Subnautica 2: milestones, disputes, and further development

Subnautica 2, developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment (UWE), has had a striking start since launching in early access on 14 May 2026. The underwater survival game has not only won over players, but in recent weeks it has also led to legal disputes between the developer and publisher Krafton. This article provides an overview of the key events, sales performance, and future plans for Subnautica 2.

Sales performance

Since its early access launch, Subnautica 2 has far exceeded its sales targets. In less than 12 hours after release, 2 million copies had already been sold, with a total of 4 million copies sold by the time it was reported on 28 May 2026. The game, priced at around $30 per copy, had already generated more than $100 million in revenue in its first week. This has significant financial implications for Krafton, especially given the agreement around a $250 million performance bonus for UWE.

What sparked the dispute

The war of words between Krafton and UWE began after Krafton acquired UWE in 2021 for $50 million. The agreement included a $250 million performance bonus, dependent on UWE’s monthly revenue. Krafton had to pay $3.12 for every $1 in revenue once income rose above $69.8 million per month. After some internal disagreements and a delayed release, Krafton even went as far as dismissing UWE’s management in the summer of 2025 and postponing the launch of Subnautica 2. This resulted in a lawsuit in which Krafton tried to avoid paying the bonus.

Legal developments

The legal battle culminated in a lawsuit that Krafton lost, leading to the reinstatement of CEO Ted Gill and an obligation to honor the promised $250 million. On 28 May 2026, it was confirmed that Krafton would pay the bonus to UWE, driven by the game’s impressive sales figures. This financial obligation looked worrying for Krafton, as it would amount to roughly 35% of its operating profit in 2025.

Future developments and roadmap

Despite the disputes, the future of Subnautica 2 looks promising. Unknown Worlds has announced plans for various quality-of-life improvements, expanded multiplayer features, and new content. The developers have emphasized that the game did not use generative AI in development, setting it apart in today’s games industry landscape.

The success of Subnautica 2 on platforms such as Steam and Xbox, where it is included in Game Pass, has drawn plenty of attention. This combination of performance and announced updates means players and investors alike are eagerly watching what comes next for the game.

With a strong start and an exciting roadmap, Subnautica 2 is well positioned to further strengthen its place in the gaming community, while the complex relationship between developer and publisher continues to evolve.