Subnautica 2 is being made by original developers. Studio reassures fans after leadership change

Following a series of layoffs last week, the studio Unknown Worlds came under fire. Steve Papoutsis from Striking Distance Studios became the new CEO, while former leaders Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire abruptly departed the project. This has sparked concern among Subnautica 2 fans.

The developers made another statement: “The team that has worked on the game over the past few years remains unchanged.” It includes veterans of the first installment as well as new talent brought in to realize the sequel’s ambitious vision.

The studio is currently helping Papoutsis get up to speed. He has already expressed enthusiasm and is actively immersing himself in the workflows to help bring Subnautica 2 to early access.

The team reassures that the game’s world and the overall experience are a point of particular pride for them. They have considered everything—from the storyline to the finest environmental details. Publisher Krafton also supports this approach.

The studio promises high quality, close attention to player feedback, and no changes to the project’s core structure. The game remains a single-player experience with optional co-op. No subscriptions. No loot boxes. No battle pass. No microtransactions.

Subnautica 2 will launch in early access this year on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available on Game Pass. The events take place on a new planet featuring uncharted biomes and creatures.

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Cover author: Unknownworlds. Cover source: Unknownworlds