Unknown Worlds co-founder Charlie Cleveland allegedly compiled a ruthless plan to take on former employer Krafton in court that acknowledged the legal dispute would cost CEO Changhan Kim his job and sought to capitalize on negative stereotypical perceptions about South Korea. In a new document entitled “Litigation Help” authored by Cleveland and submitted as evidence during the (rather revealing) trial between Krafton and the three Unknown Worlds co-founders (Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill) the publisher fired earlier this year, it is suggested that bringing the case to a court in Delaware will impede Krafton while describing Koreans as “sadistic [.] assholes.” The exhibit (uploaded on Scribd by Game Developer) includes notes allegedly jotted down by Cleveland after conversations with former Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney and other confidantes. When asked about the document while being cross-examined, Cleveland confirmed it was authored on June 28, 2025-before he was terminated by Krafton-but said the words are “not my thoughts.” Instead, Cleveland claimed he “literally transcribed” what he was being told during conversations. When pressed, he repeated that claim, stating the bulk of those notes are “what Owen told us” and have “nothing to do with my opinions at all.” He did, however, accept that he chose to document those opinions in his notes. In a vast flurry of thoughts under the header ‘Owen Mahoney notes’-dated 6/28/25-the document indicates Krafton would struggle to win the case if it heads to court in Delaware. “Delaware? Oh, they’re fucked. You don’t even need a Korean lawyer. A dissolution of any kind (marriage, company) is just a deal,” reads the exhibit. “Stop worrying about what anyone thinks of your. When the big money comes on the line, the big knives will come out. This is the toughest time in video games since the 80s. This WILL cost CH his job. And the chairman will be happy to throw him under the bus. Delaware will say this is a bunch of sadistic Korean assholes” The document also appears to suggest that Cleveland, McGuire, and Gill might be able to start a new company and rehire some employees who leave Krafton and Unknown Worlds due to low morale. “Once we’re fired we can take care of those employees that are suicidal. Start a new company and hire them. Patrick Sutherland this this with EA (Landmark). So Owen staked him while he started his new company. He did the right thing by his employees. He bought their undying loyalty,” the document continues. “[.] Our employees might all quit within 6 months. We can rehire them. Don’t lose sleep over this. Don’t worry about what you can’t control. This is going to get a lot nastier.” Eventually, the document starts to negatively characterize Koreans and indicates the former execs might benefit as a result. “Korea-they are the Joe Pesci of countries. Charming until they’re incredible [sic] nasty. It goes to 11 quickly. No filter,” it adds. “It can be emotionally draining dealing with this, especially as male westerners. Males might be more problem-solvers and bring less emotion-they’re [sic] biological reasons for this. Making games is about problem-solving. “Korea has been surrounded by enemies who want to kill them. They are fighters. It’s small and nasty. Every year some big film star commits suicide because of sex, drugs or something, hounded by the press. Put your crash helmet on and stay cool, but don’t let that scare you away. You’ve got $250M coming. Put a wall around your emotions. “Delaware will say this is a bunch of sadistic Korean assholes (like Samsung-John Pleasance). They’ve cast as out as villains and it’s done.” Again, those remarks were placed under the heading ‘Owen Mahoney notes.” Krafton feels the above document, which was again pulled together before Cleveland was terminated, shows he had no genuine interest in working on Subnautica 2 or leading Unknown Worlds. “Plaintiffs asking to be restored to jobs they were not doing, said they had no interest in doing, and had previously declined requests that they come back and do those jobs. We look forward to receiving a decision,” said the company in a statement. “We have made incredible progress in the past few months, and we are excited to share with all the Subnautica fans.” The trial concluded on November 19, 2025. Both parties will now submit post-trial briefings. A post-trial argument has been set for January 9, 2026. The court’s decision will follow.
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-korea-they-are-the-joe-pesci-of-countries-unknown-worlds-co-founder-compiles-plan-to-take-on-krafton-in-newly-surfaced-litigation-help-document