Krafton pledges to turn Subnautica into “franchise IP” after Subnautica 2 surpasses 5m sales in just 22 days
Krafton has announced plans to expand Subnautica into a full "franchise IP" after its sequel, Subnautica 2, surpassed 5 million sales within just 22 days of its early access launch. The milestone comes despite a turbulent year for developer Unknown Worlds, which saw a bitter legal dispute between Krafton and the studio's ousted leadership over bonus payments, ultimately resolved through a settlement earlier this year.
Krafton revealed the sales figure in its second-quarter 2026 financial results, noting Subnautica 2 hit 5 million units sold following its Xbox Series X/S and PC early access debut on 14th May. Across the whole Subnautica series, the publisher generated roughly £121m in revenue during the first half of its financial year. The legal battle had centred on a promised $250m staff bonus tied to revenue targets, which the previous leadership – including founder Charlie Cleveland and former CEO Ted Gill – argued Krafton's decision to delay launch into 2026 would jeopardise; a US judge ultimately sided with the ousted team, leading to a settlement extending bonus payments to all current Unknown Worlds staff.
In short
- Subnautica 2 hit 5m sales just 22 days after early access launch
- Krafton now plans to develop Subnautica into a "franchise IP"
- Follows legal dispute with ousted Unknown Worlds leadership over bonuses
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Krafton can reasonably argue that Subnautica 2’s rapid sales show strong demand and create an opportunity to build a lasting franchise, potentially supporting further games and related projects. Expanding the series could also provide more stable commercial backing for Unknown Worlds and its staff.
The case against
Others may argue that turning Subnautica into a broader franchise risks prioritising rapid commercial growth over the distinctive, carefully developed experience that made the series successful. Given the recent dispute over launch timing and staff bonuses, they may also question whether expansion plans will serve the people making the games as well as the publisher.
Explained simply
Subnautica is a survival video game where players explore an alien ocean world, discovering creatures and building underwater bases. The original title was released in 2018 and became popular with players and critics alike. Its sequel launched in early access in May 2026.
Krafton, a major South Korean video game publisher, owns the franchise. The games are developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, an independent studio based in the United States. The two companies were engaged in a legal dispute during 2025 over unpaid staff bonuses, which was resolved through a court settlement earlier this year.
Subnautica has become one of Krafton's commercially significant franchises. The series' strong performance provides context for understanding the publisher's strategic direction with the brand.
Americas Entertainment Software Technology TV