Following a controversial runtime fee, Unity’s CEO John Riccitiello has stepped down as president, CEO, and chairman effective immediately.

The ex-EA boss joined the famous game engine maker back in 2013 and has led the company since. His departure was due to the backlash from the Unity community regarding the Unity runtime fee, which was a controversial and poorly-explained monetisation plan that worked in the company’s favour. Here are a few parting words from Riccitiello, who is probably going to enjoy his new golden parachute considering he has cashed out all his stocks prior to the runtime fee controversy:

“It’s been a privilege to lead Unity for nearly a decade and serve our employees, customers, developers and partners, all of whom have been instrumental to the company’s growth. I look forward to supporting Unity through this transition and following the company’s future success.”

Former IBM president James Whitehurst is now Unity’s interim CEO and president. He’s going to have his work cut out for him since all goodwill for the company from developers has gone up in smokes, much like the vapours that now occupy the spot where Riccitiello’s soul and heart used to be.

And if you’re wondering what other alternatives are there beyond Unity for game-making, let this feature from Sophie Azlan help you out!