**Krafton Extends Bonus Payout Schedule for Unknown Worlds Amid Game Delay**
**Meta Description:** Krafton Inc. extends the bonus payout timeline for Unknown Worlds after delaying Subnautica 2, addressing employee concerns over revenue targets.
**URL Slug:** krafton-unknown-worlds-bonus-delay
**Krafton Extends Bonus Payout Schedule for Unknown Worlds Amid Game Delay**
Krafton Inc., the South Korean video game publisher, has announced an extension of the bonus payout schedule for its subsidiary, Unknown Worlds, following the postponement of the highly anticipated survival game, Subnautica 2, to next year. Approximately 40 employees at Unknown Worlds were set to share a $25 million bonus, contingent on meeting specific revenue targets by the end of 2025. However, the delay in the game’s release raised concerns among employees about the feasibility of achieving these targets and the potential loss of their earnings.
In response to these concerns, Krafton has decided to extend the bonus timeline by an additional year, as confirmed by sources familiar with the situation and documentation reviewed. Furthermore, Krafton will advance a portion of the projected profit-sharing bonus pool for 2026, which is separate from the bonus, to all employees at Unknown Worlds this year.
The situation surrounding Subnautica 2 has become a focal point in a dispute between Krafton and the former leadership team of Unknown Worlds, including CEO Ted Gill and founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, who were dismissed in early July. Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021 for $500 million, with an additional $250 million contingent on the studio’s performance under an earnout agreement. Of this amount, 10% was designated for staff present at the time of the acquisition.
The approximately 40 employees received varying amounts totaling $50 million at the acquisition’s closing and in the subsequent two years, with the potential to earn an additional $25 million if revenue targets were met. Each employee was informed they would receive different sums, with most amounts falling within the six or seven figures. The former leadership team, who were set to receive the majority of the remaining $225 million, had also indicated plans to distribute an unspecified amount to employees not eligible for the earnout.
On July 10, the former leadership team filed a breach of contract complaint against Krafton in Delaware Chancery Court, which remains sealed as of Tuesday. A key point of contention is whether Subnautica 2 was ready for an early access release this year. The former leadership and some developers assert that the game was in good condition for early access, allowing fans to provide feedback during development. However, Krafton has issued statements suggesting the game was not ready and that the co-founders had failed in their responsibilities, leading to confusion and significant delays in the project timeline.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Subnautica 2 and the associated bonuses for Unknown Worlds employees remains uncertain, highlighting the complexities of game development and corporate governance in the gaming industry.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the reason for the delay of Subnautica 2?**
A: The delay of Subnautica 2 has been attributed to concerns over the game’s readiness for early access and issues related to the studio’s leadership, which Krafton claims resulted in confusion and project delays.