In recent years, the development of Subnautica 2 has been marked by significant challenges, particularly between Unknown Worlds and its publisher, Krafton. However, with those creative differences now resolved, the highly anticipated sequel to one of the most beloved survival games is set to make its debut. Adding to the excitement, the studio has addressed a potential concern regarding the use of generative AI in the game’s development.
Human-Centric Development
With the release date just two weeks away, Scott MacDonald, Creative Media Producer at Unknown Worlds, has confirmed that the studio has not incorporated any generative AI into Subnautica 2. In an interview with Eurogamer, he emphasized, “Krafton has basically said, ‘Here are all the tools. If you want to use them, you can.'” He further clarified that there is “no mandate” to utilize AI technologies, stating, “We decided on this particular project that it doesn’t suit us, it doesn’t suit our pipeline, or what we want to do.”
MacDonald elaborated on the studio’s commitment to traditional development methods, asserting that Subnautica 2 is entirely crafted by human hands. “When we mention AI, it’s all traditional: a programmer has physically gone in and done it themselves, like [the] creature AI.” He noted that while generative AI tools are intriguing, they are not part of their current workflow. “We’re using Unity Blackboard and things like that. It’s basically all hand-done,” he added.
Design Lead Anthony Gallegos echoed MacDonald’s sentiments, suggesting that Krafton understands the potential disruption that a mandate for AI tools could introduce to the development process. “I think [Krafton] is smart enough to know that if we had to use those tools it could be disruptive to our process at this point. So a mandate would be harmful to the development of the game,” he remarked.
After navigating the tumultuous waters of development, the team at Unknown Worlds is now focused on ensuring a smooth launch for Subnautica 2. Following a recent legal ruling that reinstated Unknown Worlds president Ted Gill, Krafton has expressed its commitment to supporting the Early Access launch of the game.
With the assurance that Subnautica 2 is a product of human creativity and craftsmanship, players can look forward to an experience that promises originality and depth. As anticipation builds, the focus shifts from concerns about the development process to the thrilling adventures that await beneath the ocean’s surface, where leviathan-class creatures lurk, ready to be discovered.
