Keeping pace with the times is fundamental to the survival and development of a technology company, and Unity, a real-time 3D interactive content creation and operation platform with a large number of users around the world, is no exception. Every year, Unity releases its latest LTS version and provides two-year support (the engine is updated every two weeks to ensure that users have the latest patches), so it is also called Unity Long-term Support Edition. In the process of version maintenance, only bugs are fixed without adding new functions, so it will become more and more stable and suitable for formal project establishment and upgrade. Recently, the long-term support version 202 1 LTS of Unity in 2022 has been downloaded and used. What Unity technical updates and highlights are there in this version? Let's explore them together.

▲Unity long-term support version 202 1 LTS

Why is the long-term support version of Unity called 202 1 LTS in 2022?

I believe careful friends will find that although it was released in 2022, the long-term support version is called 202 1LTS (full name is 202 1 long-term support), because this version integrates the improvements and improvements of Unity 202 1. 1 and Unity 202 1.2.

▲ Release schedule of ▲Unity platform version

What are the technical updates and highlights of the latest and most stable version unit 202 1 LTS in 2022?

Okay, let's get down to business. Let's continue to discuss the long-term supported version of Unity technology update and what are the highlights of Unity technology. Judging from the information disclosed at present, the development of Unity 202 1 LTS mainly focuses on four key areas:

First of all, the LTS- Unity engine function that supports Unity 202 1 for a long time is more suitable for everyone's workflow.

Unity 202 1 LTS includes the built-in visual programming function, which is one of the most striking functions in this version of Unity technology update. Visual programming can benefit everyone, whether it is a non-programmer who wants more autonomy or an experienced programmer who wants to make new prototype functions quickly. Most Unity script processing can be done by dragging and copying in the graphical interface of visual programming, and the prototype can be created and made without writing a line of code.

At the same time, in the updated Unity technology, the import speed of assets has been improved, and PSD files containing 2D wizard components have become easier to manage. The updating of terrain tools will help users to build a creative game world more quickly, and the visual effect map, shader map and Cinemachine have also been improved. As long as the editor is used well, even users who don't know how to program can make various immersive experiences faster. ?

Second, long-term support for Unity version 202 1 LTS- Unity engine function helps users to make high-quality content faster.

In order to give users faster iterative ability and give players a higher quality experience, in this Unity technical update, the workflow of Unity editor has been fully upgraded, with better usability and enhanced engine testing tools, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1.？ Function set: The highlight of Unity Technology will sort out all related packages according to the needs of different types of projects, which can be packaged and downloaded with one click. These toolkits can greatly save time from conception to hands-on.

2.？ Search: The improved function will help users find their own needs faster, and all daily search operations will be faster.

3.？ Mono upgrade, supported by C# 8, incremental building function is updated with the project: this unity mainly ensures the organization, performance and quality of the code. Fully functional? Memory analyzer? You can allow users to analyze multiple runtime projects at the same time.

4.？ High-quality output tools: In Unity stable version 202 1 LTS, you can use the device simulator of the mobile terminal to check the compatibility of the project on various mobile devices. Can you still pass the finished product clearance? Code coverage package is combined with test running program to export code inspection data and reports from automated tests. In addition, the code coverage package also provides? Coverage recording function allows users to collect inspection data of specific parts in projects with manual testing or without automatic testing.

Third, the long-term support version of Unity 202 1 LTS- Unity engine has more powerful graphics functions.

Graphics card capability is the third key technology upgrade part in Unity's long-term support version 202 1 LTS in 2022. This version provides a series of powerful rendering solutions to create dazzling visual effects, and provides stronger support through a comprehensive graphics tool ecosystem (desktop NVIDIA DLSS supports HDRP, AMD FSR natively supports URP).

At present, Unity has supported version 202 1 LTS for a long time, and the optimized universal rendering pipeline (URP) has covered most platforms, allowing players to enjoy excellent high-fidelity images on any device. In Unity 202 1 LTS, URP's point light source shadows, lens facula and decals have been upgraded. ? If you want to present the highest graphics performance on a specific platform, the improved HD Rendering Pipeline (HDRP) now supports real cloud and static shadow casting brought by volume clouds.

Fourth, long-term support for Unity version 202 1 LTS- Unity engine can better reach a new generation of players.

Compared with the single and centralized platform when users developed content in the past, the new generation of players are more keen to try new things, so their platforms for content development are more diversified. In view of this change, they also made corresponding changes in the technical update of 202 1 LTS Unity. What is the current support for the stable version of Unity released this time? ChromeOS and macOS equipped with Apple Silicon, as well as the latest generation of PlayStation 5 and Xbox X series consoles, allow users to broaden their development business and achieve better results. You can also use the improved OpenXR and OcUlUs functions to develop AR and VR worlds, or use Samsung Adaptive Performance 3.0 to optimize for mobile devices, and then use the Android resource packaging function to seamlessly publish content.

Unity long-term support version summary 202 1 LTS

In short, the emergence of Unity's long-term support version 202 1 LTS means that for practitioners who create and operate 3D content in the global field, everyone can have a development tool with wider applicability, more powerful functions and easier use to carry out their daily work, so that users' work experience in Unity is more stable and efficient than before. ?

In addition, after the release of the new long-term support version Unity 202 1 LTS, Unity 2020 LTS has now become a version history, but it will continue to be updated once a month until the end of the support period in mid-2023. The support period of Unity 20 19 LTS is coming to an end. Developers in need should upgrade as soon as possible. Unity officials have prepared a series of upgrade guides in the Unity Manual to help users upgrade from Unity 2020 LTS or Unity 20 19 LTS to Unity 202 1 LTS. Please pay attention.