Subnautica 2 shows progress amidst legal drama

Fans of Subnautica 2 received a development update in the form of a vlog from the developers at Unknown Worlds, a sign that work on the game continues despite turbulence behind the scenes. The video, detailing a new marine predator, comes amidst a complex legal battle between the former studio leadership and its parent company, Krafton, over a $250 million bonus.

The acquisition of Unknown Worlds by Krafton in October 2021 gave rise to a public conflict. Months before the release of the Early Access of Subnautica 2, which was delayed to 2026, Krafton was supposed to pay a $250 million bonus to the development team. Reports indicate that the original studio leaders were fired amidst this dispute. The situation escalated with Krafton suing former leaders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, alleging that they "resorted to litigation to demand a multimillion-dollar payment they did not earn." In turn, Unknown Worlds also sued the same individuals, accusing them of stealing game design files before being let go.

In contrast to the corporate drama, Unknown Worlds released a vlog of 10 minutes that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the development. The video focuses on the new predator, the Collector Leviathan, describing it as the next step in the franchise's evolution. The creature was designed to "push the boundaries of immersion and threat," utilizing the Artificial Intelligence of the Unreal Engine 5 for realistic behaviors and dynamic reactions. The video showcases the first "aggressive" encounter players will have with the enemy.

The Collector Leviathan was designed to not just be a monster that randomly attacks. AI designer, Antonio Muñoz Gallego, explained in a quote that the creature "actively reacts to player behavior and pursues them," assessing the situation in real time. This approach aims to create more unpredictable and frightening encounters. The fan community has shown strong interest, with Subnautica 2 becoming the most desired game on Steam after the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong.

The new vlog of Subnautica 2 is a reminder that the game continues in active development. The legal situation between the former and current leadership of Unknown Worlds is a visible obstacle, but the high demand for the title on Steam indicates that the community's interest remains focused on the gaming experience.