Krafton reportedly postpones the release of Subnautica 2 to bypass paying the developers a $250M bonus.
The much-anticipated early access release of Subnautica 2 has been pushed back from 2025 to 2026, as confirmed by the game's developer, Unknown Worlds. This decision, announced in July 2025, comes after recent playtests highlighted areas that needed improvement.
According to Steve Papoutsis, the new CEO of Unknown Worlds, the delay was primarily driven by Krafton's belief that Subnautica 2 was not ready for release this year, and that the additional time would allow for more content to be added. The delay could have significant financial implications, as it makes it unlikely that Krafton will have to pay a $250 million bonus to Unknown Worlds, which was reportedly tied to the game meeting certain release milestones within 2025.
The leadership shake-up at Unknown Worlds, which saw the replacement of the three-person leadership team, has raised some community concerns. However, Krafton has reassured fans that the rest of the development team remains unchanged and that the game will avoid controversial monetization models like microtransactions, battle passes, or loot boxes.
Krafton, the publisher of Subnautica 2, has also pledged to make "aggressive" investments into its production capabilities to secure a "big franchise IP." Last year, Krafton acquired Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks.
In summary, the delay of Subnautica 2 is aimed at improving the game and responding to community feedback before launch. The financial and leadership dynamics underpinning the delay have caused speculation, but official statements focus on quality and community engagement as the primary motivators. The delay makes it unlikely that employees may be eligible for the potential bonus payout due to missing the revenue targets.
| Aspect | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Delay** | Early access release postponed from 2025 to 2026 | | **Reasons given** | Playtests indicated areas for improvement; commitment to quality and community feedback | | **Financial impact** | Delay likely prevents Krafton from paying a $250 million bonus to Unknown Worlds tied to 2025 release | | **Leadership changes** | Unknown Worlds' leadership team replaced, though core development team remains stable | | **Monetization stance**| Game to remain free of microtransactions, battle passes, and loot boxes |
The studio attributes the decision to areas that needed improvement before the early access launch. No changes are planned in terms of the direction of the game or the team behind it. The delay of Subnautica 2 was allegedly against the wishes of the studio's former leadership. The new CEO, Steve Papoutsis, will oversee the studio's overall management and creative direction.
Gadgets like high-tech gaming controllers might be essential for Subnautica 2 players, given the game's immerse underwater environment and the upcoming enhancements promised by Unknown Worlds. The development team's focus on technology ensures that these improvements will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience for players, even though the delay to 2026 may be slightly disappointing for some fans.
