Online game writer Krafton launched a report that appeared to suggest underwater survival sim Subnautica 2 could be a multiplayer-focused live-service sport, which disillusioned and pissed off many followers. However now the devs have rapidly clarified that no, this isn’t the case and as an alternative the sport goes to only obtain common updates throughout early entry, like the unique Subnautica.
During the last 12 months or so “stay service” has turn out to be a nasty time period, one which avid gamers appear increasingly more disgusted by, even when it appears a number of studios and publishers are betting the farm on these so-called “without end” video games being the longer term. So it’s not shocking that some folks panicked when it appeared that Subnautica 2—a sequel to the favored, single-player story-driven underwater survival sport from 2018—appeared to be one other live-service factor.
As reported by IGN, a February 8 monetary report from Krafton caught the eye of parents 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 sport 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 sport. Shortly, folks obtained out their pitchforks and commenced yelling that yet 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 file straight
Shortly after the report went public and information unfold of Subnautica 2 being a live-service sport, the builders—Unknown Worlds—stepped in and clarified in a weblog submit that it isn’t that form of sport.
“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 a substitute, co-op is “optionally available” and folk will have the ability to expertise the total sport by themselves.
Lastly, the devs additionally defined that Subnautica 2’s early entry launch isn’t deliberate for 2024 and that they’ll share extra information “later this 12 months.”
“Thanks for preserving a watch out for any information about our progress on the following sport,” the devs added. “We’re so excited to indicate you what we’ve been engaged on and hope that you simply adore it as a lot as we do.”
Whereas it’d seem to be a number of of us overreacted, the truth is that with reviews of so many live-service video games in growth and after so many have failed to stay round or prove nicely, a number of avid gamers are jumpy about games-as-a-service and live-service “without end” video games.
I anticipate—in an effort to keep away from these conditions—we’ll 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 “stay” components, like battle passes or seasons. For now, you’ll be able to all calm down. Subnautica 2 isn’t going to be a live-service factor like Suicide Squad.