What's Happening?
Subnautica 2's development is embroiled in a legal dispute between its publisher Krafton and former studio executives. The conflict arose after Krafton dismissed the leadership team, leading to a lawsuit from co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire. Despite the turmoil, the original Subnautica and its spinoff Below Zero have received patches addressing gameplay issues and offering significant discounts.
Why It's Important?
The legal battle over Subnautica 2 could delay its release and affect the studio's reputation. The ongoing dispute highlights challenges in game development, where corporate decisions can impact creative processes. The updates to the original games and discounts may serve as a strategy to maintain player engagement and mitigate negative publicity during the legal proceedings.
What's Next?
Subnautica 2 is expected to enter early access in 2026, but the legal dispute may influence its timeline. Krafton and the former executives might reach a settlement, impacting the game's development direction. The gaming community will likely monitor the situation, affecting player trust and future sales.
