Relief for developers: Unity backtracks on game install fee plan

In the constantly evolving scenario of the gamesmonetization and pricing policy have been crucial topics of discussion.

Recently, the company Unity, one of the leading providers of game engines, generated considerable debate when it announced a charging plan that involves taxing developers for each installation of games created with its platform.

However, this decision provoked a wave of reactions and concerns within the game development community. Now, however, Unity has backed away from this billing strategy.

Unity backtracks on controversial decision

Image: varteq/Reproduction

Unity Engine planned to introduce an additional monthly fee for each game installation, which caused concern among developers.

However, after a reevaluation, the company decided not to charge for reinstallations, applying the fee only to the first installation of the game per user. Still, it will continue to charge multiple fees for different devices.

Additionally, subscription services like Game Pass would have fees directed to distributors, like Microsoft. The initiative to go back on the taxation plan may be associated with a negative reaction from the public and the industry. games.

Understand Unity’s original plan

Unity Engine, which previously used a royalty-free model based on signatureplanned to introduce a new fee for games that made more than $200,000 and had at least 200,000 installs.

This would especially affect developers using the free version, as they would be charged $0.2 per new install after exceeding 200,000 downloads.

Subscribers to more advanced plans will also face additional charges when exceeding certain revenue and installation thresholds. These changes are scheduled to take effect in January 2024.

The new fee would affect all existing games made with Unity on the market, including old games that, if they were installed after January 1st, they would be charged if they exceeded the established limits.