Unity CEO apologises for disparaging monetisation comments

The CEO of a major video game engine development company, John Riccitiello, has apologised for his poorly received comments.

John Riccitiello. Photo: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch

John Riccitiello, the boss of Unity, a major video game engine development company, has recently apologised for calling mobile developers who don’t engage in monetisation “f*****g idiots”.

In a post on Twitter, Riccitiello explained his intentions regarding video game monetisation in further detail.

To our friends in the #unity community, I owe you this— pic.twitter.com/llJUL1LwXS

— John Riccitiello (@johnriccitiello) July 16, 2022

In an interview last week with PocketGamer.biz, Riccitiello began to discuss mobile video game developers who don’t prioritise monetisation: “...they’re the most beautiful and pure, brilliant people. They’re also some of the biggest f*****g idiots.”

The comment was poorly received on social media, with many pointing to his previous tenure as CEO of Electronic Arts, a video game publisher that has been criticised heavily for its role in lootbox monetisation.

John Riccitiello. Photo: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch

Riccitiello’s apology included a list of explanations surrounding the comment: “Sometimes all a game developer wants is to have a handful of friends enjoy the game. Art for art (sic) sake and art for friends. Others want player $ to buy the game or game items so they can make a living. Both of these motivations are noble.”

Expanding on this, Riccitiello states that he wishes he had “been smarter in choosing” his words, and adds that he wishes he had never said that “f*****g idiots” sentence.

The interview came after the announcement that Unity is acquiring Ironsource, a company that claims to focus on advertising in mobile phone games, but is primarily known for creating malware.

The malware ranged from fake Snapchat installers to generic “computer cleaner” malware that injects ads and toolbars into your grandparent’s laptops.

This acquisition, combined with the previous comment regarding monetisation, has led many creators and developers to voice their displeasure, with many swearing off Unity entirely and flocking its primary competitor: Unreal Engine 5.

Twitter users also pointed out that Riccitiello’s attitude is nothing new. As previous CEO of EA, Riccitiello is known for altering the development of Suda51 game Shadows of the Damned far beyond its original design, as well as leading a company full of brands previously untethered to in-game microtransactions to shift heavily into monetisation, such as Assassin’s Creed, Mass Effect and FIFA.

This monetisation has been expanded to the point where entire countries are considering stricter regulations on lootboxes and in-game microtransactions entirely.

Written by Junior Miyai on behalf of GLHF.