Publisher Krafton has reached an agreement to pay promised bonuses to all employees at Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the recently successful survival game Subnautica 2. This resolution comes after a protracted legal dispute regarding acquisition terms and is accompanied by the news that Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill is departing the company for a second time.
Subnautica 2 has become a significant hit since its early access launch in 2026, attracting over four million players. The game's success triggered a legal obligation for Krafton, which acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021 for $500 million, to pay an earnout bonus. In March 2026, a ruling forced Krafton to pay a $250 million bonus after the game's strong performance on PC and Xbox.
Ted Gill stated that his departure was a mutual decision, believing new leadership would best serve the studio's future. He also indicated that developers would receive compensation exceeding the original acquisition agreement, along with further incentives tied to the game's ongoing updates. The new bonus agreement ensures that all studio staff, including recent hires, will receive payouts distributed annually.
Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021. Despite the ongoing legal entanglements, Subnautica 2 has continued to perform well, potentially surpassing five million copies sold. The game is currently available on PC and Xbox, including day one via PC and Xbox Game Pass. No console versions for PlayStation 5 or the Nintendo Switch 2 have been announced at this time.