[UPDATE] Unknown Worlds Entertainment has shared a public statement to clarify the Subnautica 2 bullet points mentioned by KRAFTON.
Early Access is not intended for release in 2024, but we plan to share a lot more information later this year!
In reference to “Games-as-a-Service,” we simply plan to continually update the game for many years to come, just like the previous two Subnautica games. Think our Early Access update model, expanded. No season passes. No battle passes. No subscription.
The game is not multiplayer-focused. Co-op will be an entirely optional way to play the game. You’ll be able to enjoy the game as a single-player.
[ORIGINAL STORY] In its Q4 2023 earnings release, KRAFTON shared an interesting update on Subnautica 2. According to the publisher (which acquired developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment in October 2021), Subnautica 2 will be a 'multiplayer sequel' adopting the GaaS business model. The game will also be powered by Unreal Engine 5, abandoning the Unity engine used in the previous entries.
Multiplayer sequel to the original IP pursuing fandom snowballing
Explore an oceanic world in stunning stylized graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5
Single or 1-4 player co-op to uncover the mysteries on an entirely new alien planet
We first heard about Subnautica 2 in KRAFTON's previous quarterly report. The game is tentatively scheduled to launch in the first half of 2025. Its predecessor, Subnautica: Below Zero, was rated 7.5/10 by Chris Wray in Wccftech's review.
If you liked Subnautica, Subnautica: Below Zero still has the base of what made the original great - the charm, the wonder, the building and even some of the exploration - but this has been tempered somewhat. The story-focused approach here is interesting, even compelling at parts, but the game doesn't do enough to keep you on track or from getting lost in the many enclosed caves, caverns and tunnels running throughout. Also, like the original, this does have its fair share of bugs and issues. Still, no matter the issues, it is still a genuinely good game. While it may not be as good as the original, it's still up there as one of the better survival games around.
Beyond Subnautica 2, KRAFTON also plans to release the following titles throughout its fiscal year 2024:
Black Budget (an extraction shooter based on PUBG gunplay)
Furthermore, KRAFTON aims to expand the PUBG IP to become a multi-product franchise valued at $10 billion through the following steps:
Explore changes in platform/genre player experiences reflecting the core values of PUBG
Priority on strengthening and expanding IP through games
Gradual expansion of branding and products beyond games to create cultural trends