Subnautica 2 is confirmed to have live-service and multiplayer and fans are disappointed
Released in mid-2010, the undersea survival game Subnautica became an instant hit on PlayStation and Xbox. Its expertly woven survival crafting mechanics with a touch of horror in a unique setting made it popular among players. The game is coming back with a second edition, and it is set to include features that were missing in the first game.
Publisher Krafton shed more light on the upcoming installment in its latest earnings report. Subnautica 2 is being developed by Unknown Worlds. Previously, the game was given a release window of 2025, however, now Krafton has revealed a 2024 release.
Subnautica 2 will be live-service and multiplayer
Subnautica 2 is described in Krafton’s latest earnings report “Multiplayer sequelFor the hit survival game. It is further mentioned that the game uses Unreal Engine 5 to deliver “Surprisingly realized“sea World. Additionally, it also mentions that the upcoming game is designed for “solo or 1-4 player co-op”, and that it uses a “Game-as-a-Service model with enhanced replayability”,
Additionally, Subnautica 2 would also look to change things up with the developers looking for a more long-term development plan. It has been suggested that the game may feature a live-service model that will introduce new content, such as new locations, story beats, challenges, and more. These new elements are expected to be released regularly over time.
Notably, the two installments that preceded it, the original Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, were both single-player experiences. However, there were several mods available that allowed multiplayer in both games. This makes Subnautica 2 the first game in the series to focus on a multiplayer campaign. Up to 4 players can play in co-op mode supported by Unreal Engine 5.
It will also be the first Subnautica game to support a live service. In recent years, the live service has not been well received by the community. Nonetheless, Crafton believes that Subnautica 2’s “stunning stylized graphics” And “increased replayabilityThis will ensure that players stay engaged.
After Krafton revealed these details, developers Unknown Worlds published a blog to clarify some details. read the blog, “In the context of ‘games-as-a-service’, we plan to continuously update the game for many years to come, just like the previous two Subnautica games.”
The developer also pointed out that it is actually “Not multiplayer-focused.” Co-op will be a completely alternative way to play the game. You will be able to enjoy the game in single-player mode.” He further said that players should take the game as an extended version of the Early Access update model. There will be no season pass, battle pass, or membership.
Fans react to Subnautica 2’s live-service and multiplayer
This news received quite a disappointing response from fans of the series. Many fans expressed their concerns about the uncertainty of the longevity of live-service survival games. The recent record of live-service games has not been good.
A user named ‘Kemi’ says, “Live service poisons another game…what a waste of potential, Another user ‘DarkLordWaffles’ writes, “Just like that, I’ve lost all interest, hype, and excitement for the new @Subnautica game.” (sic.)
It sounds like pure satire at this point… Company after company decides to focus the attention of a beloved IP on something no one wants.
Live service games are fine if they are built from the ground up, don’t apply this to games where it doesn’t belong.– Tobys Frank (@Toby_Frank) 8 February 2024
The servers for indie horror survival title Dread Hunger were shut down. Another example is The Day Before, which saw an unfortunate fate. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League also received welcome feedback when the developers announced its live-service model. All of these examples have left fans in a negative state when it comes to live-service gaming.
