(Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

If you check the Steam listings for the Subnautica games, you'll find the "Survival" tag prominently featured—mostly on account of the gathering, and the crafting, and the risk of drowning in an overtly hostile biosphere. In an interview with PC Gamer ahead of its upcoming early access launch, however, Subnautica 2's developers say that's something of a misnomer.

Unknown Worlds game design lead Anthony Gallegos. (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

According to Gallegos, Subnautica's survival mechanics are a framework more than a focus, providing the player with structure and momentum as they dive into its oceans to see what alien ruins and murderous leviathans they might find along the way.…