Unity just gave us a front-row seat to the future—and it’s looking epic.

During their GDC 2025 Unity Roadmap presentation, Unity’s leadership team unveiled a bold new direction for the engine, with major updates coming in Unity 6.1 and beyond. From AI-powered productivity tools and multiplayer evolution to massive rendering and performance upgrades, Unity is shaping itself into a full-stack solution for creating, shipping, and running live games at scale.

Watch the full presentation here:

• YouTube – Unity Roadmap at GDC 2025
• Join the discussion on Unity’s forum

Unity’s Core Mission: Reach the Most Players, with the Best Experience

Unity is reaffirming its identity as a platform that empowers developers to bring their visions to life and reach a global player base. Unity’s renewed commitment to performance, platform diversity, and developer support aims to create a more cohesive and robust experience.

“Unity is the engine that allows you to reach the most players with the best player experience.”

Key highlights:

• Support for over 20 platforms.
• Focused performance optimization for every device type.
• Increased collaboration with studios for real-world Production Verification.
• Unity 6.0 now in LTS with up to 3 years of support.
• Co-development partnerships with top studios (Phasmophobia, Marvel Snap, Dredge).

Unity 6.1 Highlights – Performance, Graphics & XR

Unity 6.1 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful updates in recent years. With significant improvements across web, mobile, and XR platforms, Unity is not just polishing old tools but reinventing workflows to help creators do more, faster.

Web & GPU Enhancements

“You will now be able to leverage compute rendering techniques like compute shaders, GPU skinning, VFX graph…”

• WebGPU support for compute shaders and high-end browser graphics.
• Progressive Web App template for mobile browser deployment.
• Meta Instant Games integration for Facebook and Messenger platforms.
• New code stripping tools to speed up load times on instant games.

Android Optimization

“We’re excited to announce that the Unity Engine is now 16 KB page size ready.”

• Support for Android 15’s 16KB memory page size.
• Vulkan multi-threading optimizations.
• New device filtering for targeted GPU usage.
• Compatibility with folding screens and configuration changes.

XR & Spatial Computing

“Google has partnered with Unity to ensure Day 1 support for this new platform.”

• Android XR full support via AR Foundation.
• Space warp and multi-view enhancements for Meta Quest.
• Mixed reality optimizations: occlusion, boundaryless MR, shared anchors.

Unity Graphics, Lighting, and Rendering Upgrades

Rendering continues to be a major focus. Unity is introducing significant updates to both URP and HDRP pipelines while doubling down on DX12 and ray tracing improvements. These updates provide studios the tools to push visual fidelity while retaining performance.

DirectX 12 as Default

“We see up to 40% reduction in CPU time.”

• DX12 now default graphics API in Unity 6.1.
• Split Graphics Job Threading Mode for faster GPU command submission.
• DX12 PSO (Pipeline State Object) caching for fewer stutters.

URP & Ray Tracing

• New Deferred Plus renderer with clustered lighting.
• Variable Rate Shading (VRS) overlays.
• Solid angle culling for better CPU performance.
• Compute-driven ray tracing with reduced memory usage (up to 75%).

AI & Productivity Tools in Unity

Unity is making major strides in AI-assisted development, pushing productivity by enabling context-aware chat assistants, generative asset creation, and automatic code generation. This lets developers prototype faster and iterate with fewer blockers.

AI Assistant Upgrades

“Chat understands your project context and offers informed answers…”

• Automate mundane tasks like asset renaming, scattering, and animation.
• Generate Unity-ready C# code from prompts.
• Debug with contextual awareness of game objects and components.

Asset Generation

“Soon, you’ll be able to capture nuanced animations simply by recording videos on your smartphone.”

• Pre-trained LoRA models for sprites, icons, and backgrounds.
• Custom AI training workflows.
• Upcoming support for:
  • Text-to-3D meshes
  • Texture and skybox generation
  • Audio generation for music and sound effects

Unity Multiplayer Evolution: From Onboarding to LiveOps

Unity 6.0 and 6.1 are pushing forward multiplayer accessibility. Developers now have access to built-in netcode, scalable multiplayer hosting, and a range of connected services aimed at streamlining live game operations.

Multiplayer Center → Project Center

“Instead of constantly reinventing the wheel, you can use Unity’s ready-to-use building blocks.”

• Guided onboarding for genre-based netcode selection.
• Prebuilt widgets for rapid multiplayer prototyping.
• Future Project Center will extend to LiveOps services.

