Image Metrics acquires consumer avatar firm

Facial animation firm Image Metrics has announced its acquisition of consumer avatar creation company Big Stage in an undisclosed deal.

The move will allow Image Metrics to incorporate the Portable You platform into its own real-time animation technology in order to provide companies - specifically "online and mobile entertainment, social network and communications" businesses - with a more realistic avatar creation service.

"We are extremely pleased with the talent and technology coming from Big Stage," said Image Metrics CEO Robert Gehorsam. "Their advanced yet easy-to-use avatar creation technology is the perfect platform to package with our facial animation technology for a complete life-like digital solution for both consumers and developers alike."

The move marks an expansion from Image Metrics' traditional trade-only base, with Portable You also being made available direct to consumers. The company has previously worked with firms such as Activision Blizzard, Double Negative, Microsoft and more.