Krafton Exec's Alleged AI Gamble: Dodging Dev Bonuses with Algorithm Aid?

Subnautica 2 Bonus Battle: Krafton CEO Allegedly Sought AI Assistance to Avoid Payout

The ongoing saga surrounding the development of Subnautica 2 has taken a dramatic turn, with allegations surfacing that Krafton CEO Changham Kim actively sought ways to avoid paying out a substantial bonus to the game's developers at Unknown Worlds. A pre-trial brief, filed by ousted leaders of the studio, claims Kim even consulted artificial intelligence in his efforts to circumvent the agreed-upon earnout.

Krafton Exec's Alleged AI Gamble: Dodging Dev Bonu...

The dispute stems from Krafton's acquisition of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the critically acclaimed original Subnautica. Following the acquisition, key members of the development team, including original game director Charlie Cleveland, were removed from their positions. This coincided with a significant delay in the early access release of Subnautica 2, pushing it back to 2026.

Krafton initially attributed the delay to

Krafton initially attributed the delay to feedback from playtests, suggesting the game needed further refinement. However, the pre-trial brief paints a different picture, alleging that the delay and the leadership changes were directly linked to disagreements over bonus payouts tied to revenue targets for Subnautica 2.

According to the brief, Kim feared that paying the earnout would damage his reputation within Krafton, leading him to become "obsessed" with finding ways to avoid the obligation. The document further claims that Kim allegedly explored various avenues, including consulting ChatGPT, to determine the feasibility of cancelling the earnout agreement.

The AI, according to the brief, advised that cancelling the earnout would be difficult if the established targets were met. Consequently, the brief alleges that Krafton opted to delay the early access release of Subnautica 2 beyond the earnout's timeframe, effectively nullifying the bonus obligation.

This latest development adds fuel to the already contentious situation between Krafton and the former Unknown Worlds leadership. The allegations raise serious questions about Krafton's commitment to honoring its agreements and its treatment of the developers responsible for the success of the Subnautica franchise. The pre-trial brief suggests a deliberate strategy to avoid financial obligations, potentially jeopardizing the future of Subnautica 2 and damaging Krafton's reputation within the gaming industry. The legal battle is expected to be closely watched as it unfolds, with significant implications for developer-publisher relationships and the role of earnout agreements in the gaming industry.