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

TL;DR

Figments builds virtual characters (e.g., Neuralis, a robot that plays Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) who compete on Twitch in live esports storylines, aiming to be the “next version of the WWE for esports.” They developed a remote virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and ARKit on iPhones, enabling performance capture from home offices.

Key insights

• The company’s core identity blends a game development studio, a content company, and a talent agency.
• The remote pivot due to COVID was “a blessing in disguise” – it freed the team from requiring LA-based talent and allowed collaboration with anyone with a high-speed internet connection.
• The technology intentionally avoids large motion‑capture stages; instead it uses iPhones (ARKit) and Unreal Engine to let performers create content from a streaming room or home office.