A high-stakes courtroom drama is unfolding, and it's a battle for control of a beloved game studio and its future. The fate of Subnautica 2 hangs in the balance, and the truth is about to be revealed.
Changhan 'CH' Kim, CEO of Krafton, has made some bold statements during the ongoing trial, shedding light on the acquisition of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the popular Subnautica franchise. But here's where it gets controversial: Kim claims that if he had known about certain intentions of the studio's co-founders, there would have been no deal.
The trial, taking place in the Court of Chancery of Delaware, sees ousted co-founders Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill fighting to be reinstated at Unknown Worlds. They allege that Krafton forced them out to avoid paying a substantial earnout tied to the successful early access launch of Subnautica 2. However, Krafton paints a different picture, accusing the former leaders of abandoning their posts and becoming 'absentee landlords'.
During his testimony on November 18, 2025, Kim revealed that Krafton was unaware that Cleveland and McGuire had stopped contributing to Subnautica 2's development. He further stated that both former execs were offered the chance to return, but they declined, with Cleveland expressing a desire to pursue movie projects instead.
The key point of contention is whether Krafton would have acquired Unknown Worlds if they had known the leadership team's alleged plans. Kim was clear: "There wouldn't be any deal." He emphasized that the studio's purpose was to make games, and without that, there was no reason for operational control to be granted.
Kim questioned the former executives' motives for wanting to return now, stating, "The trust is already broken." He believes that allowing them back would disrupt the stabilized development team and potentially impact the franchise's future.
As for the early access launch, Kim suggested that while some initial sales might have been generated, the lack of freshness in the game could have disappointed fans, impacting the franchise's long-term prospects.
Krafton's spokesperson echoed Kim's testimony, stating that their decisions were made to ensure the best player experience and that the former leaders showed little interest in Subnautica 2's development. They expressed confidence in prevailing in the trial and continuing their progress.
This trial is a fascinating insight into the business side of the gaming industry and the complex dynamics between publishers and developers. It raises questions about the balance between creative control and commercial interests. So, what do you think? Should the former leaders be reinstated, or has the trust been broken beyond repair? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
