NaturalMotion

About NaturalMotion

NaturalMotion is a British video game developer and technology provider founded in November 2001 as a spin-out from Oxford University. The company was started by CEO Torsten Reil, based on his DPhil research on computer simulations of the human nervous system to create more realistic character movements. This core technology, called Dynamic Motion Synthesis (DMS), uses artificial intelligence and biomechanics to allow for fully interactive 3D characters, moving beyond pre-scripted animations.

Initially, the company focused on creating animation middleware for the film and video game industries. Its key technology products include Endorphin, used in films like "Troy," and Euphoria, a runtime engine that synthesizes character animation in real-time. Euphoria gained significant traction after being licensed by Rockstar Games for titles such as "Grand Theft Auto IV" and "Red Dead Redemption." Another key product is Morpheme, an animation engine that provides tools for blending animations and has been used in games like "BioShock Infinite" and "Horizon Zero Dawn."

In 2010, NaturalMotion expanded into game development by forming NaturalMotion Games. Its first title, "Backbreaker Football," was released in 2009 and leveraged its animation technology. The company shifted to a free-to-play model, launching highly successful mobile games like "CSR Racing" and "Clumsy Ninja." "CSR Racing" generated over $12 million in its first month. The business model for its games is freemium, where games are free to download and play, with revenue generated from in-app purchases of virtual goods or features.

The company's success in mobile gaming and its underlying technology led to its acquisition by Zynga in January 2014 for approximately $527 million. This acquisition was aimed at accelerating Zynga's growth in the mobile market. As a subsidiary of Zynga, NaturalMotion continues to develop mobile games, including titles like "CSR Racing 2," "Dawn of Titans," and "Star Wars: Hunters."