Subnautica
Subnautica business and news from across the web.
Former Overwatch lead Jeff Kaplan says he wants to put "Rust-like mechanics" in his new survival game "someday," but for now base-building is more like "Valheim and Subnautica"Jeff Kaplan, former lead of Overwatch, is developing a Wild West survival game called The Legend of California with his studio Kintsugiyama. While he intends to add Rust-like PvP mechanics to optional servers in the future, the current base-building system is more akin to Valheim and Subnautica, focusing on utility and aesthetics rather than defense.- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest celebrates 27 years and a lawsuit settlement in its favorEverQuest celebrated its 27th anniversary with a lawsuit settlement that favors Daybreak Game Company, keeping emulators offline. This week also saw layoffs at Amazon for Lost Ark developers, Facebook scaling back VR metaverse ambitions, and discussions around various MMORPG updates and industry trends.
Subnautica 2 chief says Krafton is still messing with him, because the May release date announcement was news to him and…Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill has expressed concerns regarding Krafton's announcement of Subnautica 2's May early access release, stating it was news to him and potentially sabotaged marketing efforts. This follows a legal battle where a judge ruled in favor of Gill, reinstating him as CEO and extending an earnout deadline, which Krafton's announcement seemingly disregarded.
More Subnautica 2 legal trouble brewing amid claims Krafton "intentionally leaked" May release without consulting reinstated CEOLegal troubles are escalating for Subnautica 2 as developer Unknown Worlds' reinstated CEO Ted Gill accuses publisher Krafton of intentionally leaking a May early access release date without consultation. Krafton, which acquired Unknown Worlds in 2001, is accused of breaching an equity purchase agreement by terminating key employees and improperly seizing operational control. A judge had previously ruled in favor of Gill, reinstating him with full authority over the studio and the game's release.- Issues and ActivismThe CEO of the studio behind Subnautica 2 claims publisher Krafton unilaterally set the game's release date without their consent. This decision has led to internal disputes regarding the game's launch timing.
Subnautica 2 Drama Continues With Early Access Release Window ChallengeUnknown Worlds co-founders Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire are objecting to Krafton's announcement of a May Early Access release window for Subnautica 2, alleging it was improper and risks damaging the game. Lawyers for the co-founders claim Krafton's announcement was "self-serving" and that Ted Gill should have been the one to determine the release timing and marketing. Krafton maintains its announcement was not improper, while a judge has ruled that Ted Gill must be reinstated as head of Unknown Worlds.
Reinstated Subnautica 2 leadership say Krafton's release date announcement is "further damaging the game and…The reinstated leadership of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds has criticized publisher Krafton's premature Early Access release announcement. Returning CEO Ted Gill stated that Krafton's announcement, made without community coordination or regard for the game's development, is "further damaging the game." Krafton maintains that the announcement was not improper and that Gill retains full authority over release plans.
Unknown Worlds co-founders' lawyers accuse Krafton of "intentionally leaking" Subnautica 2 release dateLawyers for Unknown Worlds co-founders Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire have accused Krafton of intentionally leaking a memo regarding the early access release date for Subnautica 2. The lawyers claim Krafton disregarded a court judgment by allowing former CEO Steve Papoutsis to announce the May release, undermining Gill's authority and the game's community coordination.- Subnautica 2 execs call out Krafton’s launch memo as a ‘self-serving’ leak and contempt of courtUnknown Worlds attorneys have filed a letter asking a vice chancellor to find Krafton in contempt of court over the announcement of Subnautica 2's early access launch. They argue that Krafton's CEO, Steve Papoutsis, lacked the legal authority to make the declaration, which they claim was an intentional leak designed to circumvent the court's order reinstating Ted Gill and was made without regard for the game or community.
After losing court battle and having to reinstate Subnautica 2 CEO, Krafton invests in $1B fund with South Korean missile manufacturer – #justsayingKrafton has announced a strategic partnership with South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace to invest in a $1 billion fund focused on developing and commercializing technology across various sectors, including defense. The collaboration will leverage Krafton's expertise in game data and physics-based virtual worlds to advance physical AI software and its real-world applications.
