Unity’s Big Leap: Developing Survival Kids for Nintendo Switch 2

Unity’s Big Leap: Developing Survival Kids for Nintendo Switch 2

Unity, the company best known for its widely-used game engine, has stepped into the spotlight as a game developer with its first internally developed title, Survival Kids, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive launch game. This move marks a significant shift for Unity, traditionally a tools provider, as it dives into game development to showcase its engine’s capabilities and align with the needs of developers. Here’s an in-depth look at Unity’s bold venture and what it means for the gaming industry.

A New Chapter for Unity

Unity Technologies has long been a cornerstone of game development, powering over 70% of top mobile games and countless indie and AAA titles. But until now, the company has focused on providing tools rather than creating games. Survival Kids, a co-operative multiplayer game aimed at younger audiences, represents Unity’s first foray into full-scale game development. The game, a revival of a franchise that began in 1999 (known as Stranded Kids in some regions and Lost in Blue on Nintendo DS), is designed to leverage Nintendo’s family-friendly audience and new Switch 2 features like GameShare and GameChat.

“This is a chance for Unity to eat its own dog food,” said a team member, emphasizing the company’s goal to test its engine in real-world development scenarios. By building a game internally, Unity aims to ensure its tools remain robust and developer-focused.

From Engine to Game: The Development Journey

The development of Survival Kids began as a platform-agnostic project in collaboration with publisher Konami. Initially, Unity’s team, led by developers in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK, had no specific platform in mind. However, as details about the Nintendo Switch 2 emerged, the team saw an opportunity to align the game’s development with the console’s launch. “By the Alpha stage, we had a window for the Switch 2 release that matched our schedule,” a developer noted. “The gameplay fit perfectly with Nintendo’s audience, so we doubled down to make it a launch title.”

The Stratford-Upon-Avon location was strategic, situated near a hub of game development talent and Unity’s console platform teams, which support Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. The team, though small, was built to cover all disciplines—game design, art, audio, and more—allowing Unity to pitch a complete project to Konami. The result is a polished, family-oriented survival adventure that showcases the Unity engine’s versatility.

Why Develop a Game?

Unity’s decision to develop Survival Kids stems from a desire to “battle-test” its engine. By acting as its own customer, Unity can identify pain points and optimize its tools for developers worldwide. “Building a game for a new platform exercises so much of the new code base,” a team member explained. “It helps us validate performance, explore new hardware capabilities, and ensure stability.” This hands-on approach allows Unity to fine-tune features like frame rate optimization and CPU/GPU utilization, directly benefiting its user base.

The project also faced challenges, including secrecy. “We couldn’t even tell our own teams internally,” a developer shared, highlighting the pressure of working on a high-profile Switch 2 launch title. Despite this, the team’s focus on quality and alignment with Nintendo’s vision paid off, creating a game that feels tailor-made for the new console.

Survival Kids: A Fit for Switch 2

Survival Kids is a co-operative multiplayer game designed for younger players, making it an ideal showcase for the Switch 2’s social features. While some fans have noted the game’s aesthetics lean generic compared to earlier entries in the franchise, gameplay previews suggest a clean, well-performing experience that prioritizes fun and accessibility. The game builds on the series’ survival themes, encouraging players to work together in vibrant, interactive environments.

This launch title not only introduces Unity as a developer but also demonstrates the engine’s ability to handle modern console demands, from smooth performance to innovative multiplayer mechanics.

Industry Implications

Unity’s move into game development has sparked discussion in the industry. Unlike Epic Games, which has long balanced engine development with titles like Fortnite, Unity has faced criticism for not “eating its own dog food.” Survival Kids addresses this by showing Unity’s commitment to understanding its customers’ needs firsthand. However, some developers remain skeptical, citing Unity’s past challenges, including controversial monetization policies and engine stability issues under former CEO John Riccitiello.

By shipping a game, Unity aims to strengthen its position against competitors like Unreal Engine, particularly in the mobile and indie space where it dominates. The success of Survival Kids could set a precedent for future Unity-developed projects, potentially with open-source code to further support developers.

Looking Ahead

Survival Kids is more than a game—it’s a statement of intent. Unity is proving it can go beyond tools to create engaging, high-quality experiences. As the Switch 2 launches, all eyes will be on how this title performs and whether it can reign personally-developed game could help Unity refine its engine, attract new developers, and solidify its role as a leader in game development technology.