UPDATE: David Helgason has detailed the thinking behind the decision to remove the license fee for the basic version of Unity on Android and iOS in a video at the bottom of the story.
Unity CEO David Helgason has taken to the stage during the firm's Unite Nordic conference in Malmo to announce that the engine is now free on Android and iOS.
License fees for the basic version of the engine have been scrapped, with the company claiming it is looking to push the "democratisation of game development further than ever before."
The move, which is being brought into force immediately, means that add-on tools the firm previously claimed cost $800 are now "completely free".
Indie excitement
"We were able to make Unity free for the web and for desktop computers a while ago, but have been dreaming of doing the same for mobile for what seems like forever," said CEO David Helgason.
"Mobile games development is possibly the most dynamic and exciting industry in the world, and it's an honour to be able to help so many developers be so successful in fulfilling their visions and in building their businesses."
More information has also been provided by Unity rendering architect Aras Pranckevicius, who - when questioned as to what this means for developers who had already paid their Unity 4 license - added that there "will be some compensation" on offer, but that he didn't currently know the details.
Though initially limited to Android and iOS, Unity has suggested that the basic version may also drop its charge on other platforms, such as Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10.
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
May 31st, 2024
Week in Views - Squad Busters goes global, broken app stores, and Hill Climb Racing gets the LEGO treatment
News
May 31st, 2024
Mobile Movers: All the latest appointments and job moves from around the industry
Events
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
Gotland Game Conference 2024 | Nordic | Jun 3rd |
Games Mental Health Summit 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Dev Play Conference 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |