After the recent Leaks, Subnautica 2 is talking about him … but not necessarily for the right reasons. Here’s what we know for the moment. Explanations in details.
It was one of the most anticipated games of 2025. Subnautica 2planned for early access this year, promised to expand the cult underwater universe with a new world, multiplayer and an ambition revised upwards. But a recent announcement sowed doubt. On July 2, the publisher Krafton revealed that the three co -founders of Unknown World Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were dismissed from the studio. A brutal decision, announced as effective immediately. All this comes after the recent leaks.
A brutal change that surprises everyone for Subnautica 2
In his press release, Krafton announces that Steve Papoutsis, former CEO of Striking Distance (The Callisto Protocol), now takes up the reins of Unknown Worlds. He will direct both the management of the studio and the creative direction of Subnautica 2. Officially, the publisher says he has tried to keep the creators involved, but does not specify the exact reasons for their departure, or if it is a pure and simple choice.
This announcement caused a wave of concern in the community. On the official discord of the game, messages are increasing. Many fear that the development of Subnautica 2 will lose its soul, even change course. Some also question the conditions under which this decision was made, especially since the internal team itself seems in the vagueness.
The fear of a “triple a” turn and the crunch
The arrival of Steve Papoutsis does not reassure everyone. His old studio, Striking Distance, had been criticized for his management and pressure on the developers. Conversely, Unknown Worlds has so far had a reputation for independent, creative, and rather human studio. For fans, there is therefore a real risk that Subnautica 2 is lost in freedom and adopts a more rigid structure, centered on profitability.
An employee has also confirmed that the team is still waiting for answers from Krafton. Even the developers seem to discover this new direction at the same time as the public. This lack of clarity reinforces the impression of a precipitated change, imposed by management without real consultation.
What consequences for Subnautica 2?
Officially, development continues. Subnautica 2 remains planned for an exit in early access this year. The game must introduce a cooperative exploration, a larger world, and take advantage of the capacities of the Unreal Engine 5. But in fact, it is difficult not to imagine that this internal upheaval will have consequences. Maybe not visible immediately, but very real.
We know that many ambitious projects have already been weakened by decisions of this type. Even with the best intentions, a change of direction along the way can alter the tone, the priorities, even the artistic vision of a game. Promises made upstream may not all be held.
Source: Krafton
