Subnautica 2 Delay May Cost Devs $250M Payout
▼ Summary
– Subnautica 2 has been delayed from 2025 to 2026 by publisher Krafton, likely costing developer Unknown Worlds a $250 million payout tied to 2025 revenue goals.
– Unknown Worlds’ ousted founders claimed the game was ready for Early Access, but Krafton proceeded with the delay and fired the studio’s leadership, including co-founders and the CEO.
– The delay and firings sparked backlash among fans, with calls to boycott the game or remove it from Steam wishlists.
– Former studio director Charlie Cleveland expressed frustration, stating the game was ready for release and lamenting the loss of control over the decision.
– New CEO Steve Papoutsis denied the delay was specifically to avoid paying bonuses, though the $250 million payout would have included significant staff bonuses.
The highly anticipated sequel to the underwater survival hit, Subnautica 2, has been delayed until 2026, a decision that could cost its development team a staggering $250 million payout. According to insider reports, publisher Krafton pushed back the game’s Early Access launch despite claims from Unknown Worlds’ former leadership that the project was ready for release. The delay reportedly prevents the studio from hitting critical revenue milestones tied to a lucrative bonus structure.
The financial fallout stems from a contractual agreement that would have awarded Unknown Worlds the massive payout if certain 2025 revenue targets were met. With the game now postponed, those goals appear out of reach. The situation worsened last week when Krafton abruptly fired studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and CEO Ted Gill, replacing them with Striking Distance Studios’ Steve Papoutsis.
During an internal meeting, Papoutsis addressed concerns about the delay and dismissals, stating that while the game was in a strong state, alignment between Krafton and the studio’s leadership broke down. When questioned whether the delay was intentionally orchestrated to avoid paying bonuses, he denied any explicit directive, though the timing has fueled speculation.
The abrupt leadership change and delay have sparked backlash among fans, with some calling for boycotts or removing the game from Steam wishlists. Cleveland, who directed the original Subnautica, expressed frustration in a Reddit post, emphasizing that the game was ready for Early Access and lamenting his sudden removal from the company he helped build.
The controversy adds another layer to an already turbulent situation, leaving both developers and players questioning Krafton’s motives. With millions in potential bonuses now off the table and fan trust eroding, the delay could have lasting repercussions beyond just a postponed release date.
(Source: Kotaku)
