The development cycle of the highly anticipated sequel, Subnautica 2, has hit turbulent waters, as publisher Krafton has officially confirmed the authenticity of a leaked internal review document. This confirmation lends significant weight to recent reports of friction between Krafton and the game`s developer, Unknown Worlds, especially concerning the project`s readiness for release.
The Contents of the Confidential Report
The leaked document, which found its way onto the Subnautica 2 subreddit, provided a critical assessment of the game`s development status as of May 2025. It revealed that the build fell notably short of internal goals set back in 2023. Specific points of concern highlighted in the review included the removal of approximately six hours of planned content, the cutting of an entire game mode, the absence of two biomes, a missing Leviathan class creature, and an unimplemented vehicle. The report concluded by recommending a reassessment of the game`s release timeline and content roadmap, painting a picture of a project struggling to meet its original scope and schedule.
Krafton`s Official Statement
In response to the leak`s circulation, a Krafton spokesperson authenticated the document. They described it as part of a standard process of “Milestone reviews” conducted across all projects with their creative studios. According to Krafton, these reviews are intended to “assess development progress, define clear objectives, and ensure that each project aligns with Krafton`s standards in both creativity and quality.” While this statement frames the review purely as a routine quality control measure, its stark contents reveal underlying issues that are anything but routine.
Behind the Scenes Conflict
The confirmation of development issues through this leak arrives amidst swirling reports of significant internal conflict. Earlier this month, Unknown Worlds studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with former CEO Ted Gill, reportedly departed the studio under pressure from Krafton. Disagreements over the readiness of Subnautica 2 for an early access release were cited as a key point of contention between the studio`s original leadership and the parent company. The leaked document, in essence, appears to validate concerns held by the studio`s former leaders about the project`s state.
Financial Undertones and Legal Battles
Adding a layer of corporate intrigue, a report from Bloomberg suggested a potential link between the game`s delay and a substantial $250 million bonus package for Unknown Worlds tied to achieving specific financial milestones in 2025. With Subnautica 2 now delayed, meeting those targets becomes considerably more challenging. This financial context adds a dimension of potential motive behind the alleged pressure on the studio`s former leadership regarding the release schedule. The situation has now escalated into legal action, with Cleveland, McGuire, and Gill reportedly filing a lawsuit against Krafton. This development promises a potentially prolonged legal battle, further complicating the narrative around Subnautica 2`s journey to launch.
The Path Forward
With an internal leak confirming significant development hurdles, the original studio leadership gone, and a lawsuit underway, the path forward for Subnautica 2 appears complex. The game has now been officially delayed, with an anticipated release window currently set for 2026 on PC and Xbox Series X|S. As the corporate drama unfolds in court, fans are left waiting, with the leaked details providing a stark reminder of the often-unseen challenges in bringing ambitious game projects to completion. The promise of exploring alien oceans remains, but the journey to get there has clearly encountered unforeseen, and now publicly acknowledged, obstacles.
