JOINT LETTER AGAINST UNITY’S NEW POLICY
JOINT LETTER FROM GAME DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES: SUSPENDING ALL MONETIZATION THROUGH UNITY ADS AND IRONSOURCE PENDING A REVIEW OF NEW CONDITIONS
We represent the unified voice of the game development sector, comprising developers, game designers, artists, and industry professionals. Driven by a profound love for our profession, we've dedicated years to molding an industry that has a global impact. As vested participants, we cannot remain passive when a choice compromises the stability of this environment.
Unity has played a pivotal role in our industry. It has inspired us to create so many games, empowering countless dynamic and independent developers to realize their dreams. We have played our part in advancing the industry and nurturing specialists who rely on Unity as their primary game engine.
Hence, the recent announcement on September 12 deeply concerns us. Unity's plan to introduce installation-dependent fees effective January 1, 2024, poses a significant threat to both small and large game developers. This decision was made without industry consultation, and Unity's claim that this "Runtime Fee" will affect only 10% of the industry is simply inaccurate.
We firmly disapprove of this action, which fails to recognize the challenges and intricacies of our industry.
While we have always embraced collaboration, this decision has blindsided us. With a single stroke, it puts hundreds of studios at risk without prior consultation or dialogue.
This decision is made during a period when the industry faces challenges such as shrinking profit margins, increased competition, and escalating expenses in both development and marketing. This affects not only developers but also artists, designers, marketers, and producers. It could lead to the closure of companies that have dedicated themselves to this industry.
As an immediate response, our coalition of game development companies is compelled to deactivate all Unity Ads and ironSource monetization across our projects until these changes are reviewed again.
We implore others who share our viewpoint to take similar action. The Runtime Fee represents an unacceptable alteration in our partnership with Unity and must be rescinded instantly.
If you resonate with our perspective, we invite you to stand with us. Pause Unity monetization until a fair and equitable resolution is reached. You can also support our cause by signing our open letter. Follow the link to join our cause and make your voice heard.
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