The highly anticipated Early Access release of Subnautica 2 has been pushed back to 2026, publisher Krafton has confirmed, following a major leadership shake-up at developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment. The delay marks a significant shift for the franchise, and has drawn widespread attention due to a massive financial bonus reportedly tied to the game’s timeline.
Leadership Team Replaced at Unknown Worlds
On July 2, 2025, Krafton removed the entire founding leadership team behind Subnautica 2, including Ted Gill, Max McGuire, and Charlie Cleveland—the three co-founders of Unknown Worlds. In their place, Steve Papoutsis has been appointed as the new CEO.
Papoutsis, currently the CEO of Striking Distance Studios (The Callisto Protocol), will now also oversee operations at Unknown Worlds. While Krafton did not publicly explain the leadership transition, it’s a significant shake-up for a studio known for its creative independence since the release of Natural Selection in 2002.
The Real Reason Behind the Delay?
A report by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier suggests the delay may be financially motivated. According to the report, Krafton stood to pay a $250 million bonus to Unknown Worlds employees if Subnautica 2 met certain performance and release metrics, including launching in 2025.
By pushing the game’s Early Access release into 2026, Krafton is now unlikely to meet those payout conditions—potentially avoiding one of the largest internal developer bonuses in recent gaming history. This revelation has raised questions about corporate influence in game development, with some fans and industry insiders expressing concern over the apparent prioritization of financial strategy over creative integrity.
What’s Next for Subnautica 2?
Despite the turbulence, Krafton maintains that development on Subnautica 2 is ongoing. The game is still expected to include:
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A new alien ocean world
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Expanded survival mechanics and multiplayer elements
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A balance of exploration, story-driven gameplay, and base-building
However, details remain scarce under the new management. With Steve Papoutsis at the helm, it’s unclear how much of the original vision will remain intact.
Community Reaction: Mixed but Watchful
The fanbase is understandably shaken. While some applaud the potential for renewed development focus under new leadership, others are wary of corporate restructuring impacting the creative DNA of the franchise. Players have taken to forums and Reddit to voice concerns, with many questioning the transparency of Krafton’s motives and the future of the Subnautica series as a whole.
Subnautica 2’s Early Access delay to 2026 comes at a pivotal moment—not just for the developers at Unknown Worlds, but for the players who have followed the series since its humble beginnings. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Krafton and the new leadership to deliver a game that lives up to its beloved legacy—despite the growing pains.