Final month, sport builders misplaced it over Unity’s plans to implement an install-based “runtime fee.” Now, Unity’s CEO John Riccitiello is stepping down.
The sport engine agency introduced that Riccitiello—who’s 65—is retiring and leaving the corporate, efficient instantly. He will even go away his place as a member of Unity’s Board of Administrators, however will tackle an advisory position as a part of the transition, in accordance with the release.
James Whitehurst is getting into the CEO and President roles on an interim foundation and also will take a spot on Unity’s board.
“I’m assured that Unity is well-positioned to proceed enhancing its platform, strengthening its neighborhood of consumers, builders, and companions, and specializing in its development and profitability objectives,” mentioned Whitehurst in an announcement.
Roelof Botha is getting into the Chairman position at Unity.
“John has led Unity by way of unimaginable development over the past almost 10 years, serving to us transition from a perpetual license to a subscription mannequin, enabling builders to monetize, constructing different sport companies to serve our creator neighborhood, main us by way of an IPO and positioning us as a pioneer within the developer neighborhood,” Botha mentioned in an announcement.
Unity’s board is actively trying to find a everlasting alternative to fill Riccitiello’s positions. Riccitiello grew to become a Unity board member a decade in the past again in 2013 and have become its CEO in 2014. He beforehand served as CEO, COO, and president of outstanding online game writer Digital Arts.
Whereas Unity’s new management stays optimistic, information of Riccitiello’s departure comes simply weeks after the gaming tech firm confronted huge controversy after it introduced a brand new “Unity Runtime Payment” for builders that’s primarily based on developer income and the variety of installs—versus a revenue-sharing mannequin.
A few week later, Unity walked back a few of its plans for the brand new payment, set to launch in 2024—however hasn’t scrapped it solely.
Riccitiello’s departure could also be unsurprising to some within the gaming business who’ve been calling for the manager to step down for years. Recreation World Observer reported final yr that sport developerss demanded that Riccitiello step down as CEO after the manager known as gamemakers who don’t perceive the significance of monetization “the largest fucking idiots.”
After the runtime payment was introduced final month, a number of Change.org petitions popped up calling for Unity to take away Riccitiello from his place as CEO. Whereas these petitions solely acquired about 90 signatures, numerous Reddit posts additionally called for his removal.