Publisher, Krafton, confirms that Subnautica 2 has been delayed to 2026

Korean publisher Krafton acquired Subnautica developer Unknown Worlds in 2021 and said that the developer would continue to operate as an independent outfit. However, last week, Krafton made big changes to Unknown Worlds, which has changed the shape of the company, caused the delay of Subnautica 2, and could be about to cost the developer $250m.

The details:

• Unknown Worlds’ founders, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill, have been replaced by Steve Papoutsis, the former CEO of Striking Distance. The leadership shake-up has sparked concerns about the future of Subnautica 2.

• According to Bloomberg, Subnautica 2 has been pushed back to 2026, despite previously aiming for a 2025 release. The delay reportedly came just months before a $250 million bonus was due to be paid to the development team, contingent on reaching certain revenue milestones by the end of 2025. With the new release date, those targets are unlikely to be met, and the bonus will likely go unpaid. The report claims the delay was “against the wishes of the studio’s former leadership.”

• Krafton confirmed the delay to IGN, stating that “the decision had nothing to do with any contractual or financial considerations.” Instead, the company said the delay was made to better address “feedback from playtests.”

• Subnautica is officially coming to mobile in July
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