This time around, Epic Games added Capturing Reality to their growing list of acquisitions. The company is best known for developing RealityCapture. They specialize in photogrammetry and generating 3D models using laser scans and/or images. The said acquisition will reportedly allow Capturing Reality to make their technology more affordable and accessible to everyone. To mark the occassion, Capturing Reality has reduced the price of their technology for their existing and future customers.
Why Acquiring Capturing Reality Is a Big Deal for Epic Games
While Epic Games did not disclose the terms of the deal, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the acquisition is a big deal for Epic Games. Photogrammetry is the process of piecing together multiple photos or laser scans to create 3D models of anything and everything. It’s basically using numerous photos from different angles and using a program to create an accurate 3D model. It can be used to import everything from small objects to fully-realized environments - this includes into video games. The acquisition would be a huge help to studio developers using Unreal Engine. They’d get access to photorealistic assets in a short period of time, this is as opposed to having to create the said assets from nothing. This technology can then be used to capture and create anything a developer would want and need for their games. In addition, the said technique allows studio developers to adjust the level of detail in their assets. This is because the more detailed the asset is, the more capable a graphics card has to be. Despite the acquisition, the Bratislava-based studio will continue operating as an independent entity. However, the capabilities of their software will slowly be integrated into Unreal Engine. With that said, the acquisition adds yet another useful asset for Epic Games to use. Since the start of 2019, Epic Games has acquired more than a dozen new assets. This includes Psyonix (Rocket League) and Mediatonic (Fall guys), among many others. They even purchased a shopping mall in North Carolina to use as their headquarters!
