Subnautica 2 is a massive hit, so Krafton has to pay that $250 million bonus to devs

Source: Engadget

Background

Subnautica 2 is selling like hotcakes, despite being an unfinished early‑access release. The game has already sold at least 4 million copies, which means publisher Krafton must finally honor its promise to pay developers a $250 million bonus, according to a report by IGN.

Legal battle

The bonus is at the heart of a legal dispute between Krafton and developer Unknown Worlds. Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, and the contract stipulated that executives and staff would share a $250 million bonus if certain revenue targets were met. South Korean business press reports that those targets have been reached and the payout is likely forthcoming (KED Global).

The payout was not always assured. The developers missed the original 2025 revenue‑target window because Krafton allegedly delayed the game to avoid making the payment (Game Developer). A pre‑trial brief claims Krafton CEO Chang‑ham Kim nixed the payout, calling it a “professional embarrassment” and labeling himself a “pushover.” The company also fired the CEO of Unknown Worlds and other co‑founders before a judge forced Krafton to reverse course (Engadget).

AI involvement

In 2026, reports surfaced that CEO Kim turned to ChatGPT for ideas on how to avoid paying the bonus (80.lv). The chatbot warned that canceling the earn‑out would be “difficult.” Nevertheless, Kim and the AI reportedly devised “Project X,” a convoluted plan to negotiate a lower bonus or take over Unknown Worlds.

“They looked to buy time,” said Vice‑Chancellor Lori Will of the Delaware Court of Chancery. “Over the next month, Krafton followed most of ChatGPT’s recommendations.”

The strategy failed, and the dispute remains unresolved.

Current status

Subnautica 2 is now fully available to play after years of waiting. Meanwhile, Krafton announced its transformation into an “AI‑first” company (Engadget)—a move that has drawn skeptical commentary (X post).