After previously teaming up in partnering with Cubic Motion, together with 3Lateral, Cubic Motion, Tencent and Vicon to create highly realistic live capture digital humans, Epic Games has this week announced the acquisition of Cubic Motion for its facial animation technology, demonstrated with “Siren” back in 2018. More recently, Cubic Motion’s technology has been used to create games such as God of War and Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man.
The Role of Cubic Motion in Digital Animation
Cubic Motion is at the forefront of real-time model-based computer vision and digital animation, “bringing extraordinary characters to life across video games, films, broadcast media, and immersive technologies” and was founded in 2009. The company has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital human creation. Their technology allows for the capture and replication of human facial expressions with unprecedented accuracy, making virtual characters more lifelike and believable.
One of the most notable demonstrations of Cubic Motion’s capabilities was the “Siren” project, unveiled in 2018. This project showcased a digital human that could mimic real-time facial expressions and movements, setting a new standard for realism in digital animation. The technology has since been adopted in various high-profile video games, including the critically acclaimed God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man, enhancing the emotional depth and realism of the characters.
Implications of the Acquisition
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and the start-up will continue serving existing customers. “Digital humans are not only the next frontier of content creation, but also the most complex endeavor in computer graphics. With Cubic Motion bringing their computer vision and animation technology and expertise to our digital human efforts, Epic along with our team at 3Lateral are one step closer to democratizing these capabilities for creators everywhere,” said Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of Epic Games, in a statement.
The acquisition of Cubic Motion by Epic Games is a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of digital humans in various forms of media. By integrating Cubic Motion’s advanced facial animation technology, Epic Games aims to make these sophisticated tools more accessible to a broader range of creators. This democratization of technology could lead to a surge in the quality and quantity of digital human content, impacting not just video games but also films, virtual reality experiences, and even live broadcasts.
Moreover, the collaboration between Epic Games and Cubic Motion could pave the way for new innovations in the field of digital animation. For instance, we might see more interactive and emotionally engaging virtual characters in future video games and VR experiences. The technology could also be used in educational and training simulations, providing more realistic and immersive learning environments.
Source : EG : Tech Crunch
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
