Krafton
Krafton business and news from across the web.
Krafton's removal from Subnautica 2 Steam page "blown up a little bigger than it was meant to", as developers emphasise continued co-publishing supportUnknown Worlds developers have clarified that Krafton remains a co-publisher for Subnautica 2, despite its removal from the game's Steam page. This situation was reportedly "blown up a little bigger than it was meant to," with Krafton continuing to support the game's launch. The clarification comes amidst ongoing legal disputes between Unknown Worlds leadership and Krafton.
Despite Krafton's "AI-first" ambitions, absolutely no generative AI has been involved in Subnautica 2: "It's not something we're using at all"Despite publisher Krafton's stated "AI-first" ambitions, developer Unknown Worlds confirmed that no generative AI has been used in the creation of Subnautica 2. Creative media producer Scott MacDonald and design lead Anthony Gallegos clarified that any AI mentioned in the game refers to traditional, programmer-created creature AI, not generative tools. While Krafton made AI tools available, the team opted not to use them for Subnautica 2, believing it would be disruptive to their development process.
Subnautica 2 now has a firm early access launch date, and it's really soonSubnautica 2 is set to launch in early access on May 14, as confirmed by a new trailer. The release follows internal disputes between developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton regarding the game's readiness and franchise strategy. The aquatic survival sim is currently the most wishlisted game on Steam.
Subnautica 2 Release Times For PC And Xbox Series X|S RevealedSubnautica 2 will launch in early access on May 14 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, with specific unlock times announced by developer Unknown Worlds. The highly anticipated survival game is currently the most-wishlisted on Steam. The article also touches on recent corporate drama involving Krafton and Unknown Worlds' founders.
PUBG Global Series Circuit 2 Kicks Off May 20 With $500K Prize Pool | HappyGamerThe PUBG Global Series Circuit 2 is set to begin on May 20 in Seoul, featuring 24 teams competing for a $500,000 prize pool, with the top 8 teams qualifying for the Esports World Cup. The tournament will incorporate points from Circuit 1 and introduce significant map changes with terrain destruction now available on all major competitive maps, fundamentally altering tactical gameplay.
Subnautica 2, Steam's Most-Wishlisted Game, Gets Release Date Amid Publisher DramaSubnautica 2 is set to launch in early access on May 14 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $30. Despite ongoing legal disputes between developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton, the game will be co-published by both entities. The title is currently the most-wishlisted game on Steam.
Subnautica 2 Finally Enters Early Access on May 14th, Slick Cinematic Trailer RevealedSubnautica 2 will launch into Early Access on May 14th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, priced at $29.99. The game will feature multiple biomes, creatures, multiplayer, and a narrative, with Unknown Worlds planning to add more content based on player feedback. A new cinematic trailer showcases the game's underwater exploration and survival themes.
Xbox Cutting Game Pass and Pulling Call of Duty Is Finally HonestXbox has reduced the price of Game Pass Ultimate and will no longer offer day-one access to future Call of Duty titles, a move described as the most honest statement from the company in years. This shift acknowledges that the previous pricing and strategy were unsustainable, particularly after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company is also scaling back its hardware ambitions and focusing on becoming a multi-platform publisher.- Krafton and Bluehole are hiring for TERA 2, confirming UE5 and a focus on party playKrafton and Bluehole Studios are actively hiring developers for TERA 2, confirming the use of Unreal Engine 5. The sequel to the action MMORPG TERA will focus on encouraging party play for tackling medium-sized monsters, aiming to evolve the original game's legacy with modern technology.
Hiring has begun for a new sequel, Tera 2, as Krafton eyes Unreal Engine 5 to secure a potential MMORPG hitKrafton has begun hiring for Tera 2, a sequel to the action MMORPG Tera, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. The game will retain the original's open action combat style. This development comes as other major MMORPG projects have been canceled, and Krafton, known for publishing titles like PUBG, aims to recapture success with its own MMO.
