In a major development shift, Krafton has officially delayed the release of Subnautica 2 to 2026, effectively nullifying a potential $250 million milestone payment that would have benefited Unknown Worlds employees. The decision, made against the wishes of the studio’s former leadership, means the underwater survival sequel will miss revenue targets that needed to be hit by the end of 2025.
When Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021 for $500 million, the deal included an additional $250 million tied to performance-based targets. This milestone bonus was intended to be shared among all employees present at the time of acquisition, with individual payouts potentially ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars per person.
The bonus structure wasn’t designed as a cash handout but rather as shares or stock options with a vesting schedule. Even so, it was still a life-changing sum for many developers who had contributed to the success of the original Subnautica games.
Reports indicate tension between Krafton and Unknown Worlds over the release strategy. The studio had planned to follow its successful pattern of launching in Early Access, a strategy that worked well for previous Subnautica titles. Despite internal communications suggesting the game was in a “great spot” developmentally, Krafton opted for the delay.
The decision has prompted departures among Unknown Worlds’ leadership and caused considerable dissatisfaction among staff. For many employees, the milestone payment meant financial security in an industry currently experiencing widespread layoffs and consolidation.
Subnautica, which first launched in Early Access before its full release, has sold between 6–14 million copies across all platforms. Its success established Unknown Worlds as a premier indie studio before the Krafton acquisition.
Something fishy about the timing
The delay raises questions about the motivations behind Krafton’s decision. While no official reason has been given, the timing conveniently ensures the studio cannot hit the revenue targets needed for the bonus payout. Some industry observers say this could potentially lead to legal challenges if employees argue the decision was made in bad faith.
Subnautica 2 will now surface in 2026, two years after fans expected to dive into the alien underwater world. While the extra development time might result in a more polished product, it comes at a steep cost for the developers who helped build the franchise into what it is today.
