Unknown Worlds Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Subnautica 2’s botched bonus deal is about to wipe out more than one-third of Krafton’s $736 million annual profit for 2025

Krafton promised a substantial bonus to Unknown Worlds' principals—Ted Gill, Max McGuire, and Charlie Cleveland—following their acquisition in 2021, with a payout structure of .12 for every dollar earned once monthly revenues exceeded .8 million, capped at 0 million. Subnautica 2 sold four million copies in its first week and received a "very positive" rating on Steam. In 2025, Krafton dismissed the executives, alleging they rushed the game's release, but court proceedings revealed Krafton had approved their strategy. Krafton reported an operating profit of 1.1 trillion Korean won (approximately 6 million) for 2025, raising concerns that the bonus could consume over a third of its annual profits.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Subnautica 2 could become a chilling horror game, if only it would shut up

Subnautica 2 features players as the sole survivor of a failed expedition on an alien planet, awakening disoriented after a disaster. The game incorporates an AI assistant named NoA, which provides constant reminders about survival needs, often causing frustration. The narrative heavily relies on audio logs that interrupt exploration and detract from the immersive atmosphere, as they auto-play at inconvenient times and often spoon-feed information rather than allowing for organic discovery. This reliance on audio logs diminishes the thrill of exploration and the sense of agency for players. Despite its potential, the game's narrative structure undermines the overall experience.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

What’s new on Xbox Game Pass? Check out the latest.

Xbox Game Pass is evolving with a variety of gaming experiences. Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, features 550 cars, and allows players to race at speeds up to 100 mph. Hades 2 allows players to control Melinoë, expanding on the original's themes and gameplay while maintaining engaging combat and narrative. Vampire Crawlers combines gameplay from Vampire Survivors with roguelike deckbuilding, offering strategic gameplay and unique mechanics. Subnautica 2 is the most wish-listed game on Steam, enhancing exploration and survival mechanics from the original game. Mixtape is an indie game that offers a three-hour experience filled with nostalgic storytelling and a vibrant soundtrack reminiscent of the '90s.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Subnautica 2’s EULA is so severe that even this news story breaks it

Subnautica 2 has launched in early access and received praise for its gameplay, but it faces controversy due to its publisher Krafton's strict End User License Agreement (EULA). The EULA prohibits players from transferring their Steam accounts to family members upon death, raising concerns about digital asset inheritance. Discussions on platforms like the Stop Killing Games subreddit reflect unease about consumer rights. Additionally, Krafton's CEO has been using ChatGPT to address corporate challenges, including reducing bonus payouts to the heads of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

‘We are not a killing game,’ says Subnautica 2 dev: ‘Go play Sons of the Forest or something if you want to kill’

O'Rielly, a developer of Subnautica 2, suggested that players seeking a violent gaming experience might prefer other titles like Sons of the Forest, which led to mixed reactions from fans. Players expressed frustration over the lack of options to defend against aggressive marine life, prompting O'Rielly to assure the community that this issue would be addressed in an upcoming update. He also acknowledged a fan's gratitude for the game and emphasized the team's commitment to continuous updates and enhancements leading up to the game's full release.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

How to get Atacamite in Subnautica 2

Atacamite is a crucial component for creating Mangalloy Ingots in Subnautica 2, which are needed for constructing Metal Farms and repairing the Alien Power Plant. Players need to collect at least ten Atacamite nodes for the repair. Atacamite is found at shallower depths compared to other materials and can be gathered using the Sonic Resonator after acquiring the Tadpole Depth Module from the Needler nest. It is advisable to stockpile Atacamite before deeper exploration begins.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Adds 3 New Day One Games Including New #1 Seller

Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass can access three new day-one games, including a standout title that sold two million copies within 12 hours of its launch, making it one of the best-selling games of 2026. These games are not available to Premium subscribers or those on the standard tier. They are not permanent fixtures in the subscription service, as none are published by Xbox Game Studios. Subscribers can purchase them at a 20% discount. Subnautica 2, the sequel from Unknown Worlds Entertainment, has launched and is currently the best-selling game on Steam, although it is in early access and does not yet have a Metacritic score. It is available through both PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Call of the Elder Gods, a sequel to 2020’s Call of the Sea, has a Metacritic score of 80 and is available on Xbox Series X and PC via the subscription services. Outbound, an open-world exploration game developed by Square Glade Games, has a Metacritic score of 65 and is also accessible through the Ultimate and PC tiers of the subscription service.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Subnautica 2 has sold 2 million copies in 12 hours, with 9x the players as the first, and at this point I figure that Krafton CEO is already on his second bottle

Subnautica 2 sold two million copies within 12 hours of its launch, with one million copies sold in the first hour. Peak concurrent players exceeded 651,000 across platforms, with over 467,000 on Steam. A judge ordered the reinstatement of former CEO Ted Gill due to a breach of contract by Krafton, which must fulfill its financial commitments. The rapid sales of Subnautica 2 may help meet the criteria for the reinstated leadership's payout.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Subnautica 2 sells two million copies in less than 24 hours

Subnautica 2 features a four-player co-op mode and achieved two million sales within 12 hours of its launch. The game entered early access on May 14 and peaked at over 651,000 simultaneous players across platforms, with Steam recording 467,582 players. More than one million players engaged with the game within an hour of launch, and 93% of reviews have been positive. Players are enjoying the experience, with positive feedback highlighting its visual appeal and content.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

After all that drama, Subnautica 2 is good

Subnautica 2 is a combat-free survival game set in an expansive oceanic world where players gather resources, craft gear, and uncover the fate of settlers. The game features an AI supervisor that encourages players to embrace death, allowing for instant respawning. Players can absorb alien DNA to adapt to new biomes, and the game promotes exploration and self-discovery, although some mechanics could benefit from clearer explanations. Co-op gameplay has been introduced, allowing for collaborative base-building. The game is currently in early access and will remain so for up to three years, during which additional content will be added. Despite being unfinished, it has achieved significant sales.