Unity is a game engine that has taken the gaming world by storm, with its ability to create amazing 2D and 3D games on multiple platforms. But, let’s face it, as a beginner or even a seasoned developer, deciding whether to go for Unity Free or Pro can be a bit tricky.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between Unity Free and Pro, so you can make an informed decision on which version of the solution suits your needs best.
Comparison of Unity Free and Unity Pro Features
Unity Free and Pro have different sets of features to offer. Let’s take a look at what each version offers.
Unity Free Features
Unity Free is a fantastic option for hobbyists, students, and independent game developers who are just starting out and don’t have a large budget to work with.
With this engine, you get access to all the basic tools you need to create awesome 2D and 3D games, like the basic UI tools, scripting, and a physics engine. Plus, the engine comes with some pretty sweet animation and audio tools too.
One of the best things about the free version is that you can get access to a bunch of assets in the Asset Store, which is basically a giant library of game assets that you can use to make your game look and feel awesome. And, if you’re feeling really creative, you can even build your own assets using the engine’s powerful tools.
Here’s a full list of features you’ll get with Unity Free:
- 2D and 3D game development tools;
- Basic UI tools;
- Scripting;
- Physics engine;
- Audio engine;
- Basic animation tools;
- Basic particle system;
- Limited analytics tools;
- Limited access to the asset store;
- Watermark on splash screen;
- Revenue share of 5% on any revenue generated from products made with the engine.
Now, of course, nothing in life is totally free, right? So, there are a few limitations to Unity Free that you should be aware of. For one, the engine puts a watermark on the splash screen of any game you create with it. And, if you do end up making any money off your game, you’ll have to share 5% of that revenue with this engine. But, all things considered, those are pretty small prices to pay for all the awesome stuff you get with the Free version.
Overall, Unity Free is an awesome option that gives you all the tools you need to create your own amazing games. And, if your creation ends up being the next big thing, you can always upgrade to the Pro version to unlock even more features and take your game to the next level.
Unity Pro Features
If you’re a professional developer or a studio looking to create high-end games, Unity Pro is definitely the way to go. With this engine, you get access to all the features of the free version, plus a bunch of advanced features that can take your creation to the next level.
One of the biggest advantages of Unity Pro is that it allows you to target a wider range of platforms, including consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. With the Pro version, you also get access to advanced graphics features, like real-time global illumination, high-end post-processing effects, and support for the latest hardware.
But that’s not all. This solution also comes with some pretty sweet developer tools, like profiling and debugging tools, advanced scripting options, and support for version control systems like Git.
Here’s a full list of features you’ll get with Unity Pro:
- Real-time global illumination;
- Advanced rendering features;
- Full access to source code;
- Advanced animation tools;
- Advanced particle system;
- Advanced physics engine;
- Priority access to support;
- Performance reporting tools;
- Advanced analytics tools;
- No revenue share.
Another big advantage of this solution is that it removes the watermark on the splash screen of any game you create with it. And, instead of having to share 5% of your revenue with this engine, you just pay a flat fee upfront to use the engine. This can be a huge advantage for studios that are generating significant revenue from their games.
So, whether you’re a solo developer looking to take your game to the next level or a studio looking to create the next big thing, this version provides all the tools and features you need to make it happen.
Unity Free VS Pro: Which One to Choose?
Let’s outline the main features of Unity Free and Pro so you can make an informed decision.
- Cost. The first option is completely free to use, while Unity Pro requires a paid license. The cost of the Pro version varies depending on the type of license and the size of the organization;
- Features. Unity Pro comes with a number of additional features that are not available in the free version.;
- Support. The Pro version comes with priority access to the game engine’s support team, which can be helpful for organizations that need timely assistance with technical issues.;
- Revenue Sharing. The Pro version does not require users to share a percentage of their revenue with the game engine, while the free version requires a revenue share of 5% on any revenue generated from products made with the engine.
So, which version should you choose – Free or Pro? Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and budget. If you’re just starting out with game development or are working on a small project, the free version provides all the essential tools you need.
On the other hand, if you’re a professional developer or studio looking to create high-end games, Unity Pro’s advanced features and wider platform support make it the clear choice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between Unity Free and Pro will depend on your specific needs and budget. But no matter which version you choose, it is a powerful and flexible engine that can help you bring your game ideas to life.