Subnautica 2 Early Access Delayed Amid Legal Dispute Over Bonuses
Hızlı Bakış
- Krafton CEO Changham Kim allegedly delayed Subnautica 2's early access to avoid a $250 million bonus payout to Unknown Worlds staff, leading to a legal battle.
- The game is now set for May 14 release, with extended bonus windows for employees.
Yapay zekâ özeti
Neden Önemli?
Krafton's acquisition of Unknown Worlds included a contract stipulating a $250 million bonus for staff if revenue targets were met by 2025. The early access release of Subnautica 2 was allegedly delayed to prevent these targets from being met.
The long-awaited underwater survival game Subnautica 2 will be playable as an early access title on May 14.
This sequel was first announced over four years ago, but some serious legal drama seems to have held things up.
The contract that covered Krafton's purchase of Unknown Worlds stipulated that executives and staff would share in a $250 million bonus if they could hit certain revenue targets by 2025.
By delaying the early access of Subnautica 2, however, those revenue targets could not be reached.
According to a pre-trial brief, Krafton CEO Changham Kim allegedly nixed the payout because it would be embarrassing and make him look like a "pushover."
He also reportedly consulted ChatGPT to ask about ways to avoid paying the bonus.
The legal battle extended into March of this year, when a judge ordered Krafton to rehire fired CEO Ted Gill.
This led to the company promising the early access title would be released in May.
The court has also extended the revenue window for Unknown Worlds employees to receive part of that $250 million bonus until September 17, with an option for developers to extend even further to March 15, 2027.
Bundan Sonra Ne Olabilir?
Yapay zekâ öngörüsü — kesinlik taşımaz
Krafton will likely face further legal proceedings or settlements regarding the bonus payout.
Çok muhtemel · Aylar içinde
Employee morale at Unknown Worlds may be impacted regardless of the bonus outcome.
Muhtemel · Orta vadede
Krafton's stock may experience volatility due to the legal and financial implications.
Olası · Kısa vadede
Açık Sorular
- Will Unknown Worlds employees ultimately receive the full bonus amount?
- What is the specific revenue target that was allegedly not met?
- What are the long-term implications of this legal dispute on Krafton's management practices?
- How will this legal battle affect future game development and employee relations at Unknown Worlds?
