The development team behind Subnautica 2, Unknown Worlds Entertainment, faced unexpected leadership changes, prompting co-founder Charlie Cleveland to express his disappointment in a recent statement on Reddit. Cleveland emphasized that the team believes the game is ready for an early access release, but the decision now lies with Krafton, the publisher. Despite earlier expectations of a near-term release, Krafton's latest statement suggests a delay in their announcement regarding the early access timeline. Addressing community concerns, Krafton reassured fans that Subnautica 2 would maintain a single-player focus without introducing microtransactions or other monetization strategies. This reflects a commitment to prioritizing the players' experience while navigating the new management dynamics.

Unknown Worlds Entertainment has faced leadership changes that have left the future direction of Subnautica 2 in question, leading to uncertainty about the game's early access timeline. The previous management team was replaced, which has raised concerns regarding the studio's independence and creative vision.

Subnautica 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed survival adventure game Subnautica, which gained a dedicated fan base for its captivating underwater world and gameplay mechanics. Originally developed from a Half-Life 1 mod, the franchise has seen significant growth, with Unknown Worlds becoming known for its innovation and commitment to creating immersive gaming experiences.