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Unity will start charging developers each time their game is installed

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fee structure Unity Runtime Fee

Unity has just thrown a curveball at game developers, and the reaction is far from harmonious. In a surprising move, the company unveiled a new fee structure that has left many developers feeling disgruntled. The crux of the matter is Unity’s introduction of a Unity Runtime Fee, which will be levied every time a qualifying game is downloaded by an end user. The rationale behind this, as Unity explains in a blog post, is that with each game download, the Unity Runtime is also installed. This change is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

Now, let’s break down the nitty-gritty details of this new fee system. Developers will be subject to these charges only after meeting certain criteria: they must surpass a minimum revenue threshold from the past 12 months and achieve a minimum lifetime install count. The actual fees will vary based on the subscription plan they are using.

For Unity Personal and Unity Plus subscribers, the fee kicks in at $0.20 per install after reaching $200,000 in revenue from the last 12 months and 200,000 lifetime installs. Unity Pro members start paying at $0.15 per install once they hit $1 million in revenue over the last year and one million lifetime installs. Meanwhile, Unity Enterprise users begin with fees at $0.125 per install.

For Unity Pro and Enterprise subscribers, there’s a tiered fee structure that decreases as they hit certain milestones, like 100,000, 500,000, and one million installs. Unity’s argument for this approach is that it ensures only developers who achieve “significant success” will bear these costs.

Now, let’s gauge the industry’s reaction. It’s safe to say that Unity’s announcement didn’t exactly receive a standing ovation from the gaming developer community. Henry Hoffman of Newfangled Games humorously advised players not to install Unity games they’ve bought. Others, like Ryan T. Brown, expressed their concerns, suggesting that this move could have dire consequences for indie developers.

Unity did attempt to clarify a few points, but for some, it only added to the complexity. For instance, if a player deletes and reinstalls a game, it counts as two installs and triggers two charges. The same applies if a player installs a single game on two devices. However, there seems to be an exemption for charity games and bundles.

For developers like Tomas Sala, who had already committed to Unity for their projects, these pricing changes have left them in a tight spot. Sala lamented that he had invested years of work into his pipeline under the assumption of a straightforward per-seat license. Now, he finds himself facing a fundamental change in their business arrangement, and it doesn’t sit well with him.

In a somewhat related move, Unity has decided to discontinue Unity Plus subscriptions, citing a desire to simplify its plans. Existing members will receive offers to upgrade to Unity Pro at the current Unity Plus price.

So, in summary, Unity’s new fee structure has set the gaming world abuzz, with developers and industry insiders debating its potential impact and implications for the future of game development. It remains to be seen how this change will play out and whether Unity will make any adjustments in response to the feedback and concerns raised by the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fee structure Unity Runtime Fee

What is Unity’s new fee structure all about?

Unity’s new fee structure introduces a Unity Runtime Fee, which is charged to developers each time a qualifying game is downloaded by an end user. This fee is based on the premise that with every game download, the Unity Runtime is also installed.

When will Unity’s new per-install fees take effect?

The new per-install fees are set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

How do developers become subject to these fees?

Developers will be charged these fees after meeting two criteria: they must surpass a minimum revenue threshold from the last 12 months, and they must achieve a minimum lifetime install count.

What are the fee rates for Unity Personal and Unity Plus subscribers?

Unity Personal and Unity Plus subscribers will start paying $0.20 per install after reaching $200,000 in revenue from the past 12 months and 200,000 lifetime installs.

What about Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise subscribers?

For Unity Pro members, the fees start at $0.15 per install once they reach $1 million in revenue in the last 12 months and one million lifetime installs. Unity Enterprise fees start at $0.125 per install.

Are there any discounts or tiered fee structures for Unity Pro and Enterprise subscribers?

Yes, Unity Pro and Enterprise subscribers have a tiered fee structure that decreases their rates after reaching certain install milestones, such as 100,000, 500,000, and one million installs. This is aimed at ensuring that only developers who achieve “significant success” bear these costs.

How has the gaming developer community reacted to these changes?

The reaction within the gaming developer community has been mixed, with some expressing concerns and dissatisfaction. Some developers worry about the impact on indie game development, while others find the pricing changes complex and potentially burdensome.

What happens if a player deletes and reinstalls a game?

If a player deletes and reinstalls a game, it counts as two installs and incurs two charges. The same applies if a player installs a single game on two devices. However, there appears to be an exemption for charity games and bundles.

Is Unity making any other changes related to subscriptions?

Yes, Unity has decided to discontinue Unity Plus subscriptions, aiming to simplify the number of plans they offer. Existing Unity Plus members will receive offers to upgrade to Unity Pro at the current Unity Plus price.

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