Unity Technologies Inc., the software company behind the Unity Engine used by game developers worldwide, has temporarily closed its San Francisco and Austin offices.
Engadget reports that the decision comes in the wake of credible death threats received by the company, which escalated following Unity's recent announcement of a substantial change to its business model.
Unity Shuts Offices Following Death Threats
The company took immediate action upon learning of the potential threat to its offices, making the safety of its employees the top priority.
A spokesperson for Unity told Engadget, "Today, we have been made aware of a potential threat to some of our offices. We are closing our offices today and tomorrow that could be potential targets for this threat, and are fully cooperating with law enforcement on the investigation."
The Verge reports that the company also canceled a scheduled town hall meeting with CEO John Riccitiello, initially intended to address the controversial pricing decision, citing precautionary measures. Unity's offices in both San Francisco and Austin remained closed for the day.
Controversial Pricing Decision Sparks Backlash
Unity's tumultuous week began with a contentious announcement that starting from January 1, 2024, developers using the Unity Engine would face charges based on the number of user installations once a specific threshold is reached.
Though aimed at enhancing Unity's profitability, this shift in pricing strategy sent shockwaves through the gaming industry.
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Impact on Developers and Studios
The backlash against Unity has been nothing short of astonishing, with game developers, publishers, and distributors expressing their concerns.
Particularly, developers of freemium games and those offering budget-friendly titles are expected to bear the brunt of these changes.
Mega Crit Games, the studio behind the hit game "Slay the Spire," has publicly opposed Unity's new pricing model. They are even considering migrating their long-standing Unity projects to alternative game engines despite the potential disruptions to their production timelines.
Unity's Response
Unity Technologies has responded swiftly to the threats and the industry's backlash. The company's emphasis on employee safety and full cooperation with law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of its staff.
Unity Technologies Inc. has long been a pillar of the gaming industry, providing developers with powerful tools and technologies to create captivating video games.
Their Unity Engine is a cornerstone of the gaming landscape, used by countless developers to craft immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
In Other News
Caesars Entertainment, the well-known hotel and casino conglomerate, recently admitted to a huge data breach that has shocked the industry.
According to reports, the breach revealed sensitive consumer data, including information from its loyalty program database, in what experts call a sophisticated 'social engineering attack.'
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