The entire leadership team behind Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds has left the studio after a major shake-up at the company. Ted Gill (CEO), Charlie Cleveland (co-founder and creative director), and Max McGuire (co-founder and technical director) have all exited the company with publisher Krafton replacing the CEO role with former head of Striking Distance Studios, Steve Papoutsis.
As reported by Video Games Chronicle, the leadership team behind Subnautica 2 have announced that they will be parting ways with Unknown Worlds, though the specific reasons for their departure haven’t been disclosed. Eurogamer reports that the three executives – Gill, Cleveland and McGuire – had been ‘replaced’ by Krafton. Steve Papoutsis will now serve as the new CEO of the studio. He previously occupied the role of head of The Callisto Protocol developer Striking Distance Studios before the studio was closed.
“Importantly, Krafton is confident that Papoutsis, with decades of experience behind the planning, development, and production of some of the highest-rated game franchises, will bring renewed energy and momentum to delivering the long-anticipated Subnautica 2 experience to fans,” said publisher Krafton.
Papoutsis, speaking on his new role as CEO of Unknown Worlds, commented:
“I am thrilled to be taking on this new role within the Krafton family and to be working alongside the immensely talented team at Unknown Worlds. Player experience is our North Star, and the team is laser-focused on delivering the best possible game for the Subnautica community. We appreciate Ted, Charlie and Max for their past roles in having built this beloved world, and thank the fans for your devotion and patience.”
Subnautica 2 is currently in development at Unknown Worlds, though no release date has been announced yet. The game is set to release in early access at some point this year, though fans are expressing their concerns online. “I’m scared to know what this means for the future of Subnautica 2,” wrote one fan.
Source: VGC
