Steam’s most-wishlisted game is out this week following a year of corporate drama that involved one of the most embarrassing ChatGPT uses on record
Survival game Subnautica 2, Steam’s most-wishlisted title, is set to release this week following a year marked by significant corporate controversy. The drama centers on Krafton’s acquisition of developer Unknown Worlds and the subsequent dispute over a contractual $250 million bonus promised to studio leadership if the game performed well commercially.
With Subnautica 2 achieving the most-wishlisted status on Steam, the financial obligation appeared inevitable. However, Krafton CEO Changhan Kim took an unusual approach to avoid the payment. According to reports, the CEO consulted ChatGPT for guidance on the situation and subsequently decided to terminate the studio heads—without providing a substantive justification for the dismissals beyond avoiding the bonus obligation.
The firing attempt ultimately backfired, with the legal consequences making clear that such a transparent effort to circumvent a contractual commitment would not be tolerated. The situation has become emblematic of both problematic corporate decision-making and one of the more notorious examples of inappropriate ChatGPT usage in a professional context.
Despite the turmoil, Subnautica 2’s release this week represents a significant moment for the gaming industry, given its extraordinary wishlist popularity. The game’s launch comes amid ongoing questions about the relationship between Krafton and Unknown Worlds, as well as broader industry concerns regarding corporate accountability and contractual obligations to creative leadership.