The ongoing legal conflict involving Krafton, the publishers of Subnautica 2, and three ex-lead developers from Unknown Worlds has become progressively intricate and contentious. The dispute revolves around Krafton’s choice to postpone the game’s early access launch, which has jeopardized a significant $250 million bonus for the developers. This bonus was said to be meant for distribution among the team at Unknown Worlds, the studio responsible for the well-known Subnautica franchise.
The matter intensified when Krafton opted to terminate the employment of three pivotal individuals: Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill. These former leads have since found themselves in a legal confrontation with Krafton, disputing the terms of their dismissal and the management of the bonus.
A recent pre-trial briefing has introduced yet another dimension to the conflict. The ex-leads assert that Krafton CEO Kim Chang-han consulted ChatGPT, an AI language model, to investigate methods to avoid paying the contentious $250 million bonus. Krafton has reacted firmly to this allegation, characterizing it as a distraction from the ex-leads’ purported efforts to eliminate evidence.
In a surprising development, testimony from Kim Chang-han has emerged, affirming that he did indeed reach out to ChatGPT regarding certain elements of the Subnautica 2 situation. Nonetheless, he defended this decision by referencing confidentiality issues, claiming he erased the records of these discussions.
As the legal actions proceed, the gaming community observes intently, eager to understand how this conflict may influence the future of Subnautica 2 and the involved parties. The case underscores the intricacies and challenges that can occur in the gaming sector, especially when substantial financial motivations and creative disagreements are in play.