YC
Synthetic Media: Virtual Influencers & Live Animation: Figments (S19) - YC Gaming Tech Talks 2020
@ Y Combinator
12/07/20
Takeaways
JR
Jay Rosenkrantz
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
I'm Jay Rosenkrantz, co-founder and CEO of Figments, and we're building the next version of WWE for esports by creating brand new virtual characters with fictional storylines who compete in popular video games.
JR
Jay Rosenkrantz
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Our first character, Morales, is a robot designed to excel at Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, and it's one of the best players in the world, known for its hilarious trash talk.
JR
Jay Rosenkrantz
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
To create characters like Morales, we developed a unique virtual production tool that combines live streaming video and audio with motion capture technology, allowing us to build a storytelling studio.
JR
Jay Rosenkrantz
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
When COVID-19 hit, we adapted by transitioning to remote work, which unexpectedly allowed us to collaborate with talent from around the world, not just those in the Los Angeles area.
JR
Jay Rosenkrantz
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We designed our technology to be performer-friendly and scalable, enabling content creation without the need for large motion capture stages.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We want to allow talent to focus on creating entertaining content that builds a community around their character and others as we expand.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We're using Unreal Engine and AR Kit on iPhone as major technologies to create our app, which enables us to produce content that previously didn't exist.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Our early-stage production allowed us to partner with Reebok, who was excited about integrating digital products with virtual characters in live streams.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Once other brands learned about our partnership with Reebok, it led to further collaborations, including one with Guayaqui yerba mate.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We're a small, early-stage startup focused on launching more characters and storytelling, aiming to create a new media entertainment company for fans of games and esports.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We're hiring for various positions, including Unreal Engine, graphic design, video editing, technical art, and marketing, and we welcome anyone interested in our vision to reach out.