Krafton, the publisher behind the highly anticipated Subnautica 2, is entangled in a dual controversy. Reports indicate a contentious End User License Agreement (EULA) raising player hackles, alongside a burgeoning legal dispute with the game's former development leads over a substantial payout. The EULA, detailed just days ago, imposes a stark $50 maximum payout for in-game damages, prohibits VPN usage, and grants Krafton the unfettered right to revoke game access at any juncture, for any stated or unstated reason. Simultaneously, a legal battle unfolds, initiated by former Unknown Worlds leaders, including director Charlie Cleveland, CEO Ted Gill, and co-founder Max McGuire. They are contesting Krafton's actions, which they allege were designed to circumvent a promised $250 million payout and strip them of creative control.
The developer's legal filing claims Krafton initiated the dispute to avoid this substantial earnout. It further alleges that the publisher, in a move some have labelled "predatory," consulted ChatGPT for legal avenues to escape the agreed-upon payment. Krafton, however, counters these claims, suggesting the former leadership's pursuit of legal action is a tactic to obscure their own alleged efforts to destroy evidence. They maintain that the founders failed to deliver a "launch-quality version" of Subnautica 2, thereby forfeiting their entitlement to the bonus.
Read More: Nex Playground Console Available in UK and Ireland for £269
Players, meanwhile, are voicing sharp disapproval of the EULA's more restrictive clauses. Beyond the low damage payout cap, concerns have surfaced regarding limitations on multi-device play without separate licenses. The outright ban on VPNs also adds to the growing unease among the player base. These elements, coupled with Krafton's reserved right to terminate access, have fueled significant player apprehension, as reflected in online discussions.
The rift between Krafton and the former Unknown Worlds leadership reportedly widened in early July 2025, when the publisher announced the departure of key figures. Cleveland, in a public statement, indicated that Subnautica 2 was ostensibly ready for early access, with its future now seemingly dictated by Krafton's decisions. This divergence in perspective – one side claiming readiness, the other alleging failure to meet thresholds – forms the crux of the legal contention.
Read More: Sayers Defamation Case: Wife Disputes Husband's Account of Photo Post
Krafton has publicly stated its commitment to delivering "polished, high-quality games at the right time" and views the legal action as a distraction. The company has offered to extend earnout periods for the key employees, contingent on their return to their contractual duties. Yet, the former leaders' lawsuit demands both the full financial settlement and the reinstatement of their creative authority over Subnautica 2.
The legal entanglement suggests a protracted court battle, with leaked documents purportedly lending credence to Krafton's assertion that the game had not met the criteria for an early access release. However, the resolution of this high-stakes dispute remains uncertain, with potential years of litigation ahead.
Read More: Steam Controller Now Works Better With Non-Steam Games
