Take-Two Interactive announced today that it has acquired Dynamixyz, a French-based studio that specializes in facial animation. Dynamixyz recently worked withTake-Two Interactive’s studios Rockstar and 2K on titles such asRed Dead Redemption 2andNBA 2K21. The financial details about this acquisition have yet to be disclosed.
Take-Two Interactive was founded in 1993 and is best known for its two major publishing labels, Rockstar Games and 2K. These labels have produced numerous successful franchises such asRed Dead Redemption,Grand Theft Auto,and theNBA 2Kseries. Dynamixyz was originally founded in 2010 and has seen its marker-less facial motion capture used in media ranging from a variety of video games to the major motion picture,Avengers: Endgame.
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This acquisition comes after years of cooperation between the two companies. In the press release, Take-Two Interactive emphasizes that Dynamixyz will now operate as a division of the overarching company and work exclusively with the company’s publishing labels and studios. This purchase is one in a handful of recent additions and changes to Take-Two Interactive as it attempts to grow its internal capabilities. This includes the Take-Two Interactive’s purchase of Ruffian Games in 2020, itsattempt to acquire Codemasters in 2020, and 2K’s purchase of HB Studios. Gaspard Breton will remain the CEO of Dynamixyz and will report to EVP and CIO of Take-Two Interactive Software, Scott Belmont.
Take-Two Interactive’s announcement is another step towards the company’s overall goal, according to the press release. This goal is for the company to be considered “the most creative, innovative, and efficient entertainment company.” Dynamixyz’s capabilities pushes it in that direction as its facial animation technology is a known quality commodity on the market. Not only does this acquisition firm up Take-Two Interactive’s studio’s facial animation, but it also keeps Dynamixyz advanced capabilities in-house. Thus hurting the company’s competition.
On paper, this move makes a lot of sense for both organizations. Dynamixyz gains the security of being underthe successful Take-Two umbrellawhile Take-Two Interactive gets a known quality commodity. Rockstar and 2K fans will likely be pleased as well with this announcement. At least those who have been impressed with the facial animation in the recent titles from those studios.
The only downside here is for those who have either been disappointed with Dynamixyz’s work or for those who like the technology but prefer other studios. This purchase almost guarantees thatany and all future Rockstarand 2K titles will be using Dynamixyz. This means franchises such asRed Dead Redemption,NBA 2K, and evenGrand Theft Autowill likely turn to this companies technology. Despite individual player’s thoughts, Dynamixyz is officially a part of Take-Two Interactive.
Source:Take-Two Interactive press release
