# Krafton have big plans for Subnautica, after the second game’s once-divisive co-op “confirmed the potential to expand beyond the existing fan base”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/krafton-have-big-plans-for-subnautica-after-the-second-games-once-divisive-co-op-confirmed-the-potential-to-expand-beyond-the-existing-fan-base/
- Published: 2026-07-29T13:18:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-29T14:20:51+00:00
- Original publisher: Rock Paper Shotgun
- Original article: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/krafton-have-big-plans-for-subnautica-after-the-second-games-once-divisive-co-op-confirmed-the-potential-to-expand-beyond-the-existing-fan-base
- Topics: Art, Culture

## Key points

- Subnautica 2 has sold over five million units in early access.
- Krafton wants Subnautica to become its second major franchise after PUBG.
- Co-op mode, once controversial, drew in many new players.

## Summary

Publisher Krafton has revealed ambitious plans to grow Subnautica into a major franchise, after strong sales and player data for Subnautica 2 suggested the underwater survival series can reach beyond its existing fanbase. The comments, made to investors, matter because they signal Krafton wants Subnautica to become its second flagship franchise alongside PUBG, potentially spanning sequels, merchandise and other spin-offs, despite the game's fraught development history involving a legal dispute with former Unknown Worlds executives.

According to Krafton's latest quarterly financials, Subnautica 2 has sold more than five million units since launching into early access, with roughly half of its players new to the series, having not played the original Subnautica or Below Zero. Krafton executives, including CEO Changhan Kim and investor relations head Sophie Lee, credited the game's co-op mode for attracting this new audience, despite it being a divisive addition among returning fans before release who feared it would divert resources from the solo experience. The company says it now plans to "scale up" the Subnautica IP long-term while maintaining game quality and community trust through to full launch.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.