L.A.-Based Real-Time VFX Studio Beyond-FX Purchased By Singaporean Gaming Giant Virtuos

Los Angeles real-time vfx studio Beyond-FX has been acquired by Singapore-based video gaming giant Virtuos, which is looking to expand its portfolio to include real-time vfx, an increasingly sought-after skillset that “demands a blend of artistry and technical finesse.”

Beyond was founded in 2015 by Keith Guerrette, who will continue to lead the studio as general manager. Guerrette is an artist-executive whose vfx credits include work on blockbuster games such as The Last of Us and Uncharted. He is also the founder of realtimevfx.com, an online community where vfx artists exchange ideas and advice.

In a release, Guerrette said:

We’ll continue delivering groundbreaking work and fostering exceptional relationships with clients around the world, leveraging Virtuos’ global expertise and network of talented studios. What’s even more exciting is our shared vision with Virtuos of shaping the future of co-development in gaming. In collaboration with Virtuos’ passionate teams, Beyond-FX will help define a new industry standard focused on providing quality services through strong partnerships, efficiency through flexible collaboration, and the creation of great games by pushing the artistic boundaries of what’s possible in game engines.

The L.A.-based outfit currently employs 39 real-time vfx professionals. The company has done vfx work for more than 100 video games, including Legends of Runeterra: Empires of the Ascended (pictured at top) Mortal Kombat 1, Valorant, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, God of War, and Rocket League.

Launched in 2004, Virtuos is one of the world’s largest independent video game developers and operates offices in Asia, North America, and Europe. The company employs more than 3,700 full-time workers globally and has worked on more than 1,500 games, including AAA franchises such as Tomb Raider, Horizon, Halo, Ratchet and Clank, Devil May Cry, Demon’s Souls, and Call of Duty.

Virtuos’ North American regional director said:

Keith and his team are undisputedly passionate about their craft and like us, are heavily invested in education and developing new technologies. Together with Beyond-FX, our teams at Counterpunch, and Virtuos Montreal, we look forward to expanding and deepening the services we offer to our valued partners in North America, our largest market to date.

We expect to see more games industry deals like the Beyond acquisition in the near future, as real-time vfx becomes a larger part of game development. In a Linkedin article published last year, accomplished animation, live-action, and video game vfx artists Dushyant Kashyap went into great detail to explain the increasing importance of vfx in the video games industry:

The intersection of vfx and gaming is an exciting and rapidly evolving space that is driving innovation in both industries. As game developers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of graphics and special effects, VFX studios are helping to bring their visions to life in increasingly realistic and immersive ways.