Unknown Worlds announced today that it will launch Subnautica 2, its science-fiction survival game, in early access on May 14 on PC and Xbox Series X/S. The announcement comes amid an ongoing legal case between Unknown Worlds, the game’s developer, and Krafton, the (seemingly former) publisher. One of the significant points of that legal case was the release date of Subnautica 2, which was tied to a large payout to the developer.
The story of the Krafton-Unknown Worlds antagonism is centered around a $250 million bonus that Krafton would pay out to the developers if the game hit certain milestones. Last year, Krafton fired several of the studio’s leadership, including CEO Ted Gill, and delayed the game’s early access launch. The fired leaders fought back in court, and last month a judge ordered Krafton to reinstate Gill and extend the window for the $250 million bonus.
There are more details to the case, but keeping a long story short, much is riding on the launch of Subnautica 2. Unknown Worlds notes that the game has been the most-wishlisted game on Steam for months. It also released a cinematic trailer depicting some of the game’s tools in action as well as the setting.
Regarding the game itself, Unknown Worlds notes that it’s set on a different planet than the first game and will feature new fauna (likely just as harmful as those in the previous game). It also has expanded survival mechanics and optional co-op for up to four players. Gill said in a statement alongside the announcement, “Our team cannot wait to hear your feedback as the game evolves throughout Early Access.”