Glaswegian-based interactive company Yomego - which was responsible for creating a virtual Geoff Boycott for Five's website - has been commissioned to supply 3D avatars for new user-generated content channel MTV Flux.
Glaswegian-based interactive company Yomego - which was responsible for creating a virtual Geoff Boycott for Five's website - has been commissioned to supply 3D avatars for new user-generated content channel MTV Flux.

The anime-style avatars - which are designed to digitally represent interacting viewers - will initially be used to enable viewers to interact with the channel and its website.

Users subscribing to Flux for free online will be able to create a personalised avatar that will be their on-screen identity, accompanying their user name for TV, mobile and web screens.

Through these, viewers can request videos, send messages or vote for tunes in a more three-dimensional way than allowed by current on-screen messaging options.

Users select a basic avatar design (created by design company Nexus) then customise it to fit the way they want to appear on-screen. The software on the website then renders the avatar into the correct format for the platform it will appear on. The digital representatives can move, talk and show emotions selected by their user.

Users will also be able to become a VJ via their avatar if they collect enough points, depending on how highly they're rated by other members of the Flux community.

Angel Gambino, VP of commercial strategy and digital media at MTV Networks UK & Ireland, said avatars would allow the audience to express themselves in a virtual way. 'It's a great opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in Flux. [Members] get screen cred, not just street cred.'

Yomego, the entertainment division of technology company DA Group, is also the company behind Big Frank, an online reporter for betting company Ladbrokes.

The MTV Flux website launches on 1 August, ahead of the channel launch on 6 September.