Unity unveils Unity 6 and their AI-powered future
Unity has had an eventful week, with its Unity Unite event in Amsterdam proving to be a success. The new CEO, Jim Whitehurst, even addressed the unpopular Runtime Fee restructuring. However, the highlight of the event was undoubtedly the unveiling of the new tech in Unity 6, which showcases the company’s foray into the world of AI for content creation.
The introduction of features like Muse Sprite and Muse Texture is expected to be well received by developers, as they alleviate repetitive tasks and provide innovative ways to approach game development. These advancements align with Unity’s mission to empower and enable creativity for all, allowing even small studios to produce more and better games at a faster pace. It’s worth noting, though, that these advancements may result in cost savings for game studios, particularly in art departments.
Marc Whitten, President of Unity Create, emphasized that AI is not meant to replace human effort, but rather enhance it. The goal is to provide artists and creators with tools like Muse that allow them to iterate, refine, and bring their visions to life more efficiently.
Unity’s transition towards this AI-powered future holds promise, but it remains to be seen how smoothly it will unfold for everyone involved.
Embracer faces sales growth but cuts jobs
Embracer’s restructuring efforts have led to the loss of 900 jobs in just one quarter, and the situation is unlikely to improve. The publisher’s spending spree on intellectual property, developers, and teams without a cohesive strategy has left it vulnerable. Even during the prosperous times, the company’s approach seemed precarious, and the slightest misstep could trigger a chain reaction that would bring everything crashing down.
Embracer’s heavy reliance on anticipated future revenue has resulted in a $1.4 billion financial deficit in Q2 2023, although this figure has decreased by 31% year-over-year. Now that the expected investment has dried up, the consequences are being felt, especially for hard-working developers and Europe’s gaming industry as a whole. External factors like inflation and high interest rates have only worsened the situation.
UK game developers face skill shortages
A report revealing that 68% of UK game developers are experiencing skill shortages has caused a stir within the industry. It seems counterintuitive considering the mass layoffs that have occurred this year. However, this shortage may primarily involve senior roles, and the challenging year may have driven some professionals away from the industry altogether.
One issue contributing to this shortage is the outdated hiring process employed by many companies, both within and beyond the gaming sector. To address the deficit in senior talent, companies may need to promote from within and invest in nurturing the skills of existing employees. Additionally, lowering the entry barriers and considering enthusiastic candidates with potential, even if they lack extensive experience, could help fill the talent gap.
While there may be other underlying causes behind the reported data, it is frustrating to realize that there are numerous skilled and passionate developers seeking opportunities but struggling to find them.
Top Chinese publishers dominate mobile revenue
According to Sensor Tower’s monthly report, Chinese publishers held a significant market share in October’s mobile revenue. Out of the top 100 mobile publishers, 37 were based in China, with Tencent, NetEase, and miHoYo among the most successful.
miHoYo, in particular, has been captivating to watch this year. The anticipation surrounding their next project after Genshin Impact, coupled with the record-breaking success of Honkai: Star Rail, has propelled them to new heights. October marked miHoYo’s second-best month for revenue, with a 10% month-on-month increase, demonstrating sustained growth.
These monthly reports from Sensor Tower not only shed light on the performance of established players but also offer a platform to discover new and intriguing games. One such discovery is “King of Salted Fish,” a curious title that adds to the industry’s diverse and creative landscape.