Drama about Unity: After fierce resistance, there is finally good news

The Unity Engine: A Brief Overview

Unity Engine, a favorite among indie studios, has been the backbone for many popular games. Titles such as Desperados 3, Cities: Skylines, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Pillars of Eternity owe their existence to this versatile engine. Its widespread use in the gaming industry makes any changes to its model a matter of significant concern for developers worldwide.

The Stirring Controversy

Recently, Unity announced changes to its pricing structure on September 12th. This announcement, which was initially made on a platform referred to as X (previously known as Twitter), led to a whirlwind of outrage among the developer community. The primary cause for concern was Unity’s plan to charge fees for every installation of a Unity-based game once it surpassed a certain revenue and installation threshold. This unexpected change caught many studios off guard, with some fearing substantial financial repercussions.

Unity’s Response: Addressing the Concerns

In light of the backlash, Unity’s Create Chief, Marc Whitten, penned an open letter to the developer community. In this letter, he expressed regret for the company’s approach and announced significant modifications to the proposed changes. The primary concern was the introduction of the new runtime fee without prior consultation with the community.

The revised changes include:

• Only games developed with Unity Pro or Unity Enterprise will be subject to the new fee. Unity Personal, the free version, remains unaffected.
• Games not developed with the new LTS (long-term support) version, set to release in January 2024, will also remain unaffected. No retroactive fees will apply unless developers voluntarily upgrade to the new version.
• For those using the new version, studios can choose between a 2.5% revenue share or a fee per installation or sale. Studios will be responsible for providing Unity with sales and installation data.
• Unity has also increased the revenue cap for the free version. Previously, developers could earn up to $100,000. This cap has now been doubled to $200,000. Additionally, the “Made with Unity” splash screen is no longer mandatory.

Community Reaction: A Mixed Bag

While many in the developer community have welcomed these changes, the initial announcement has left a lasting impact. Notable studios, like Aggro Crab, who were vocal critics of the initial changes, have now shared Unity’s open letter with a positive note, suggesting a victory for the community. However, there remains a palpable sense of mistrust. Many are still skeptical, with numerous questions being raised in the comments section of the announcement. It’s evident that while Unity has taken steps to rectify the situation, the trust once enjoyed has been somewhat eroded.

Final Thoughts

The Unity payment model controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance companies must maintain when introducing changes that impact their user base. Open communication and understanding the needs of the community are paramount. For developers, it’s essential to stay informed and vocal about changes that could affect their livelihood.