Is Unity getting into the dream-killing business?

Welcome to Friday and our round-up of stories from Game Developer. We're continuing our coverage of the Unity Runtime Fee controversy, with more developer reaction round-ups, featured blogs, and news. We also have a feature on the core appeal of mechs and plenty of news from the likes of Ubisoft, DC, and more.

Is Unity getting into the dream-killing business?

Unity's claim that its per-install policy will only impact top developers isn't as reassuring as it thinks it is.

A large number of game developers do not enter the game industry to make exorbitant live service games. They want to make something small and interesting, with mechanics they can wrap their heads around and production cycles that don't swallow their lives. To developers like these, the success of Totally Accurate Battle Simulator matters way more than a big hit like Marvel Snap.

For solo devs or small companies, the mid-sized hits and cult classics might be the upper end of their game development inspirations. It's a starry-eyed dream that says you can make money without having millions of dollars in your coffers. Those dreamers are the ones playing around with Unity, finding solutions for niche problems, and finding joy in the art of game development.

I'm not alone in this observation—Dreamfeel game director Llaura McGee said as much in her thoughts on this mess of a week. "The Unity community is the most valuable "asset" Unity has," she wrote. "All of these 'worthless' users not only share their knowledge and work and assets every day for this ecosystem to benefit from, but they also evangelize the tool constantly to new users. They create the inspiration and encourage new developers to join the industry."

Why do game developers love mechs?

Game developers weigh in on the "utter perfection" of giant mechanical robots.

The Unity meltdown sucks for students and educators, too

Unity's controversial newly announced fee system has developers, as well as teachers and students, in a frenzy.

Among Us dev predicts install fee "concessions" instead of reversal after call with Unity

Pressure is mounting on Unity to scrap its new Runtime Fee policy, and there are even reports that a lawsuit could be in the offing.

Bill Willingham says WB never paid him for The Wolf Among Us

Willingham's choice to make Fables public domain was brought on by a desire to get back at DC Comics over money he feels he's owed after the hit Telltale games.

Ubisoft Montreal in disarray after forced return to office mandate

After years of working remotely, being told to return to the office has put the staff of Ubisoft Montreal in a number of tight spots.