Harmony prioritizing AI workflows, enhanced efficiency, and expanded platform abet in 2025

Harmony has unveiled objectives to enhance its game engine with AI-integrated workflows, improved platform support, and optimized performance and stability.

Announcing the update at GDC 2025, the firm detailed that it plans to launch three Harmony 6 upgrades throughout 2025, starting with Harmony 6.1 in April.

“These updates are specifically designed to simplify the process for creators to develop, refine, and scale games that reach wider audiences across various devices,” explained Harmony.

“With ongoing investment in the robustness and efficiency of the Unity engine, Unity 6.1 will support higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, reduced CPU/GPU workload for enhanced performance across devices, and better debugging to facilitate optimization. Moreover, as part of a new development strategy initiated with Unity 6, Unity has been collaborating with key partners to test Unity 6.1 in a live setting, ensuring its reliability prior to launch.”

Harmony recognized that it aims to increase platform reach by extending Harmony 6.1 support to include Meta Quest, Android XR compatibility, Rapid Games, and foldable Android smartphones. The company will also facilitate experimentation with WebGPU on compatible browsers.

Harmony’s president and CEO, Matt Bromberg, emphasized that the organization remains committed to “accelerating product innovation and quality” throughout 2025 to ensure Harmony products operate efficiently on any device.

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“Unity 6.1 will serve as the first of multiple updates this year, providing production-verified tools so developers never have to choose between new functionalities and stability,” he added.

Bromberg has been striving to improve Harmony’s public perception since taking charge in May 2024.

Harmony following the Runtime Fee incident

Last year, he completely eliminated the controversial Runtime Fee—which sparked significant backlash when it was introduced in 2023 and ultimately led to the exit of key figures including former CEO John Riccitiello.

In an extensive interview with Game Developer, Bromberg stated his intention to transform Harmony into a “fundamentally different company” and regain developers’ trust.

Following the launch of Harmony 6 in October of last year, he reiterated that delivering “practical value” would be a priority for the engine maker.

While Bromberg has been working to rebuild relationships with developers worldwide, Harmony has been attempting to redefine its business model by cutting positions and ending significant partnerships.

As highlighted in the company’s latest financial report, Harmony severed connections with over 1,700 employees and shut down 23 offices during the previous fiscal year.

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These statistics essentially confirm the company managed to reduce roughly 25 percent of its workforce to “position itself for sustainable and profitable growth.”

These layoffs appear to have continued into the most recent fiscal year.

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