First announced for Switch in a bumper Indie World Showcase from Nintendo back in August 2020, we were delighted to hear that developer Unknown Worlds and Bandai Namco are bringing not only the original Subnautica to Switch this year, but also its sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero. The latter has been in Early Access on PC for some time, and it's pleasing to see Switch owners won't miss out on either of these marine-based open-world adventures.
Ahead of the games' simultaneous Switch launch on 14th May, we asked Ted Gill, president of developer Unknown Worlds, some questions about this pair of games running on the Unity engine, their journey to Switch, and what it's like developing a game while incorporating feedback from Early Access players.
Nintendo Life: For anyone who perhaps isn’t familiar with Subnautica from other platforms — or has perhaps only heard the name in passing – how would you best describe the game?
Ted Gill, Unknown Worlds: Subnautica is an open world exploration game that challenges players with surviving the depths of an alien, underwater world by crafting equipment and out-smarting the local wildlife. Subnautica: Below Zero builds on all of that with a new story set in another area of the same planet with even more challenges and new creatures.
Any developer of an acclaimed console game has heard the familiar refrain “Is it coming to Switch?” many, many times over the past four years — we’re sure you’ve heard it plenty! We’ve heard at one point Unknown Worlds didn’t believe Subnautica on Switch would be possible at all. Why was that?
Subnautica is an open-world game originally built for PC, with a lot of underlying streaming technology that can push modern PC hardware fairly hard. We just didn’t think the game could run at the performance level we expect because of the way it was originally architected. With the assistance of our friends at Shiny Shoe and Unity, we were able to work through many of the technical issues and get it looking and running great.
When did plans solidify to port the game to Switch, and how long has this version been in active development?
We got a bare bones test up and running a couple years back, and the full-scale engineering effort began about a year and a half ago for both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero (in parallel with other platforms).
What has been the most challenging aspect of bringing the game(s) to Switch? Any particular surprises or elements what required extra attention?
Often the hardest part of adapting a game for console is refining the content for a particular platform so the players have the immersive experience we want to deliver. There was a ton of effort applied to performance — in code and in art — with a careful eye on the in-game quality. We’re thrilled with where we ended up.
There was a ton of effort applied to performance — in code and in art — with a careful eye on the in-game quality
Was it always your intention to release both the original game and the sequel simultaneously?
After the launch of Subnautica was met with some success we knew we wanted to get it to as many platforms as possible but when the Switch came along we were still figuring out what exactly Subnautica: Below Zero would be. So while it wasn’t always our intention to release them together at the same time, by doing so we’ve been able to ensure we’re putting the next version of both games out and giving players the chance to immerse themselves in the entire story of Subnautica from the beginning.
Will the Switch versions use any of the console’s bespoke features?
The Switch version of Subnautica: Below Zero does feature HD Rumble support. We’ve worked incredibly hard to make the experience of this game on Switch just like other platforms. Both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero will give players the opportunity to take this adventure anywhere.
Moving onto the sequel, how does Below Zero expand upon and differ from the first game?
Subnautica: Below Zero drops players into an entirely new area of planet 4546B with a new story, entirely new environments, new items and unique vehicles (such as the Seatruck and Snowfox). Many quality of life improvements have also been added to the game for an even better survival experience.
Below Zero has been in Early Access on PC for over two years. Has the game evolved and changed much in that time from your initial vision?
The game has evolved immensely in terms of scope and the sheer amount of content we continued to add. We initially planned Below Zero to be a smaller game but those plans quickly ballooned as we thought about what could be possible. We’re excited we were able to build on that initial vision with the support of our partners and also owe infinite thanks to the players who have been providing feedback throughout Early Access.
As a developer, do you enjoy refining mechanics and revealing story over time (as opposed to delivering the entire experience in one go on release day)? We imagine a staggered release building to v1.0 must have its pros and cons.
While it can be challenging to let people in on the creative process at times, nobody is better at letting us know when we’re doing great work… or when we’re veering off course.
Early Access and open development are a part of Unknown World’s DNA; we love making games with our fans’ input. While it can be challenging to let people in on the creative process at times, nobody is better at letting us know when we’re doing great work… or when we’re veering off course.
Both Subnautica and Below Zero are better games for having been regularly tested and refined based on the input of hundreds of thousands of real players.
How has the global situation of the last year or so affected the project and the team at Unknown Worlds? We’ve spoken with developers who told us that the logistics and times involved with things like sending/downloading new builds has been a major hurdle when working from home. Have things like that affected your plans and scheduling?
The pandemic has impacted our lives immensely and has created new types of challenges than we’ve seen before. That being said, Unknown Worlds has always been a fully remote team with representation from all over the world. We’ve learned about the different hardships of dealing with the global situations in various countries and we’re all in this together.
From a production standpoint we were lucky though to already have the tools and systems in place for remote work. Our schedule has not been impacted greatly and we even recently just released the final Early Access build before the game launches for the Nintendo Switch on May 14.
Following the release of Subnautica: Below Zero, what’s next for Unknown Worlds? Will we be seeing more of you on Switch?
