Release Date Change
Outbound has officially rescheduled its release date to May 11 to avoid competing with Subnautica 2, which launches on May 14. This decision comes after the developers recognized the potential impact of Subnautica 2's launch on their own game. With over 1 million wishlists on Steam, Outbound aims to make a splash without getting overshadowed.
Developers' Statement
The team behind Outbound expressed their thoughts on the situation, stating, "The highly anticipated title Subnautica 2 just revealed their release date – which falls exactly on our planned release date May 14th." They added, "Even though we are very hyped for their game and big fans of the franchise, we think that it is best to not compete with such an highly anticipated title on that day." This shows their respect for the Subnautica franchise and an understanding of the competitive landscape.
Avoiding the Leviathan
In a colorful analogy, the developers remarked that they need to "dodge the Leviathan," indicating their intent to steer clear of competition. Outbound will now launch on PC and Xbox on May 11, while the PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 versions will still arrive on May 14, since Subnautica 2 will not be available on those platforms.
Impact on Players
For players eagerly anticipating Outbound, this adjustment could mean more attention and less competition at launch. The developers have also confirmed that the demo for the game will be removed on May 8, so players should take advantage of it while they can. This strategic move may allow Outbound to carve out its own space in the gaming market.
Future Considerations
As Outbound makes its move, it raises questions about whether other games will follow suit and adjust their release dates. Will we see a trend similar to the Silksong situation, where developers shift timelines to avoid being overlooked? Only time will tell, but for now, Outbound is positioning itself to make a successful debut.