Epic Games hires Code Lane team

Creating digital humans that can imitate human behaviors are some of the projects Code Lane worked on in some pilot projects. The cloud-rendered avatars can be integrated into connected devices such as Kiosk systems such as receptions or in-store, smart TVs, mobile apps, web pages or high-end 3D gaming engines to provide digital assistance.

While bootstrapped, Code Lane built a strong team with some of the most experienced engineers. Over the past one and a half years, the team nearly doubled in size, bringing the total headcount to 17 employees to serve the growing market demand.

Since its incorporation in 2018, the startup has collaborated with companies in the areas of pharma, insurance and private banking to develop their digital human platform. Additionally, it created custom software solutions for over 10 clients to realize digital experiences both on the web and in the metaverse.

Building on their relationship with Epic Games, the Code Lane team has joined Epic, which also acquired the startup’s 3D avatar platform technology. They will continue to work from their Zurich offices, leased by Epic.

An Epic spokesperson confirmed the strategic decision to take over the Code Lane team and assets. “The Codelane team has joined Epic Games. Our Metahuman Creator and Twinmotion teams have worked with the talented engineers from Codelane for years to improve project collaboration in the cloud, and we are thrilled to have them as part of the Epic Games family.”

Simon Heinzle, CEO and Co-founder of Code Lane, is assuming the role of an Engineering Director at Epic Games. Co-founders Manuel Lang and Nico Ranieri take on the role of Lead Engine Programmer and  Lead Research Engineer, respectively.

”Over the last 4.5 years we not only had the privilege of realizing amazing digital projects with our clients, but we were also able to build our own, cloud-based platform for human-like virtual assistants. I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved, and I am excited to start a new chapter at Epic” , says Simon.

Epic Games is an American company with more than 40 offices worldwide. It is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology. Besides their most famous video game Fortnite, Epic also develops Unreal Engine, which powers the world’s leading games and is also adopted across industries such as film and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and simulation. Through Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store, and Epic Online Services, Epic provides an end-to-end digital ecosystem for developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate games and other content.

(RAN)