Subnautica 2 Developer Unknown Worlds' Founders Accuse Krafton of Shifting Allegations During Litigation

A recent court ruling has denied Krafton's request for a protective order, with the founders of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds accusing the parent company of altering its reasoning for terminating their employment and seizing control of the studio. The dispute centers around a $250 million bonus payout tied to the game's 2025 Early Access release, which the former leadership alleges Krafton sought to avoid by delaying the game's launch. Krafton initially claimed the founders were terminated due to their intention to release the game prematurely, but now asserts that the founders were let go because they downloaded company files they were entitled to access. The court has dismissed Krafton's forensic inspection request and denied its order compelling preservation, deeming the request 'unnecessary.' The case continues, with the founders arguing that Krafton's shift in theories is a 'Hail Mary' attempt to justify its actions.