Krafton CEO's AI-assisted power grab backfires in Subnautica studio feud
A bitter corporate dispute has erupted between Krafton CEO Changhan Kim and the founders of Subnautica developer Unknown Worlds. The conflict began after the publisher withheld a $250 million bonus owed for the game's success. Kim's subsequent actions—including a ChatGPT-assisted public statement—sparked backlash from fans and legal setbacks.
The dispute started when Krafton refused to pay Unknown Worlds a $250 million bonus, despite the studio's game achieving strong sales. In response, CEO Changhan Kim reportedly used ChatGPT to explore ways of avoiding the payment.
Kim then launched an internal effort to seize control of the studio and remove its founders. His own legal team had warned against this approach, citing potential lawsuits and damage to Krafton's reputation. Undeterred, he issued a public statement to fans—partly co-written by ChatGPT—which was met with widespread criticism on platforms like Reddit. The founders were initially dismissed but later reinstated after a court intervened. The ruling went against Kim, leaving his strategy in disarray both legally and publicly. While fan outrage was clear, no direct effect on the ongoing legal battle has been documented.
The court's decision to reinstate Unknown Worlds' founders has weakened Kim's position. His reliance on AI-generated messaging and aggressive tactics has drawn criticism without resolving the bonus dispute. The fallout continues as both sides await further legal proceedings.
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