In a recent announcement, Krafton has confirmed a significant delay for the highly anticipated Subnautica 2, now scheduled for release in 2026. This decision follows extensive playtests that revealed areas needing improvement before the game can be launched in Early Access. Krafton emphasized that community feedback plays a pivotal role in their development process, prompting them to take additional time to refine the game.
Insights from Krafton
A Krafton spokesperson clarified that the delay was not influenced by any contractual obligations tied to the game’s release. “This decision was based solely on our commitment to quality and to delivering the best possible experience for players,” they stated. The spokesperson further noted that discussions regarding the delay had been ongoing even before recent leadership changes at Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2.
Interestingly, this announcement comes on the heels of a Bloomberg report detailing Krafton’s recent restructuring of Unknown Worlds’ leadership. Just weeks prior, the PUBG publisher was poised to pay a substantial 0 million bonus to the studio, contingent upon the timely release of Subnautica 2. With the new timeline extending into 2026, the likelihood of meeting the revenue targets necessary for that bonus appears diminished.
Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, three years after the original Subnautica transitioned from early access to full release. The acquisition agreement reportedly included the aforementioned bonus, which was tied to specific revenue goals to be achieved by the end of 2025. With the delay now confirmed, the path to those targets seems increasingly uncertain.
During a recent town hall meeting, newly appointed CEO Steve Papoutsis addressed the team at Unknown Worlds, asserting that the delay is intended to enhance the game’s content. When questioned about whether the timing of the delay was strategically aligned to avoid the bonus payout, Papoutsis stated he was not privy to the specifics of the acquisition deal but emphasized that the decision was not made with financial motivations in mind.
