Last Epoch Dev Assures Fans Krafton Won’t Change Them Post-Acquisition
▼ Summary
– Last Epoch fans are concerned after Eleventh Hour Games was acquired by Krafton, the publisher involved in a lawsuit with former Subnautica 2 developers.
– Judd Cobler, founder of Eleventh Hour Games, reassured fans that the legal dispute doesn’t affect their partnership with Krafton.
– Krafton alleges the former Subnautica 2 developers abandoned responsibilities, delaying the game to 2026, but promises fair compensation for remaining employees.
– Cobler stated Krafton won’t change Eleventh Hour Games’ direction and was the most aligned publisher for their mission.
– The acquisition will help Eleventh Hour Games expand, with plans to hire more staff and deliver ambitious content for Last Epoch.
Fans of the popular action RPG Last Epoch have expressed concerns following the announcement that developer Eleventh Hour Games has been acquired by Krafton, the publisher embroiled in a legal dispute with former Subnautica 2 developers. Judd Cobler, founder of Eleventh Hour Games, has moved quickly to reassure players that the acquisition won’t alter the studio’s vision or operations.
In a series of forum posts, Cobler addressed worries stemming from Krafton’s ongoing conflict with Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the studio behind Subnautica 2. “We’ve looked closely at the situation, and it doesn’t raise any red flags for us,” Cobler stated, emphasizing that the partnership aligns with Eleventh Hour’s long-term goals.
The controversy surrounding Krafton stems from allegations by former Unknown Worlds leadership, who claim they were abruptly dismissed to delay Subnautica 2’s early access launch and avoid a substantial financial payout. Krafton, however, maintains that the developers failed to meet obligations, leaving the game in an unfinished state. The publisher has pledged fair compensation for remaining staff while pushing the release to 2026.
Despite the timing, Cobler insists Krafton has no intention of interfering with Last Epoch’s development. “They’re not here to change who we are,” he clarified, adding that Krafton stood out as the ideal partner due to shared values and a commitment to supporting the studio’s growth. The deal will reportedly enable Eleventh Hour to expand its team and pursue ambitious projects previously beyond reach.
Last Epoch, which blends the depth of Path of Exile with the accessibility of Diablo, launched fully last year after a successful early access phase. Its upcoming third season, Beneath Ancient Skies, is slated for release next month.
While skepticism is understandable given recent events, Cobler’s reassurances suggest business as usual for the studio. Still, the community remains watchful, eager to see how the partnership unfolds in the coming months. For now, Eleventh Hour appears focused on delivering new content while maintaining the creative independence that fans have come to appreciate.
(Source: PC Gamer)
