With the Early Access release date for Subnautica 2 now set, a highly anticipated cozy game has moved its launch forward to avoid competing with the top-wishlisted title on Steam.

On the 1st, Square Glade Games announced that the release date for its new title, Outbound, has been moved up to May 11. The original date was the 14th (local time), which coincides with the Early Access launch of Subnautica 2 (the 15th in Korea). Square Glade Games explicitly mentioned Subnautica 2, explaining that while they are huge fans of the series, they cannot compete directly with it.

The developers also humorously addressed the situation, depicting their game's core element—a camper van—fleeing from the deep sea, showing a lighthearted attitude despite the inevitable impact on sales.

Outbound is a game centered on a camper van, where players travel, craft workbenches, and generate energy through wind and water power. It belongs to the 'cozy' genre, often referred to as healing games, and its demo version received positive reviews. As a result, despite being an indie title, it has garnered significant interest from fans, currently ranking 13th on the Steam wishlist.

This is not the first time a title has adjusted its schedule to avoid a major game launch. Previously, when Hollow Knight: Silksong was expected to release, games like Baby Steps, Little Witch in the Woods, and Megaquack shifted their release dates to avoid direct competition. While developers have long avoided clashing with AAA titles like GTA or Call of Duty, it is now clear that top-wishlisted indie and AA titles are exerting similar influence.

Meanwhile, the release date change for Outbound applies only to PC and Xbox; the versions for PS5 and Nintendo Switch, where Subnautica 2 is not launching, will remain scheduled for the 14th.