Krafton
Krafton business and news from across the web.
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Subnautica 2 dev apologises for telling combat-seeking players to "go play Sons of the Forest or something"
Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds has apologized for a previous dismissive comment regarding player requests for more combat options. The studio clarified that while combat is not the focus, they are working on improving creature behavior and player mitigation tools to make encounters feel fairer. The game has seen significant success in Early Access, despite a past legal dispute with former co-publisher Krafton.
Evening Esports and Competitions
The PUBG Global Championship 2026 will be held in İstanbul, Türkiye. This announcement was made as part of the ongoing esports and competitions coverage for PUBG: Battlegrounds.
11-year-old Korean MMORPG Closers Online will sunset in June 2026
Closers Online, an 11-year-old MMORPG, will officially cease operations on June 24, 2026. The game, originally developed by Naddic Games and previously operated in the west by En Masse Entertainment before Krafton shuttered that operation, will be sunsetting its global version. While cash shop purchases have been disabled, players can continue to play until the final shutdown date.
This indie dev's dungeon crawling 'descent into madness' was inspired by motherly love
Indie developer Christopher Yabsley is creating Heathen, a dark fantasy dungeon crawler inspired by a cherished childhood memory of playing Diablo with his mother. The game will feature first-person combat, randomized loot, and online co-op, with an early access release planned for Steam.
Subnautica 2 outpaces Crimson Desert, Slay the Spire 2, and more to become "Steam's fastest-selling 2026 game…
Subnautica 2 has become Steam's fastest-selling game of 2026, selling 4.1 million copies in its first week, with four million of those on Steam. The game has generated $100 million in revenue, with $96 million coming from Steam sales. It is outperforming other major releases like Crimson Desert and Slay the Spire 2 in terms of sales speed.
Subnautica 2: Devs admit those Marrowbreach and Nibblers are too aggressive – promise rebalance patches to save your little toes
Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica 2, has acknowledged player feedback regarding overly aggressive creatures in the game. The studio plans to release patches to rebalance creature timing, aggro range, and the effectiveness of defensive tools. While the game will maintain its focus on survival through avoidance rather than direct combat, developers aim to make encounters feel fairer and more engaging.
Subnautica 2 Improvements On The Way, But No, You Can't Fight The Fish
Developer 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.
Subnautica 2 Improvements On The Way, But No, You Can't Fight The Fish
Developer 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.
"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 Service
Developer 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 terms
Subnautica 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 it
Subnautica 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 fishies
Developers 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 concerns
Developers 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 JPO
Nintendo'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 Finance
Krafton, 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 service
Subnautica 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 concerned
Subnautica 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 Off
Krafton, 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.
