Unity's audacious plan to charge developers for the privilege of players installing their games has hit an unforeseen snag, with the announcement that CEO and architect of the scheme, John Riccitiello, will conveniently be retiring, effective immediately.
The news was announced today in a statement, which proclaimed Riccitielo will "retire as President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately." James M. Whitehurst has been appointed interim CEO, and the statement goes on to thank Riccitiello for his years of service to the company without directly referencing the elephant in the room.
Almost a month to the day, Unity unveiled the ill-conceived scheme, which was immediately hit with opposition and walked back, but not entirely. The installation fee is apparently still going to be a thing, but there are at least some caveats. Regardless, Unity's reputation is in tatters, and it seems that at least one head needed to roll for the fumble.