Latent Technology Secures $8M to Revolutionize AI in Gaming
London-based start-up Latent Technology has raised $8 million in a significant seed funding round, co-led by Albion VC and Spark Capital, with participation from Root Ventures and Alumni Ventures. Established in 2022, Latent Technology focuses on developing artificial intelligence (AI) animation technology aimed at transforming video game development.
The company’s innovative approach utilizes generative modeling and deep reinforcement learning to create animated video game characters that respond to environmental changes in real-time, claiming their characters are 1000 times faster than traditional models. The freshly secured funds will accelerate the development of their Latent Behaviour Engine, a tool designed for game developers to generate character behavior and animation driven by physics-based generative AI. Currently in a closed beta testing phase with select studios, Latent plans to release two demos later this year.
"AI gives us the opportunity to transform not only how developers create games but also how players experience them," said Jorge del Val, co-founder and CEO of Latent Technology. He emphasized the focus on creating emergent, interactive animations that react in real time, rather than merely optimizing existing workflows.
The gaming industry, valued at $282 billion, grapples with rising costs and an over-reliance on pre-made assets. Albion VC views Latent’s technology as crucial infrastructure for future game development, which could enable more engaging interactive experiences while potentially reducing costs for studios.
However, this shift towards AI may impact human workers such as voice actors and concept artists, raising concerns about job displacement in an industry increasingly leaning on AI solutions. As the landscape of gaming evolves, Latent Technology stands at the forefront of a new era in immersive gaming experiences.
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