Since the report, Krafton has released a testy statement on the Subnautica 2 ordeal. “We are deeply disappointed by the former leadership’s conduct, and above all, we feel a profound sense of betrayal by their failure to honor the trust placed in them by our fans,” a Krafton representative told Polygon.

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

Co-founder Charlie Cleveland says it "stings" to have Subnautica 2 and Unknown Worlds taken away from him by publishing overlords Krafton.

The publisher fired back at reporting that suggested it delayed Subnautica 2 to avoid paying out employee bonuses.

Subnautica 2 maker Unknown Worlds was set for a massive $250 million payout this year if it hit certain revenue targets, Bloomberg reported yesterday. But a fresh delay of one of the most wish-listed games on Steam makes that almost impossible.

Krafton have accused the game's ousted leads of abandoning their duties on Subnautica 2, and co-founder Charlie Cleveland says a lawsuit's been filed.

In Subnautica 2, players will explore an all-new alien ocean world rich with vibrant biomes, strange creatures, and hidden secrets.