Krafton Accused of Leaking Subnautica 2 Release Date, Violating Judge’s Order

In a surprising turn of events, the publisher Krafton is facing accusations of leaking the release window for Subnautica 2 and potentially breaching a court ruling. The dispute centers on the newly reinstated CEO of Unknown Worlds, Ted Gill, and a memo issued by Krafton’s executive Steve Papoutsis.

Judge Orders CEO Reinstatement

On March 16, Judge Lori Will ordered that Ted Gill be reinstated as CEO of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the upcoming underwater survival game. The ruling made it clear that only Gill would have the authority to set launch plans for Subnautica 2. Gill’s return came after a series of firings in 2025 that left the studio’s leadership in flux.

Leak of the May Release Window

Shortly after the judge’s decision, Krafton’s executive Steve Papoutsis—who had been appointed to oversee the studio—sent an internal memo to the development team announcing a May release window for the game. The memo was later confirmed by Krafton to the press through outlets such as Kotaku and other gaming news sites.

Unknown Worlds’ lawyers, representing Gill and the co‑founders, filed a letter with the court alleging that Papoutsis acted without legal authority. They argue that Krafton’s announcement violated the judge’s order and undermined the team’s ability to coordinate marketing and community engagement.

Legal Fallout and Community Impact

The letter to Judge Will, reported by Game File, accuses Krafton of “self‑servingly announcing the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community.” The co‑founders’ lawyers claim that the premature release announcement caused confusion among fans and disrupted the planned build‑up for the game’s launch.

According to the lawyers, Krafton intentionally leaked the release date to the press and then issued a statement confirming it, thereby defying the court’s opinion. They are seeking to hold Krafton accountable for the alleged breach.

Key Points in the Dispute

• Judge Lori Will’s order reinstated Ted Gill as CEO, granting him sole authority over launch decisions.
• Steve Papoutsis issued a memo announcing a May release window after the court ruling.
• Unknown Worlds’ lawyers claim Krafton violated the court order and leaked the date to the media.
• The dispute highlights tensions between publisher control and studio autonomy.

What This Means for Subnautica 2

While the legal battle is still unfolding, the immediate effect is uncertainty over the game’s official launch date. Fans who were excited about the May window may now have to wait for a revised schedule. The situation also raises questions about how publishers handle sensitive release information and the importance of respecting court orders.

FAQ

Q: Who is Ted Gill?

A: Ted Gill is one of the co‑founders of Unknown Worlds and was recently reinstated as CEO following a judge’s order.

Q: What role does Judge Lori Will play?

A: Judge Will issued the order that reinstated Gill as CEO and clarified that only he could set launch plans for Subnautica 2.

Q: Has the release date been officially confirmed?

A: Krafton announced a May release window, but the legality of that announcement is now under dispute.

Q: Will this affect the game’s quality?

A: The legal conflict could delay marketing and support, but there is no evidence yet that the game’s development has been compromised.

Conclusion

The clash between Krafton and Unknown Worlds underscores the delicate balance between publisher oversight and studio independence. As the legal proceedings continue, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how the dispute resolves and what it means for the future of Subna