Subnautica Developers Abandoned Sequel, Krafton Says in Lawsuit

The developers behind the blockbuster videogame Subnautica virtually abandoned its sequel, then scrambled to earn an extra $250 million rushing out an unfinished product that would destroy the franchise’s goodwill, according to an unsealed lawsuit.

Krafton Inc. is countersuing the three lead developers, who last month blamed the Korean gaming giant linked to China’s Tencent for a fumbled release that has outraged Subnautica’s fan community. Krafton bought their studio, Unknown Worlds Entertainment Inc., in a 2021 transaction that included a $500 million upfront payment and up to $250 million more based on revenue targets.

The dispute echoes a recurring theme ...