In the latest chapter of the story unfurling between Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton, it appears that the latter is no longer publishing the nautical-themed survival crafting game. As caught by game developer Mike Futter on social media, a change can be spotted in the SteamDB listing for Subnautica 2, which involved removing Krafton’s name from the publisher section and changing it to Unknown Worlds Entertainment.
A quick look at the Steam listing for Subnautica 2 reflects this change as having gone through, with Unknown Worlds seemingly being responsible for both developing and publishing the title. Neither the studio nor Krafton has made any statement regarding this. However, the change having gone through without too much fanfare would indicate that the two came to an agreement to part ways, at least for the release of Subnautica 2.
The most recent bit of drama between Krafton and Unknown Worlds’ trio of co-founders, Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire, took place just last month in light of the now-former publisher having announced May release window for Subnautica 2‘s Early Access launch. In a letter sent to Vice Chancellor Lori Will of Delaware’s Court of Chancery, a lawyer said that the announcement was made improperly, and could end up “damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community.” The letter went on to call the announcement a “self-serving” one for Krafton.
“Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community—let alone this Court’s Opinion,” reads the lawyer’s letter. “Announcing the release of a game is momentous, and it is typically accompanied by significant marketing activity, fanfare, and community coordination. And most importantly, the announcement is carefully designed to maximize excitement for the game. That entire process was supposed to be driven by Mr. Gill. However, in defiance of the Court’s Opinion, Krafton has now taken that away, further damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community.”
The announcement was made just a few days after Will’s judgment for the lawsuit between the co-founders and Krafton, which also involved the re-appointment of Gill as the studio’s CEO. “Judgment is entered in favor of Fortis [which represents the Unknown Worlds founders] on its Phase One claims,” said Will as part of the judgment. “Krafton breached the EPA by terminating the Key Employees without valid Cause and by improperly seizing operational control of Unknown Worlds.”
In the meantime, Unknown Worlds has continued to work on Subnautica 2 as it gets ready for its Early Access launch. Earlier this month, in a new video series, the studio discussed the role played by the Subnautica community and the various journeys they experienced. “This company was made on community feedback, and the games inside were helped build by them, and being a voice and being heard to create Below Zero, and Subnautica was amazing,” said level designer Artyom.
Subnautica 2 is being developed for PC and Xbox Series X/S. The studio hasn’t yet provided more details on how much content players can expect on launch, and what the development roadmap will look like for its Early Access period.
The Unknown Worlds / Krafton story is a gift that keeps on giving. Looks like Krafton is out of the Subnautica picture entirely. I have thoughts about what this extrication deal might be (waive the earnout, dismiss any countersuits, Krafton doesn’t get a dime)… and if so, a good deal for Krafton.
— Mike Futter (@futterish.fsquared.biz) 2026-04-13T23:44:36.593Z