Among all the layoffs last week, Unknown Worlds Entertainment had its own controversy when Steve Papoutsis of Striking Distance Studios was assigned as CEO. Former leaders Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire were out, effective immediately, causing concern for Subnautica 2.
The developer has since released a statement to the community, assuring fans, “The team that has been working on the game day-to-day over the last few years remains completely unchanged.” This includes veterans who worked on the original, though many “incredible and talented developers” have also joined to “help us bring our vision for Subnautica 2 to life.”
It’s currently supporting Papoutsis as he “transitions into his role as CEO at Unknown Worlds. He’s already expressed his excitement to check out everything we’ve been working on and is diving into supporting our ongoing vision and journey to releasing Subnautica 2 early access.”
In its present state, Unknown Worlds touts the world and experience as “something that we’re all extremely proud of. From the story we’re hoping to tell, to every creature (big and small), down to the tiniest rock. We want to reassure you that Krafton feels strongly about supporting that vision at the studio as we continue to navigate the game toward Early Access.”
Of course, it’s also committed to listening to feedback and delivering on the “highest quality standards” while meeting expectations. There will be an update for the title’s early access timeline “soon,” but for now, it assured that nothing has changed about the overall structure.
“It will remain a single-player first experience, with optional co-operative multiplayer. No subscriptions. No loot boxes. No battle pass. No microtransactions.”
Subnautica 2 launches into early access later this year for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It will also be available on Game Pass. While it follows up on the original, the story takes place on a new planet with new biomes, sea life and more. Stay tuned for updates in the meantime.
