Subnautica 2 has officially been delayed from 2025 to 2026, sparking controversy over whether the decision was influenced by a massive $250 million bonus payment that publisher Krafton could owe to developer Unknown Worlds.
The Delay Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Release | Late 2025 (Early Access) |
| New Release Window | 2026 |
| Developer | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
| Publisher | Krafton Inc. |
| Bonus at Stake | $250 million |
| Acquisition Date | 2021 |
Two Sides of the Story
Unknown Worlds’ Official Statement: The delay stems from recent internal playtests that revealed areas needing improvement before early access launch. The studio claims they want to respond to community feedback properly.
Developer Concerns: Former founders Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill—who were fired by Krafton earlier this month—believed the game was ready for early access. They suspect the delay is financially motivated.
The $250 Million Question
When Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, the contract included a substantial bonus if the studio hit specific revenue targets by 2025. With the original Subnautica selling over 6 million copies, many developers believed Subnautica 2 could easily meet these targets.
However, Bloomberg’s investigation reveals that developers now consider the bonus “unattainable” due to the delay.
Krafton’s Defense
Krafton maintains that the delay decision “was not influenced by any contractual or financial considerations” and claims discussions about postponing the game began before the founders’ dismissal.
What This Means for Fans
Despite the controversy, Unknown Worlds released a new gameplay trailer showcasing Subnautica 2’s progress. The underwater survival sequel promises familiar exploration mechanics with enhanced environments and creatures.
Early access typically launches with the understanding that content will be added over time—making Krafton’s “needs more content” reasoning questionable to many observers.
The Gaming Industry Impact
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between developers and publishers regarding creative control and financial agreements. For more gaming industry news and controversies, visit our gaming coverage.
The delay puts Subnautica 2 in a challenging position, as community trust has been shaken by the leadership changes and conflicting statements about the game’s readiness.
FAQs
Will Subnautica 2 still launch in early access when it releases in 2026?
Yes, Unknown Worlds confirmed the game will still launch in early access format in 2026.
Are the original Subnautica creators still involved with Subnautica 2?
No, the three founders were fired by Krafton in early July 2025.
