Subnautica 2 sells 5 million copies and kicks off franchise development

In brief

• Subnautica 2 has sold more than 5 million copies in just 22 days.
• Krafton has announced plans to grow the Subnautica series into a full franchise, with potential revenue of up to $250 million.
• A settlement has been reached between Krafton and Unknown Worlds over developer bonuses after legal disputes.

GAME-scanner analysis

Subnautica 2 reaching 5 million sales within 22 days shows just how strong the game’s appeal is. This success is not only a win for the developers, but also for Krafton, which can now expand its franchise strategy. The game reportedly generated $100 million in revenue in its first week of Early Access, confirming the title’s strong position in a competitive gaming market. The settlement over developer bonuses, while less visible, may help ensure stability for the development team and support future projects.

What does this mean for players?

For players, this means they can look forward to more content and possibly new titles within the Subnautica universe. Krafton’s plans to expand the series into a franchise could lead to more games, merchandise, and other media, increasing fan engagement. It could also improve the quality of future releases, as more resources become available for development. The settlement with Unknown Worlds may also contribute to smoother development on future titles.