Subnautica Creators Suing Krafton After Sudden Firing Over Solving Issues

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Last week, the Subnautica community was surprised when the game’s original creators, Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire of Unknown Worlds, were let go immediately. Cleveland expressed his shock and noted that Subnautica 2 was ready for early access. However, Krafton, the studio’s new owner, decided to delay the game to avoid paying the founders $250 million in bonuses, which they have now postponed.

Krafton explained that the trio was removed because they “abandoned their responsibilities” and stated that the game’s structure remains unchanged.

This explanation did not sit well with Gill, McGuire, and Cleveland. Cleveland took to social media to announce that they have filed a lawsuit against Krafton.

Unknown Worlds Founders Are Suing Krafton In A “Painful, Public, And Possibly Protracted Way”

On Twitter and Reddit, Cleveland shared with fans, “This is a surreal time for the Subnautica team and community. None of this is what we wanted. We appreciate the support we’ve received.”

“We believe the game is ready for Early Access. We want you to play it, but it’s not under our control now.”

After thanking fans, Cleveland added, “We’ve filed a lawsuit against Krafton: the details should eventually become public — you deserve the full story. Suing a multi-billion dollar company publicly and painfully was not on my to-do list. But this needs to be made right. Subnautica has been my life’s work, and I would never abandon it or the incredible team behind it.”

The issue of the $250 million bonus has sparked a lot of discussion. Cleveland addressed this too, stating, “The idea that we wanted to keep it all for ourselves is false. I’m in this for my passion, not for money. We’ve always shared profits with our team and will continue to do so with this bonus. They deserve it for their hard work in getting this game to you.”

These changes have impacted not just the three founders but also the community. Many fans have taken this personally, leading to various efforts to stand against Krafton. Some players plan to leave negative reviews for Subnautica 2 when it releases, take it off their wishlists, and contact Krafton’s leadership. This issue doesn’t seem to be fading away anytime soon.