Due to unity’s out of nowhere decision to force a pay-per-install model on all games using their software:
‘The wilds’ is going to enter a dormant period for an undetermined amount of time
I have been developing with unity for over 10 years. its all ive ever known, I taught myself how to code, animate, and design games as a 1 man team. as of this morning i have cancelled my subscription to unity and will be moving to unreal engine. I’ve poured 5,000+ and 2 1/2 years of my life into the wilds alone, so this is not a decision i make lightly.
The two main issues for me:
1. Decoupling the cost of development from revenue earned makes no sense and I believe has extremely insidious and coercive repurcussions. An install DOES NOT EQUAL money earned.
2. Retroactively imposing this fee on games developed years ago under different terms is unbelievably brazen, dishonest, and i would be shocked if the legality of it wasnt challenged in court.
EITHER WAY its done, my trust in UNITY is burned to the ground.
Thank you to all my supporters and just everyone, the response from the gaming community has been one of understanding and shared rage. thanks for having our backs. I’m sorry to all the players who have been enjoying the game and helping me build it. And goodluck to all the other devs out there, there are
thousands of us all feeling the same, we will survive and we will rebuild with a company that respects us.
I will be immediately starting my move to unreal engine. I taught myself once and i can do it again.
I am and always will be a game developer.
FAQ:
Q: What will happen to The WILDS?
A: Still trying to figure this part out but after hearing from the community I think I'll leave the game available on steam and maybe just put it on discount until I get something workable to show in Unreal.
Q: How long will it take you to rebuild the game in Unreal?
A: Again I honestly don't know. I have only ever used Unity, for 12 years. I have to completely learn a new engine, and a new programming language. I don't think I could give any accurate estimate that wasn't pulled out of thin air.
Q: What will happen to the discord?
A: As of right now I am planning to keep the discord open permanently for those that want to check in on The WILDS and my progress in Unreal, but will have nothing open past tomorrow in terms of discussion. There will be a Q&A section open for the next 24 hours.
Q; Will The WILDS be different once it's rebuilt?
A: Again I don't know, but maybe I look into networking with Unreal and take another stab at multiplayer? Maybe the game runs better? The possibilities are endless and this could all be for the best in the end. (minus the 2 years of my life I just lost)