Getting started

Get started with the Developer Data framework
Read time 2 minutesLast updated 2 days ago

Unity 6.2 introduces a new default: projects are now connected to Unity Cloud and ready to work with the Developer Data framework from the start. Most developers won’t need to do anything special to activate it—just build your game, and diagnostics (and with it, Developer Data collection) is already up and running. Then, to unlock its full capabilities, you just need to set the rules. Simply go to the Unity Dashboard and specify your Developer Data settings.

Upgrade to Developer Data

The Developer Data framework is built into Unity 6.2 and later. Most developers will begin using it automatically when they create a new project from the Unity Hub—no special setup required. When you create a new project in Unity 6.2 or later:
  • A corresponding Cloud Project is created and linked automatically
  • Diagnostic data is enabled by default in the Editor, which activates Developer Data collection
If you’re upgrading an existing project to 6.2+, you’ll need to: Once your project is linked and diagnostics is on, the framework is active and Unity will begin collecting the essential data required to support the products and services you're using.

Tell Unity what to do

The next step is to visit the Unity Dashboard and configure your Developer Data settings. This is where you tell Unity:
  • What data we should collect on your behalf
  • How that data can be used
  • Whether and how you want to manage end-user consent
  • If you'd like to integrate external data sources (like GA4 or BigQuery)
Once saved, your settings apply immediately—across the Unity ecosystem—without requiring a new build.

Use your data the way you want to

Once your settings are configured, the Unity Dashboard becomes your operational home for Developer Data. From there, you can:
  • Monitor your game’s health via diagnostics
  • Manage services like Unity Analytics, AI tools, and others that rely on Developer Data
  • Adjust settings over time as your project evolves
Even if the framework is already working behind the scenes, the Dashboard is how you make Unity work the way you want.

Know that Unity always has your back

If you haven’t yet configured your settings, Unity still acts responsibly and conservatively.
  • Only Essential Data is collected—limited to what’s required for the engine and the services you’re using to function
  • Your data is used only within the scope of the services you’ve activated
  • Unless otherwise specified, Unity assumes:
    • analytics_intent = granted
    • ads_intent = denied
These defaults are designed to keep services working while protecting your intent—until you explicitly provide your own instructions.