In a rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, Manifold Valley, a burgeoning start-up, is making headlines with its innovative approach to creating hyper-realistic digital humans tailored for triple-A video games. Ian Bloom, the company's Founder and CEO, recently discussed the technological advancements and vision driving Manifold Valley's success in an exclusive interview.
Bloom's journey into the world of technology and gaming began in his childhood, where his interest was sparked at just seven years old. He cites inspiration from his older brother, who introduced him to programming through simple games developed in BASIC. "My goal as a kid was to make games like Castle Wolfenstein and Quake and to program like John Carmack, the Co-Founder of id Software," Bloom remarked. He highlights a familial influence, stating, "My parents ran an engineering startup from our house," which provided him access to sophisticated tools, including CAD workstations for design and various fabrication instruments.
Initially grounded in film production, Bloom earned a degree in the field from North Carolina and subsequently moved to New York City, where he ventured through numerous roles in cinematography. His experiences, ranging from Gaffer to Director of Photography, left a significant impression on him regarding the essence of human emotions in storytelling. He noted the epiphany he had while observing Breeda Wool's performance: "I realised my job is to just get out of this person's way." This perspective has greatly influenced his understanding of machine learning’s role in performance capture.
At the heart of Manifold Valley's innovation is a technology termed 'performance reproduction,' which aims to enhance the natural expressions of actors without the limitations typically associated with traditional motion capture equipment. Bloom elaborated on this by stating, "Traditional motion capture methods often hinder actors... There's so many additional steps in the process and quality loss," which can result in a disconnect between the studio and the final game output. The intention behind this technology is to emulate a more authentic theatre stage environment, facilitating a setting where performers can act in a less constrained manner.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Bloom noted that current practices tend to focus predominantly on gaming mechanics over nuanced human interactions. "A lot of what we see in games today is shaped by the economics of including digital human characters," he observed. Bloom posits that his company's approach may shift this dynamic, elevating the narrative and cultural significance of video games by enriching emotional engagement and storytelling capabilities. "We find it brings deeper storytelling by creating characters which emotionally connect with gamers," he stated, suggesting the versatility of the technology extends beyond humanoids, capable of representing fantasy creatures as well.
Looking ahead, Bloom is optimistic about the transformative potential of AI-driven performance capture technologies, asserting that innovations like those from Manifold Valley can reshape how digital humans are created. He explained, "AI-driven technologies... offer game studios, filmmakers and content creators unprecedented control and efficiency in producing compelling narratives and life-like characters."
Bloom expressed confidence in the strategic direction of Manifold Valley within the larger landscape of AI and machine learning, differentiating the start-up from competitors. He remarked, "Most companies in the artificial intelligence and machine learning space are building or using huge one-size-fits-all models," whereas Manifold Valley focuses on "efficiently specialise in smaller models which does exactly what you need as a creative tool."
In conclusion, Ian Bloom's insights reflect a compelling vision for the intersection of AI and the gaming industry, poised to significantly impact the way stories are told and experienced in virtual environments.
Source: Noah Wire Services