Unity's New CEO Vows a 'Radically Different Company' After Tough Year

18.10.2024

Five months into his role as CEO of Unity Software, Matt Bromberg is overseeing his first major product launch as the company navigates through a challenging period. Unity introduced the new version of its flagship product, Unity Engine 6, which developers use to create games across various platforms like iPhones and Android phones. The new version focuses on stability, predictable updates, and the ability to support large-scale multiplayer environments.

Bromberg, who took over as CEO in May, is working to rebuild customer trust after the company faced layoffs, significant financial losses, and customer dissatisfaction. His predecessor, John Riccitiello, stepped down after a controversial pricing change that charged developers for each game download using Unity. Bromberg quickly reversed this decision by scrapping the “Unity Runtime Fee.”

Unity Engine 6 now costs $2,200 per user annually for companies earning over $200,000, with negotiable pricing for larger clients. Despite Unity’s stock price falling by 23% over the past year, the company still holds 70 percent of the mobile gaming market, showing its resilience in the industry.

Bromberg is cautious about the current interest in generative AI, preferring to use it internally to speed up game production rather than relying heavily on it for content creation. Unity also supports the use of AI-generated assets in games but remains mindful of developers’ concerns about AI competing with creative work.

The company has also narrowed its focus on 3D visualization within gaming, stepping back from previous efforts to expand Unity’s engine into broader industries like digital twins. Bromberg believes focusing on gaming and its core strengths is the right path forward.

Looking ahead, Bromberg is optimistic about Unity’s role in the virtual and augmented reality space. Unity Engine 6 will support new platforms like Apple’s Vision Pro headset, allowing the creation and distribution of immersive experiences across a wide range of devices.