Subnautica Director Speaks Out After Sudden Studio Exit Before Sequel Launch
▼ Summary
– Krafton abruptly replaced Unknown Worlds’ co-founders with new leadership, sparking fan concern ahead of Subnautica 2’s highly anticipated release.
– Former director Charlie Cleveland revealed the decision was out of the team’s hands, expressing disappointment over losing control of the studio he founded.
– The leadership change followed a disagreement over whether to release Subnautica 2 in Early Access sooner or delay it to meet Krafton’s quality milestones.
– Krafton emphasized its commitment to strict development milestones and quality control, suggesting potential delays to the Early Access launch.
– The publisher declined to explain the founders’ removal but hinted at schedule adjustments, prioritizing a “best possible version” of the game.
The sudden departure of Subnautica’s original creators has left fans questioning the future of the highly anticipated sequel. Krafton, the publisher behind the underwater survival franchise, recently announced the immediate removal of Unknown Worlds’ co-founders, Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire, just months before Subnautica 2’s planned early access launch. The abrupt leadership change has sparked concerns about potential delays and creative conflicts behind the scenes.
Cleveland, who directed the first game, broke his silence in a Reddit post, expressing frustration over losing control of the project. “We thought this was going to be our decision to make,” he wrote, “but after all these years, finding out I can no longer work at the company I started stings.” His comments hint at a clash between the original team and Krafton’s vision for the sequel’s release strategy.
Krafton’s official statement emphasized a focus on “quality controls and milestone assessments” to ensure the game meets player expectations. The publisher hinted at possible delays, stating that “some adjustments to the schedule may be required” as new leadership takes over development. While the studio previously promised independence after acquiring Unknown Worlds in 2021, the recent shakeup suggests tighter oversight.
Fans had expected Subnautica 2 to hit Steam Early Access later this year, but Krafton’s vague wording leaves its timeline uncertain. Cleveland’s remarks imply the original team favored an earlier release to gather player feedback, while the publisher may be pushing for a more polished launch, potentially as late as 2026.
With no clear explanation for the founders’ exit, speculation continues to swirl around the studio’s direction. For now, players eager to dive back into the depths will have to wait for further updates, hopefully sooner rather than later.
(Source: Kotaku)
