Latent Technology has received $8M to advance AI-based animation, so that players interact with game characters and environments in real time, without scripted scenes.

Latent Technology, a game technology business in London, was funded with $8 million last year to advance its unique animation technology. AI-supported physical animation is the main approach used at the company, helping generate emergent animations in real-time with very little developer involvement.

Traditional ways of animating games are rigid, but Phoenix-based animation from Latent makes characters and settings capable of reacting to various conditions in the game. It changes animation from pre-recorded materials to interactive scenes that make gameplay feel more realistic and a part of the story.

According to co-founder and CEO Jorge del Val, the technology enables autonomous actions from physics and neural networks so that robots can appear lifelike when talking. He explained that animation will be changed in a big way by leaning toward behavior that emerges through physical systems.

With the recent round of funding, Latent will concentrate on its Behavior Engine, making it easier for developers to set and execute complex interactions. At present, the closed beta is underway and the technology could help the industry meet high game release costs without sacrificing quality.

Lately, there is a growing belief that Latent’s animation tech will be a core part of future games. Sebastian Hunte of AlbionVC shared that, “Latent is helping to create a similar shift in animation to what was experienced in the content realm.”

Latent Technology’s idea may entirely change animation in games by making characters react quickly and realistically.