The highly anticipated Subnautica 2 has been officially delayed to 2026, but what first appeared to be a development decision has now exploded into a full-blown controversy. Developer layoffs, alleged financial manipulation, and a massive community backlash have thrown Krafton, the game’s publisher, into stormy waters.
🔥 Developer Layoffs Raise Red Flags
On July 2, Krafton made headlines by abruptly firing the entire leadership team behind Subnautica 2. That includes Unknown Worlds’ co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill.
While Krafton claimed the move was to “ensure alignment with the company’s vision,” a Bloomberg report has since alleged something far more controversial: the terminations may have been a calculated move to avoid a $250 million earnout tied to Unknown Worlds’ 2025 revenue.
💰 The $250 Million Question
According to the Bloomberg investigation, Krafton’s acquisition deal with Unknown Worlds included a performance-based clause. If Subnautica 2 launched in 2025 and met certain revenue milestones, Krafton would be obligated to pay the developer team a $250 million bonus.
By delaying the game to 2026 and removing the studio’s original leadership, Krafton may be attempting to sidestep that payout—a move many are now calling bad faith termination.
🗣️ Charlie Cleveland Responds
Just two days later, on July 4, Charlie Cleveland broke his silence. In a public statement, he claimed that Subnautica 2 was ready for early access as scheduled, contradicting Krafton’s claims that the game needed more development time.
While Cleveland stopped short of accusing Krafton directly, his statement added fuel to an already growing fire.
🚨 Community Outrage & Boycott Calls
Following the revelations, the Subnautica community erupted. A viral Reddit post titled “Do NOT buy Subnautica 2” has received nearly 60,000 upvotes, with players calling for a boycott of the game unless Krafton addresses the allegations and restores the original team.
The backlash is spreading fast. Fans are not only uninstalling the game’s demo but also removing Subnautica 2 from their Steam wishlists, where it had ranked as the second most-wishlisted title on the platform, just behind Hollow Knight: Silksong.
📆 What Happens Next?
As it stands, Subnautica 2’s release has been pushed to 2026, and Krafton has yet to respond directly to the accusations in the Bloomberg report. Many in the gaming industry are now watching closely, not just for updates on the game, but to see how Krafton handles the growing PR crisis.
The Subnautica 2 release date delay controversy is no longer just about development timelines—it’s a lightning rod for bigger conversations about corporate ethics, developer rights, and transparency in the gaming industry. With hundreds of thousands of fans watching and waiting, Krafton may be facing one of its most turbulent periods yet.