So, check this out — seems like a big ol’ mess is brewing between the folks once running Subnautica’s show and this giant, Krafton. Yeah, those dudes who cooked up the underwater wonderland (great game, by the way) are pulling an unexpected move here — lawyering up. Found this on Reddit of all places. The founder guy, Charlie Cleveland — he’s the brain behind the first Subnautica — hints that the juicy bits of this courtroom drama will unravel soon. Keep your popcorn ready.
So, what happened? Well, Cleveland and his buddies, Ted Gill (he’s the big cheese, or was), and Max McGuire of the “special projects” fame (sounds fancy, right?) got pink slips from Krafton. And instead, they brought in some industry old guard, Steve Papoutsis. Timing’s fishy too — right when Subnautica 2’s been pushed back. And we’re talking about a potential $250 million payout hanging in the balance. No chump change. Krafton apparently marked 90% of this treasure chest just for the big guns at the studio.
Cleveland vents a bit (can’t blame him): “Suing a gazillion-dollar company wasn’t exactly on my bucket list.” Feel that, right? But to him, it’s about doing right by Subnautica — it’s his pride and joy, like a kid almost. Walk away? Not a chance. The gang there poured their souls into the game.
And about that massive payday, Cleveland’s calling BS on any idea they’re hoarding it all. Claims it’s never been about the cash. More about the love for crafting cool worlds and sharing the rewards. He insists they always split the loot with the team — even when they sold the company. Makes you root for them a bit, hoping they keep pushing the envelope in gaming magic. Anyway, it’s a wild ride, and we’ll just have to see where the cards fall.
