Max McGuire
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Subnautica 2 Sells Over 5 Million Copies, Krafton Wants to Make it a “Franchise IP”
Krafton has announced plans to develop Subnautica 2 into a franchise IP following its success, selling over 5 million copies across PC and Xbox Series X/S in 22 days. The company is focusing on quality and community trust for the Early Access title, while also addressing past legal disputes with the development studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment and its former leadership.
Subnautica 2 legal battle ends with reinstated CEO stepping down, as Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders agree settlement
A 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.
Subnautica 2’s lawsuit spectacle ends with big payouts for devs and the departure of the CEO
Krafton 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 resigns
Krafton 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.
Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders settle Subnautica 2 legal dispute
Krafton 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.
Subnautica 2 devs win: Krafton will pay the whole team "significantly more" bonuses than previously planned, but the CEO is still leaving after a settlement
Publisher Krafton has reached a settlement with Unknown Worlds, the developers of Subnautica 2, agreeing to pay the entire team significantly larger bonuses than initially planned. This resolution follows a legal dispute where ousted executives accused Krafton of attempting to avoid bonus payments, while Krafton cited neglect of duties. Although the settlement is reached, CEO Ted Gill will be leaving Unknown Worlds.
Subnautica 2 Studio CEO Departs Again as Krafton Caves to Paying Promised Bonuses
Unknown Worlds Entertainment's CEO Ted Gill is stepping down again following a resolution with parent company Krafton over promised bonuses. After a legal battle, Krafton will pay over $250 million in bonuses to employees of Unknown Worlds, stemming from the acquisition in 2001 and the success of Subnautica 2, which has sold over four million copies in early access. The studio is also preparing updates for the game, including new features and improvements based on player feedback.
Spooky sci-fi drone roguelike Duskers 2.0 revealed
Misfits Attic has revealed Duskers 2.0, a sequel to the acclaimed spooky sci-fi drone roguelike, at the PC Gaming Show 2026. The new iteration is being developed in partnership with Stray Signal, a studio founded by Max McGuire, co-founder of Unknown Worlds Entertainment and creator of Subnautica. The game will feature procedurally generated derelict spacecraft, command-line drone control, and survival elements for the remnants of humanity.
One of Subnautica 2's ousted execs is now working on a sequel to ship-scavenging horror game Duskers
Misfits Attic and co-developer Stray Signal announced Duskers 2.0, a sequel to the ship-scavenging horror game. The new title will feature colony building and a more hopeful narrative, with a Steam early access release planned. Stray Signal is a new studio led by Max McGuire, a former lead on Subnautica 2 who was part of controversial layoffs at Krafton.
UNKNOWN WORLDS OUTLINES WHAT’S NEXT FOR SUBNAUTICA 2
Unknown Worlds has shared details on the future of Subnautica 2, focusing on improvements and new features for its Early Access period. Upcoming updates will enhance core systems, introduce social features like proximity voice chat and expanded customization, and a larger content update featuring a new vehicle and region. Player feedback is actively shaping the game's development, with the team prioritizing community input throughout Early Access.
Subnautica 2’s Success Will Reportedly Force Krafton to Pay $250 Million Bonus
Krafton is reportedly set to pay Unknown Worlds a $250 million bonus due to the successful Early Access launch of Subnautica 2, fulfilling an agreement from Krafton's 2021 acquisition of the studio. The bonus was part of a performance-based deal that led to legal disputes between the companies over leadership and alleged attempts by Krafton's CEO to avoid payment. The lawsuit has since been settled, and Subnautica 2 is available in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Subnautica 2's botched bonus deal is about to wipe out more than one-third of Krafton's $736 million annual…
Krafton is facing a significant bonus payout to Unknown Worlds principals Ted Gill, Max McGuire, and Charlie Cleveland due to the unexpectedly strong launch of Subnautica 2. The game's rapid sales have triggered a lucrative revenue-sharing deal that could cost Krafton over a third of its annual profits. This situation is linked to Krafton's previous attempts to terminate the principals, which were deemed legally questionable.
Krafton have reportedly agreed to pay Subnautica 2's devs that $250 million bonus, following strong early sales
Krafton has reportedly agreed to pay Unknown Worlds developers up to a $250 million bonus following strong early sales of Subnautica 2. This resolves a significant dispute that led to legal action and the ousting of several Unknown Worlds executives. The bonus payout is tied to the game's performance since its early access launch.
Bad news for Krafton: Subnautica 2 broke 4 million copies sold in less than a week
Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2 has surpassed 4 million sales in less than a week since its early access launch. Despite initial concerns from parent company Krafton regarding a revenue-sharing dispute with the studio founders, the game has achieved a "very positive" rating on Steam. Krafton has since taken a less prominent role, with Unknown Worlds now listed as the sole publisher on the Steam page.
SUBNAUTICA 2 SURPASSES 4 MILLION COPIES SOLD
Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2 has sold over 4 million copies worldwide since its Early Access launch on May 14. The game achieved 1 million copies sold at launch and exceeded 2 million within 12 hours, with peak concurrent players on Steam reaching over 467,000. The sequel features optional co-op for up to four players and is built on Unreal Engine 5.
Subnautica 2 has surpassed 2 million sales in 12 hours
Subnautica 2 has achieved over 2 million sales in its first 12 hours of early access launch across PC, Xbox Series X, and the Epic Games Store. The game saw over 651,000 concurrent players, with Steam alone peaking at over 467,000. This success follows a public legal dispute between developer Unknown Worlds and its parent company Krafton.
Subnautica 2 sells 1 million copies in its first hour, and I have to imagine the CEO of Krafton is pouring himself a…
Subnautica 2 achieved over 1 million sales within its first hour of early access launch on Steam, with concurrent player numbers peaking at over 370,000. This success comes despite a legal dispute between parent company Krafton and developer Unknown Worlds regarding sales targets and bonuses for key personnel.
SUBNAUTICA 2 LAUNCHES IN EARLY ACCESS
Unknown Worlds has announced the Early Access launch of Subnautica 2, the sequel to the popular survival series. The game surpassed one million copies sold before its launch and is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and the Epic Games Store. Subnautica 2 features optional co-op for up to four players and is built with Unreal Engine 5.
Subnautica 2 Early Access Might Be An Excellent Follow Up | Console Creatures
Subnautica 2 is launching into Early Access on May 14th with significant new features, including optional 4-player co-op with crossplay between PC and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Unknown Worlds using Unreal Engine 5, the sequel introduces a more unstable ocean world, a BioMod evolution system for player customization, and enhanced base building. The game will be available day one on Game Pass, with a full release planned around 2027.
SUBNAUTICA 2 SURPASSES 5 MILLION STEAM WISHLISTS AHEAD OF EARLY ACCESS LAUNCH
Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2 has surpassed 5 million wishlists on Steam ahead of its May 14 Early Access launch. The studio's "First Dive Showcase" livestream drew 70,000 peak viewers and highlighted new gameplay systems, vehicles, and base-building features, including enhanced underwater lighting powered by Unreal Engine 5 and an environmental adaptation system. The game will feature optional co-op for up to four players.