A blog post on the Unity Website announces that Unity is dropping the controversial runtime license fee for its game engine, fishing this turd out of the punchbowl exactly one year after dropping it there. The engine will revert to a traditional per seat license, rather than the per install fee that caused so much trouble, and word is: "From this point forward, it’s our intention to revert to a more traditional cycle of considering any potential price increases only on an annual basis." The backlash to the per install fee was immediate, as it could cost a game using the engine more money than it earned. Unity quickly altered the terms to be less onerous, but the misstep cost Unity customers, and cost John Riccitiello his job as CEO. Despite that, parts of the new fee structure remained in place until now. Matt Bromberg, President and CEO at Unity says: "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." Here's word on those price changes:

Here’s what you can expect:

• Unity Personal: As announced last year, Unity Personal will remain free, and we’ll be doubling the current revenue and funding ceiling from $100,000 to $200,000 USD. This means more of you can use Unity at no cost. The Made with Unity splash screen will become optional for Unity Personal games made with Unity 6 when it launches later this year.
• Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise: We’ll be modifying subscription pricing and the qualifying annual revenue thresholds, effective January 1, 2025. These changes will apply to all new and existing Unity Pro and Enterprise customers when you purchase, upgrade, or renew a subscription on or after this date.
  • Unity Pro: An 8% subscription price increase to $2,200 USD annually per seat will apply to Unity Pro. Unity Pro will be required for customers with more than $200,000 USD of total annual revenue and funding.
  • Unity Enterprise: A 25% subscription price increase will apply to Unity Enterprise. Unity Enterprise will be required for customers with more than $25 million USD of total annual revenue and funding. A minimum subscription requirement may also apply. Because this set of our largest customers have unique needs and use many of our products and services, we’ll be contacting everyone in the days ahead to discuss customized packages.