epic games buys photogrammetry software maker capturing reality
Epic Games Expands Capabilities with Capturing Reality Acquisition
Epic Games is rapidly solidifying its position as a key player in gaming infrastructure mergers and acquisitions. This growth is fueled by a series of recent strategic purchases designed to enhance their Unreal Engine developer suite.
The company has announced the acquisition of Capturing Reality, a photogrammetry studio. This integration aims to significantly improve Epic’s ability to process and utilize 3D scans of both environments and objects.
Understanding Photogrammetry
The financial details of this acquisition have not been publicly released.
Photogrammetry is a technique that involves combining numerous photographs or laser scans to construct detailed 3D models. These models can then be exported as single, cohesive files.
Advancements in computer vision are reducing the need for manual adjustments, leading game designers to increasingly rely on photogrammetry for importing realistic, real-world environments into their games.
Benefits for Game Development
Employing photogrammetry allows studio developers to generate photorealistic assets much faster than traditional, manual 3D modeling.
This technology can be applied to a wide range of assets, including clothing items, vehicles, and even large-scale landscapes. Essentially, any object existing in three-dimensional space can be captured.
As gaming consoles and GPUs become more powerful, the demand for highly detailed 3D assets continues to grow, making photogrammetry an increasingly valuable tool.
Integration and Pricing Changes
The Capturing Reality studio, located in Bratislava, will maintain its operational independence while its technology is integrated into the Unreal Engine ecosystem.
Epic Games has announced price reductions for Capturing Reality’s services. The cost of a perpetual license has been lowered from approximately $18,000 to $3,750.
According to FAQs published on the studio’s website, they will continue to provide support for clients outside of the gaming industry.
Previous Acquisition: Quixel
In 2019, Epic Games previously acquired Quixel, a company known for its extensive library of photogrammetry “megascans” accessible to developers.
Lucas Matney
Lucas Matney: A Profile
Lucas Matney previously held the position of Senior Editor at TechCrunch. His work was centered in San Francisco, California.
Background and Role
As a Senior Editor, Matney was responsible for overseeing and contributing to the technology news coverage provided by TechCrunch. He played a key role in shaping the publication’s editorial direction.
His location in San Francisco placed him at the heart of the technology industry, facilitating access to important events and sources.
TechCrunch and its Focus
TechCrunch is a prominent online publication dedicated to reporting on the technology sector. It covers startups, venture capital, and emerging technologies.
- Startups: Detailed coverage of new and growing companies.
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Matney’s role at TechCrunch involved contributing to all these areas of focus. He helped deliver insights into the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The position of Senior Editor signifies a level of experience and authority within the TechCrunch organization. Matney’s contributions were vital to the publication’s success.