One of the co-founders of Subnautica 2 studio, Unknown Worlds, has issued a statement regarding last week’s "shock" decision to replace the leadership team, calling the move to remove them "stings."

In a heartfelt post, Charlie Cleveland revealed on Reddit that while he and his colleagues believed Subnautica 2 was "ready for early release," "that decision is in Krafton's hands." A recent statement from the publisher, however, suggested a release isn’t imminent, noting that an update on the schedule—including an "Early Access timeline"—would be "coming soon."

Though not explicitly stated, this discrepancy may highlight a growing disconnect between Krafton and the studio’s original leadership.

Krafton’s statement also addressed other community concerns, such as the possibility of microtransactions, stating: "Nothing has changed with how the game is structured. It will remain a single-player first experience, with optional co-operative multiplayer. No subscriptions. No loot boxes. No battle pass. No microtransactions."

Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in October 2021 and at the time, said the Subnautica studio would continue operating as an independent entity. Last week, however, former Striking Distance CEO Steve Papoutsis joined Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds as CEO. The surprising announcement confirmed that the previous leadership team—Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire—were replaced "effective immediately".

Cleveland did not explain what led to the team’s removal or comment on Papoutsis’ appointment as CEO.

"[Y]ou can see why for Max, Ted, myself, the Unknown Worlds team, and for our community, the events of this week have been quite a shock," Cleveland wrote on Reddit. "We know that the game is ready for early access release and we know you’re ready to play it. And while we thought this was going to be our decision to make, at least for now, that decision is in Krafton’s hands. And after all these years, to find that I’m no longer able to work at the company I started stings.

"I want you to know that whatever happens to the founders, to the team and to the game, our priority is, and has always been, to make the best damned game we can for the best community in the world. With your Gorge plushies and your hand-drawn fish fan-art, and yes, your hard-earned dollars, you’ve supported us in every way, in every season, cold and warm, since Half-Life modding was even a thing."