Keanu Reeves on Epic Games’ tech: ‘How do we know what is real?’

CARY – For years, Epic Games has pushed the boundaries of computer simulations in a quest to produce CGI that’s lifelike, comparable to photos and video. And its latest push is so good that even the star of the Matrix is asking:

“How do we know what is real?”

Here’s the video of “The Matrix Awakens:”

Keanu Reeves asks that question in the startling vivid, lifelike and action-filled promo (and playable) tech demonstration “The Matrix Awakens” unveiled Thursday night at the annual Game Awards show, How good is it?

“”The Matrix Awakens is an unmissable next-gen showcase,” declares Eurogamer.

In a blog, Cary-based Epic – the creator of global hit “Fortnite – describes Awakens as “a living, breathing environment that never stops. Because the systems that drive its actors are part of a global simulation that is evaluated continuously, the activity that takes place in the city is far more consistent and believable. Block after block, it ticks with photorealistic AI-driven characters and vehicles—whether you’re looking at them or not.”

And more is likely to come.

“Making something look super-real should encourage storytellers for how to use [Unreal Engine 5] in a game — or a film or TV show,” said Kim Libreri, chief technology officer at Epic Games, in an interview with Variety.

The Verge posted an exclusive interview with Reeves and co-star Carrie-Anne Moss about the “Experience:”