Krafton, the publisher of Subnautica 2, has announced a significant delay for the game’s early access launch, pushing it back to 2026. This decision followed the controversial dismissal of the previous leadership team at Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the game’s developer. While Krafton has not provided specific reasons for this shake-up, reports suggest that a potential $250 million bonus for the team was at stake, contingent upon achieving certain development milestones. On July 2, Krafton replaced the three-person leadership team that co-founded Unknown Worlds in 2001.
Steve Papoutsis, now serving as the CEO of Unknown Worlds, also leads Striking Distance Studios, the creators of The Callisto Protocol. This leadership change has raised concerns among fans regarding the future of Subnautica 2, particularly as the game’s initial 2025 launch window is now off the table. Despite the upheaval, development is underway, and there is speculation about new directions for the game prompted by a leaked playtest. However, as per Krafton’s statements, players can expect Subnautica 2 to avoid microtransactions, battle passes, and loot boxes.
The current online feature will include co-op gameplay for up to four players. Following the leadership changes, former team member Charlie Cleveland expressed surprise at the decision, noting that the game was ready for early access and emphasizing that the launch is now dependent on Krafton’s choices. Although Subnautica 2’s development in Unreal Engine 5 holds promise, the community is left pondering the ultimate impact of these leadership shifts on the game’s trajectory. The delay to 2026 raises questions about when players will finally experience the long-awaited sequel.