Steam’s highly anticipated title, Subnautica 2, may face a significant delay into 2026, as reported by Bloomberg. This news comes despite previous indications that the game was on track for an early access launch before the year concluded. The report suggests that the delay is tied to a hefty $250 million bonus that developer Unknown Worlds would receive from parent company Krafton if specific revenue targets were met by the end of 2025. These targets might have been attainable with the game’s timely release.
Adding to the complexity, the unexpected exit of Unknown Worlds’ co-founders and president last week has raised eyebrows. After their removal, co-founder Charlie Cleveland stated that the game was ready and claimed the leadership changes were a “shock.”
Investigative reporter Jason Schreier’s findings suggest that the new leadership’s actions could be connected to the potential bonus. By postponing Subnautica 2, the studio may be less likely to meet the established revenue goals, jeopardizing the bonus structure that could have awarded employees with significant payouts. The former leadership had planned to distribute these bonuses across the development team, resulting in substantial financial rewards for many staff members.
In a recent town hall meeting led by the new CEO, Steve Papoutsis, he reportedly expressed uncertainty about the specifics of the bonus arrangement while emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering a high-quality product.
Krafton has not yet commented on the specific claims made in Schreier’s report, and fans eagerly await further updates about the game’s status. For those interested in single-player gaming experiences, various alternative titles are still available while the community watches for announcements regarding Subnautica 2’s release timeline.
This situation highlights the challenges within the gaming industry, notably the balancing act between financial incentives and the creative process. Despite the delay, it could allow for further refinement of the game, ensuring it meets the expectations of its dedicated fan base.