Steve Collins, who assumed the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Unity Technologies in October 2024, has announced his resignation after a brief tenure of six months. Collins, previously the CTO at King—the studio renowned for the popular game Candy Crush—brought with him over three decades of experience in gaming technology, including his co-founding of Havok, a pioneering physics engine company.
Unity Technologies, a leading platform for creating and growing interactive, real-time 3D content, confirmed Collins’ departure, stating that he made the decision for personal reasons. A company representative expressed gratitude for his contributions and conveyed confidence in Unity’s technical team’s ability to continue driving the company’s strategic initiatives forward.
Collins’ appointment was initially seen as a strategic move to bolster Unity’s technological leadership and innovation. His extensive background in gaming tech strategy and product development was anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing Unity’s product offerings and market position.
Unity has faced significant internal challenges in recent years. In late 2023, the company introduced changes to its pricing model, including a proposed ‘runtime fee’ that would charge developers each time a game using Unity’s engine was installed. This move sparked widespread backlash from the developer community, leading to the resignation of then-CEO John Riccitiello. Subsequently, in early 2024, Unity underwent a substantial restructuring, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,800 employees, which accounted for 25% of its workforce.
Despite these challenges, Unity has been actively working to rebuild trust within the developer community and stabilize its operations. The company has made efforts to revise its pricing strategies and focus on enhancing product stability and innovation. Collins’ departure, while reportedly unrelated to these past events, introduces another layer of transition within Unity’s leadership.
As Unity continues to navigate these changes, the company remains committed to its mission of empowering creators to build and grow interactive experiences across various platforms. The search for a new CTO will be crucial in determining the company’s future direction and its ability to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving gaming industry.
