Super 78 Studios, a media-based attractions design firm based in Los Angeles, has partnered with Microsoft Surface to launch Geppetto v. 2020, an updated version of the company's Gepetto software.

A proprietary real-time animation platform designed for theme parks and other location-based entertainment, Geppetto enables park operators to offer 'live' animated shows where the animated characters are able to interact with guests in real-time without the need for motion capture suits. It has been used to power a number of live interactive character experiences around the world, including: Donkey Live! at Universal Studios in Singapore, The Smurfs Village Playhouse at Motiongate Theme Park in Dubai.

Designed to be more user-friendly, Geppetto v. 2020, which is powering the 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea: An Interactive Adventure attraction at Moody Gardens amusement park in Galveston, Texas, has an improved user interface, thanks to Microsoft Surface, which gives performers fingertip access to their character, giving them more control over their interactions. Other new additions include an updated media player and show controls.

The guest experience has also been improved, with Geppetto v. 2020 offering realistic graphics and extreme visual effects in real-time, as well as choose-your-own-adventure storytelling functions.

Megan Solar, director of Microsoft Surface, said: "What Super 78 is doing with real-time animation for themed entertainment is really revolutionary, and we're excited that Surface has played a role in its overall digital transformation. The creativity and innovation we see in Super 78's story really resonated with us."

Brent Young, creative director at Super 78, said: "What the Microsoft Surface Studio has provided us is a high-tech user interface solution to our very high-tech animation system.. It's really been a game changer for us with a technology that we have been developing for the last decade."

Dina Benadon, CEO of Super 78, said: "Today's consumers expect immersive experiences in everything they do and we created Geppetto to deliver on that expectation with some of the world's most beloved animated characters."

"The fact that we were recognised by the Microsoft Surface team as innovators makes me very proud of the millions of smiles we have delivered around the world with Geppetto," she added.