What Is Unity?

Unity is a free-to-try platform commonly used by game developers for its game engine and ability to create 2D and 3D applications, such as games and simulations. It is popular for many reasons, including its robust suite of tools with an easy-to-use interface. Discover more about Unity and how to use it to create video games and other applications.

What is Unity?

Unity is a video game engine that is also used in many other industries. It powers 84 percent of the top 100 games and over 60 percent of the top-grossing VR Steam experiences [1]. Unity offers a suite of tools for developers, including graphics, VR and AR capabilities, animation tools, and more. By offering resources to teach users about the platform's source code, Unity makes coding more accessible. 

What language does Unity use?

Unity uses C#, an open-source, object-oriented, and cross-platform programming language. You can also use other languages if they compile a compatible DLL file. When you write your code, Unity will default to the Visual Studio editor, but you can also select your preferred editor from the External Tools panel.

Game engines similar to Unity

Unity and Unreal Engine are two of the most popular game development engines, but other options include Godot, Amazon Game Engines, and CryEngine. The game engine that you choose for your project will depend on what you want the final product to look like, how you want to distribute it, and your prior programming experience. 

Pros and cons of Unity vs. Unreal Engine

Unity and Unreal Engine are popular because they offer robust tools for developers to create video games and other applications. They have some differences that might affect which game engine you choose for your own project.

For one, Unity is more intuitive and easier to use for developers who don’t have a lot of prior experience. Both run on various platforms, but your chosen platform may determine whether you will use Unity or Unreal Engine. If you’re interested in making a game with advanced graphics, Unreal Engine offers more power despite the robust graphics Unity offers.

Lastly, if you’re monetizing your product, Unity and Unreal Engine have different costs. Unity offers seven plans to help you customize your licensing to the size of your product. Unreal has a simpler payment plan with less ability to customize, and it charges royalties.

What is Unity used for?

Unity helps designers and developers create games, prototypes, and simulations. You can use the software to create multiplatform games, grow your business, and for research and education. Unity also offers a variety of feature sets that can help you create different projects, such as augmented reality, cinematic studio, and virtual reality. 

Examples of Unity in different industries

Video games use Unity’s robust capabilities, but other industries are also beginning to turn to Unity, including government, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and retail. 

In government, you can use Unity for complex simulation programs such as training platforms for the US Army. In 2022, Unity signed a deal with CACI International, a national defense contractor, to develop “Smart Human Machine Interfaces” [2]. In architecture, you can use Unity to plan buildings and visualize them in a 3D virtual reality space.

Who uses Unity?

The most common careers that use Unity include game engineers, game developers, and graphic engineers. Explore details about unique programming jobs where you can use Unity below.

Unity developer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $80,441 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 16 percent [4]

As a Unity developer, you will plan and create code to make a game functional, fix code errors, test games, and ensure that the final product is high quality. If you work on games after their release, you may also work on game patches and ongoing updates. You will likely work as part of a team of developers.

Software engineer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $115,452 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 25 percent [6]

As a software engineer, you will plan and develop software projects, either creating applications and user-forward software or systems software that enables an operating system or network to function. In both cases, you may work with a team of other professionals. Building applications might mean working on mobile phone apps or web-based applications along with graphic designers and project managers. Working on a systems team might mean working with systems architects, data science professionals, and senior management. 

Virtual reality developer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $76,457 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 25 percent [6]

As a virtual reality developer, you will plan, test, and design virtual reality software. Similar to other development and software engineering roles, you may spend time writing code, planning program functionality, testing games, and fixing coding errors. You may work as part of a team of professionals, and you may also be responsible for all documentation and other things needed to complete a project. 

Next steps with Unity 

Unity is a versatile and powerful development platform common to game development related positions. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance your skills, Unity provides the tools and opportunities to bring your creative projects to life.

You can start using Unity for free and find complete documentation online. If you have a do-it-yourself spirit or previous experience with coding, you could teach yourself the program using these resources. In addition to the documentation, you can find many tutorials for using Unity to do specific actions. 

If you prefer more structure to your learning, consider completing the C# Programming for Unity Game Development Specialization offered by the University of Colorado on Coursera. With this four-course series, you can learn skills in C#, game programming, Unity, and video game development.