IOI Partners disowns MindsEye, Krafton collabs with arms dealer, and more cuts at Ubisoft - Patch Notes #44Several major gaming companies faced significant news this past fortnight. IOI Partners disowned the game MindsEye, Krafton announced a $1 billion partnership with a defense firm while simultaneously losing a lawsuit, and Ubisoft underwent restructuring leading to layoffs and the closure of Red Storm Entertainment's game development. Additionally, unionized game workers are petitioning for immigrant protections, Pokemon Pokopia achieved strong sales, and Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology faced backlash from developers.
Subnautica 2's early access release date was "self-servingly" leaked by Krafton, "further damaging the game", claim lawyers for reinstated Unknown Worlds CEOLawyers for Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill accuse Krafton of intentionally leaking the early access release date for Subnautica 2, damaging the game and community. Krafton's lawyers deny this, stating the memo merely celebrated employee efforts and does not alter Gill's authority over the release schedule. The legal dispute continues amidst ongoing discussions about the game's launch window.
Subnautica 2 Studio CEO Calls Out Krafton for Improperly Announcing Early Access Launch DateA dispute has arisen regarding the announced May Early Access launch date for Subnautica 2, with developer Unknown Worlds' CEO alleging that publisher Krafton improperly announced the date. Lawyers for Unknown Worlds claim Krafton's announcement was "self-serving" and caused confusion, while Krafton defends the announcement as a celebration of development milestones. The legal situation stems from a previous judgment concerning Krafton's actions towards Unknown Worlds leadership.
Reinstated Subnautica 2 Dev Says Krafton's Release Date Announcement Was Potentially "Damaging"The legal battle between Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds and its parent company Krafton continues, with Unknown Worlds' reinstated CEO Ted Gill alleging Krafton's premature release announcement for the game's early access was damaging. Krafton's lawyers dispute this, stating the announcement was merely conveying milestone review results. The dispute also involves a significant financial bonus tied to the game's release dates.
Unknown Worlds Announces Subnautica 2 Early Access Launch for May 2026 - GameHauntUnknown Worlds Entertainment announced that Subnautica 2 will launch in Early Access in 2026 for PC via Steam, featuring optional 1-4 player co-op and built on Unreal Engine 5. The sequel moves to a new alien planet with unique ecosystems and creatures, aiming to evolve the survival mechanics of the original series.
Games Inbox: Are people right to criticise Nvidia’s DLSS 5 tech?Readers express concerns over Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, with some criticizing its rollout and potential AI integration. The discussion also touches on the decline of VR gaming, nostalgia for the Xbox 360 era, and anticipation for upcoming game releases in 2026, including Grand Theft Auto 6 and Persona 6.- Subnautica 2 andas ut – early access börjar i majSubnautica 2 is set to launch in early access in May, confirmed by developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton. This announcement comes amidst ongoing legal disputes between the two companies regarding leadership changes and bonus payments. Despite the conflict, the game is highly anticipated, being the most wishlisted title on Steam.
Subnautica 2 early access release date set for May after shock legal verdictSubnautica 2 is set to enter early access in May 2026, according to Unknown Worlds CEO Steve Papoutsis. This follows significant legal disputes between owner Krafton and former leadership, including CEO Ted Gill, regarding development control and bonuses. A judge ruled in favor of reinstating Ted Gill and extending bonus conditions, though Krafton is evaluating its options.- Krafton now says Subnautica 2 will officially hit early access in May as lawsuits continueKrafton has announced that Subnautica 2 will launch into early access in May, despite ongoing lawsuits with the original founders of Unknown Worlds. A recent court ruling ordered the reinstatement of former Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, who is now expected to oversee the game's transition to early access. The company confirmed the memo regarding the May release is legitimate and that the team has made significant progress.
Subnautica 2 Early Access Announced for May After Legal BattleUnknown Worlds Entertainment and Krafton announced Subnautica 2 will launch in Early Access in May for PC and Xbox Series X/S. Studio head Steve Papoutsis stated that additional development time has allowed for more biomes, story chapters, and features. This follows a legal dispute between Unknown Worlds and Krafton regarding the game's readiness and a bonus payment, which has now resulted in Ted Gill's reinstatement as CEO.