Pre-GDC: Image Metrics Launches Faceware, Signs Bungie

Animation software company Image Metrics launched its facial animation technology platform Faceware, and announced that Bungie will incorporate the new software into its in-house production pipeline. Faceware is designed to offer increased creative control, efficiency, and production speed over existing solutions to game developers working with facial animation. Image Metrics says the application can be integrated into any pipeline or game engine to streamline the animation process. The platform is available for all leading 3D software packages. Bungie is the first studio to sign on as a Faceware customer. The developer's creative director Marcus Lehto says the tool helps it raise the quality bar of its facial animation while maintaining fast turnaround times and animator efficiency without impacting its existing pipeline. Image Metrics plans to to provide training for studio to learn Faceware. It will also continue offering its existing facial animation services to companies that prefer to outsource their facial animation. Developers interested in Faceware's beta program can contact Image Metrics for more details or visit its booth (#1910-SH) at the Game Developer's Conference this week. "Image Metrics has used Faceware for years to create believable facial animation at all levels of quality," says Image Metrics CEO Michael Starkenburg. "The technology has been proven repeatedly, whether on AAA game titles, Oscar-winning films, and Grammy-winning music videos." He adds, "We are excited to put this powerful tool in the hands of world-class developers like Bungie, so that they can benefit from the reduced production schedules, increased believability, and cost savings Image Metrics has always provided through our technology."