Delaware judge reinstates Unknown Worlds CEO amid Subnautica 2 bonus dispute
A legal dispute between Krafton and the founders of Unknown Worlds has taken a new turn after a Delaware judge ordered the reinstatement of the studio’s CEO. The conflict centres on a $250 million bonus, the firing of key executives, and the upcoming release of Subnautica 2—now Steam’s most-wishlisted game with over 5 million followers. Krafton had initially accused the studio heads of planning an early release but later changed its reasoning entirely.
In July 2025, Krafton removed Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill along with founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire. The company first claimed the trio had pushed for Subnautica 2 to launch prematurely. Later, Krafton revised its statement, alleging the executives had abandoned their roles and taken confidential data. The ousted leaders countered that their dismissal was a move to avoid paying a $250 million bonus tied to the game’s success.
Despite Gill’s objections, Krafton confirmed *Subnautica 2* would enter early access in May. The Steam page notes that the game will receive regular updates for two to three years before reaching its full 1.0 release. The title has already become the most-wishlisted on the platform, surpassing 5 million followers. A Delaware judge has now ruled in favour of the studio heads. Krafton must reinstate Gill as CEO and extend the deadline for bonus eligibility. The decision marks a significant shift in the ongoing dispute over control of the project and its financial rewards.
The court’s ruling forces Krafton to bring back Gill and adjust the bonus terms. Subnautica 2 remains on track for early access, with updates planned throughout its extended development period. The case highlights the tensions between corporate ownership and creative leadership in one of gaming’s most anticipated sequels.
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