### Krafton’s Response to Subnautica 2 Publishing Changes
Krafton, the parent company of Unknown Worlds, has recently provided an update concerning its role in the publishing of *Subnautica 2*. This follows notable changes in the game’s listings on major digital storefronts, such as Steam and Epic Games, where Krafton’s name has disappeared from the publisher sections. Krafton stated they are currently focused on supporting the Early Access launch of *Subnautica 2* and have indicated that there is no further information to share at this time.
### Changes to Publisher Listings
The recent alterations to the game’s storefronts have caught the attention of gamers and industry watchers alike. SteamDB traces these modifications to April 7th, which removed Krafton from the publisher section of *Subnautica 2*’s Steam page. Despite this, Krafton’s name has been retained in the franchise section, implying a continued association, albeit in a different capacity. Although there’s no definitive date for similar changes on the Epic Games Store, Krafton was previously listed as the publisher as of March 9th.
### Unknown Worlds Takes Center Stage
Following these changes, Unknown Worlds has emerged as the sole publisher listed for *Subnautica 2*. This shift is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing legal disputes between Krafton and the original minds behind *Subnautica 2*, CEO Ted Gill, and other key figures such as Charlie Cleveland and Max MacGuire. These tensions culminated in the firing of these leads by Krafton, which asserted they had abandoned their responsibilities regarding the game. Subsequently, Gill has been reinstated as CEO after a court ruling found Krafton guilty of unjustly usurping control of the company.
### Implications of the Legal Battle
The ongoing legal saga raises questions about the future of the publishing relationship between Krafton and Unknown Worlds. The removal of Krafton from the publisher section could signify a shift in their working relationship amid these disputes. The legal proceedings have created uncertainty about the game’s early access launch, including discussions of bonus structures tied to the game’s financial performance.
### Conclusion
As it stands, the situation surrounding *Subnautica 2* is fluid and marked by significant changes in its publishing dynamics. While Krafton asserts its focus is on the game’s Early Access launch, the implications of their reduced visibility as a publisher in storefronts remain to be fully understood. The gaming community will be watching closely for further developments as Unknown Worlds prepares for this launch amidst a backdrop of legal complexities.
