Image Metrics, the leading provider of facial animation technology and services for the entertainment industry, has provided facial animation for many cut scenes in the highly anticipated action adventure video game Assassin’s Creed II.
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Assassin’s Creed II is Ubisoft’s sequel to the 2007 debut title that became the fastest-selling new IP in video game history. Set in an all new era, the Renaissance, Assassin’s Creed II features a new hero, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a young Italian noble out to protect his dynasty from the power hungry, bloodthirsty Knights Templar. The project marks Image Metrics’ first title with Ubisoft.
“One of the most anticipated games of the year, Assassin’s Creed is renowned for its stunning art design and rich graphics,” said Brian
Waddle, executive vice president of Image Metrics. “Image Metrics is honored to have used our facial animation technology to help Ubisoft enhance the sequel even further through compelling cinematics that feature emotionally engaging characters.”
While Ezio’s identity is shrouded in a hood to avoid detection, Ubisoft wanted to develop believable facial animation for key supporting
characters in the game, including fellow assassins, priests, ladies and artists – and worked with Image Metrics for many of these characters.
Using performance capture and character rigs provided by Ubisoft Montreal, Image Metrics optimized the rigs and used character specific reference data to deliver 28 minutes of facial animation for 23 different characters in the game. The animation was completed within about eight weeks thanks to Image Metrics’ proprietary facial animation and rigging technology.
“With their track record, solid technology and very good service, Image Metrics quickly became our first choice for a facial animation partner for Assassin’s Creed II,” said Jean-Francois Boivin, Production Manager, Missions and Cinematics. “Timing was also crucial to the project. We had to deliver over two hours of cinematics, including 30 minutes of facial close-ups, within tight deadlines. Image Metrics was able to produce the quality and quantity of facial animation Assassin’s Creed II demanded in the short timeframe we had for the project.”
Source: Image Metrics
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