Publisher Krafton has unveiled that Subnautica 2 will be a multiplayer-focused live-service game, as mentioned in its latest financial report.
In describing Subnautica 2, Krafton stated it as a "multiplayer sequel to the original IP pursuing fandom snowballing", offering a somewhat convoluted explanation of the game's concept.
According to Krafton, Subnautica 2 will allow players to "explore an oceanic world in stunning stylized graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5", featuring both "single or one to four player co-op to uncover the mysteries on an entirely new alien planet", and adopting a "game-as-a-service model with enhanced replayability".
Originally released in 2018, Subnautica achieved significant success as an indie game, followed by its sequel, Below Zero, in 2021. IGN's review of Subnautica awarded it a 9/10, praising its focus, compelling sci-fi narrative, and immersive underwater horror experience.
Regarding Below Zero, IGN remarked that it is "a leaner, meaner standalone expansion to Subnautica that improves on the story and mechanics, but doesn't give us as much room to explore." While both Subnautica and Below Zero were initially single-player games, modders later introduced multiplayer functionality post-launch.
The gaming industry has encountered challenges with live-service games lately, with several recent endeavors failing to make an impact and some even being canceled prior to release. Notably, Sony halted the development of Naughty Dog's The Last of Us multiplayer game, signaling a broader shift away from live-service projects at PlayStation, with Naughty Dog refocusing its efforts on single-player games.