In a recent turn of events, Krafton has abruptly changed its legal stance in the ongoing lawsuit concerning Subnautica 2. Initially claiming that the founders were dismissed due to their desire to launch the game prematurely, Krafton has now retracted that argument.

Previously, the lawsuit highlighted that the founders aimed to launch the game ahead of its intended schedule, believing it was ready for an early access release. Conversely, Krafton asserted that the game was unfit for release and accused the founders of neglecting their responsibilities.

However, Krafton’s surprising about-face has raised eyebrows. Their representatives stated that documents related to the game’s readiness are now seen as irrelevant, despite being central to the arguments presented during the termination process and in previous court hearings.

Fortis Advisors, representing the ousted founders, described this shift as ‘bewildering,’ echoing sentiments from the presiding Judge Lori W. Will, who noted that the sudden change needs clarification, as it contradicts the reasons initially cited for the founders’ termination.

Krafton is now focusing on allegations that the founders ‘abandoned their posts’ and engaged in deceptive practices. This includes claims that confidential data was improperly retained post-termination, which only surfaced after the firing occurred.

The lawsuit remains in the discovery phase, and disputes over document requests have further complicated proceedings. Krafton’s limited willingness to produce relevant documents related to the earnout has been met with resistance from the founders’ legal team.