Even after the release, we’re never truly done so we’ll be keeping a close eye, and hand, on Subnautica: Below Zero to attend to the community of players that have been with us since Early Access began. The Nintendo Switch allows us to get our games into the hands of more players and Nintendo has been a great partner so we’ll always welcome the opportunity to work with the platform.
Finally, what games have you been enjoying in your downtime recently – on Switch or elsewhere?
Many on the team are obsessed with Slay the Spire. Spire has completely changed our perspective on what a digital card game can be, it’s wonderfully designed, and a deeply satisfying experience. We can’t stop playing Dead Cells and we’re also huge fans of Spelunky 2; looking forward to that landing on Switch later this year!
Our thanks to Ted. Both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero launch on Switch on 14th May — like buses, huh? Look out for our verdict(s) nearer the time.
In the meantime, let us know below if you're excited to dive into these games on Nintendo's console.
Comments 33
this will be fun on switch
I saw the game for Pre-Order but I still need to know if BOTH games are on the cart
@Zuljaras by the looks of it, they will be coming as a physical bundle, I'm not sure about digital, as they are listed as separate games currently. Only time will tell!
@CeleryMan Oh yes I was talking about the physical bundle My mistake.
@Zuljaras Can't lie, i have been waiting for this for ages and the cover art is amazing, so I can guarantee I will be buying physical as soon as i can
The more developer Support the better
I really hope this is a good port because I have been wanting to play it on Switch for quite awhile. It is currently free on the PS store but if I can play this in bed at a decent frame rate I think I would prefer this version but I have heard tales of performance issues on even PS4.
I've been playing Subnautica on PS4 for a couple of days. It's a real delight so far. Hopefully the Switch version won't suffer too much in draw distances and detail, because this world is beyond full.
Again thought that said over 300 GB I was gladly mistaken
Yep just downloaded for free on PS4 as it looks really good. Will give it a miss on Switch as no point in paying for it, however would seriously consider if did not already own it for free!
if its a good port ill double dip. but have doubts about it being a good port. 100% wait for reviews first.
Looks really interesting. I'll get Below Zero, since it apparently will be the only game of the two that will feature HD Rumble.
I initially considered this to scratch that "Endless Ocean" itch, but the fantasy/sci-fi elements of Subnautica put me right off. Call me a boring old fuddy-duddy, but I wanted a more realistic marine exploration simulation.
Great to see more third-party support on Switch. It's wild to see Nintendo bounce back with Wii-like enthusiasm from the public.
@CactusMan
It's unfortunate that not every developer follows the examples.
@Silly_G You're a boring old fuddy-duddy
If the port is good i will double dip as i loved the game on PS4.
@Silly_G "I initially considered this to scratch that "Endless Ocean" itch"
Man, would i love another Endless ocean. I was talking to a buddy only a couple of days ago about how amazing it would be to get a new one on the switch. Hell, just port 2 and give it a tidy up.
@Kidfunkadelic83 : They should port both while they're at it. From memory, the first game in particular was quite rare.
Though of course, I would love a new one as well. At this point, I'd rather get a port now and wait until the next generation of hardware before they release another sequel. Endless Ocean deserves all of the realism they can squeeze into it.
This looks cool, the Switch needs more open world survival games like these
Subnautica barely runs on the PS4, I can't imagine it running well on the Switch.
Even though I got this free on PS4, I put my 60 ducets down on the Switch version. I appreciate the effort in the Switch port.
@Zuljaras
I've got a copy on order. I'll let you know if there's any launch post-patching.
Can't wait to have these games on my hands!
I would have grabbed these on Switch but im not paying £50.
Will wait until the pre-owned copies drop to a reasonable price.
I thought I wanted it until I saw crafting was involved. I never could get into crafting in video games.
@JRJalapeno To be fair, the crafting in this games makes a lot of sense for the narrative, and it's quite a thrill foraging for materials. The vehicles you eventually craft are worth it, and change up the gameplay considerably as you literally dive deeper. Plus the game is beautiful.
Also, I'm not at all biased as my profile pic is fanart I did a while back for the game.
Subnautica is an incredible game, one of my top 5 of the last 20 years. Seeing how far the devs have come from the early, early access days has been quite admirable. From an underwater sandbox to a fully realized story, what a trip it's been.
I'll gladly triple dip as long as the ports turn out alright. Seems like I've been waiting forever for Below Zero. Glad it's finally around the corner!
@onex you sold me on it. Crafting stuff other than constipation medicine etc sounds fun actually.
@Dpishere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk255DNWLJg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QGDC78HIvE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPPopT9CcyM
first footage
@Ambassador_Kong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk255DNWLJg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QGDC78HIvE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPPopT9CcyM
first footage
@JRJalapeno
to be fair not all crafting is as bad as animal crossing
Super hype for this, been wanting to play this but never had the time to sit down and play a long session, so with it on the switch I can really have time to play it (most of the time not home)
Really glad for the support from Nintendo on this project.
@Zuljaras Any answer on this? I have a pre order but I will straight up cancel it if those games aren't on the card.
@Javinite3 Still no. One can hope
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