The highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 underwater adventure game, Subnautica, known as Subnautica 2, has been pushed back to a 2026 release. Krafton, the game’s publisher, insists that the delay was not influenced by contractual or financial motives, despite emerging news of a potential $250 million payout linked to certain performance goals.
Recently, Krafton took a surprising step by removing the original founders of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, including Charlie Cleveland and Ted Gill, from their leadership roles. They were replaced by Steve Papoutsis from Striking Distance, who is now the CEO of Unknown Worlds. This shake-up coincided closely with the ongoing financial commitments, sparking suspicions.
According to reports, there was a lucrative incentive program promising a $250 million bonus to Unknown Worlds if revenue targets were hit by the end of 2025, which would have significantly benefited the ousted executives.
With Subnautica 2 now delayed beyond 2025, achieving these revenue goals seems unlikely, potentially nullifying the hefty bonus. After his removal, Charlie Cleveland commented on the situation, stating that the game was ready for early access and expressing his disappointment at losing control over a company he helped build.
In response, new CEO Steve Papoutsis stated that Krafton felt the game wasn’t ready for early access and claimed no awareness of any bonus-related changes, denying any connection to the shifts in leadership.
The original Subnautica, released in early access in 2014 and fully launched in 2018, sold over six million copies, cementing its place as a beloved survival indie hit. The delay and controversy around Subnautica 2 have created tension between Krafton, Unknown Worlds, and the dedicated fanbase, casting doubt on whether the delay was justified.
As this story unfolds, the gaming community remains keenly interested in how these corporate maneuvers will impact the beloved franchise.
