Krafton
Krafton business and news from across the web.
Subnautica 2 Improvements On The Way, But No, You Can't Fight The FishDeveloper Unknown Worlds has outlined upcoming improvements for Subnautica 2, focusing on making predator encounters less frustrating and more engaging without introducing combat. The studio also apologized for past communication issues with the community regarding its early access approach. This news comes amidst a legal dispute between Unknown Worlds and its parent company, Krafton, over leadership changes and bonuses.- Subnautica 2 Improvements On The Way, But No, You Can't Fight The FishDeveloper Unknown Worlds is planning improvements for Subnautica 2 based on player feedback, focusing on making predator encounters less frustrating and more engaging without introducing combat. The studio also apologized for past communication issues and emphasized its collaborative approach to early access. This comes amidst a legal dispute between Unknown Worlds and its publisher Krafton regarding bonuses.
"Roguelike can be anything": Krafton exec is very tired of being pitched "Balatro with different cards"Victor Lee, director of Europe investments for Krafton, expressed frustration with the oversaturation of roguelike deckbuilder games, likening many to 'Balatro with different cards.' He highlighted the diminishing trend cycles in gaming and advised developers to focus on passion projects rather than chasing fleeting fads, especially for longer development cycles.
Subnautica 2’s First Early Access Hotfix Promises Changes to Terms of ServiceDeveloper Unknown Worlds has released the first hotfix for Subnautica 2's Early Access, addressing issues like AMD graphics card crashes and the Ping feature. The studio also acknowledged player criticism regarding the End User License Agreement (EULA) and promised changes to the Terms of Service and a new FAQ in the near future. The hotfix also enabled analytics tracking after EULA acceptance, which can be disabled in settings.
Subnautica 2's EULA is causing a bit of a ruckus, but Unknown Worlds say they're "looking into" the current termsSubnautica 2's End User License Agreement has sparked controversy due to clauses restricting VPN use, potential ownership claims on fan-made content by publisher Krafton, and individual arbitration requirements. Unknown Worlds has stated they are reviewing the EULA following player concerns, assuring players that actions will not be taken against streaming, Linux use via Proton, or modding as long as rules are followed.
Subnautica 2's EULA is so severe that even this news story breaks itSubnautica 2 has launched in early access, but publisher Krafton is facing criticism over its severe End User License Agreement. The EULA contains strict stipulations regarding gameplay videos and broadly defined unacceptable behavior, raising concerns among players and potentially breaching its own terms with this news coverage.- ‘We aren’t a killing game’: Subnautica 2 doesn’t reeeaaally want players mass-murdering fishiesDevelopers at Unknown Worlds are discussing the combat and creature interaction mechanics for Subnautica 2, aiming to provide robust deterrence options rather than direct player weaponry. The team is exploring ways to make encounters with predators more engaging without encouraging mass culling of underwater wildlife. This comes amidst player feedback and internal discussions about the game's design philosophy regarding player agency and interaction with the environment.
Subnautica 2 devs respond to EULA worries, say they'll "obviously never take any action against" streamers and are "looking into" other concernsDevelopers at Unknown Worlds have addressed player concerns regarding the End-User License Agreement for Subnautica 2. They stated that streamers will not face action and that other EULA issues are being investigated, aiming to alleviate worries about potential overreach and legal implications.
Nintendo’s Patent Application For Pokémon-Like Gameplay on Touch Screens Rejected by JPONintendo's patent application for monster-catching gameplay mechanics on touchscreen devices has been rejected by the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The JPO cited a lack of "inventive step" and existing "prior art," including Pokémon games, as reasons for the rejection. This decision impacts Nintendo's efforts to prevent games like Palworld from appearing on mobile platforms.
Valve veteran's suggestion for Krafton CEO as Subnautica 2 goes to the moon: "Maybe they should ChatGPT, 'What happens if Subnautica 2 is a super big hit? How are we screwed?"Subnautica 2 is experiencing significant success in early access, with Valve veteran Chet Faliszek suggesting Krafton's CEO should consider the implications of its popularity. The game has achieved over half a million concurrent players on Steam, potentially impacting a $250 million payout contingent on sales milestones.- Business and FinanceKrafton, the publisher of Subnautica 2, implemented a generous baby bonus program for its employees, which has reportedly yielded positive results. This initiative highlights the company's investment in employee well-being.
