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The developers of Subnautica 2 have confirmed that no generative artificial intelligence (AI) was used to create any aspect of the upcoming oceanic survival game. The team at Unknown Worlds used traditional development methods, despite its publisher Krafton's broader corporate strategy to become an 'AI-first company'.
Facts First
- Subnautica 2 uses no generative AI for any part of its development, according to the creative team.
- Creature AI is coded traditionally by programmers using tools like Unity Blackboard.
- Publisher Krafton is pursuing an 'AI-first' corporate strategy to boost productivity and long-term value.
- Krafton provided AI tools to the Unknown Worlds team but did not mandate their use for Subnautica 2.
What Happened
Creative media producer Scott MacDonald and design lead Anthony Gallegos confirmed that no generative AI has been used to create any aspect of Subnautica 2. The game is being developed using traditional methods, with programmers physically coding creature AI and using the Unity Blackboard tool. This confirmation comes despite publisher Krafton's October announcement of a corporate strategy to transition into an 'AI-first company'.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of the Subnautica series, this confirmation suggests the sequel's world and creatures will be crafted with the same deliberate, hand-made approach as the original, which may preserve the series' distinctive feel. For those concerned about the role of AI in creative industries, this shows that even within a company publicly embracing AI, individual development teams can retain autonomy over their creative process.
What's Next
The development of Subnautica 2 will continue using its established traditional methods. Krafton's broader 'AI-first' strategy, which aims to increase company-wide productivity, may influence other projects within its portfolio, such as the announced Project Windless, which has also not used generative AI for narrative elements.