Subnautica 2 Delayed to 2026, Devs Miss Out on $250 Million Bonus Impact

"Subnautica 2 Delayed to 2026, $250M Bonus Lost"

Krafton has delayed the highly anticipated game until 2026, impacting developers' potential $250 million payout, despite claims of readiness for Early Access.
Sam Gupta10 July 2025Last Update :
Subnautica 2 Delayed To 2026 Denying Devs $250 Million Bonus
kotaku.com

Krafton has announced a significant delay for one of the most wishlisted games on Steam, pushing its release from 2025 to 2026. This underwater survival sim, developed by Unknown Worlds, was set for an Early Access launch later this year, but recent corporate changes have altered its trajectory. As of July 10, 2025, the decision to delay the game is expected to cost the developers a staggering $250 million payout.

6 Key Takeaways
  • Game delayed from 2025 to 2026
  • Unknown Worlds founders fired by Krafton
  • Delay impacts potential $250 million payout
  • Developers claim game ready for Early Access
  • Fan backlash and calls for boycotts
  • Krafton denies delay linked to bonuses

This delay comes after the ousting of studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill. Despite their claims that the game was ready for release, Krafton has opted to postpone the launch, raising questions about the motivations behind this decision. Could it be to avoid hefty bonuses for the developers?

Fast Answer: The delay of this highly anticipated game reflects broader industry tensions, highlighting the impact of corporate decisions on game development timelines worldwide.

This situation raises critical questions about the future of game development. Will delays like this discourage innovation? The implications are significant:

  • Developers may face increased pressure to meet corporate expectations.
  • Fan backlash could lead to boycotts, impacting sales and reputation.
  • Such decisions may set a precedent for how publishers manage studio teams.
This delay underscores the fragility of developer-publisher relationships in the gaming industry, affecting both creators and consumers globally.

As the gaming community watches closely, it’s crucial for players to voice their opinions. Will this delay change how you view the game upon its eventual release?

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


We use cookies to personalize content and ads , to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic...Learn More

Accept
Follow us on Telegram Follow us on Twitter