a good pair of games and can be played and celebrated as intelligent and interesting, even by our canons. Sadly, the present day has shown us that the rich are capable of doing absolutely absurd things like Rapture, but if we have to take something good out of it, at least let it be that we play one of these games.
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