Unknown Worlds is actively shaping the next installment in the Subnautica universe, signaling a continued commitment to expansive underwater exploration and survival storytelling. The studio is currently seeking a senior storytelling designer along with several other key contributors to help bring this new project to life. At this early stage of production, the team is laying down the narrative foundations, world-building rules, and character arcs that will later guide gameplay, art direction, and player experience. A release window remains several years away as development gets underway, underscoring the studio’s methodical approach to crafting a polished, cohesive game world.
We’re looking for a Senior Narrative Designer to help us create the next game in the Subnautica universe!
—Unknown Worlds
Subnautica first entered early access in 2014, with the full title launching four years later. In 2021, Subnautica: Below Zero extended the franchise by delivering a new chapter that explored additional environments and survival mechanics. Building on these foundations, Unknown Worlds is pursuing another major project that expands beyond the familiar oceanic setting into a broader sci-fi landscape. The company is actively outlining a brand-new universe that promises fresh lore, new antagonists, and innovative storytelling mechanics that integrate with strategic gameplay elements.
The studio is also exploring the possibility of a sci-fi turn-based strategy game that would sit alongside the Subnautica line, offering players a different pace and strategic depth while maintaining the spacefaring and environmental storytelling ethos the studio is known for. This new project aims to blend science fiction concepts with thoughtful decision-making, resource management, and tactical combat in a setting that invites exploration and experimentation across complex worlds.
In addition to the ongoing Subnautica initiative, Unknown Worlds continues to expand its portfolio with other ambitious ideas and collaborations. Previous projects have demonstrated the team’s talent for immersive, survival-focused gameplay and narrative design that emphasizes player choice and emergent storytelling. While specific release dates are not yet announced, the studio’s track record suggests a careful, quality-driven approach to development, ensuring that future releases meet high expectations for depth, polish, and replayability.
As development progresses, the studio will likely share periodic updates on project milestones, including concept art reveals, world-building interviews, and early gameplay demonstrations that offer fans a glimpse into the evolving universe. The overarching goal remains clear: to deliver rich, emotionally resonant experiences that invite players to explore, survive, and tell their own stories within uniquely crafted sci-fi settings.
Unknown Worlds’ ongoing work reflects a broader trend in contemporary game development—where established franchises expand into new genres and formats while maintaining a core identity rooted in exploration, atmosphere, and player-driven discovery. By balancing narrative design with strategic gameplay possibilities, the studio aims to create compelling, long-lasting experiences that appeal to both existing fans and new audiences seeking fresh sci-fi adventures.
Note: This summary reflects the studio’s public direction and recent announcements, focusing on the creative goals and ongoing development plans that pertain to Subnautica and related science fiction projects.