Exclusive: Unity is killing its controversial Runtime Fee
Unity is canceling the Runtime Fee and reverting back to its existing seat-based subscription model, albeit with a price increase for Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise users.The engine maker introduced the controversial levy around a year ago. Initially, the Runtime Fee sought to charge developers a per install tariff once projects had passed certain milestones. It was a decision that left many users reeling, resulting in a colossal backlash that ultimately forced the company to rework–but not ditch–the policy.The fallout, however, was enormous. A number of high-profile creators lambasted Unity and threatened to ditch the engine over what they felt was a huge betrayal of trust. Unity's inability to quickly resolve the issue and communicate effectively with customers only added fuel t…
Read moreUbisoft is calling devs back into the office for three days a week
Ubisoft is implementing a return-to-office policy across its entire studio structure. The news comes a year after the company rolled out a similar mandate at Ubisoft Montreal.Per VentureBeat, employees will be required to work in-office for three days each week. Individual divisions will choose when that policy takes effect based on "their own timetables."According to the outlet, Ubisoft teams currently spend half their time in the office, and one-third of team members work together in-person. The new three-day mandate will purportedly create consistency across all teams and offices.The developer also claimed the policy will enhance "creativity and teamwork" while "respecting individual circumstances.""Being together in person also helps solve problems a…
Read moreA16Z Games offering $750k investments and mentorship through Speedrun accelerator
A16Z Games has opened applications for the fourth iteration of its 'Speedrun' accelerator (SR004).The 12-week program offers tech and video game startups the chance to secure a $750,000 investment and mentorship from industry leaders.Josh Lu, investing partner at A16Z Games, said the accelerator aims to empower entrepreneurs to "start building their dream companies" and provides support in the form of cash, top-tier resources, and mentorship.Applications for SR004 are now open and will close on September 30, 2024. The program will commence on January 6, 2025, and conclude with a demo day at Game Developers Conference 2025 in March.
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Nintendo ends New 3DS repair support after draining parts supply
Nintendo has said it will no longer provide repairs for its New Nintendo 3DS systems, effective immediately. In a translated social media post, it explained it had "run out of parts necessary for repairs."In mid-February, the publisher said it would continue to repair the New 3DS and its XL and 2DS offshoots until its parts stock had dwindled. According to its website at time of writing, the 2DS' XL successor can still be repaired.
Nintendo repairs drying up for older systems
This past July, Nintendo also stopped repairing the Nintendo WiiU after also running out of parts. The New 3DS had a more staggered rollout compared to th…
Read moreSurvey reveals devs consider genAI double-edged sword in game development
A new survey from the Game Developer Collective shows developers remain at an impasse when it comes to generative AI.Of those asked, 30 percent believe the technology will reduce development costs in the next 12 months. Conversely, 8 percent are certain it'll lead to rising costs, while 35 percent are skeptical and 20 percent think its impact will be insubstantial.GenAI is controversial both in and out of games, and the survey shows it'll remain divisive for some time. The main arguments against it include its environmental harm and reduced quality compared to using human artists.Read more
Black Myth: Wukong has sold 10 million copies worldwide
Black Myth: Wukong has sold 10 million copies in under a week. Developer Game Science broke the news on X and said the action-RPG also reached 3 million concurrent players across all platforms.Earlier this week, SteamDB estimates suggested the title had sold well on PC after it amassed around 2.2 million concurrent players. As highlighted by GameDiscoverCo founder Simon Carless, the bulk of those players were located in China–the home of developer Game Science.Black Myth: Wukong is rooted in Chinese mythology and has become something of a standard bearer for development in the region.The project launched on August 20, 2024, for PC and PlayStation 5. The Xbox version has been delayed due to optimization issues and hasn't been given a firm release date."PC and PS5 users can enjoy…
Read moreKeywords acquires work-for-hire studio Wushu to expand Create division
Game service provider Keywords has acquired Wushu Studios to bolster its production capabilities.Based in Liverpool, Wushu was established in 2017 to create original franchises but eventually transitioned to a work-for-hire model.The company has worked on a range of high-profile projects including Fall Guys, State of Decay, Forza Horizon 5, and Baldur's Gate 3. Keywords said Wushu has grown well despite "market turbulence" and noted the company expects to deliver adjusted revenues of £12.5 million ($16 million) during the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024.Wushu founder and majority owner Alan McDermott and the current management team will remain at the helm post-acquisition. Keywords said the studio currently has a "strong pipeline of high-quality projects" in de…
Read moreThe Epic Games Store debuts on AltStore, Android, and iOS devices
Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe have dropped back onto iOS and Android handsets via The Epic Games Store. As promised earlier this year, Epic will use its marketplace to relaunch key titles on mobile platforms following a protracted legal battle with Apple and Google.The Epic Game Store is currently available for download on iPhone within the European Union, where the recently introduced Digital Markets Act prohibits Apple from blocking third-party platforms. It will also be accessible on Android devices worldwide and independent mobile stores including AltStore PAL.In a blog post announcing the launch, Epic praised the Digital Markets Act for allowing it to relaunch across EU territories, but claimed Apple is still blocking access elsewhere. It also described the processe…
Read moreDigital Sun’s Cataclismo surpasses 120K Early Access sales in two weeks
Cataclismo launched in Early Access in late July, and it's already sold 120,000 copies.Tim Bender, CEO of the game's publisher Hooded Horse, bragged about the RTS' success, also highlighting its high 93 percent rating on Steam. "We're honored to serve as publisher for the amazing devs at Digital Sun," he wrote.Meanwhile, the studio separately called it the fastest-selling game of its history to surpass 100,000 copies. It's also its highest-rated Steam game ever, surpassing the League of Legends spinoff Mageseeker (84 percent) and Moonlighter (82 percent)."Thanks for the support, Hogardians!" it concluded.
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Former Epic Games exec Alain Tascan is the new president of Netflix Games
Epic Games former EVP of game development, Alain Tascan, has been named president of Netflix Games.Prior to joining Epic, Tascan served as CEO of Umi Mobile, vice chairman at Funcom, VP and general manager at EA Montreal, and VP of production at Ubisoft.Variety broke the news and explained Tascan will report directly to Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters."Alain brings over 30 years of experience in global video game development, production, licensing and building studios," said Peters, discussing the appointment. "He has a passion for making great games and a proven track record of taking bold creative bets. We’re thrilled to have him leading Netflix Games."Tascan said he intends to build on the "remarkable foundation" the Netflix Games team has laid, and claimed th…
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