Krafton
Krafton business and news from across the web.
Subnautica 2 celebrates 5 million copies sold ahead of Adaptive Measures, its first early access updateSubnautica 2 has surpassed 5 million copies sold, coinciding with the release of its first early access update, 1.1. This update addresses player feedback by introducing limited combat mechanics and improving base-building elements like fabricator and tadpole dock placement. Unknown Worlds Entertainment plans to continue refining the game with player input throughout its early access period.
Subnautica 2 studio isn't backing down on fish murder, but you can at least stun them now thanks to game's first major updateUnknown Worlds has released the first major update, 'Adaptive Measures,' for Subnautica 2's early access period. This update introduces the ability to stun certain creatures using the Sonic Resonator, offering players a defensive option without outright killing them, a design choice the studio strongly supports. The update also includes improvements to creature flinching, BioMods, wreck gameplay, PDA clarity, and audio prioritization, with multiplayer features and a significant content drop planned for later updates.
You still can't kill fish in Subnautica 2, but starting tomorrow you'll at least be able to 'stun'…Subnautica 2 is receiving a 1.1 update that introduces a stun system for aggressive creatures, allowing players to temporarily incapacitate them with the sonic resonator instead of killing them. Creative director Anthony Gallegos revealed the change, which also includes improved creature flinches when hit with the survival multi-tool. This update aims to address player feedback regarding creature interactions and transitions from passive to aggressive states.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too lateAmidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest risingThis week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
Subnautica 2 developers to receive bonuses as Krafton v. Unknown Worlds case concludesThe legal dispute between Krafton and Unknown Worlds has concluded, resulting in Subnautica 2 developers receiving $250 million in bonuses. Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill has stepped down as part of the settlement. The game's early access launch has been successful, selling 5 million copies in its first two weeks.
Enginefall developer Red Rover Interactive is making layoffsRed Rover Interactive has announced layoffs across its UK and Norway offices as part of a restructuring process. The studio, which is developing the survival crafting shooter Enginefall, stated the cuts are intended to place the company on a more sustainable footing for the next phase of development. This news follows a $15 million investment led by Krafton in 2024.
Rockstar workers hit back, PlayStation ditches physical discs, and chipmakers accused of price fixing - Patch Notes #59Several significant developments have occurred in the gaming industry, including Rockstar Games facing accusations of pay inequity and crunch, Sony's PlayStation preparing to discontinue physical software production in January 2028, and major chipmakers being sued for alleged price-fixing. Additionally, Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann to oversee its Tom Clancy franchises, while Krafton has agreed to pay bonuses to the Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds following a legal dispute and CEO resignation. Microsoft is also reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature for its Xbox consoles.
Evening Reading - July 2, 2026This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various game reviews and updates, including Rhythm Heaven Groove and Doom: The Dark Ages. It also highlights industry news such as PlayStation ending physical disc production in January 2028, Godot banning generative AI code, and Krafton paying bonuses while CEO Ted Gill resigns. The article also features internet curiosities and memes.
Evening Reading - July 1, 2026This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming news items, including patch notes for Mario Kart World, PlayStation's planned discontinuation of physical disc production in January 2028, and the reworking of the Endless Legend 2 dev roadmap. It also mentions Krafton's bonuses, Lethal Wedding hitting a Kickstarter goal, and a new Doom: The Dark Ages trailer. Additionally, the article touches on the shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita PlayStation Stores and a review of Rhythm Heaven Groove.
Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical gamesXbox is reportedly exploring the possibility of removing disc drives from future consoles, similar to PlayStation's reported plans. Microsoft is testing a feature that would allow players to digitize their physical game collections for use on disc-less devices, though access may be revoked if the disc is shared or sold. This move could impact the playability of older Xbox titles.
Subnautica 2 legal battle ends with reinstated CEO stepping down, as Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders agree settlementA legal dispute between Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders over Subnautica 2 has concluded with a settlement. As part of the agreement, Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, who was reinstated by a judge, will voluntarily step down. The settlement ensures developers will receive significant bonuses, extending to more staff than originally planned.- Reinstated Subnautica 2 studio CEO immediately peaces out after Krafton agrees to pay the developer bonuses it went to court to avoidKrafton has agreed to pay bonuses to the developers of Subnautica 2, resolving a dispute that led to the studio's CEO being reinstated. The CEO subsequently resigned again after the agreement was reached. The publisher's AI advisor was unavailable for comment.
- Subnautica 2’s lawsuit spectacle ends with big payouts for devs and the departure of the CEOKrafton and Unknown Worlds Entertainment have reached a settlement to end their legal disputes surrounding Subnautica 2, which includes a significantly larger payout to developers than originally planned. As part of the agreement, Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill will step down, though the company will continue to lead development of Subnautica 2 with Krafton's support.
- Krafton to pay out bonuses to Unknown Worlds Entertainment, CEO Ted Gill resignsKrafton has agreed to pay out bonuses to the staff of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the studio behind Subnautica 2, following a legal settlement. CEO Ted Gill is also resigning from the company for the second time. The bonus was reportedly tied to the release and success of Subnautica 2, which launched in early access in May and sold 4 million copies in its first week.
Subnautica 2 studio Unknown Worlds' CEO resigns as Krafton agrees to pay $250m bonusKrafton has settled a lawsuit with the former leadership of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment, agreeing to pay a $250 million bonus to the studio's staff. As part of the settlement, CEO Ted Gill has resigned, stating new leadership is best for the studio's future. The dispute involved allegations of Krafton attempting to avoid paying bonuses tied to revenue targets for the game's 2025 Early Access release.
Krafton agrees to pay bonuses to Subnautica 2 devs following a year-long legal battleKrafton Inc. has settled a year-long legal dispute with its subsidiary Unknown Worlds, agreeing to pay bonuses to all staff following the success of Subnautica 2. The settlement resolves accusations that Krafton attempted to avoid a $250 million payout triggered by sales targets. As part of the agreement, co-founder Ted Gill will depart the company, while Unknown Worlds will appoint new leadership from outside the existing companies.
Publisher Krafton finally agrees to pay bonuses to every Subnautica 2 staffer as Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill leaves againPublisher Krafton has agreed to pay promised bonuses to all staffers at developer Unknown Worlds for Subnautica 2, following a legal dispute and the game's success. Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill is departing the company again, stating that new leadership is best for the studio's future. The agreement ensures all employees will receive payouts, with further incentives tied to the game's ongoing updates.
Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders settle Subnautica 2 legal disputeKrafton and its subsidiary Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the developer of Subnautica 2, have reached a settlement to end a legal dispute. The agreement dismisses all pending proceedings, with Unknown Worlds continuing development on Subnautica 2 and Krafton providing support. The settlement includes bonuses for the Subnautica 2 staff, and a new CEO will be sought for Unknown Worlds.