Major turbulence in the gaming world: Krafton, the South Korean giant, just fired the entire leadership team behind Subnautica 2. Rumors are flying that it’s all about dodging a $250 million payout. The gaming community is in uproar.

On July 2, news hit that Krafton, the publisher famous for PUBG, let go of Subnautica 2’s top team—including founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, plus the studio’s CEO, Ted Gill. The move came out of nowhere, just as fans were waiting for the early-access release of Subnautica 2. That release is now delayed to 2026. Officially, Krafton says they want to “meet developer expectations.” But insiders say something fishy is going on: the layoffs might be a way to avoid paying a massive $250 million “earnout” promised to the leadership if certain goals were met.

Subnautica is a big deal, even here. It’s one of those indie games that went global, inspiring young developers and gamers around the world—including Morocco. The drama isn’t just about one game; it’s about how big companies sometimes treat creative teams. If you dream of making games or joining a studio, this is a wake-up call: contracts matter, and so does protecting your work. Plus, it shows how money can sometimes overshadow creativity, even in the coolest industries.

The internet exploded. On X, Reddit, and Discord, fans are furious. Hashtags like #SaveSubnautica and #KraftonScandal are trending. Some gamers are threatening to boycott Krafton’s games, while others are sharing memes comparing the situation to a Moroccan football transfer gone wrong—“imagine if Raja just kicked out its coach before the Champions League final!” Industry insiders warn that this kind of move could scare off creative talent everywhere. Even Moroccan developers are chiming in, saying this is a lesson in standing up for your rights.

The future is murky. Krafton claims Subnautica 2 will still come out in 2026, but fans are skeptical. Without the original leadership, will the game keep its unique style? Some worry it’ll turn into a generic sequel, losing the magic that made the first Subnautica special. Others hope the fired team will start something new—maybe even with support from the global indie community (Moroccan devs, are you watching?). Meanwhile, the $250 million earnout could spark a legal battle, with big consequences for the whole industry.

This story is a reminder: behind every hit game, there’s a team—and sometimes, big business can pull the rug out from under them. For Moroccan gamers and future creators, it’s a lesson in the power (and danger) of contracts, ambition, and corporate moves. Will Subnautica 2 survive this storm, or will something even bigger rise from the ashes? Stay tuned—this drama is far from over.