Krafton Achieves Record €2.3 Billion Revenue Amid Strategic Shift to AI and New Titles

SEOUL, 12 February 2026 – Krafton Inc, the South Korean publisher behind the global phenomenon PUBG: Battlegrounds, has announced record-breaking financial results for the 2025 fiscal year. The company surpassed 3.3 trillion won (approximately €2.3 billion) in annual revenue for the first time, driven by the sustained performance of its flagship battle royale title and a growing mobile portfolio.

Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns

On 9 February 2026, Krafton’s Board of Directors authorised an ambitious shareholder return programme. The company committed to returning a minimum of 1 trillion won (€695 million) to investors over the 2026-2028 period. This move follows a year of unprecedented growth, with 2025 revenue rising 22.8% year-on-year to 3.3266 trillion won. Despite the revenue surge, operating profit saw a slight decline of 10.8% compared to 2024, settling at 1.054 trillion won (€732 million).

Expansion into AI and Robotics

Beyond traditional gaming, Krafton is pivoting towards advanced technology. CEO Kim Chang-han recently confirmed that the company is exploring the application of its “game-validated AI” to the development of humanoid robots. During a recent earnings call, Kim downplayed threats from external AI models like Google’s Genie 3, stating that Krafton would focus on leveraging AI to enhance internal productivity and create more immersive gaming experiences.

Upcoming Pipeline: Subnautica 2 and Palworld Mobile

Krafton currently has 15 new projects in active development. High-profile titles include Subnautica 2, developed by Unknown Worlds, which is reportedly in the final polishing stages. Developers have recently moved to reassure fans that the sequel’s new co-operative mode will remain entirely optional, following community concerns regarding “live-service” elements. Additionally, Krafton confirmed that PUBG Studios is working on a mobile adaptation of the hit survival game Palworld.

Key Financial Metrics: 2025 Fiscal Year

Recent Releases and Platform News

The company recently launched PUBG: Blindspot, a tactical top-down shooter, though early reception on platforms like Steam has been mixed due to optimisation concerns. Meanwhile, Nintendo fans have received confirmation that Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero will receive dedicated ports for the “Switch 2” console, scheduled for release on 17 February 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Krafton’s shareholder return plan?

Krafton has committed to returning at least 1 trillion won (€695 million) to its shareholders between 2026 and 2028 through various financial mechanisms, following its record-breaking 2025 performance.

Is Subnautica 2 a live-service game?

While there was initial speculation regarding live-service elements, the developers at Unknown Worlds have clarified that the game will focus on its traditional survival roots, with co-operative play being a strictly optional feature.

When is the Subnautica Switch 2 release date?

The original Subnautica and its expansion Below Zero are scheduled to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on 17 February 2026.