Unity Technologies is gaining even more ground as they reach $181 million in their Series C round of funding which is more than three times than what they have raised in their previous run.
Their free Unity game engine is already doing well as it seems to be one of the most popular choices for both beginner and intermediate game developers. It is easy to use and does not need a lot of third-party software to complete a game.
Now, Unity is planning to take on virtual and augmented reality with their game engine. However, they need to get some funding first in order to fully maximize the game engine's potential.
DFJ Growth led the Series C round of funding which led Unity Technologies closing in on $181 million, TechCrunch has learned. Other companies that invested in Unity include Thrive Capital, Max Levchin, FreeS Fund and the China Investment Corporation.
VR and AR in the video game industry are starting to grow larger by the minute with the latter being led by the famous Pokémon GO app from Ingress maker Niantic labs. Unity already supports VR but at the basic level for the Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR headsets.
DFJ Growth partner Barry Schuler said in a statement that Unity is expected to take on more of the AR and VR industry with their "write once, publish many" game engine, VentureBeat reported. Unity is known for easily porting to other platforms even if the developer only makes the game for one particular platform.
For instance, a game made for the PC via Unity can easily be exported for the Android or iOS platform. There are some minor changes in the code specifically for the controls part but it is easier compared to other game engines that require a complete overhaul.
For those who do now know yet, Unity game engine is also the driving force behind the viral Pokémon GO app. It may have been one of the reasons as to why the capital venture companies were confident in how Unity Technologies will take their game engine business to the next level with AR and VR.