Subnautica
News, coverage and analysis tracking Subnautica across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Overwatch’s Newest Blood-Sucking Character Pushes The Game Even Further Into The Fantasy Genre
Overwatch is introducing a new support hero named Doctrine, who is a vampire and wields a staff that can heal allies or damage enemies. This character's introduction marks a significant shift for the game, pushing it further into the fantasy genre from its usual science fiction roots.
Betawatch: Monsters & Memories plunges testers into The Deep, Loftia begins pre-registrations, and ArcheAge S is on its way next year
Several MMORPGs are entering new testing phases or preparing for launch. Monsters & Memories is plunging testers into 'The Deep' ahead of its early access, while Loftia has begun pre-registrations. ArcheAge S is slated for a Q2 2027 release, with gameplay previews coming soon. Legends of Aria Eternal and Valheim have officially launched, while Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen has experienced layoffs.
Steam Has Generated $15 Billion in Revenue in 2026 So Far, Says Analyst
Steam has generated $15 billion in revenue so far in 2026, according to analyst Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. Six new games, including Forza Horizon 6, Crimson Desert, and Resident Evil Requiem, contributed nearly $1 billion to this total. While established IPs dominate revenue, new IPs like Crimson Desert are showing significant success.
Steam Has Generated $15 Billion In Revenue So Far, And New Games Are A Big Part Of It
Steam has generated $15 billion in revenue so far in 2026, according to Rhys Elliot of Alinea Analytics. Top-selling games like Forza Horizon 6 and Crimson Desert contributed significantly, with new IPs making up 63% of the top 100 new games by gross revenue. Future releases like Phantom Blade Zero and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are expected to further boost Steam's earnings.
Xbox Kept At Least One Big Promise In Its Most Tumultuous Year Ever
Despite a tumultuous year marked by leadership changes, layoffs, and strategic shifts, Xbox managed to fulfill its promise of delivering over 75 day-one releases for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers between October 2025 and September 2026. This analysis tracks the monthly additions and reflects on the broader changes within Xbox, including leadership transitions and evolving strategies for its subscription service.
The people of video games on what gives them cause for hope
Industry professionals share their reasons for optimism despite current challenges, highlighting the resilience of game developers, the innovation within the indie scene, the growing cultural impact of games, and the enduring passion of players. They emphasize community support, creative freedom, and the potential for new ideas to emerge from difficult times, suggesting a bright future for the medium.
MMO Week in Review: Way too early access
This week's MMO news covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, which some consider premature. Other highlights include a look at Guild Wars 3's Kodan, Daybreak's acquisition of Cold Iron Studios, new content for EverQuest Legends, and an analysis of the survival game Stormforge. The article also touches on various other MMO updates, rumors, and industry discussions.
The MOP Up: Profane puts out a new rolling roadmap
Several MMOs have shared updates and roadmaps, including Profane's new development plan focusing on two-month highlights, and Odin: Valhalla Rising's roadmap for the latter half of 2026. Subnautica 2 launched a new beta branch for testing, Palia's Insect-a-Palooza event returned, and EVE Online banned over 10,000 accounts for dark web links. Additionally, Grand Theft Auto VI leak participants were cautioned against, BitCraft is closing its Uncharted Regions, and AdventureQuest 3D released new moon-themed mounts.
Betawatch: Stars Reach hits early access stumbles and Guild Wars 3 outlines its Kodan details
This week's Betawatch covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, with developer Raph Koster apologizing for initial issues. Guild Wars 3 has also detailed its playable Kodan, while City of Heroes and Stormforge have received updates. The roundup includes news on numerous other MMOs in various testing phases, including Aero Tales Online, Elder Scrolls Online, and Aloft.
Evening Reading - August 19, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including updates on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Tekken 8, and Subnautica 2. It also highlights the launch of a new studio by former Arkane leads and mentions upcoming titles like Kingdom Hearts 4 and The Witcher 4. The article includes links to reviews and discussions on other internet content.
Subnautica 2’s Buddy System Update is here with improved chat, emotes, trade, and revives
Unknown Worlds has released a new update for Subnautica 2's early access, focusing on multiplayer improvements. The update introduces proximity voice chat, an emote system, direct inventory trading, and a revive mechanic. The studio also announced a $100,000 donation to The Ocean Cleanup.
Huge Subnautica 2 co-op patch adds proximity chat and a revive system as devs promise a "new region" and…
Unknown Worlds has released the Buddy System update for Subnautica 2, introducing proximity chat and a player revive system to enhance the co-op experience. While this update focuses on multiplayer features, the developers have confirmed that a larger update featuring a new region, story content, and vehicles is still in development for the early access title.
Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 Update Out Now Alongside Patch Notes, Dev Donates $100,000 to Ocean Cleanup
The Early Access version of Subnautica 2 has received its 1.2 update, introducing the Buddy System to the underwater survival and crafting game. The developer also announced a $100,000 donation to ocean cleanup initiatives.
Subnautica 2 'Buddy System' Update 1.2 adds multiplayer features including proximity chat
Unknown Worlds has released Update 1.2, the "Buddy System" update, for the early access game Subnautica 2. This update introduces several multiplayer enhancements, including proximity chat, player revives, improved item trading, and emoting. The new features aim to make cooperative play more engaging and immersive for players exploring the underwater world.
Subnautica 2 Patch Adds Buddy System, Dev Reveals Glimpse at Early Access 2 Update
Subnautica 2 received its Buddy System update on August 19, introducing new multiplayer features to the underwater survival and crafting game. The update, version 1.2, also provides a glimpse into the development of its Early Access 2.
Subnautica 2's latest 1.2 update is friend focused—finally adding the key mechanic to any great multiplayer…
Subnautica 2's upcoming 1.2 update, focusing on friend-oriented features, will introduce proximity chat, allowing players to communicate locally with voice chat that degrades with distance. The update also includes player emotes for expressing emotions, improved inventory sharing for easier loot access, and player revives to help downed teammates.
Subnautica 2's new "buddy system" update just made co-op a lot more immersive
Unknown Worlds has released update 1.2 for Subnautica, introducing a "buddy system" to enhance the co-op experience. The update adds proximity voice chat, emotes, player trading, and revive mechanics. It also includes quality-of-life improvements like a new Tracking Tag item and UI enhancements for building, with further content planned for a future update.
Subnautica 2's Buddy System update brings in the promised proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes so you can sarcastically applaud your friends
The latest update for Subnautica 2, titled 'Buddy System,' introduces proximity chat, allowing players to hear each other based on distance, and adds player emotes for communication. The update also includes inventory sharing, a revive mechanic for downed teammates, and new customization options.
Subnautica 2 Adds Proximity Chat, Inventory Sharing, and Tracking Tags on August 19th
Subnautica 2's upcoming Update 1.2, launching August 19th, will introduce several new co-op features and quality-of-life improvements. These include proximity voice chat, inventory sharing, player emotes, revives, and tracking tags. The update also enhances HUD icons and hints at future content like a new vehicle and region in Update 2.0.
Why Are Video Game Consoles So Expensive These Days (And Games Historically Cheap)?
Video game consoles and games are becoming increasingly expensive due to a confluence of factors including tariffs, AI-driven demand for components, and a structural shift in the console business model. Experts predict hardware costs will remain high for several more years, potentially impacting future console generations like the PlayStation 6 and Project Helix.
