In the frantic race to the bottom in 2023, Unity is pushing hard to cross the finish line first. The former game engine darling has shot every foot it has, set all its dumpsters on fire, and alienated game companies, press, and players alike with its deeply unpopular and deceptive monetization policy that sought to squeeze per-install costs from titles. The fallout since September’s announcement of this shift has been immense, resulting in Unity’s stock price dropping and the resignation of former CEO John Riccitiello.
But just because the big cheese will soon be replaced doesn’t mean that all is right once again with the firm. Unity claims it has been struggling to be profitable all year long, issuing multiple rounds of layoffs over the course of 2023. Unfortunately, this week saw yet another batch of pink slips as Unity is closing Weta Digital and letting 265 employees go.
Gamespot reports that Unity acquired some of Weta Digital — which is best-known for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy — for $1.62 billion. Unity said that it’s shedding Weta Digital in 2023 to “become leaner” in the effort to trigger a “company reset” and go back to focusing on game development.
Unity’s been used to create or adapt to some MMORPGs, such as Mortal Online 2, Habbo Hotel, Albion Online, Project Gorgon, and Crowfall as well as the upcoming Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen.