Netcode & Hosting

“Distributed authority is now fully released…”

• Client-hosted games via Distributed Authority.
• Host migration support for entities netcode.
• Deterministic burst execution for cross-architecture multiplayer (RTS, fighting).

Built-in LiveOps

“We are integrating Vivox voice chat and Vivox text chat…”

• Integrated systems: authentication, matchmaker, remote config, analytics.
• Support for Arm64 dedicated game servers.
• Real-time insights and persistent player session support.

Optimized Workflows in Unity

Improving iteration speed and build reliability is crucial, especially for large teams and ambitious projects. Unity is delivering upgrades that reduce shader build time, optimize asset workflows, and tighten feedback loops.

• Project Auditor: Detect C# allocations and config issues instantly.
• Cloud Build Automation: Now available directly in the Editor.
• ECS 1.4: Simplified APIs and new profiler for job system analysis.
• MeshLOD Cloud: Auto-generate LODs in Editor.

Future-Proofing Games & Studios in Unity

“We are doing all of this with Production Verification in mind at each step of the way.”

Unity’s roadmap emphasizes scalability, live content delivery, and reduced iteration times. Whether you’re a solo dev or AAA studio, Unity 6 is designed to help you move faster, with more confidence, and ship games that last.

Want to connect with other Unity creators ? Join our Discord Community where we have staff available 24/7 to share insights, and help you grow!

From Press Release Published on November 7, 2024

Unity, a global leader in game development and interactive content creation, has announced the appointment of Jarrod Yahes as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), starting January 1, 2025. Yahes’s hiring comes soon after the addition of Steve Collins—former King CTO and Havok co-founder—as Unity’s new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

A Track Record of Growth and Operational Excellence

Jarrod Yahes joins Unity following a successful five-year tenure as CFO at Shutterstock, where he played a key role in broadening the company’s portfolio, emphasizing revenue growth, and unlocking profitability through expansion into 3D content, data monetization, and digital advertising. Prior to Shutterstock, Yahes served as CFO at marketing technology firm Zeta Global and has also held senior financial roles at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services and ExlService Holdings. His background includes experience in Global Technology Investment Banking at Citi and at Ernst & Young LLP.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jarrod to Unity. His blend of operational rigor and growth orientation will be instrumental for Unity’s next stage,”
– Matt Bromberg, CEO and President of Unity

Strategic Leadership for Unity’s Next Chapter

According to Unity’s CEO and President, Matt Bromberg, Yahes’s appointment is part of the company’s plan to strengthen its leadership team and drive the next phase of operational discipline and product innovation. With Collins as CTO and Yahes as CFO, Unity aims to solidify its reputation as the all-in-one platform for creating, marketing, and monetizing games and interactive experiences.

“Unity has established itself as the only global platform that supports developers across the entire lifecycle of making, marketing, and monetizing games and interactive experiences,”
– Jarrod Yahes

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Unity is set to release its Q3 2024 financial results later today, Thursday, November 7, 2024, after the market closes. A webcast to discuss these results will be held at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. Both the webcast and shareholder letter will be available on Unity’s Investor Relations site, with a replay accessible shortly after the live session.

About Jarrod Yahes

• Served as CFO at Shutterstock since December 2019
• CFO at Zeta Global (marketing technology)
• CFO at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
• SVP, Global Controller and SVP, Treasurer at ExlService Holdings
• Experience in Global Technology Investment Banking at Citi
• Began career at Ernst & Young LLP
• Holds a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of California at Berkeley

About Unity

Unity (NYSE: U) provides a comprehensive suite of tools for creating, marketing, and growing games and interactive experiences on mobile, PC, console, and extended reality (XR) platforms. To learn more, visit Unity.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This article contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined under federal securities laws, including statements about Unity’s plans, strategies, and objectives. Words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. Further information on these risks is included in Unity’s filings with the SEC, available on the Unity Investor Relations website. Unity assumes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.

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The gaming community gathered with immense excitement for the 2024 Unity Awards, an annual celebration that honors outstanding achievements in game development using the Unity platform. This year’s event was a spectacular showcase of creativity, innovation, and technical prowess, bringing together developers, artists, and enthusiasts from around the globe. As the virtual red carpet rolled out, attendees were treated to dazzling presentations, inspiring speeches, and, of course, the announcement of the year’s top games across various categories.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the announcement of the Best Desktop/Console Game. Nintendo’s beloved title, Super Mario RPG, took home the prestigious award, impressing the judges with its engaging gameplay and timeless charm. The competition was fierce, with runners up like El Paso, Elsewhere by Strange Scaffold and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes from Simogo and Annapurna Interactive showcasing the diverse talent within the industry. These nominees demonstrated the rich storytelling and innovative mechanics that continue to elevate desktop and console gaming.

