Subnautica 2, the eagerly awaited sequel to the renowned survival game, faces significant challenges as reports suggest a delay pushing its release to 2026. The situation arises amidst internal turmoil at developer Unknown Worlds, which has stirred the gaming community into action, with many calling for a boycott of the game’s publisher, Krafton.
The game promises immersive gameplay, allowing players to explore vast oceanic alien worlds filled with massive creatures and treacherous environments. Subnautica 2 is set to expand on its predecessor’s success by introducing a larger map and a highly anticipated 4-player co-op mode. Originally announced as an Xbox Game Pass title slated for a late 2025 release, the expectancy among fans was high.
However, recent developments indicate that the delay may stem from Krafton’s desire to avoid paying out substantial milestone bonuses—reportedly totaling $250 million—owed to the developers. This has led to a significant backlash, with uproar on social media platforms such as Reddit, where threads advocating for a boycott garnered tens of thousands of upvotes.
Amidst the upheaval, the founders of Unknown Worlds allege that the game’s delay is unwarranted, claiming it is ready for early access. Krafton countered that additional content is required before launching the game. The company’s decision to change leadership, resulting in the ousting of Unknown Worlds’ original team, has added further tension to the situation.
The co-founder of Unknown Worlds, Charlie Cleveland, recently asserted on Reddit that the events unfolding are unexpected and disappointing. He stated that they have initiated legal proceedings against Krafton, emphasizing their commitment to the game and its community. They are determined to ensure that the situation is rectified, as the development team has invested immense effort into the project, aiming to deliver a remarkable sequel that fans deserve.
Krafton has defended their actions, claiming that they value the creativity of Subnautica and expressing their commitment to providing enhanced gaming experiences. They have accused the ousted leadership of neglecting their responsibilities towards the game, fueling the discord even further.
While video game boycotts historically yield mixed results, the Subnautica community’s passionate response demonstrates their deep attachment to the series. Fans seem hopeful that a resolution can be reached that honors the hard work of the developers and ensures the quality that they expect from such a beloved franchise.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how this dispute will conclude and what implications it will have for the game’s future. Advocates for the developers hope this turbulent chapter will ultimately lead to a stronger game prepared to capture the imagination and hearts of players, just as its predecessor did.