Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds has dropped a brand new vlog.
Providing a behind-the-scenes take a look at the all-new deep-sea predator, and “how the crew has used Unreal Engine 5 AI for lifelike habits, real-time reactions and tense encounters for gamers,” the 10-minute (*2*) is among the first growth updates we have had since the studio’s total management was fired amid a messy public falling out over a $250 million bonus from mother or father firm, Krafton.
The replace claims new large squid-like predator Collector Leviathan represents “the subsequent step within the franchise’s evolution with a creature that’s each visually putting and powered by superior AI to create tense, dynamic encounters.” The video exhibits off the “aggressive” first encounter gamers will endure once they meet the enemy in Subnautica 2.
Here is the official blurb on the Collector Leviathan from Unknown Worlds:
The newest developer vlog gives a behind-the-scenes take a look at the making of the Collector Leviathan, from early idea artwork by Visible Improvement Lead Cory Strader to insights from the Unknown Worlds growth crew. This creature was designed to push boundaries of immersion and menace in Subnautica 2.
- Aggressive First Encounter: The Collector Leviathan is the primary hostile leviathan gamers will meet in Subnautica 2.
- Responsive AI: Powered by Unreal Engine 5 habits timber and stimulus programs, it reacts to gentle, sound, and participant actions in actual time.
- Lifelike Motion: Absolutely simulated tentacle animation creates extra pure and unpredictable interactions.
- Immersive Fight Design: A terrifying roar and highly effective shockwave assaults amplify the sense of hazard.
Antonio Muñoz Gallego, AI designer for the creature, mentioned: “The Collector Leviathan is not only a monster that blindly assaults gamers. It’s an clever and extremely threatening deep-sea lifeform that actively reacts to participant habits and pursues them.” He added: “Our predominant objective with our creatures was to make them really feel reactive, so the Leviathan is continually re-evaluating the state of affairs in actual time. To attain that, we use Unreal Engine 5 habits timber and our AI stimulus system.”
The vlog might be a welcome replace for Subnautica followers. For months now, most protection concerning the recreation has involved the painful breakdown between Unknown Worlds’ founders and Krafton, which acquired Unknown Worlds in October 2021. Over the summer time, experiences got here to gentle that Subnautica 2’s early entry launch was delayed to 2026 simply months earlier than Krafton was because of pay a $250 million bonus to the event crew “in opposition to the desires of the studio’s former management.”
Most lately, Krafton issued a response to the lawsuit filed by former leads of Subnautica 2, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, providing rebuttals to the builders’ claims and alleging they “resorted to litigation to demand a multimillion-dollar payout they have not earned.”
Then, final month, Unknown Worlds itself sued Cleveland, former CEO Ted Gill, and studio co-founder Max McGuire for allegedly stealing recreation design recordsdata shortly earlier than they have been fired.
It is value noting that now Hole Knight: Silksong has come out, Subnautica 2 is essentially the most wishlisted recreation on Steam, which means that regardless of all of the authorized drama surrounding the sport, there’s big curiosity in it. That is maybe little shock given how massive successful Subnautica was, however will probably be attention-grabbing to see how fan reception evolves because the sequel will get nearer to launch.
Subnautica 2’s Early Entry launch was lately delayed to 2026.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and guide with 15+ years expertise working with among the world’s greatest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.