Krafton Confirms Subnautica 2 Leak Is Legitimate
▼ Summary
– Subnautica 2’s co-founders and former CEO were reportedly forced out by parent company Krafton over disagreements about the game’s early release readiness.
– A leaked internal review criticized the May 2025 build for missing features, including cut content, removed game modes, and delayed narrative, prompting a reassessment of the release timeline.
– Krafton confirmed the leaked document’s authenticity, stating milestone reviews ensure projects meet their quality and creative standards before release.
– Bloomberg reported the delay may be tied to a $250M bonus for Unknown Worlds if financial targets were met, leading to fan backlash and boycott calls.
– The ousted studio leaders are suing Krafton, while Subnautica 2’s release is now expected in 2026 for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
The highly anticipated sequel Subnautica 2 has faced significant development hurdles, with parent company Krafton confirming the authenticity of a leaked internal review criticizing the game’s progress. The document, which surfaced on Reddit, reveals substantial cuts to planned content, including missing biomes, a scrapped leviathan creature, and reduced gameplay hours. These setbacks have led to a delayed release timeline, sparking controversy among fans and developers alike.
According to the leaked assessment, the current build, dated May 2025, falls short of initial expectations. Key features like a promised game mode and a major underwater vehicle were removed, while the narrative remains incomplete. The review explicitly states that the project failed to meet its 2023 development goals, prompting Krafton to postpone the launch. A new trailer accompanied the delay announcement, though it did little to quell growing concerns.
Krafton defended its decision, emphasizing its commitment to quality. “Regular milestone reviews are standard practice across our studios,” a spokesperson explained. “These evaluations ensure projects meet our creative and technical benchmarks before release.” However, tensions between Krafton and Unknown Worlds’ former leadership, including co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, suggest deeper conflicts. Reports indicate a $250 million performance bonus tied to Subnautica 2’s 2025 financial targets may have influenced the dispute, with some fans now threatening to boycott the game.
The situation escalated further when Krafton accused Unknown Worlds’ ex-executives of neglecting their responsibilities, prompting Cleveland, McGuire, and former CEO Ted Gill to file a lawsuit. While the legal battle unfolds, Subnautica 2’s revised launch window has been pushed to 2026 for PC and Xbox Series X|S. The delay leaves fans questioning whether the final product will deliver on its ambitious vision or remain a shadow of its original promise.
(Source: GameSpot)
