The original Subnautica was groundbreaking. It’s still well-supported and popular, and the hype for Subnautica 2 has been astronomical. This unbridled excitement has plummeted recently due to Krafton laying off key members of the Unknown Worlds Entertainment team. Now, many in the community are pulling back from purchasing the game in retaliation.
Subnautica 2 was first announced, and the reveal was met with widespread enthusiasm. Early access plans were outlined—similar to the first game—and it would surely build upon the successes of the debut title. Everything seems good, right? Well, in stepped Krafton to lay off key Unknown Worlds members: Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire.
This was received very badly. I can tell you things got much worse when news of an alleged $250 million payout broke. The news has angered Subnautica players, who are appealing for a boycott.
Subnautica 2 Community Calling For Boycott Over “Shady Practices”
The Subnautica 2 subreddit has a post simply titled: “DO NOT BUY SUBNAUTICA 2.”
The message is strong and clear: “The publisher, Krafton, has fired all three original founders of Unknown Worlds and delayed the game to 2026 so that devs wouldn’t receive 250 million in bonuses. Do not support these shady business practices. Do not buy Subnautica 2.“
It’s accepted in the community that by delaying Subnautica 2’s early access, this stunts the company’s ability to reach the $250 million payout target. Judging from some of the comments I’ve seen in the Reddit thread, this boycott is likely going to be supported by many.
“I’m not a boycott person, but I’m definitely not going to buy it now,” said one comment, whereas one reply mentions another form of action that can be taken: “Review-bombing it as soon as it releases, with all this info, would probably make a bigger impact. Steam review scores have a huge impact on purchasing decisions.”
Are Krafton’s actions undefendable? Will you support the boycott? If so, what do you hope comes from all of this? Let us know all your thoughts and more through the Insider Gaming forum.
For more news, read about Donkey Kong Bananza being planned for the first Switch, and Marvel’s Blade surviving despite recent Xbox layoffs.
