When Mascots Go Live: Converting the GEICO Gecko to Real-Time | Unreal Fest Chicago 2026

For two decades, the GEICO Gecko has existed and developed at the highest end of the traditional CG pipeline: crafted for broadcast commercials where quality is paramount and render time is secondary.

In this session recorded at Unreal Fest Chicago 2026, VFX studio Framestore pulls back the curtain on how that iconic character is being re-engineered for a real-time future. Framestore converted the Gecko from a classic offline-rendered asset into a fully optimized, high-fidelity real-time character powered by Unreal Engine, without sacrificing the nuance, personality, or polish audiences expect.

The talk walks through the full character progression: from model optimization to refining animation systems and adapting shading and lighting for real-time performance. Grounded in artistry as much as technology, the session highlights how creative decisions evolve when characters need to perform live, interactively, and at speed.

The presentation culminates in a live demonstration, where motion capture is applied in real time to the Gecko, showing how brand mascots can now respond, emote, and perform instantly across platforms. Ultimately, this case study illustrates how Unreal Engine is expanding what’s possible for brand characters, unlocking faster production, new forms of engagement, and a future where high-quality digital mascots are no longer confined to linear content.

Find out more about using Unreal Engine for animation here: unrealengine.com/uses/animation

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