Unity CEO John Riccitello have apologized Called some game developers “some of the biggest fucking idiots” in an interview and vowed that he “would do better.”
This is a story that has been going on for days, so let’s take a few steps back. On July 13, Unity, which makes a popular game development engine, announced that it would merge with IronSource, which provides software that helps developers monetize their apps. Riccitello (formerly of EA’s CEO) and Unity SVP Mark Whitten were interviewed by pocket gamer About the news, and the interviewer talked about how some developers hold back from implementing monetization earlier in game development.
That’s where Riccitello said the “fucking idiots” quote (with .) our emphasis,
[Pocket Gamer:] Implementing monetization earlier in the process and conversation is certainly an angle that has received pushback from some developers.
Riccitello: Ferrari and some other high-end car manufacturers still use clay and carving knives. It’s a very small part of the gaming industry that works that way, and some of these people are my favorite people in the world to fight – they’re the most beautiful and pure, brilliant people. they are also some of them biggest fucking nerd,
I’ve been in the gaming industry the longest – getting gray hair and all that. It used to be that developers would throw their game promotions and sales force at the wall, with virtually no interaction beforehand. That model is baked into the philosophy of a lot of artworks and mediums, and it’s one I deeply respect; I know his dedication and care.
But the industry divides people between those who still hold that philosophy and those who largely embrace how to find out what makes a successful product.
That statement, unsurprisingly, led to some significant criticism. From DevelopersFrom . including Donut County (and more recently, neon white) developer Ben Esposito. “I made Apple’s iPhone Game of the Year in 2018 (Donut County) are using Unity, but according to their CEO I’m a ‘big fucking idiot’ for not making Hole.ioThe F2P game that broke it.” Esposito wrote on Twitter,
I made Apple’s iPhone Game of the Year in 2018 (Donut County) using Unity, but according to their CEO I’m a ‘big fucking idiot’ for not making Whole IO, the F2P game that made it through https:// removed from t. Co/Gv1zqy0BjH
— Ben Esposito (@torahhorse) 14 July 2022
Riccitiello posted his The first apology on Twitter a day after the interview was published, While he was “deeply sorry” for the offending developers, he claimed something was “clickbait” and “out of context”, seemingly referring to the “fucking idiot” quote. pocket gamer Interview.
Clickbait. Completely out of context. Deeply sorry if what I said offended any game dev. Absolutely love the people who make games. Creative, hard work. #Unity
— John Riccitiello (@johnriccitiello) 15 July 2022
On Monday, Riccitello shared a second apology on Twitter: “I want to talk about what I said in the interview, and my follow-up tweet. I’m going to start with an apology.” he has written, “My word choice was crude. I am sorry. I am listening and will do better.
Most of the message celebrates the developers, but he also makes it a point to clarify his comments. pocket gamer, “What I was trying to say, and have failed to say plainly, is that there are better ways for game developers to get a quick read on what players think of their games,” he wrote. “To learn from their feedback. And, if the developer wants, adjust the game based on this feedback. It’s a choice to listen and act or just listen. Again, both are very valid choices.”
“Anyway, that’s all,” he concluded. “Too many words. And a sentence I wish I had never said.”
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