People Can Fly acquires Cooldown Games to establish dedicated publishing verticalPeople Can Fly has acquired Texas-based publisher Cooldown Games, which was founded by former Gearbox Publishing veterans. This acquisition establishes a dedicated publishing vertical for People Can Fly, allowing them to internalize their go-to-market strategy and pursue third-party publishing agreements. Cooldown Games will operate as an independent division within the People Can Fly Group.
Bulletstorm dev People Can Fly acquires Cooldown GamesPeople Can Fly has acquired Dallas-based Cooldown Games for an undisclosed sum, establishing a new publishing vertical. The acquisition will see People Can Fly provide capital and operational support for Cooldown's current and upcoming third-party titles, strengthening its publishing activities and revenue streams.- PEOPLE CAN FLY GROUP ACQUIRES COOLDOWN GAMES BRAND, PUBLISHING RIGHTS, AND VETERAN GEARBOX PUBLISHING TEAM TO RESTORE ITS GLOBAL PUBLISHING VERTICAL.People Can Fly Group has acquired the Cooldown Games brand, its publishing rights, and a team from Gearbox Publishing to re-establish its global publishing vertical. This move aims to strengthen People Can Fly's self-publishing strategy, increase profit margins on owned intellectual property, and introduce a new revenue stream through third-party publishing agreements. The acquisition also provides growth capital and operational support to Cooldown Games' existing slate of titles.
- Even Korea’s prime minister is praising Crimson Desert: ‘It has opened a new chapter in K-content’South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has praised Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert for selling over five million copies in less than a month, calling it a new chapter for K-content. He announced increased government support for the video game industry, aiming to elevate its global status. The game's success is highlighted as a significant achievement for Korean cultural exports.
- Subnautica 2 execs retract contempt accusation and sanctions demand in ongoing Krafton lawsuitSubnautica 2 executives, including Ted Gill, have withdrawn their contempt accusation and demand for sanctions against Krafton. This action follows a previous court order for Krafton to reinstate Gill as Unknown Worlds CEO and extend the game's launch deadline. The withdrawal suggests a potential de-escalation in the ongoing legal dispute between the parties.
Fired Unknown Worlds execs withdraw claim that Krafton violated court order by announcing Subnautica 2 release dateFired executives from Unknown Worlds, along with reinstated CEO Ted Gill, have withdrawn their claim that Krafton violated a court order by announcing the early access release date for Subnautica 2. The executives initially accused Krafton of leaking the date without Gill's approval, but have now stated they no longer contend a violation occurred. The legal dispute stemmed from Krafton's firing of Gill, which a court later found to be illegal, leading to Gill's reinstatement.
'It's going to be extremely hard to repair the relationship:' The Subnautica 2 legal dispute is far from overA legal battle between Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds and its owner Krafton continues following a court ruling that reinstated former CEO Ted Gill. The dispute centers on allegations that Krafton delayed the game's early access release to avoid a $250 million payout, while Krafton countersued claiming intellectual property theft. The court found Krafton illegally fired Gill, but the case is split into two parts to determine damages and the earnout obligation.- Dinkum Switch 2 Edition Launches with Free Upgrade and Animal Tracks UpdateKrafton and James Bendon have released Dinkum's Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, offering a free upgrade for existing Nintendo Switch owners. This release coincides with the Animal Tracks update, which is available on both Switch versions and PC. The PC version also received a separate anniversary update, The Great Bite, featuring new areas, items, and customization options.
- Cutesy co-op sandbox Dinkum rolls out to Switch 2, celebrates birthday with The Great Bite updateThe co-op sandbox game Dinkum has launched on the Nintendo Switch and received its first-anniversary update, "The Great Bite." This update introduces a new island with climbable cliffs, rare creatures, and hidden treasures, along with new vehicles and customization options. Developer James Bendon also noted that existing Switch owners can upgrade to the new version for free.
PUBG Nations Cup Returns to Seoul After Seven YearsThe PUBG Nations Cup is returning to Seoul, South Korea, after seven years, with the tournament set to take place at Jangchung Arena from June 23-28. Twenty-four teams, including debutants Kazakhstan and Ukraine, will compete over five days for the championship title. The event highlights the evolution of PUBG esports and the diverse regional playstyles that will collide in the competition.