On the mobile front, Hello Kitty Island Adventure by Sunblink emerged victorious in the Best Mobile Game category. The game captivated players with its adorable graphics and immersive island exploration. Close contenders included Ridiculous Fishing: EX by Vlambeer and FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS from Square Enix, each bringing their unique flair to the mobile gaming experience. This category highlighted the rapid advancements in mobile game development, offering players high-quality entertainment on the go.

Visual storytelling reached new heights with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown by Ubisoft Montpellier winning the Best 3D Visuals award. The game’s stunning graphics and meticulous attention to detail set a new benchmark for visual excellence in the industry. Competing titles like No Rest for the Wicked by Moon Studios and Solo Leveling: ARISE from Netmarble Neo were also recognized for their impressive artistry and technical achievements, underscoring the importance of visual innovation in modern gaming.

Anticipation reached a fever pitch with the Most Anticipated Game award going to Hollow Knight: Silksong by Team Cherry. Fans eagerly awaiting its release were thrilled to see the sequel receive such acclaim, promising an expansion of the beloved universe with enhanced gameplay and deeper narratives. Other nominees, including Jump Ship by Keepsake Games and Projekt Z: Beyond Order from 314 Arts and Maximum Entertainment, generated significant buzz, reflecting the vibrant future of the gaming landscape.

Beyond the winners, the Unity Awards celebrated a plethora of talented developers and innovative projects. Each runner-up across the categories brought something unique to the table, from the quirky adventures of Crow Country by SFB Games to the strategic depth of Dungeon & Fighter Mobile by NEOPLE Inc. These games not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with Unity but also enriched the gaming community with their diverse genres and creative visions.

The 2024 Unity Awards not only highlighted the best in game development but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among creators. As developers networked and shared their experiences, the event served as a reminder of the collective passion that drives the gaming industry forward. Whether you’re a developer, a gamer, or simply a fan of interactive storytelling, the Unity Awards offered something to inspire everyone.

Winners at a Glance:

Best Desktop/Console Game
Winner: Super Mario RPG by Nintendo

Runners Up:

• El Paso, Elsewhere | Strange Scaffold
• Lorelei and the Laser Eyes | Simogo, Annapurna Interactive
• Crow Country | SFB Games
• Chants of Sennaar | Rundisc, Focus Entertainment
• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble | SEGA
• Uncover the Smoking Gun | ReLu Games
• SANABI | WONDER POTION, NEOWIZ

Best Mobile Game
Winner: Hello Kitty Island Adventure by Sunblink
Runners Up:

• Ridiculous Fishing: EX, KO_OP | Vlambeer
• THE IDOLM@STER Gakuen | Bandai Namco Entertainment, QualiArts
• Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade | Sumzap, Inc., TOHO CO., LTD.
• FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS | Square Enix
• CookieRun: Tower of Adventures | OvenGames
• Dungeon & Fighter Mobile | NEOPLE Inc.
• Ares: Rise of Guardians | Second Dive

Best 3D Visuals
Winner: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown by Ubisoft Montpellier
Runners Up:

• No Rest for the Wicked | Moon Studios GmbH, Private Division
• 1000xRESIST | sunset visitor 斜陽過客, Fellow Traveller
• Harold Halibut | Slow Bros.
• THE IDOLM@STER Gakuen | Bandai Namco Entertainment, QualiArts
• TENSEI | NEURON･AGE/ ProjectPegasus
• Solo Leveling: ARISE | Netmarble (Netmarble Neo)
• Ares: Rise of Guardians | Second Dive

Most Anticipated Game
Winner: Hollow Knight: Silksong by Team Cherry

Runners Up:

• Jump Ship | Keepsake Games
• Projekt Z: Beyond Order | 314 Arts, Maximum Entertainment
• Morbid Metal | SCREEN JUICE
• Fight Crab 2 | Calappa Games, PLAYISM
• Brazen Blaze | MyDearest Inc.
• Goodbye Seoul | JINO Games, NEOWIZ
• Demis Re:Born | Netmarble (Netmarble F&C)

For a complete list of winners and to relive the unforgettable moments of the event, visit Unity Awards 2024. If you missed the live celebration, you can watch the entire event here.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees—your creativity and dedication continue to shape the future of gaming!