Synthetic Media: Virtual Influencers & Live Animation: Figments (S19) - YC Gaming Tech Talks 2020

TL;DR

Figments is creating virtual characters with fictional storylines that compete in popular video games, providing a new level of entertainment for eSports fans.

Transcript

my name is jay rosenkrantz i'm the co-founder and ceo of figments with my brother scott and as we're building the next version of the wwe for esports we went through yc summer of 2019 and i think one of the most fun and incredible things about this experience was learning about how to tell the story of our company to other people and i'm really exc... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤖 The company is creating virtual characters with fictional storylines who compete in popular video games in front of live audiences on Twitch, similar to the WWE but for esports.
• 🌐 The company built unique technology, including a virtual production tool, to create these characters. COVID-19 forced them to go remote, but it actually opened up the opportunity to work with talent worldwide.
• 🏭 The company's culture combines elements of a game development studio, content company, and talent agency. They aim to create performer-friendly and scalable technology that allows talent to focus on creating entertaining content and building a community.
• 🎮 The company uses Unreal Engine and AR kit on the iPhone to create their app. These technologies allow for real-time game engine animations and motion capture, similar to Lucasfilm's work on The Mandalorian.
• 👟 Through partnerships, the company has integrated digital products into live streams with virtual characters. They have partnered with Reebok and Guayaki Yerba Mate, showcasing their products on streams.
• 🚀 The company is a small early-stage startup and their next focus is launching more characters. They have a remotely-distributed team and are hiring for positions across various fields such as Unreal Engine, graphic design, video editing, technical art, and marketing.
• 🎥 The company's core values revolve around storytelling and content creation. They aim to build a future new media entertainment company that appeals to fans of games and esports on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.
• 💼 If interested in joining the company and being part of their "crazy story," they encourage potential candidates to reach out and discuss potential opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Figments differentiate itself from traditional eSports competitions?

Figments offers a unique and entertaining twist to eSports by creating virtual characters with fictional storylines, adding a new layer of storytelling and engagement for fans.

Q: What technology does Figments use to create its virtual characters?

Figments uses a virtual production tool that combines live streaming, motion capture, and real-time game engines like Unreal Engine and AR Kit on iPhone to create its virtual characters.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Figments' operations?

Initially based in Los Angeles, Figments had to adapt to remote work due to COVID-19, which allowed them to collaborate with talent globally and expand their reach beyond their local area.

Q: How does Figments partner with brands like Reebok and Guayaki Yerba Mate?

Figments partners with brands to integrate digital products and promotions into their virtual characters' live streams, creating unique advertising opportunities for both the brands and the characters.

Q: What positions is Figments currently hiring for?

Figments is hiring across various departments, including Unreal Engine, graphic design, video editing, technical art, and marketing, as they continue to expand their operations and launch more characters.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Figments is building the next version of the WWE for eSports, creating virtual characters with unique storylines for live gaming competitions.

• The company uses a virtual production tool that combines live streaming video and audio with motion capture technology to create engaging content.

• Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Figments found opportunities to work remotely and collaboratively with talent worldwide.