Subnautica 2 Lawsuit Drama: Is Krafton Trying to Stop That $250 Million Bonus?
Subnautica 2 was once poised for a 2025 early access launch. Instead it’s now scheduled for 2026. Behind the scenes, a serious legal battle is brewing. 1. What Led to the Lawsuit Three original studio leaders—Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill—filed a lawsuit against Krafton in July 2025 for breach of contract. They claim Krafton deliberately delayed the game to avoid paying a $250 million earnout bonus tied to revenue goals. 2. What the Lawsuit Says The 58-page filing alleges Krafton orchestrated a "months-long campaign" to derail the launch. Accusations include canceling marketing plans, stripping key support services, blocking community outreach, and even replacing leadership teams—all to push back release and fade the bonus trigger. 3. Krafton’s Defense Krafton insists the delay was about game quality—not money. They claim the original founders abandoned their roles and prioritized outside projects. Krafton also says the delay will allow them ...