Weeks after their sudden and mysterious dismissal from Unknown Worlds by parent-publisher Krafton, the Subnautica 2 studio’s cofounders have filed a lawsuit for breach of contract. At the center of the complaint are allegations that Krafton tried to sabotage the Early Access release for one of Steam’s most wishlisted games in order to avoid having to pay a $250 million bonus.

The former leadership of the hotly anticipated underwater survival sequel Subnautica 2 has accused publisher Krafton of obstructing its 2025 release plan, and firing them from the company, in order to avoid paying a $250 million earnout.

The co-founders of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, who are developing Subnautica 2, have issued a lawsuit against Krafton over recent firings.