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Game makers rely heavily on high-quality platforms to develop video games for all genres. They need a user-friendly and intuitive platform that allows them to create high-quality games faster. Unity is one of those platforms that provide developers with the tools they need to create their titles.
However, recently, Unity has decided to increase their prices, making small and independent developers extremely angry. But why has the game-making platform done this? Is there a legitimate reason for their price hike?
You can find all the information you need and more about Unity’s price increase by reading this post.
What is the Unity Platform All About?
Uniy is a platform that allows game developers to make 2D and 3D video games. The platform provides many easy-to-use tools to build immersive games for every genre. Additionally, developers can use Unity to share their creations across various platforms like consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
The game-developing platform offers a robust gaming engine that simplifies the process of making compelling titles. It also supports a range of programming languages like C# and UnityScript, so creators of various backgrounds can use it.
Unity empowers creators to develop iconic and high-quality games for every operating system. Its extensive library and unique features make it an ideal choice for indie game developers.
Changes Unity is Making to Their Pricing Structure
Recently, Unity announced that on January 1, 2024, they’ll be changing their pricing structures. The company stated that they’ll be implementing a pay-per-download pricing scheme.
In a blog post, the company stated that they’ll be introducing a Unity Runtime Fee that will be based on each time a Unity game is downloaded by an end user. The company also went on to say that they chose this structure because every time a game is downloaded, the Unity Runtime is also installed.
Unity developers believe that an initial install-based fee will allow creators to keep the ongoing financial gains from player engagement. What’s more, before a game can be charged, it must meet specific criteria for download and revenue.
It should be noted that games bought in the US and UK will have higher fees than those that are downloaded in countries that have emerging markets. When the game reaches a certain level of success, US developers will be charged $0.20 per download. This is only if the game makes $200,000 in 12 months and is downloaded over 200,000 times.
Why Are Game Makers Angry at the New Price Hike?
Game developers who use Unity were outraged by the new pricing structure, and some immediately took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to complain about it. According to Sky News, some of the platform’s biggest gaming creators have threatened to pull their games from the engine entirely.
Many developers feel they’re being punished for creating successful or booming games. There are also some developers that create free-to-install games, so they feel it’s unfair to be charged for games they don’t make a profit on.
Another concern is that gamers who don’t like a particular title may download it multiple times without playing it, which will force the developer to pay download fees. Furthermore, developers are worried that any titles that are illegally downloaded will still result in a developer being charged.
Unity Provides an Updated Statement
Unity quickly released an updated statement to reassure developers of what these new price changes actually mean. The company stated any games that are free to install through charity bundles or trials won’t be charged these fees.
They also stated that they won’t charge developers for reinstalls of games or ones that have been downloaded illegally. However, game makers are still concerned as to how Unity will successfully monitor illegal downloads or reinstall games.
What This Means Going Forward
Game developers of successful titles like Among Us have threatened to take their games off of the Unity platform. Other creators who are currently developing games through Unity state that these new price changes may force them to put their projects on hold.
Additionally, developers have made it clear that they have no problem scrapping all the knowledge they’ve gained on Unity throughout the years and starting from scratch on another platform.
Final Thoughts
Independent and popular game makers now have to make a decision on whether they should stay with Unity or go to their competitor platforms before January 1, 2024. Only time will tell what this will mean for the indie gaming industry. Keep up to date with the latest news on Unity to see what developers will decide going forward.
