The ongoing legal dispute between Krafton and the cofounders of Unknown Worlds, which developed the popular game Subnautica, has taken a new turn. Recent testimony from the trio—Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire—has been brought forward as crucial evidence in this case.
Krafton’s Use of CoFounders’ Testimonies
Krafton has claimed that the testimonies presented by the cofounders during a November trial in the Delaware Court of Chancery underscore that there was no premeditated plan to relieve them of their leadership roles. The publisher asserts that it is “unequivocally clear” they did not aim to circumvent their earnout obligations.
- Key Figures Involved: Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire
- Legal Venue: Delaware Court of Chancery, November trial
Allegations Against CoFounders
Krafton has alleged that the testimonies provided by the cofounders reveal an effort to conceal their reduced involvement with the development of Subnautica 2. According to Krafton, they aimed to secure significant payment for little to no contributions.
Timeline of Events
Krafton is laying out a timeline highlighting that both Cleveland and McGuire were not adequately engaged during negotiations surrounding the studio’s acquisition. Notable dates and statements include:
- May 20, 2024: Krafton claims to have realized the cofounders were less involved.
- January 8, 2024: Cleveland stated, “I stopped working four months ago and have entered semiretirement.”
- January 10, 2024: McGuire communicated his reduced involvement, stating, “I stopped using that title years ago.”
- April 29, 2024: McGuire mentioned discussing potential exits from the company.
Additional Witness Statements
Anthony Gallegos, the lead designer for Subnautica 2, reported difficulties in receiving feedback from McGuire. This, he noted, was problematic as McGuire was still financially benefiting from past contributions. Moreover, Cleveland admitted to not informing Krafton CEO Changham Kim about his lack of engagement at Unknown Worlds, leading to pointed questioning from Krafton’s legal team.
Gill’s Statements Regarding Financial Agreements
Ted Gill has also been implicated in the unfolding narrative. Audio transcripts from a June 10, 2025, call reveal Gill suggesting that if Krafton planned to delay Subnautica 2’s release, they should honor the promised earnout payment. This indicates that the cofounders’ primary concern may have been financial rather than the studio’s welfare.
Conclusion and Recent Accusations
Most recently, the trio accused Krafton CEO Changham Kim of utilizing ChatGPT to explore ways to minimize the earnout payments owed to them. As this legal battle progresses, the outcomes will likely hinge on the interpretations of these testimonies and the financial implications involved.