Last mentioned: Mar 18, 2026
Early Access Target
Subnautica 2 is scheduled to enter early access on PC and Xbox platforms.
Planned Launch
Subnautica 2 is expected to enter early access on PC and Xbox.
Early Access Launch
Subnautica 2 is set to launch into early access following the leadership transition.
Court Ruling
A judge orders the reinstatement of Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds.
Court Ruling
A judge orders Krafton to rehire Ted Gill at Unknown Worlds Entertainment.
Court Ruling
A judge rules in favor of the founders, ordering Gill's immediate reinstatement.
Lawsuit Filed
Ousted leaders sue Krafton over wrongful termination and a $250M bonus dispute.
Leadership Purge
Krafton fires CEO Ted Gill and other leaders; Subnautica 2 launch is delayed.
The July Purge
Krafton fires CEO Ted Gill and other leaders; Subnautica 2 is delayed.
Leadership Ousted
Ted Gill and founders are fired; Steve Papoutsis takes over studio leadership.
Acquisition Finalized
Krafton acquires Unknown Worlds with earn-out provisions totaling $250M.
Acquisition Finalized
Krafton acquires Unknown Worlds with a deal structure including a $250M earn-out.
Acquisition
Krafton acquires Unknown Worlds to diversify its gaming portfolio.
Subnautica 2 is scheduled for an early access release in May 2026 following a court ruling that forced publisher Krafton to reinstate ousted Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill. The legal battle centers on allegations that Krafton fired the studio's founders to avoid paying a $250 million incentive bonus.
Subnautica 2 is slated for a May early access release following a court order to reinstate Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill. The development comes amid a high-stakes legal battle over a $250 million acquisition payout tied to performance milestones.
A court has ordered the reinstatement of former Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill following a high-stakes legal battle over a $250 million earn-out provision in the studio's acquisition by Krafton. The ruling comes as the highly anticipated sequel, Subnautica 2, is scheduled for a May early access release, highlighting the tension between corporate performance targets and executive management.