KRAFTON Appoints Steve Papoutsis as New CEO of Unknown Worlds, Signaling a New Era for Subnautica and Natural Selection Developers
Seoul, South Korea & Seattle, WA – July 1, 2025 – KRAFTON, Inc., a global leader in interactive entertainment, today announced a significant leadership change within its development studios. Steve Papoutsis, a highly respected veteran of the gaming industry with a proven track record of success, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Unknown Worlds, the acclaimed developer behind the beloved Subnautica series and the innovative Natural Selection franchise.
This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Unknown Worlds, a studio renowned for its ability to craft unique and deeply immersive gaming experiences. Papoutsis brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including his impactful tenure as Vice President of Development at Blizzard Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in the success of many of the company’s most iconic titles. His extensive background in game development, strategic leadership, and fostering creative talent is expected to provide invaluable direction and momentum for Unknown Worlds.
The news was shared by KRAFTON, Inc. through a press release, highlighting the strategic importance of this appointment in further strengthening their portfolio of world-class development studios. Unknown Worlds has consistently delivered critically acclaimed games that have captivated players with their distinctive art styles, compelling gameplay mechanics, and rich world-building.
Under Papoutsis’s leadership, Unknown Worlds is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence. The studio is widely recognized for the immersive underwater exploration of Subnautica and its sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, which have garnered a dedicated global fanbase. Furthermore, the studio’s foundational work with the Natural Selection series has established it as a pioneer in blending first-person shooter action with real-time strategy elements.
KRAFTON’s decision to bring in a leader of Papoutsis’s caliber underscores their commitment to supporting and empowering their studios to achieve their full creative and commercial potential. This move signals a clear intent to nurture the unique identity of Unknown Worlds while leveraging KRAFTON’s global resources and expertise.
Fans of Unknown Worlds’ titles can anticipate a continued focus on delivering high-quality, engaging content. Steve Papoutsis’s leadership is expected to drive forward existing projects and potentially explore new frontiers in game development, all while maintaining the creative integrity that has defined the studio.
The gaming community is likely to welcome this news with optimism, recognizing Papoutsis’s deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain successful, beloved game franchises. This strategic appointment by KRAFTON is a clear testament to their vision for the future of Unknown Worlds and their ongoing dedication to the art and craft of video game creation.
KRAFTON ANNOUNCES GAMING INDUSTRY VETERAN STEVE PAPOUTSIS AS NEW CEO OF UNKNOWN WORLDS
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