Search This Blog

Friday, January 28, 2011

Performance Capture Video Game Technology Moves from Research to Living Room

The success of Microsoft’s Kinect, nearly a decade of motion capture academic research, and six months of behind-the-scenes product development have led to the creation of Activate3D’s (www.Activate3D.com) Intelligent Character Motion software. Activate3D’s software expands the possibilities for enhanced character motion in video games that use natural interaction devices such as Kinect.
Motion3D logo
Based on a patent-pending set of algorithms, Intelligent Character Motion (ICM) promises to dramatically enhance the immersive quality and playability of video games. ICM integrates in real-time the player’s motion with their intended in-game action, giving the player more nuanced control of their character and a feeling of total immersion in the game world. As an added benefit, the game designer is able to focus on creating great gameplay because they are freed from the labor-intensive work of scripting every possible movement in the game. ICM extends the skeletal software capabilities delivered by companies such as PrimeSense, Omek Interactive, Softkinetic, and Microsoft.

The privately funded company, headquartered in Atlanta, was co-founded by CEO Jeff Levy and Georgia Tech professor Dr. Karen Liu. Levy is an experienced entrepreneur and investor who has founded, built and managed four successful technology-based start-ups over the past 15 years. Dr. Liu’s pathbreaking research at Georgia Tech led to the development of the company’s products. The product development team is led by Vice President of Engineering Dan Amerson, an expert developer of technology for video games. Along with Levy and Liu, Georgia Tech professor Merrick Furst and Atlanta-based investor Sig Mosely are on the Board of Directors.

CEO and Co-Founder Jeff Levy commented, “The next few years will see huge advancements in motion input devices. Translating these new paradigms into compelling and fun games will be challenging. We are excited about the possibilities that ICM will bring to these next generation games. “

Activate3D’s Intelligent Character Motion product, currently in beta, will launch at the Game Developers Conference in March.


Subscribe to the gamezplay YouTube channel gameboyuk - over 2800 trailers - over 11 million views - click here