Unknown Worlds Studio Loses Key Leadership

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In an announcement today from Krafton Incorporated, drastic changes have occurred within Unknown Worlds. Krafton Inc., one of the larger video game holding companies and publisher, stated that effective immediately, Unknown Worlds’ new CEO would be Steve Papoutis. Papoutis, an industry veteran, previously served as the Chief Executive Officer at Striking Distance Studios.

Unknown Worlds, known for the development of the hit game Subnautica, saw the departure of former CEO Ted Gill. Along with Gill was the exit of Subnautica game developer Charlie Cleveland, as well as technical director Max McGuire.

Currently, it is not clear as to the reasoning behind the departure of several key leads within Unknown Worlds. However, based on the issued statement from Krafton, there were clear desires to retain these individuals at the studio.

While Krafton sought to keep the Unknown Worlds' co-founders and original creators of theÂ SubnauticaÂ series involved in the game's development, the company wishes them well on their next endeavors.

Krafton further stated that newly instated CEO Papoutsis would be “bringing renewed energy and momentum to delivering the long-anticipated Subnautica 2 experience to fans”.

This comes as concerning news, given the tentative early access to Subnautica 2 that is slated for some time during 2025. In the Subnautica 2 trailer released in October 2024, we are given a glimpse into the continuation of this crafting survival game. And this time – it appears that we aren’t alone, either.

The original Subnautica released in 2018 to PC gamers, followed by later releases to console gamers in late 2018. The game itself also won the coveted Gamers’ Choice Award for Fan Favorite Indie Game in 2018 and touts over 5 million sales as of January 2020. Additionally, Subnautica will be coming to mobile gamers in July 2025, courtesy of Playdigious.

Stay connected with Gamer Social Club for more news as it develops regarding these recent departures of Unknown Worlds leadership. Also, keep a lookout for future coverage of Subnautica 2.