- Subnautica 2 shares its early access roadmap as players pick apart ‘predatory’ terms of serviceSubnautica 2's early access launch is facing player backlash due to controversial terms of service, including a low maximum liability payment and the ability for Krafton to terminate access at any time. Meanwhile, developer Unknown Worlds has released a roadmap for upcoming updates, detailing plans for quality-of-life improvements, co-op features, new content, and story elements.
"Predatory as hell" Subnautica 2 EULA sets $50 max damage payout limit, bans VPN use, and has fans very concernedSubnautica 2's End User License Agreement has drawn criticism from fans for clauses including a $50 maximum payout for damages, a ban on VPN use, and restrictions on playing on multiple devices. While some clauses are standard legal protections, others have raised concerns about consumer rights. The developers have indicated that modding will be permitted, similar to the original game.
Subnautica 2 Publisher Krafton Offered Employees Massive Baby Bonuses, And It Paid OffSubnautica 2 and PUBG publisher Krafton has seen a significant increase in employee childbirths after implementing a generous bonus program offering up to 100 Million Won (approximately $67,000) per child. The company also extended parental leave to two years as part of its efforts to combat South Korea's low birth rate and foster a better work-life balance.- Subnautica 2 Publisher Krafton Offered Employees Massive Baby Bonuses, And It Paid OffKrafton, the publisher of Subnautica 2 and PUBG, has seen a significant increase in employee childbirths after implementing a generous bonus program offering up to 100 Million Won (approximately $67,000) per child. The initiative, which also includes extended parental leave, aims to combat South Korea's low birth rate and foster a better work-life balance. This program comes as Subnautica 2 experiences a successful early access launch on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Subnautica 2's no-killing ethos "will be a continued point of resistance" among players, say Unknown Worlds, but they have no plans to change itUnknown Worlds acknowledges that Subnautica 2's non-violent design, which emphasizes adaptation over combat, will face player resistance but remains a core tenet of the franchise. Design lead Anthony Gallegos stated that while players may desire self-defense options, the studio aims to provide tools for distraction and coexistence rather than direct confrontation. Co-founder Charlie Cleveland previously expressed a desire to move away from kill-driven experiences.
Subnautica 2 Sold a Million Copies in One Day. Here Is Why That Matters.Subnautica 2 achieved remarkable success, selling one million copies and reaching 460,000 concurrent players on Steam within its first day, despite early leaks and piracy. This performance indicates a strong market for atmospheric, non-live service games. The game's success has also put its developer, Unknown Worlds, on track to meet significant sales milestones and potential bonuses tied to its acquisition by Krafton.
Videogame pirates scold each other after Subnautica 2 developers are taunted with illicit copiesFollowing the early access release of Subnautica 2, some players were discovered bragging about pirating the game on the official Discord server. Developer Anthony Gallegos expressed disappointment, leading to discussions on Reddit's piracy subreddit about the etiquette of sharing illicit copies. The game is priced at $30.
Subnautica 2 dev knows "pirates are gonna do their thing," but would rather people play for an hour "and…Subnautica 2 creative development lead Anthony Gallegos expressed his disappointment regarding game piracy, preferring players to buy and refund the game if unsatisfied. Despite acknowledging financial difficulties, he highlighted the game's successful launch, selling 2 million copies in 12 hours and surpassing the first game's peak concurrent player count. The developer also teased future updates for the early access title.
"I cannot condone piracy, but I get why people do" - Subnautica 2 lead designer airs frustration at 'flagrant' piratesSubnautica 2 lead designer Anthony Gallegos expressed frustration with players openly boasting about pirating the game, distinguishing it from general piracy which he understands. Despite the issue, the game achieved over 2 million sales across PC and Xbox Series X/S shortly after its early access launch.