Krafton, the parent firm overseeing Subnautica 2’s development at Unknown Worlds, has pushed the game’s launch from 2025 to 2026, potentially sidestepping a substantial $250 million payout owed to the studio upon meeting revenue goals this year. An article from Bloomberg alleges that Unknown Worlds’ staff expected the bonus if financial benchmarks were achieved by December 2025—a target more feasible had the sequel launched as planned. The delay appears to jeopardize these earnings, leaving developers without the anticipated compensation.

The controversy follows the abrupt exit of Unknown Worlds’ leadership—founders Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire—who were replaced by former Striking Distance Studios executive Steve Papoutsis. Krafton’s announcement omitted reasons for the departures but emphasized prioritizing player experience: “Subnautica 2 deserves to meet its full potential before release.”

Per Bloomberg’s sources, the original leadership opposed postponing the game. Cleveland expressed frustration in a Reddit post, stating, “This week’s events blindsided us. We believed the early-access version was polished and timely. Now, Krafton holds the reins, and I’m no longer part of the studio I helped create.”

During a staff meeting, Papoutsis reportedly justified the delay by asserting Subnautica 2 needed additional development time, though employees questioned whether financial incentives influenced the decision. When pressed about the bonus, Papoutsis replied, “I can’t speak to contractual details,” and stressed alignment with Krafton’s vision: “Both parties agreed the game requires more refinement.” He denied direct knowledge of any payout-related motives.

Krafton, known for PUBG and securing Tango Gameworks from complete shutdown after Microsoft’s divestment, purchased Unknown Worlds in 2021 for $500 million. Subnautica 2, initially slated for early access in 2025, remains slated for Xbox Game Pass despite the setback.