Unknown Worlds Entertainment is the developer behind the underwater survival open-world adventure game Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. The sequel was a critical success, with high praise given towards its improved mechanics and the creatures that can be found diving underwater in Subnautica: Below Zero. With this game's success, the South Korean parent company of PUBG Studios, Krafton, announced that it will be acquiring Unknown Worlds Entertainment to expand its list of IPs.
This acquisition was announced through Krafton's website. The decision was made in a bid to expand the company by securing and investing in studios with high pedigree and top tier talent. This makes it the sixth developer under Krafton's umbrella, joining alongside others such as Striking Distance Studios, which is currently working on The Callisto Protocol, a sci-fi horror adventure from the original creator of Dead Space, Glen Schofield. Other developers a part of Krafton include PUBG Studios, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings and Dreamotion.
Some of the games were listed from Unknown Worlds' portfolio that helped spur this decision, with Natural Selection 2 and both Subnautica games being standout examples in providing immersive experiences. "Unknown Worlds are incredibly skilled and passionate developers with an unparalleled gift for creativity and a proven track record of building successful player-driven worlds." said CH Kim, the CEO of Krafton. "Krafton will spare no effort in helping them. Not only do they enhance our development capabilities, but we share a goal of creating unique experiences for global audiences."
Unknown Worlds Entertainment has been praised for its Subnautica games, which helped the studio stand out and create unique experiences in many fans' eyes. CEO of Unknown Worlds, Charlie Cleveland, agreed with this sentiment and said that it was due to both studios' mindset in game development that justified joining them. "Subnautica and PUBG both started humbly and evolved successfully through constant iteration and feedback. We want to bring new games to the world stage – and with Krafton, we’re a big step closer. We’re truly looking forward to our future together," he said.
In this acquisition deal, Unknown Worlds will remain operating as an independent game developer, that is wholly owned by Krafton and will continue working globally with other people around the world. The structure and leadership of Unknown Worlds Entertainment will continue being the same, where it will retain its unique creative identity. Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero will continue getting updates, along with the studio working on a brand-new game which will be going into early access in 2022 too.