Krafton CFO Claims Subnautica 2 Delay Demonstrates Strong Management, Despite Ongoing Studio Dispute
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Krafton's CFO argues that delaying Subnautica 2 proves the publisher is effectively managing its projects, despite a high-profile studio fallout and ongoing legal battles.
Publisher Krafton is defending its handling of the upcoming Subnautica 2 following a high-profile leadership shakeup and a subsequent release delay. As reported by Mark Warren at Rock Paper Shotgun, Krafton Chief Financial Officer Dongkeun Bae addressed investor concerns during a recent earnings call, arguing that pushing the game from 2025 to 2026 is evidence of effective oversight rather than internal mismanagement. The delay sits at the center of a brewing conflict, which includes the ousting of several senior executives from developer Unknown Worlds and a subsequent lawsuit from the former leads over release readiness and staff bonuses.
Bae suggested that an inferior publisher might simply rush an established IP to market for guaranteed early sales, whereas Krafton chose to delay the project to meet player expectations. He contrasted this approach with Krafton's upcoming life sim InZoi, noting that an unproven IP benefits from early community feedback in early access, while an established franchise like Subnautica demands a higher bar of polished fun right out of the gate. As the legal proceedings and community discussions continue, players are left watching how this corporate friction will ultimately shape the survival sequel's arrival.
Tags: Subnautica 2, Krafton, PC Gaming, Industry News, Early Access
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun