Online game writer Krafton launched a report that appeared to indicate underwater survival sim Subnautica 2 could be a multiplayer-focused live-service recreation, which upset and annoyed many followers. However now the devs have rapidly clarified that no, this isn’t the case and as a substitute the sport goes to simply obtain common updates throughout early entry, like the unique Subnautica.
During the last yr or so “reside service” has turn out to be a nasty time period, one which players appear an increasing number of disgusted by, even when it appears a number of studios and publishers are betting the farm on these so-called “perpetually” video games being the longer term. So it’s not stunning that some folks panicked when it appeared that Subnautica 2—a sequel to the favored, single-player story-driven underwater survival recreation from 2018—seemed to be one other live-service factor.
As reported by IGN, a February 8 monetary report from Krafton caught the eye of oldsters when it talked about that the upcoming Subnautica 2 was being designed utilizing the “Video games as a Service” mannequin. Of us rapidly assumed the worst: that this was a live-service recreation that may function battle passes and seasons and all that stuff. It didn’t assist that the report additionally claimed the sequel was going to be multiplayer-focused, a giant departure from the primary recreation. Rapidly, folks received out their pitchforks and commenced yelling that one more franchise was being ruined by live-service shenanigans. However fortunately for these involved gamers, that’s not the case.
Subnautica 2 devs set the document straight
Shortly after the report went public and information unfold of Subnautica 2 being a live-service recreation, the builders—Unknown Worlds—stepped in and clarified in a weblog submit that it isn’t that form of recreation.
“In reference to ‘Video games-as-a-Service,’ we merely plan to repeatedly replace the sport for a few years to come back, identical to the earlier two Subnautica video games,” defined the devs. “Suppose our Early Entry replace mannequin, expanded. No season passes. No battle passes. No subscription.”
The studio additionally claimed the sport isn’t “multiplayer-focused.” As an alternative, co-op is “non-compulsory” and folk will be capable to expertise the complete recreation by themselves.
Lastly, the devs additionally defined that Subnautica 2’s early entry launch isn’t deliberate for 2024 and that they may share extra information “later this yr.”
“Thanks for holding a watch out for any information about our progress on the following recreation,” the devs added. “We’re so excited to indicate you what we’ve been engaged on and hope that you simply like it as a lot as we do.”
Whereas it’d look like a number of people overreacted, the fact is that with reviews of so many live-service video games in improvement and after so many have failed to stay round or end up effectively, a number of players are jumpy about games-as-a-service and live-service “perpetually” video games.
I anticipate—in an effort to keep away from these conditions—we are going to see some studios attempt to give you a brand new time period for video games that simply get occasional updates and patches, however which haven’t any different “reside” components, like battle passes or seasons. For now, you’ll be able to all loosen up. Subnautica 2 isn’t going to be a live-service factor like Suicide Squad.
