Subnautica 2 Devs on Track for Massive $250 Million Payout

May 15, 2026 - 10:37

The underwater survival game Subnautica 2 appears poised to earn its developers a staggering $250 million bonus, a figure that has become a cautionary tale about taking advice from AI chatbots. The bonus, tied to performance milestones, seems increasingly likely as the game's early access launch draws near.

This situation highlights a bizarre chain of events. Reports suggest that earlier business decisions, including some influenced by ChatGPT-generated strategies, nearly derailed the project. One infamous piece of advice from the AI reportedly told developers to "focus on microtransactions and seasonal passes" for a single-player exploration game. That suggestion was ignored, and the team stuck to its original vision of a deep, narrative-driven ocean world.

The bonus structure, originally seen as a pipe dream, now looks realistic. Pre-orders and wishlists for Subnautica 2 have surged, fueled by the success of the first game and the promise of new biomes and creatures. Industry analysts estimate the game could sell millions of copies in its first month alone.

The irony is not lost on the development team. They have publicly joked about framing the ChatGPT transcript as a reminder to trust human intuition over algorithmic shortcuts. For now, the studio is focused on polishing the game, with the $250 million bonus serving as both a motivator and a bizarre footnote in gaming history.