Image Metrics Acquires Lip Syncing Service FacePro

Facial animation company Image Metrics said Thursday it acquired digital lip syncing service and tech company FacePro, whose software will integrate with Image Metric's Faceware platform. FacePro's technology recognizes speech sounds in order to automate the process of lip syncing an in-game character. Artists can shape lip movement for more accurate results. The acquisition comes on the heels of Image Metrics's purchase of facial rigging company Character-FX. Image Metrics did not disclose the financial terms of either deal. FacePro's clients include Activision, Ubisoft, THQ, Square Enix and visual effects studios including Industry Light & Magic. Rod Stafford, FacePro founder and president, also joined the Image Metrics staff as audio animation lead, and will help with the integration of audio-based facial animation tools into Faceware. "Characters continue to be more important to game development, but their costs continue to grow," said Image Metrics CEO Michael Starkenburg in a statement. "At the same time, game developers are under significant pressure to work within limited budgets." He claimed that Faceware and Facepro could help curb costs.