Beginning on January 1, 2024, Unity will unveil a fresh pricing model for Unity Runtime, anchored to the count of game installations. Moreover, this November will see the integration of enhanced features like cloud-based asset storage, advanced Unity DevOps tools, and AI Runtime capabilities to the Unity subscription tiers without any additional charges.
For those familiar with Unity, you’ll recognize that it’s ingeniously structured on twin pivotal software pillars: the Editor and the Runtime: The Unity Runtime is the dynamic code backbone executing on gamers’ devices. This robust design facilitates the expansive reach of “Made for Unity” games, registering billions of installations monthly.
The rationale behind the new Unity Runtime fee structure is its alignment with user downloads. To put it simply, every game download translates to a Unity Runtime installation.
This pricing approach is rooted in their commitment to empower game creators. Instead of revenue-sharing, creators can benefit more directly and consistently from user engagement.
Understanding Revenue and Installation Criteria: For games to be subject to the Unity usage fee, two essential benchmarks need to be met:
- The game should surpass a set revenue landmark over the previous 12 months.
- The cumulative game installations must breach a stipulated count.
According to Unity, these criteria have been established to ensure that upcoming talents in the gaming arena are not inadvertently burdened. The fee only becomes applicable once a game achieves noteworthy recognition and success.
The Specifics of Eligibility: Games are subjected to the Unity Runtime fee upon meeting these prerequisites:
- Unity Personal and Unity Plus: Games with earnings of $200,000 USD or more within the last year and a cumulative installation count of at least 200,000.
- Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise: Games boasting a revenue of $1,000,000 USD or more over the past year and registering a minimum of 1,000,000 installations.
Note:
Please note that this article is based on current information. Unity regularly updates the information following the backlash they have experienced recently on this subject.