Table of Contents

Can You Sell a Unity Game with Free Assets? Absolutely! Here’s How

Yes, you absolutely can sell a Unity game that utilizes free assets. In fact, many successful indie developers leverage free assets as a crucial part of their game development process. However, understanding the nuances of asset licenses and the Unity ecosystem is critical to ensuring you’re on solid legal ground and building a quality product. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Asset Licenses: Your Foundation

The key to legally selling a game with free assets lies in understanding the license agreement that accompanies each asset. Most free assets you find on the Unity Asset Store or other online repositories will come with one of the following license types (or similar):

Unity Asset Store License: This is the most common license you’ll encounter on the Unity Asset Store. It typically grants you the right to use the asset in commercial projects, royalty-free. However, there are usually restrictions, such as not being able to redistribute the asset itself or use it in a way that competes with the original asset creator.
Creative Commons Licenses: These licenses come in various forms (e.g., CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA). CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) essentially puts the asset into the public domain, meaning you can use it for any purpose, including commercial, without attribution. CC BY (Creative Commons Attribution) requires you to give credit to the original creator. CC BY-SA (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike) requires you to attribute the creator and license any derivative works under the same license. Always read the specific terms.
MIT License, BSD License, and other Permissive Licenses: These licenses are often found with code libraries and scripts. They generally allow you to use, modify, and distribute the asset, even for commercial purposes, as long as you include the original copyright notice and license text.
Custom Licenses: Some asset creators may offer free assets with their own custom licenses. These can have unique terms, so it’s crucial to read them carefully.

Always, without exception, read the LICENSE AGREEMENT before using any asset in your commercial game. Keep a record of the licenses for each free asset you use, as you might need to provide this information if questions arise later.

Finding Quality Free Assets

The Unity Asset Store is a great place to start, but don’t limit yourself. Other sources include:

Kenney.nl: A fantastic resource for high-quality, free assets under a CC0 license.
OpenGameArt.org: A community-driven repository of free game assets.
Itch.io: Many developers offer free assets on their Itch.io pages.
GitHub: Valuable for finding free code libraries and tools.

Unity Personal Edition: Revenue Limits and Requirements

Even if you’re using free assets, it’s essential to understand the terms of the Unity Personal Edition. As of the current writing (and always verify the latest information on Unity’s website), the Unity Personal Edition is free to use if you meet the following requirements:

Your company or organization must have earned less than $200,000 USD in gross revenue or received less than $200,000 USD in funding in the last 12 months.
You (or your company) cannot use Unity Personal Edition if you are part of, work for, or are contracted by a company that has earned more than $200,000 USD in gross revenue or has received more than $200,000 USD in funding in the last 12 months.

If you exceed these limits, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid Unity subscription (e.g., Unity Pro or Unity Enterprise) to continue developing and selling your game.

Adding Value Beyond Free Assets

Using free assets is perfectly acceptable, but remember that players are looking for a unique and engaging experience. Don’t just slap a bunch of free assets together and call it a game. Consider these strategies:

Modification and Customization: Modify free assets to fit your game’s style and theme. Change colors, textures, shapes, or even combine multiple free assets to create something new.
Unique Gameplay: Focus on creating innovative and compelling gameplay mechanics that set your game apart, regardless of the assets used.
Professional Polish: Invest time in polishing your game. Pay attention to details like UI/UX, sound design, and bug fixing.
Original Content: Consider creating some original assets, even if it’s just a few key elements. This can add a unique touch to your game.
Story and Narrative: A compelling story can elevate your game and make players forget that some assets are free.

FAQs About Selling Unity Games with Free Assets

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the topic:

1. What happens if I earn more than $200,000 with a game made in Unity Personal?

Once your revenue or funding exceeds $200,000 USD in a 12-month period, you are required to upgrade to a paid Unity subscription (e.g., Unity Pro or Unity Enterprise). You cannot continue using the Personal Edition.

2. Can I use free assets from the Unity Asset Store in a commercial project?

Yes, generally you can. Most free assets on the Unity Asset Store come with a license that allows commercial use. Always read the license agreement for the specific asset.

3. Do I need to give credit to the creators of free assets I use?

It depends on the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licenses require attribution. CC0 licenses do not. The Unity Asset Store license usually does not require explicit attribution within the game itself, but it is good practice to keep a record of the assets used and their creators.

4. Can I redistribute free assets I downloaded from the Unity Asset Store?

No, generally you cannot redistribute the asset itself. The license typically allows you to use the asset within your game, but not to sell or give away the asset as a standalone product.

5. What are the best places to find high-quality free assets for Unity?

Besides the Unity Asset Store, consider Kenney.nl, OpenGameArt.org, Itch.io, and GitHub.

6. Is it legal to sell a game that uses the free version of Unity?

Yes, as long as you comply with the Unity Personal Edition requirements (revenue and funding limits).

7. Does Unity take a royalty on games made with the Personal Edition?

No, Unity does not take a royalty on games made with the Personal Edition, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. It’s important to stay updated with Unity’s pricing policies, as changes can occur.

8. Can I sell games made with the free version of Unity on Steam, Google Play, or the App Store?

Yes, you can sell your game on any of these platforms as long as you comply with the Unity Personal Edition requirements and the platform’s own terms of service.

9. What is the “Made with Unity” splash screen, and do I have to show it if I use the Personal Edition?

Previously, the Unity Personal Edition required a “Made with Unity” splash screen to be displayed at the beginning of your game. However, Unity has changed this requirement. Starting with the 2023 LTS version (or later), the splash screen requirement will be removed for Personal Edition users.

10. Can I use assets from other game engines (like Unreal Engine) in Unity if they are free?

No, assets are usually licensed specifically for the engine they are designed for. Using an Unreal Engine asset in Unity, even if it’s free, would likely violate the license agreement.

11. What happens if Unity changes its licensing terms after I release my game?

Generally, the licensing terms in effect at the time you published your game are the ones that apply. However, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about any changes to Unity’s licensing terms and how they might affect your existing projects.

12. Can I use free assets to prototype a game and then replace them with paid assets later?

Yes, this is a common and perfectly acceptable practice. Free assets are often used for prototyping and testing game mechanics before investing in more polished, paid assets.

13. How important is sound design when using free assets?

Sound design is crucial. Even if you use free visual assets, high-quality sound design can significantly enhance the player’s experience and make your game feel more polished and professional. Consider using free sound effects or creating your own.

14. What should I do if I’m unsure about the license of a free asset?

If you’re unsure about the license of a free asset, err on the side of caution. Contact the asset creator directly to clarify the terms of use, or simply choose a different asset with a clearly defined license.

15. Where can I learn more about game development and asset creation?

There are tons of great resources out there! Consider checking out online courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera, explore the Unity Learn platform, and join game development communities. Also, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society for resources related to game-based learning: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

The Bottom Line

Selling a Unity game with free assets is entirely possible and can be a great way to get started in the game development industry. Just remember to prioritize understanding asset licenses, adding your own unique value to the game, and staying compliant with Unity’s licensing terms. Good luck, and happy developing!

Can you sell a Unity game with free assets?