Online game writer Krafton launched a report that appeared to indicate underwater survival sim Subnautica 2 can be a multiplayer-focused live-service recreation, which dissatisfied and pissed off many followers. However now the devs have shortly 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 12 months or so “reside service” has grow to be a nasty time period, one which players appear increasingly disgusted by, even when it appears quite a lot of studios and publishers are betting the farm on these so-called “ceaselessly” video games being the long run. So it’s not stunning that some individuals 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 shortly assumed the worst: that this was a live-service recreation that might characteristic 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. Shortly, individuals obtained out their pitchforks and started 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 recreation, the builders—Unknown Worlds—stepped in and clarified in a weblog publish that it isn’t that sort 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, similar to the earlier two Subnautica video games,” defined the devs. “Assume 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 “non-obligatory” and people will be capable of 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 are going to share extra information “later this 12 months.”
“Thanks for maintaining 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 just like it as a lot as we do.”
Whereas it would appear to be quite a lot of people overreacted, the fact is that with experiences of so many live-service video games in growth and after so many have failed to stay round or end up nicely, quite a lot of players are jumpy about games-as-a-service and live-service “ceaselessly” video games.
I count on—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 don’t have any different “reside” 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.