Unity has faced significant challenges over the past year, particularly following its controversial announcement of a runtime fee that would impose charges on developers for each installation of their games. This decision sparked widespread backlash within the game development community, prompting Unity to work diligently to restore its once-esteemed reputation. Despite the appointment of a new CEO and the cancellation of the runtime fee, the company recognizes that the journey to regain trust is ongoing.
A New Chapter with Unity 6
This week marks a pivotal moment for Unity as it unveils Unity 6, the first major update in nearly a decade. Initially perceived as a cash grab, Unity 6 now symbolizes a company striving to mend its relationship with developers. To showcase the capabilities of this new engine, Unity is pinning its hopes on Den of Wolves, the latest project from 10 Chambers Collective, known for their work on GTFO.
10 Chambers Collective, founded by veterans of the Payday franchise, has embraced Unity 6, despite starting development on an earlier version of the engine. Co-founder Hjalmar Vikström and Unity’s VP of Product, Ryan Ellis, shared insights into the enhancements brought by Unity 6, particularly in terms of game optimization and the integration of generative AI.
The Unreal Question
Vikström noted the surprise among players when they learned that GTFO was built on Unity, a platform often overshadowed by Unreal Engine in terms of visual fidelity. “So many people were so surprised when they saw us, when we announced GTFO, and they’re like, ‘What? Unity?’” he remarked. Historically, Unreal has been synonymous with high-profile console and PC releases, while Unity has catered more to indie developers and mobile titles.
Despite this perception, Vikström emphasized the advantages Unity offers, particularly in terms of speed and flexibility. “Unity is much quicker for us. It’s quicker to iterate on,” he explained. The lightweight nature of Unity’s framework allows developers to create prototypes swiftly, which was crucial for 10 Chambers during its formative stages.
Vikström acknowledged the challenges faced with previous versions of Unity, particularly regarding physics optimizations. However, he expressed optimism about the improvements in Unity 6, which have made it a more compelling choice for their upcoming title.
Growing Up in the Den of Wolves
As the development of Den of Wolves progresses, it is clear that the visual capabilities of Unity 6 are a significant draw. Vikström highlighted the advancements in the High Definition Rendering Pipeline (HDRP), which now includes features such as advanced shaders and ray tracing. This evolution in rendering technology allows for more visually stunning games, positioning Unity as a serious contender in the graphics arena.
Ellis elaborated on the technical enhancements in Unity 6, including the GPU resident drawer, which optimizes CPU performance by offloading tasks to the GPU. These improvements signal Unity’s ambition to cater to larger-scale projects while maintaining its roots in indie development.
An Answer to the Optimization Question
Optimization remains a critical concern for developers, particularly in the PC gaming landscape. Vikström acknowledged the complexities of optimizing games across diverse hardware configurations but emphasized the importance of a dedicated approach to performance. “You just need to be at it. Spend time on it,” he advised, highlighting the challenges faced by larger teams in maintaining a cohesive vision for optimization.
Despite the hurdles, Vikström expressed confidence in 10 Chambers’ ability to navigate these challenges. “Optimization, we’re super passionate about it, but it’s hard,” he admitted. The team is committed to ensuring that Den of Wolves delivers a smooth experience, free from performance issues.
On AI
As discussions around generative AI continue to evolve, both Vikström and Ellis recognize its potential impact on game development. While AI tools can enhance productivity, they stress the importance of human creativity in the process. “We really believe that the creator needs to be at the center of all these things,” Ellis stated, emphasizing that AI should serve as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for artistic vision.
Vikström shared practical insights on how AI can streamline certain tasks, such as generating boilerplate code, but reiterated the necessity of artistic sensibility in utilizing these tools effectively. The integration of AI in game development presents both opportunities and challenges, and the industry is still grappling with how to best leverage its capabilities.
As Unity embarks on this new chapter with Unity 6 and Den of Wolves, the company remains focused on rebuilding its reputation while fostering innovation in game development. The collaboration between Unity and 10 Chambers exemplifies the potential for growth and creativity in an ever-evolving landscape.
