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”
Subnautica 2 has exceeded publisher Krafton’s expectations following its early access launch, selling over five million units to date. The ocean survival game’s commercial performance has prompted Krafton to position the franchise as a major growth opportunity, potentially establishing it as their “second franchise IP” after PUBG.
A key factor in Subnautica 2’s broad appeal has been the addition of co-op multiplayer, a feature that initially proved divisive among players but ultimately expanded the player base beyond longtime franchise fans. Notably, approximately half of the game’s player base consists of newcomers who had never played the original Subnautica, demonstrating the co-op mode’s effectiveness in attracting new audiences.
This success has energized Krafton’s vision for the franchise’s future, which extends well beyond Subnautica 2. The publisher is actively exploring ways to expand the IP into new territories and experiences, signaling plans for potential future entries and spin-offs. The strong performance in early access suggests considerable appetite for continued Subnautica content.
The path to this point has not been entirely smooth. Subnautica 2 involved a notable legal dispute between Krafton and former studio executives, with the publisher reportedly obliged to pay Unknown Worlds Entertainment a substantial earn-out related to the game’s success. Despite this complication, Krafton’s confidence in the franchise remains high, viewing the co-op feature as validation of its strategy to broaden the franchise’s appeal and establish it as a cornerstone IP for long-term growth.