During the Microsoft’s Build 2013 conference this week, Unity has announced that their Unity game engine now supports the new next-generation Microsoft Xbox One games console.
Back in March of this year, Unity also announced that their game engine would support Sony’s next-generation games console, the PlayStation 4. However, other offers were also announced this week for Windows Phone developers.
Unity Game Engine Expands Its Reach
As well as announcing the Unity game engine support for Xbox One, the company also announced free support for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 games. This move offers Windows developers a sweeter deal than the iOS and Android developers who are also using the Unity game engine to create apps and mobile games. By providing free support, Unity aims to attract more developers to the Windows platform, potentially increasing the number of high-quality games and applications available for Windows users.
Unity and Microsoft have partnered to remove the cost if you buy or already own Unity Pro. The Windows Store Pro add-on and all the advanced functionality that comes with it are now free. This is a significant incentive for developers who are considering which platform to develop their games on. Unity explained:
“Unity can still be used by [Xbox] developers being published by someone other than Microsoft Games Studios, they’ll just need to pay for it. We ask developers interested in using Unity to publish to consoles to contact us directly to discuss pricing.”
Implications for Game Developers
This announcement has several implications for game developers. Firstly, it lowers the barrier to entry for developing games on the Windows platform. By offering free support for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8, Unity is making it easier for developers to experiment with and create games for these platforms without incurring additional costs. This could lead to a surge in the number of games available on the Windows Store, benefiting both developers and consumers.
Secondly, the support for Xbox One means that developers can now create games for one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market using the Unity engine. This opens up new opportunities for developers to reach a wider audience and potentially increase their revenue. The Xbox One’s advanced hardware capabilities also mean that developers can create more complex and visually stunning games.
Moreover, the partnership between Unity and Microsoft highlights the importance of collaboration in the tech industry. By working together, these companies can provide better tools and resources for developers, ultimately leading to a richer and more diverse gaming ecosystem.
For example, a small indie developer who might not have had the resources to develop for multiple platforms can now do so more easily with Unity’s support. They can create a game for Windows Phone 8, Windows 8, and Xbox One without having to worry about the additional costs and complexities associated with developing for each platform separately.
Additionally, this move could also encourage more developers to adopt the Unity engine for their projects. Unity is already a popular choice among developers due to its ease of use and powerful features. By offering free support for Windows platforms, Unity is making its engine even more attractive to developers who are looking for a versatile and cost-effective solution for their game development needs.
In conclusion, Unity’s announcement of support for Xbox One and free support for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 is a significant development for the gaming industry. It lowers the barrier to entry for developers, opens up new opportunities for creating games on popular platforms, and highlights the importance of collaboration in the tech industry. As a result, we can expect to see a surge in the number and quality of games available on Windows platforms in the coming months.
Source: Tech Crunch
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
