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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Subnautica 2 boycott call followed leadership changes at developer Unknown Worlds and a delay of the game’s Early Access launch to 2026. A Reddit post reported by Insider Gaming alleged the delay was intended to keep developers from receiving a $250 million bonus. That claim was not established as the reason for the delay. In March 2026, a court found that Krafton breached its agreement over key employees’ terminations and control of the studio, but the decision did not determine the alleged motive.
Why did people call for a Subnautica 2 boycott?
In July 2025, after Krafton changed Unknown Worlds’ leadership and Subnautica 2’s Early Access launch was pushed to 2026, a Reddit post titled “DO NOT BUY SUBNAUTICA 2” urged people not to buy the game. Insider Gaming reported that the post alleged Krafton had fired all three original founders and delayed the launch so developers would miss out on $250 million in bonuses.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Subnautica (PS4) | $23.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Subnautica + Subnautica Below Zero Double Pack (Nintendo Switch) | $45.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Subnautica - Xbox One | $69.14 | Buy on Amazon |
The $250 million figure and the claim about why the game was delayed were allegations in the boycott appeal, as reported by Insider Gaming—not a confirmed payout or an established explanation for the delay. The coverage also reported comments suggesting review bombing; that is evidence of proposed community action, not proof of a coordinated campaign.
What did Unknown Worlds and Krafton say?
Unknown Worlds addressed the leadership changes in a community letter on July 3, 2025. The studio said Steve Papoutsis was transitioning into the CEO role and that the day-to-day development team remained unchanged: “When it comes to Subnautica 2, the team that has been working on the game day-to-day over the last few years remains completely unchanged.” That was the studio’s public position at the time.
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GamesRadar+ reported Krafton’s position disputing the former leaders’ involvement and the characterization of events. Steve Papoutsis, then Unknown Worlds’ CEO, reacted to the reported boycott call in an interview: “Wow. Yeah. I mean, I guess my initial reaction is, that’s very disappointing.” These statements provide the parties’ perspectives; they do not by themselves establish why the launch was delayed.
What did the court decide—and what did it not decide?
On March 16, 2026, the Delaware Court of Chancery concluded that Krafton breached the acquisition agreement by terminating key employees without valid cause and improperly taking operational control of Unknown Worlds. The court stated: “Krafton breached the EPA by terminating the Key Employees without valid Cause and by improperly seizing operational control of Unknown Worlds.”
Rank #2
- Survival is key: gather valuable materials, craft tools, manage your hunger and thirst, all while evading the dangerous wildlife that sees you as its next meal
- the mysteries submerged on planet 4546b: you came here in search of answers. You risked everything to get here and you will not leave until you have uncovered the truth…
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The remedy included reinstating Edward Gill as CEO and restoring Gill’s authority over the game’s launch. The court also extended the base earnout testing period to September 15, 2026, with a contractual route to extend it to March 15, 2027. Those findings concern terminations, studio control, and the agreement’s terms. They do not establish that Krafton delayed the game to avoid paying the alleged bonus.
How to distinguish the claims
| Who | When | What the statement addresses |
|---|---|---|
| The Reddit boycott post, as reported by Insider Gaming | July 2025 | Alleged motive for the leadership changes and delay, including the claim about a $250 million bonus; not a judicial finding. |
| Unknown Worlds | July 3, 2025 | The studio’s account of leadership transition and continuity of the day-to-day team. |
| Krafton, as reported by GamesRadar+ | Reported in coverage of the dispute | The company’s disagreement with the former leaders’ involvement and characterization of events. |
| Delaware Court of Chancery | March 16, 2026 | Contract breaches concerning terminations and operational control, plus remedies; not the alleged reason for the delay. |
Is Subnautica 2 still delayed or boycotted?
Subnautica 2 is no longer an unreleased game: Steam lists its Early Access release date as May 14, 2026. The store identifies Unknown Worlds Entertainment as both developer and publisher, and describes solo play and online co-op with up to three friends. Steam also cautions that Early Access games may have bugs, unfinished features, and performance issues.
Rank #3
- Dive into a vast underwater world - sub Nautica's ocean range from shallow coral reefs to treacherous deep-sea trenches, lava fields, and bio-luminescent underwater rivers
- Scavenge, craft, and survive - after crash landing in your life pod, the clock is ticking to find water, food, and to develop equipment needed to explore as you collect resources from the ocean
- Construct underwater habitats - build Bases on the sea Floor, choosing layouts and components, and managing hull-integrity as depth and pressure Increase
- Unravel the mystery - signs abound that something is not right and you must Figure out what happened to this planet and what caused you to crash - can you find a way to make it Off the planet alive
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In a May 20, 2026 letter, Unknown Worlds acknowledged player concerns about creature balance and communication, and described Early Access as a collaboration with players. The letter records the studio’s response and commitment to improvements; it does not establish that every concern has been resolved.
What do the current Steam reviews show?
On October 8, 2026, Steam displayed 93% positive English reviews across 71,784 reviews overall and 88% positive recent reviews across 2,155 reviews. These are live storefront figures and can change. They describe review sentiment among people who reviewed the game, not how many people joined the boycott, whether they bought the game, or the boycott’s commercial effect.
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