PUBG makers create 'hyper-realistic virtual human'

Krafton says the creation will 'help establish its web 3.0 ecosystem'

PUBG Mobile Creator Krafton created the company’s first hyper-realistic virtual human, named Ana, powered by “hyperrealism, rigging, and deep learning”.

According to a report in The Verge, the company says that it will “help establish” its web 3.0 ecosystem. "The character was built using unreal engine — which itself has a tool specifically for realistic digital people — along with what Krafton describes as “hyperrealism, rigging, and deep learning", the report stated.

The report said that it’s not clear exactly how Ana will fit into the loosely defined vision of a metaverse or web 3.0, though Krafton has flirted with NFTs and the blockchain in the past.

Read more: Samsung unveiled its 'artificial human' called Neon

In the meantime, it added, it sounds like its realistic virtual human will instead attempt to become something of a celebrity. “We expect her to attract the interest and popularity of Gen Z around the world,” Josh Seokjin Shin, head of Krafton’s creative centre, said in a statement.

“Ana will release an original music track and expand her scope of activity as an influencer into various areas across entertainment and esports.”

The report said that such digital characters have previously made their way into everything from music videos to video games to Ikea installations, not to mention social networks like Instagram and TikTok.

Krafton, though, seems to be betting that a focus on technology will make its character stand out and avoid the demise of ill-fated virtual beings like the star of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

The report quoting Krafton said that it will release more details on Ana later in the year, including “a unique story arc.”