On July 1, 2026, Krafton reached a settlement with its subsidiary Unknown Worlds Entertainment, resolving a lengthy legal dispute over a potential $250 million bonus tied to the development of Subnautica 2. The settlement includes bonuses for all staff members at Unknown Worlds, but CEO Ted Gill will be departing the studio.
Krafton and Unknown Worlds Entertainment Settlement Details
The legal conflict began last year when Krafton ousted co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill, ahead of a significant financial milestone. After the executives filed a lawsuit, a judge reinstated Gill as CEO in March, allowing the early access launch of Subnautica 2 in May. The game achieved remarkable success, selling over four million copies within five days.
Krafton confirmed the settlement in a statement, indicating that all Unknown Worlds staff would receive bonuses rather than just those employed at the time of Krafton’s acquisition in 2021. These bonuses will be disbursed in three annual installments, as reported by Bloomberg.
Changes in Leadership at Unknown Worlds
Despite the resolution of the dispute, CEO Ted Gill announced his decision to leave the studio. “We mutually agreed to part ways,” Gill stated to Bloomberg. “New leadership is the best way for the studio to move forward.” This transition comes as Unknown Worlds prepares to capitalize on the success of Subnautica 2.
Future Prospects for Subnautica 2 and Unknown Worlds
The launch of Subnautica 2 marks a pivotal moment for Unknown Worlds, following the tumultuous events of the past year. The studio, which gained recognition for its innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling, aims to build on this momentum. Krafton's commitment to supporting the staff through bonuses reflects a strategic approach to ensure stability during this transition.
- Settlement Amount: $250 million
- Game Launch: Subnautica 2 in early access
- Sales Achieved: Over 4 million copies in 5 days
- Bonus Distribution: Three yearly installments
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by The Verge. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
