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The trial between former Subnautica 2 studio leads and publisher Krafton has just begun, and in a November 17 transcript reviewed by GamesRadar+, the two had plenty to say. Ex-Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, for example, remarks at one point that Krafton’s early access life sim inZOI was more like a “tech demo” compared to the apparent splendor of Subnautica 2.
Gill explains during questioning that Unknown Worlds had hoped to release Subnautica 2 in early access on August 14, 2025, but Krafton reportedly stalled on the launch once Gill “shared two scenarios at the time that showed us earning a large portion of the earnout and then almost all of it,” which was close to $250 million. Krafton stalled, says Gill, even though its newest title was in an underwhelming state.
The underwater sequel – which is now set to release in 2026 after Krafton parted ways with Gill, along with Unknown Worlds co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire in July – was instead an “overwhelmingly positive” experience according to Krafton and playtesters.
“Feedback was getting increasingly positive,” during Subnautica 2 playtests, Gill says, though he also admits that, “at the same time – and this is why you do it – we had lots of constructive criticism.”
