Unity is a popular game engine used by developers worldwide for creating 2D, 3D, and augmented reality games, as well as interactive applications. It has become one of the most widely used game engines due to its user-friendly interface and extensive support for various programming languages and platforms. However, there has been some confusion regarding the ownership of Unity. In this article, we will explore the true ownership of Unity and how it affects your work as a developer.
Firstly, let’s clarify what we mean by "owned." Ownership refers to who has the legal rights to control and profit from a particular asset, such as a company or software product. In this case, we are referring to Unity, which is a game engine used in many different industries.
According to various sources, including the official Unity website, Unity is not owned by Ubisoft. Instead, it is owned by a company called Unity Technologies Ltd., which was founded in Denmark in 2008. This company was later acquired by a Japanese investment firm called SoftBank Group for $1.1 billion in 2014.
So, why does this matter to you as a web developer? Well, knowing the ownership of Unity can impact the way you use and distribute the software. For example, if you were planning on using Unity for commercial purposes, you would need to obtain the necessary licenses from Unity Technologies Ltd. Additionally, you should be aware of any restrictions or limitations that may apply to your use of Unity based on its ownership and licensing agreements.
It’s also worth noting that while Ubisoft does have a vested interest in the success of Unity (as it uses the engine for some of its own games), they do not own it outright. This means that any changes or updates to the software will ultimately be made by Unity Technologies Ltd., not Ubisoft.
In conclusion, while it may seem like Unity is owned by Ubisoft, in reality, it is owned by a separate company called Unity Technologies Ltd. As a web developer, it’s important to understand the ownership and licensing agreements surrounding this software and how they may impact your work. By doing so, you can ensure that you are using Unity in compliance with the law and maximize its potential for your projects.