Earlier this month, Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, and former CEO Ted Gill, have been reportedly pressured out of the studio by mum or dad firm Krafton. One of many conflicts between the 2 sides was over whether or not Subnautica 2 is prepared for early launch. Now, a unfavorable inside evaluate of Subnautica 2 has been leaked on-line, and Krafton has confirmed that the doc is actual.
The leaked doc was shared on Subnautica 2’s reddit, and it critiques the present build–as of Might 2025–as missing a number of options that have been supposed to be part of an early-access launch. Most notably, the doc mentions that six hours of content material have been reduce, a recreation mode has been eliminated, and that the construct has two fewer biomes, a lacking leviathan and car, and a delayed narrative. The report concludes that Subnautica 2 fell wanting its objectives set in 2023 and beneficial that the discharge timeline and content material roadmap be reassessed. Krafton subsequently introduced Subnautica 2’s delay alongside a brand new trailer for the sport.
“Milestone evaluations are carried out frequently in collaboration with Krafton’s inventive studios throughout all initiatives,” stated a Krafton spokesperson whereas authenticating the doc. “These evaluations assist assess growth progress, outline clear aims, and make sure that every undertaking aligns with Krafton’s requirements in each creativity and high quality. This course of is central to Krafton’s dedication to delivering polished, high-quality video games on the proper time.”
A report from Bloomberg indicated that Subnautica 2’s delay could also be linked to a $250 million bonus that Krafton was alleged to pay Unknown Worlds if sure monetary thresholds have been met in 2025. As a result of these marks are unlikely to be hit with out Subnautica 2 being launched, some followers have overtly referred to as for a boycott of the sport. Krafton responded with a scorched-earth assertion that accused Unknown Worlds’ former management workforce of abandoning their tasks for the sequel.
Cleveland subsequently introduced that he’s launching a lawsuit towards Krafton alongside McGuire, and Gill. That authorized battle could take years to play out. Within the meantime, Subnautica 2 is predicted to be launched on PC and Xbox Collection X|S in 2026.