Subnautica 2 Delay Rooted in Content Concerns, Leaked Assessment Reveals
Krafton has confirmed the authenticity of a leaked internal assessment detailing concerns about the content and polish of Subnautica 2, shedding new light on the contentious split with key developers and the game’s delayed release. The document suggests the delay wasn’t simply a tactic to avoid a promised $250 million bonus, but stemmed from legitimate concerns about the game’s readiness for early access.
The controversy surrounding Subnautica 2’s development has been escalating since the departure of former Unknown Worlds senior leadership – Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire – following their acquisition by Krafton in 2021. The leaked slides, initially reported by Kotaku, detail a May 2025 evaluation of the game’s progress.
Krafton’s Concerns: Missing Content and Polish
According to the internal presentation, while Subnautica 2 contained a variety of content, it fell short of expectations for a sequel. “While the game includes a variety of content, it currently lacks the freshness and volume expected of a sequel,” reads a summary from the assessment.
Specifically, the analysis highlighted five key areas where the 2025 build deviated from the originally planned early access launch specifications set in 2023. These included: two fewer biomes, one less leviathan creature, a missing vehicle, a removed game mode, and approximately six hours of narrative content that had been cut.
“Compared to the originally planned EA launch specifications, the current target content volume has been reduced or adjusted across various elements such as biomes, creatures, equipment/progression, and features,” the assessment stated. “Due to a gap between the current state and the content volume assumed during the initial launch planning, it is necessary to reassess the release timeline and roadmap.”
Internal Review Process Confirmed
Krafton acknowledged the document’s legitimacy in a statement to PC Gamer, clarifying that such milestone reviews are standard practice. “The document that has been circulating on social media and reported by various outlets is indeed part of an internal milestone review conducted as part of the Subnautica 2 project,” a company representative stated. “Milestone reviews are conducted regularly in collaboration with Krafton’s creative studios across all projects. These reviews help assess development progress, define clear objectives, and ensure that each project aligns with Krafton’s standards in both creativity and quality.”
This evidence lends credence to Krafton’s narrative, challenging initial assumptions that the developer firings were solely motivated by financial considerations. The situation has sparked debate within the Subnautica community, with some initially believing the ousted developers were advocating for more development time while Krafton pushed for an early release.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Action
However, Unknown Worlds co-founder Charlie Cleveland asserted last week that “We know that the game is ready for early access release and we know you’re ready to play it.” This statement directly contradicts Krafton’s assessment.
It’s important to note that internal development metrics are not definitive. It remains possible that adjustments made by Unknown Worlds were reasonable and could have been addressed during the early access period. Without further insight from the development team or access to the game itself, a complete understanding remains elusive.
The dispute has escalated into legal action, with Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire filing a lawsuit against Krafton. The publisher, in turn, has publicly criticized the former leaders, accusing them of “betrayal” and abandoning their responsibilities, even alleging that Cleveland prioritized a “personal film project” over Subnautica 2.
As one observer noted, drawing parallels to the troubled development of Disco Elysium, this situation serves as a cautionary tale for fans of ambitious game projects. The unfolding drama surrounding Subnautica 2 highlights the complex challenges inherent in game development and the often-fraught relationship between creative vision and corporate expectations.
