Brief Summary
This video discusses the ongoing legal dispute between Unknown Worlds' founders and Krafton, focusing on recent developments in the discovery phase. Krafton's actions, including backtracking on key arguments and reluctance to provide evidence, are examined. The judge's growing frustration with Krafton's approach is highlighted, particularly regarding the request to inspect the founders' personal devices and the lack of cooperation in providing requested data.
- Krafton is facing scrutiny for allegedly backtracking on their initial reasons for firing the founders.
- The judge has expressed concern over Krafton's request to inspect the founders' personal devices, deeming it invasive.
- Krafton is accused of being uncooperative during the discovery phase, failing to provide requested evidence and delaying the process.
Introduction
The video introduces the latest developments in the Subnautica 2 drama involving Krafton and Unknown Worlds, highlighting a significant discovery made recently. The presenter notes that the situation is constantly evolving and that the video will cover the latest twists and turns in the ongoing debacle.
Story So Far
The presenter recaps the background of the dispute. Unknown Worlds, the creators of Subnautica and Below Zero, were working on Subnautica 2, initially planned for release in 2024. Krafton, who acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, blocked the release, deeming the game not ready for early access. Subsequently, the founders were fired, leading to a lawsuit against Krafton for breach of contract. Krafton argued that the founders were detrimental to the game and the company, but the founders claim they were forced out without proper discussion.
Krafton's Latest
The case has progressed to the discovery phase, where both sides present evidence. The court has asked Krafton to prove their claims that the founders were bad for business and intentionally trying to release a flawed game. Krafton has expressed surprise at this request, arguing that the game's readiness is irrelevant to the termination.
Game's Readiness
Krafton is now being asked to provide evidence that Subnautica 2 was not ready for launch, despite this being a primary reason cited for the founders' termination. Foris Advisers, representing the founders, highlights that the termination was based on the game's poor state. Krafton's reluctance to provide evidence has led to confusion among lawyers and the judge.
Judge's Reaction
The judge, Lori W. Will, has expressed bewilderment at Krafton's actions, particularly their refusal to provide evidence supporting their claims. The judge emphasises that the state of the game was cited as the reason for the founders' termination and questions why Krafton is now hesitant to prove it. The presenter notes that Krafton's backtracking and refusal to provide evidence raise questions about their position in the case.
Personal Devices
Krafton is shifting its focus to the argument that the founders abandoned their posts and deceived their employer. They accuse the founders of downloading files and keeping devices with confidential information. Krafton requested to inspect the founders' personal devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Invasive
The founders refused to hand over their personal devices, arguing that Krafton's request was too invasive. The judge agreed, noting that Krafton does not have the right to sift through their personal devices. Krafton has repeatedly cited statements from unnamed Unknown Worlds employees claiming the founders were not doing their jobs, but has refused to bring these individuals forward to provide official testimony.
Being Difficult
Foris Advisers alleges that Krafton has been uncooperative during discovery, pushing back against requests and refusing to confer. Krafton is only willing to provide data from two high-ranking individuals, rather than employees who were directly involved. Krafton is also limiting the correspondence they will provide to only those that include both termination and earnout in the same context. The judge notes that it would be unusual for an email to bluntly combine these topics.
Summary
The presenter summarises the situation, stating that Krafton is being uncooperative and backtracking on accusations against the founders. This behaviour suggests that Krafton is more focused on winning the case through technicalities rather than proving they are in the right.
