Unity Abandons Runtime Pricing, Plans Higher Subscription Prices

Exactly one year ago, Unity announced runtime fee pricing for its popular cross-platform game engine, which caused developers around the world to berate the company online. Unity made some changes in response, but numerous devs announced plans to move to other platforms. With the benefit of hindsight, Unity has decided to scrap the runtime fee effective immediately. Game makers shouldn’t get too cozy, though. Unity also confirmed that subscription costs will go up in 2025.

Before the fee kerfuffle, Unity had a predictable fee based on the number of people using Unity’s dev software. The runtime fee would have been charged for each game download, causing Unity payouts to fluctuate wildly. Developers pointed out that those with nefarious intentions could run up costs for other devs they disliked, and the fees were implemented with virtually no warning, making it impossible to plan for the new, higher prices.

With developers following through on their threats to drop Unity, the company has apparently caved. According to a brief notice posted on its website, Unity says the runtime fee is gone. This applies to the Unity 5 engine and the upcoming Unity 6. “Unity 6 is the most stable and performant version of Unity to date, and we want everyone to be able to access it without hesitation,” the company claims.

The change in course may have something to do with the change in leadership. Since the disastrous runtime fee rollout, CEO John Riccitiello retired, and Unity Create president Marc Whitten left to run GM’s Cruise robotaxi division. New CEO Matt Bromberg aims to increase revenue the old-fashioned way, by raising its existing subscription costs.

Credit: Unity

“Canceling the Runtime Fee for games and instituting these pricing changes will allow us to continue investing to improve game development for everyone while also being better partners,” said Bromberg.

The subscription pricing changes could be significant for some devs. Unity Pro will increase from $2,040 to $2,200 per seat starting next year. Unity Enterprise pricing varies, but whatever a firm pays will increase by 25% in 2025. On the plus side, the Unity Personal revenue cap will double to $200,000 when Unity 6 launches.

Unity also confirms the subscription pricing will be revisited on a yearly basis. So, we’d expect to see these prices tick upward regularly. That could still irk some developers, but the subscription will be consistent and easier to build into a company’s finances.