The waters surrounding Subnautica 2 just got a lot deeper — and a lot more turbulent. Following the abrupt departure of key leadership figures at Unknown Worlds, including co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, Cleveland has taken to Reddit with a fiery update on the game’s status — and he’s got words for both fans and publisher Krafton.
According to Cleveland, despite Krafton’s suggestion that the game isn’t yet ready, Subnautica 2 is indeed set for Early Access. In his words: “We know that the game is ready for early access release and we know you’re ready to play it.” So… what’s the holdup?
Behind-the-Scenes Shakeup
Cleveland’s comments come hot on the heels of a sudden and dramatic leadership change at Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the original Subnautica and its chilly sequel, Below Zero. The shift reportedly saw Cleveland, McGuire, and even CEO Ted Gill removed from the studio they helped build — a move many fans see as a corporate power play by Krafton, the studio’s parent company since 2021.
For context, Krafton — best known for PUBG — acquired Unknown Worlds in a bid to diversify its portfolio. Since then, the development of Subnautica 2 has been quietly ongoing, with anticipation building among fans of the first game’s eerie underwater survival gameplay and rich, mysterious world.
However, Krafton’s latest statement implied that Subnautica 2 wasn’t yet ready for prime time — a claim Cleveland flatly denied in his Reddit post, leaving fans wondering what’s really going on behind closed doors.
“We’re Ready, You’re Ready, But It’s Not Our Call”
Cleveland’s post wasn’t just a technical update — it was an emotional farewell and a rallying cry for the Subnautica community. “After all these years, to find that I’m no longer able to work at the company I started stings,” he wrote. “But this is not where the story ends.”
He expressed deep gratitude toward the Subnautica fanbase, thanking them for years of support, creativity, and loyalty. From Gorge plushies to hand-drawn fan art, Cleveland painted a picture of a vibrant community that helped shape the game’s success.
The former director made it clear: the team had a vision, and that vision included letting players dive into Subnautica 2 via Early Access — sooner rather than later. But with Krafton now calling the shots, the timeline for release appears to be out of the developers’ hands.
Fans React with Frustration — and a Boycott
Unsurprisingly, the community didn’t take the news lightly. Social media and Reddit lit up with fans calling for a boycott of Subnautica 2, some even removing it from their wish lists in protest of the leadership shakeup and alleged corporate interference. For a franchise that grew from humble, indie roots into a global hit, the perception of a soulless takeover has struck a nerve.
In response, Unknown Worlds released a statement asking fans for patience and understanding, emphasizing that the majority of the development team remains in place and committed to finishing the game.
Still, for many long-time supporters, the removal of Cleveland and McGuire is personal — and has cast a shadow over what was one of the most anticipated survival sequels in recent memory.
So, When Can We Dive In?
At this point, no official Early Access release date has been confirmed for Subnautica 2. The mixed signals — Cleveland’s claim that it’s ready, versus Krafton’s assertion that it’s not — have left players treading water. What’s clear is that the game is in a playable state, at least according to the people who built it.
Whether Krafton delays release for internal polish, marketing strategy, or something else entirely remains unknown. But one thing is certain: Subnautica 2 is now swimming through corporate waters just as treacherous as the alien oceans it portrays.
With the original developers now on the outside looking in, fans are left asking: will Subnautica 2 stay true to its indie roots — or sink under the weight of its new overlords?
Stay tuned — it’s going to be a wild dive.
