Unity Software Inc. U, -4.53% shares fell Wednesday after the app-monetization and game-engine company introduced new fees based on how often a developer’s game is downloaded. Unity shares dropped as much as 8% to an intraday low of $35.83 in Wednesday trading. In a blog post Tuesday, Unity said it was introducing “a Unity Runtime Fee” based upon “each time a qualifying game is downloaded” by a user.
“We chose this because each time a game is downloaded, the Unity Runtime is also installed,” the company said. “Also we believe that an initial install-based fee allows creators to keep the ongoing financial gains from player engagement, unlike a revenue share.” Wells Fargo analyst Brian Fitzgerald, with a buy rating and a $54 price target, said in a note following the post that while developers “voice outrage online,” Unity’s price and value “has long favored developers.