Report: Subnautica 2 success triggers bonus clause, Krafton to pay up to $250 million to Unknown Worlds developers

Subnautica 2's stellar launch sales have reportedly triggered a bonus that will award developers at Unknown Worlds up to $250 million, as per an acquisition contract signed in 2021.

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Years ago, PUBG giant Krafton bought Subnautica dev Unknown Worlds for half a billion dollars. Included in that buyout deal was a clause that Krafton would pay $3.12 for every $1 earned in excess of $69.8 million across any given month. Krafton laid off Subnautica 2's leadership team, laying off management, leading to a lawsuit that eventually reinstated the developers to ensure they have a fair shot of hitting the bonus target.

Now it appears that target has been hit thanks to Subnautica 2's release. Sources tell The Korea Economic Daily that the developers at Unknown Worlds have indeed broken the earnings threshold and triggered the bonus. It's unclear how much Krafton will have to pay, but the clause is for up to $250 million, which is 35% of Krafton's annual operating profit, the KED notes.

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The news isn't exactly a surprise. Subnautica 2 has beaten expectations by all accounts, having such a rapid multi-million sales launch that lead to 2 million copies being sold in 12 hours, and then eventually leading to 4 million sales in 5 days.

Subnautica 2's performance is indicative of a die-hard audience of enthusiast gamers that were likely a big focus behind Krafton's acquisition of the studio. It's also reflective of the trend of gamers being more willing to buy and try early access games to feed an ever-growing appetite for interactive software.