Unity’s recent announcement to start charging fees for game installations using its engine has sparked outrage and concerns among developers. Many have expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision, including Re-Logic, the developer behind the popular game Terraria. In response, Re-Logic has decided to promote and support alternative open-source game engines that developers can use instead.
In a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Re-Logic criticized Unity’s move as “predatory” and condemned the proposed fee changes. The developer expressed disappointment with the way Unity has disregarded the trust built over the years and accused the company of prioritizing profits over the interests of publishers, studios, and gamers.
Re-Logic believes that a simple public statement is not enough to voice their opposition to Unity’s decision. To demonstrate their commitment to open-source alternatives, Re-Logic announced that it will donate $100,000 each to the open-source game engines Godot and FNA. The developer will also continue to support both projects by providing a monthly contribution of $1,000 each. This gesture by Re-Logic has been well-received by the community, who appreciate the developer’s effort to stand up against Unity’s policies.
Terraria, the game developed by Re-Logic, has achieved great success, becoming one of the best-selling video games across various platforms over the years. While Re-Logic has the financial means to make such a donation, the community recognizes that it is not solely the company’s responsibility to provide alternatives to Unity. Nevertheless, Re-Logic’s action sends a strong message about unity within the developer community and the importance of supporting open-source projects.
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Unity’s introduction of “Runtime fees” initially caused significant backlash. The fees, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, will vary based on the developer’s plan. For example, Unity Personal and Unity Plus subscribers will be required to pay 20 cents per installation once they exceed $200,000 in revenue over the past 12 months and 200,000 lifetime installs. However, days after the announcement, Unity backtracked on its decision and promised changes to the policy. It clarified that subscription service providers, such as Microsoft with Game Pass, would be responsible for the fees rather than individual developers. The exact details of Unity’s Runtime fees are yet to be fully disclosed, but the company assured the community that an update would be released soon.
Unity’s apology and promise to revise the controversial fee policy show that the company is responsive to the concerns raised by developers and the wider community. The willingness to engage in dialogue and make necessary changes indicates a recognition of the impact their decisions have on the industry. Many developers are eagerly awaiting the update from Unity to see how the new policy will evolve.
The events surrounding Unity’s decision to charge fees for game installations have shed light on the importance of open-source alternatives. Re-Logic’s support for open-source game engines like Godot and FNA highlights the potential of these projects and encourages more developers to explore their capabilities. With Unity facing criticism and potential legal action, it remains to be seen how the company will address the concerns of its users and whether it will reconsider its fee structure.
Ultimately, this controversy serves as a reminder of the power dynamics within the gaming industry and the need for transparency and fairness in business practices. It also emphasizes the value of competition and the importance of giving developers the freedom to choose the tools and platforms that best suit their needs. As the story continues to unfold, developers and gamers alike will be closely watching Unity’s next steps and the response from the wider industry.
