Unity’s Struggles and Leadership Changes
Unity has faced significant challenges in recent years, largely attributed to its previous CEO, John Riccitiello. His controversial remarks, including referring to developers as “fucking idiots,” were particularly ill-timed given the company’s reliance on the developer community. However, the situation escalated with Unity’s proposal for a runtime fee, which would impose charges on game developers whenever their games were launched. The backlash was immediate and intense, prompting Unity to retract the fee and leading to Riccitiello’s resignation. Now, the responsibility falls on newly appointed CEO Matt Bromberg to restore the company’s reputation and regain the trust of developers.
Matt Bromberg’s Vision for Unity
Bromberg is actively engaging with the community and has been candid in interviews about the company’s direction. He recently emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with customers, stating, “you can’t have a business where we’re [fighting our] customers. That’s insane.” In a conversation with The Verge, he expressed his skepticism regarding the metaverse, recalling his experiences as a game maker. He described many proposed metaverse platforms as disappointing, likening them to outdated gaming concepts. According to Bromberg, the metaverse should not be conflated with successful live service platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, which attract a large, dedicated player base.
Understanding Live Service Gaming vs. the Metaverse
Bromberg highlighted that while many people engage with live service games, the notion of the metaverse, as envisioned by figures like Mark Zuckerberg, is often misleading. He noted that a staggering 92% of PC gamers are focused on titles that have been around for over two years. Bromberg acknowledged that one of the key hurdles in the gaming industry is persuading players to explore new experiences. However, he clarified that the challenges facing the metaverse should not be mistaken for an overall lack of sustainability in live service gaming.
Future of AR and Technology Adoption
Discussing the future of technology associated with the metaverse, Bromberg addressed the potential of augmented reality (AR) devices. He expressed optimism about the eventual widespread adoption of AR glasses, suggesting that advancements in AI, voice interaction, and battery life will facilitate this transition. Bromberg believes that as technology evolves, using traditional devices will seem outdated. He acknowledged that achieving mass consumer acceptance of new technology takes time, as it’s essential for the products to be refined and effective before they can achieve widespread popularity.
The Philosophical Implications of Technology
While Bromberg’s insights on the hardware aspects of AR resonate, there is an underlying philosophical concern about the implications of immersing ourselves in technology. The idea of interacting with the world solely through technological devices raises questions about the nature of our experiences and how we engage with our surroundings. Although technology has its advantages, one must consider the potential downsides of having constant digital mediation in everyday life.
