Key Takeaways
1. Krafton confirmed the authenticity of a leaked internal document discussing Subnautica 2’s development issues.
2. The document revealed that the game lacks essential features and biomes, leading to delays and the removal of founding members from Unknown Worlds.
3. A narrative delay reduced the game’s gameplay by about 6 hours, prompting a re-evaluation of the release schedule.
4. Krafton emphasized the importance of meeting quality standards and indicated that the push for more content caused the delay, not a rush for an early release.
5. The situation has resulted in legal action from former leaders of Unknown Worlds against Krafton, with mixed reactions from fans regarding the game’s delay and development management.
Krafton has confirmed that a leaked internal document is authentic in a discussion with PC Gamer. This document was shared on the Subnautica subreddit, amid ongoing issues with the previous leaders of Unknown Worlds.
Details on the Document
The document reveals that the publisher intended to add more content and enhance the game before its Early Access launch. This led to a delay and the removal of founding members from Unknown Worlds. The internal presentation from May 2025 indicated that Subnautica 2 “lacks the newness and amount expected from a sequel.” Another slide pointed out that essential features were missing to achieve the Early Access launch goals. The report highlighted that the game was short two biomes, one leviathan, one vehicle, and a game mode that was ultimately cut.
Changes to the Narrative
Additionally, Krafton’s internal document mentioned that one narrative had been delayed, resulting in a reduction of roughly 6 hours of gameplay. Krafton explained, “The current target content volume has been decreased or modified across different aspects like biomes, creatures, equipment progression, and features,” which led to a “re-evaluation of the release schedule and roadmap.”
The publisher clarified that the internal presentation was just part of their usual target review process, done together with their creative studio, to ensure the project met Krafton’s quality standards.
Fallout and Reactions
Krafton’s acknowledgment of the internal document adds complexity to the situation between Unknown Worlds’ Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, Max McGuire, and the publisher. The former leaders were let go due to the delays.
Fans had speculated that the developers needed extra time for polishing, while Krafton was pushing for a 2025 release, which included a provisional bonus of $250 million. However, the internal documentation seems to indicate otherwise, showing Krafton was actually looking for more content, causing the delay rather than rushing the development.
Last week, Cleveland, who co-founded Unknown Worlds, claimed that the game was ready for Early Access. In contrast, Krafton accused the former leadership of feeling “a deep sense of betrayal and neglecting their responsibilities.” They also accused Cleveland of concentrating on a “personal film project” instead of focusing on Subnautica 2. Following these events, Cleveland, McGuire, and Gill have filed a lawsuit against Krafton, but details remain undisclosed.
Reactions to this situation have been varied. Some fans back Krafton’s decision to delay the game for a better Early Access experience. Meanwhile, others in the gaming community have criticized Krafton for their handling of titles like The Callisto Protocol, PUBG, and Inzoi.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply