Image Metrics, a leading entity in facial animation for video games and movies, has announced that they have acquired FacePro, a studio that specializes in lip syncing technology.
The studios have worked with a variety of video game developers and special effects studios over the years, including Activision, Ubisoft, THQ, Square Enix and, notably, Industrial Light & Magic.
"FacePro is an ideal complement to Image Metrics' FACEWARE facial animation technology," said Rod Stafford, FacePro founder and president. "I am excited to blend FacePro's cost effective solution into the high-quality Image Metrics facial animation solution. Together, we can provide our customers with the comprehensive solution they have been asking for.”
"Characters continue to be more important to game development, but their costs continue to grow. At the same time, game developers are under significant pressure to work within limited budgets," said Image Metrics CEO Michael Starkenburg. "Our customers have asked for a single-source solution for 100 percent of the facial animation in their games. Blending Image Metrics and FacePro together provides a cost-effective solution at every level of quality. Now, we can provide the optimal / cost requirements of every shot in a game."
