Re-Logic, an indie studio behind evergreen sandbox hit game Terraria, has commented on Unity’s controversial decision to introduce per-install fees. The team not only condemned this move, but also decided to support two open source engines.
Re-Logic shared a public statement on X (Twitter), saying it “has been watching the recent events surrounding Unity with both interest and sadness.”
The studio noted that while it doesn’t use Unity (“outside of a few elements on our console/mobile platforms”), it can’t ignore “predatory moves made against studios everywhere.”
We unequivocally condemn and reject the recent TOS/fee changes proposed by Unity and the underhanded way they were rolled out. The flippant manner with which years of trust cultivated by Unity were cast aside for yet another way to squeeze publishers, studios, and gamers is the saddest part. That this move was wholly unnecessary pushes things into the tragedy category — a cautionary tale the industry will not soon forget.
from its public statement on the Unity Runtime Fee
The Terraria developer believes that even if Unity retracts the Runtime Fee, it will be very difficult for the company to win back the trust of developers. That’s why Re-Logic decided to support two open source game engines to light “some candles in an otherwise dark momemnt.”
As a result, Godot and FNA will each receive a donation of $100,000, plus Re-Logic will be sponsoring each of these engines with $1,000 per month. “All we ask in return is that they remain good people and keep doing all that they can to make these engines powerful and approachable for developers everywhere,” the statement reads.
Re-Logic concluded that it hopes to “empower and assist studios that are struggling with how best to proceed given these recent events.”
— Terraria🌳 (@Terraria_Logic) September 19, 2023
The Godot team has already thanked Re-Logic, “not just for the immense support Godot is receiving, but for your investment in our common cause.” FNA creator Ethan Lee said he has “never received anything like this before in my career.”
I’ve never received anything like this before in my career – I’m still not sure what to say even now.
Many MANY thanks to @Terraria_Logic for their contribution! We plan to share with everyone what the FNA team plans to do with this incredible donation soon! https://t.co/TPfPZKQT58
— Ethan Lee (@flibitijibibo) September 19, 2023
Godot is a cross-platform open source engine, which has been in active development for almost 10 years. It has become mostly popular among up-and-coming indie developers, with the list of games made with Godot including Brotato, The Case of the Golden Idol, Dome Keeper, and even a remaster of Sonic Colors.
With version 4.x launched earlier this year, the engine introduced many new features, including improved 3D rendering, new scripting capabilities, and Vulkan support. On top of that, many developers cited Godot as a possible platform they might migrate to from Unity.
FNA is an open source engine, which is basically a reimplementation of the Microsoft XNA 4.0 framework. The list of games using this engine includes Escape Goat, Fez (since version 1.2), I Maed A Gam3 W1th Z0mb1es 1n It!!!1, as well as ports of titles like Streets of Rage 4, Bastion, and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge.