Reinstated Unknown Worlds CEO claims Krafton violated court order by leaking Subnautica 2's launch window ‘out of spite’

Krafton, the publisher of the underwater survival game Subnautica 2, is currently under scrutiny following new allegations that it deliberately leaked the game’s planned May early access launch date. With Ted Gill reinstated as the CEO of Unknown Worlds, Krafton allegedly lacked the authority to make such a decision. What seemed to be the conclusion of Krafton and Unknown Worlds’ previous leadership dispute is now reigniting.

CEO: Publisher Krafton violated court order by announcing Subnautica 2 May Early Access release window

Ted Gill, the recently reinstated CEO of Unknown Worlds, claims that Krafton intentionally leaked the game’s May early access date out of spite, thereby violating a court order.

On March 19, GameFile reported that Unknown Worlds’ lawyers had sent a letter to Judge Will shortly after IGN published an internal memo from Krafton executive and former Unknown Worlds CEO Steve Papoutsis. The memo was sent to the Subnautica 2 team, announcing a May launch window.

Krafton later confirmed the release window for Subnautica 2 through various video game news outlets. However, according to a letter from Gill, Krafton had no authority to make that announcement.

Judge Lori Will stated on March 16 that only Ted Gill, as CEO of Unknown Worlds, was authorized to determine the game's launch plans. Therefore, the memo from Papoutsis was sent when he was no longer legally the CEO of Unknown Worlds.

In a letter to the judge, Ted Gill stated, “Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without regard for its impact on the game, the team, the community, or the court’s opinion.”

Unknown Worlds’ lawyers added, “Announcing a game’s release is a significant event, usually involving extensive marketing, fan engagement, and community coordination. It is carefully planned to maximize excitement for the game.

This process was to be led by Mr Gill. However, in violation of the court’s ruling, Krafton has now assumed that authority, further harming the game and creating confusion among the Subnautica community.”

Krafton responds to Subnautica 2 Early Access leak and CEO controversy

The following day, Krafton sent a letter to Judge Will asserting that the company had not violated the court order.

The letter stated, “Papoutsis’s message was simply a celebration of the efforts of Unknown Worlds employees regarding a previous milestone: Krafton’s prior determination that Subnautica 2 was ready for early access. There was nothing improper about sharing the milestone review results or thanking the development team for their dedication and talent.”

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