The trial between former Subnautica 2 studio leads and publisher Krafton has just begun, and in a November 17 transcript reviewed by GamesRadar+, the two had plenty to say. Ex-Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, for example, remarks at one point that Krafton's early access life sim inZOI was more like a "tech demo" compared to the apparent splendor of Subnautica 2.
Gill explains during questioning that Unknown Worlds had hoped to release Subnautica 2 in early access on August 14, 2025, but Krafton reportedly stalled on the launch once Gill "shared two scenarios at the time that showed us earning a large portion of the earnout and then almost all of it," which was close to $250 million. Krafton stalled, says Gill, even though its newest title was in an underwhelming state.
inZOI released in early access on March 27, but Gill says that "it was very early in early access. It was content light."
"You know, there wasn't a ton to do," he testifies. "There wasn't a ton of game present in inZOI. Some people even characterized it as being just a tech demo. Like, it did showcase a lot of interesting technology. Now, the game really wasn't really much there. So it was far, far, far less developed than Subnautica 2."
The underwater sequel – which is now set to release in 2026 after Krafton parted ways with Gill, along with Unknown Worlds co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire in July – was instead an "overwhelmingly positive" experience according to Krafton and playtesters.
"Feedback was getting increasingly positive," during Subnautica 2 playtests, Gill says, though he also admits that, "at the same time – and this is why you do it – we had lots of constructive criticism."
