Perforce Helix Core vs Plastic SCM (Unity Version Control)
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Perforce Helix Core (P4) is an enterprise-grade version control platform built to handle large-scale projects with complex file types, used by 19 of the top 20 AAA game development studios along with semiconductor, animation, VFX, and automotive companies managing large digital assets. It supports exclusive file locking to prevent merge conflicts on binary files, fast syncs through proxy and edge servers for globally distributed teams, and Streams for structured branching workflows. Helix Core offers a free tier for up to 5 users and 20 workspaces, a Cloud version priced at $39 per user per month for teams under 100 people, and enterprise licensing available by contacting sales. It integrates with common development environments including Visual Studio, GitHub, Jenkins, Unity, and Unreal Engine, and can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud.
Plastic SCM, rebranded as Unity Version Control after Unity Technologies acquired it in 2020, is a distributed version control system tailored to the rigors of game development and large 3D projects. It is now part of Unity DevOps, a modular suite that also includes build automation, aimed at helping teams iterate faster and collaborate in the cloud. As of March 2026, Unity removed per-seat charges for cloud-hosted Unity Version Control and increased the free tier to 25 GB of storage plus 100 GB of free egress, with usage beyond that billed on a pay-as-you-go basis per team rather than per user. It remains available with on-premises licensing for teams that prefer self-hosting.
- Free tier available for up to 5 users and 20 workspaces
- Handles large binary files far better than typical Git workflows
- Deep integration with major game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine)
- Proven at scale with major AAA game studios and enterprises
- Free tier with meaningful storage and egress allowances
- Purpose-built for large binary game assets, not just text-based code
- Backed by Unity with tight integration into the Unity DevOps suite
- No more per-seat cloud charges as of the March 2026 pricing change
- Less familiar workflow for developers used to Git
- Cloud pricing beyond the free tier can add up for larger teams
- Enterprise pricing requires contacting sales rather than a public price list
- Most valuable when already using Unity's broader DevOps/engine ecosystem
- Less familiar to developers coming from Git-only workflows
- Detailed enterprise pricing isn't fully published and may need direct inquiry
More alternatives & similar tools
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Unity's distributed version control system built for large 3D and game development projects.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth tools target game development with large binary assets, but Helix Core offers broader enterprise integrations and proven AAA adoption, while Plastic SCM gives a larger free tier and tighter Unity‑specific integration.
Key differences
- •Free tier limits: Helix Core 5 users/20 workspaces vs Plastic SCM 25 GB storage + 100 GB egress.
- •Enterprise pricing transparency: Helix Core requires sales contact; Plastic SCM moved to usage‑based model but still undisclosed enterprise rates.
- •Integration breadth: Helix Core integrates with VS, GitHub, Jenkins, Unity, Unreal; Plastic SCM focuses on Unity DevOps suite.
- •Deployment options: Helix Core is self‑hosted only; Plastic SCM offers both cloud (usage‑based) and on‑premises licensing.
- •Market validation: Helix Core used by 19 of top 20 AAA studios; Plastic SCM’s claim is Unity backing, not external studio adoption.
Pricing & value
Plastic SCM free tier provides 25 GB storage and 100 GB egress, far larger than Helix Core's 5‑user limit.
Ease of use / learning curve
Both use non‑Git workflows that may be unfamiliar; no data shows one is easier.
Features & depth
Helix Core offers granular permissions, audit logging, edge/proxy servers, and Streams for advanced branching.
Integrations & ecosystem
Helix Core lists integrations with VS, GitHub, Jenkins, Unity, Unreal; Plastic SCM only lists Unity DevOps.
Collaboration
Helix Core’s exclusive file locking and edge servers support globally distributed teams.
Scalability
Proven at scale with 19 of top 20 AAA studios handling massive binary codebases.
Support
Both provide community forums and paid enterprise support; specifics not detailed for either.
Choose Perforce Helix Core if…
Large studios needing enterprise‑grade controls, multi‑engine support, and proven AAA scalability.
Choose Plastic SCM (Unity Version Control) if…
Teams already using Unity DevOps or needing a generous free tier for smaller projects.
Common questions
Which tool gives more storage for free?
Plastic SCM offers 25 GB storage and 100 GB monthly egress; Helix Core’s free tier limits to 5 users and 20 workspaces.
Do both products support self‑hosting?
Helix Core is self‑hosted only; Plastic SCM also offers on‑premises licensing in addition to cloud usage.
Is there a clear advantage for non‑Unity engines?
Yes, Helix Core integrates with Unreal Engine and other tools, while Plastic SCM’s integrations focus on Unity.