Established in 2019, Genies has secured $200 million from investors such as Bob Iger, Bond Capital led by Mary Meeker, and Silver Lake. While companies like OpenAI and Anthropic concentrate on developing the most intelligent “minds,” Genies is dedicated to crafting the “body and soul” — the visual and behavioral identity that gives AI personas emotional depth and presence. “The brain is being solved,” said Genies CEO Akash Nigam in an interview. “What’s missing is the interface — the part people emotionally connect with.” This focus positions Genies as the bridge between language models and embodied digital characters.

It’s clear that AI companions are rapidly becoming a part of daily life. With Genies’ Smart Avatar technology, these companions move beyond scripted replies and static chat interfaces. They become active participants in our environment — fully present, learning, responding, and evolving in real time. Genies envisions a future where these digital beings grow into something distinct: not just simulations or machines, but companions that develop alongside us. Their Smart Avatars embody this vision, blending UGC customization tools with personality and behavior technologies, enabling users to experience AI in more vivid and personal ways.

“The big AI players focus on intelligence,” Nigam explained. “We focus on presence. To truly bond with AI personas, they need to be more than smart — they must be relatable, interactive, and capable of growing with you. Real friendships aren’t built around chat boxes. Trust comes from seeing someone, sharing experiences, laughing together — being expressive and visually present. That’s what transforms AI into genuine companionship.”

Genies’ systems integrate customizable 3D models with AI-driven personalities and behaviors. Users can tailor their avatars' appearance, while dynamic frameworks allow for evolving AI responses over time. Designed for gaming, these avatars are fully rigged, animated, and ready to integrate into immersive experiences. They’re built to be expressive and responsive, adapting in real-time based on user interactions and conversations.

As Nigam noted, “Much of today’s AI is productivity-focused, but Gen Z and Gen Alpha will engage with AI in completely new ways. For them, AI won’t just be a utility — it’ll be a social presence. Think about how people use TikTok or Instagram: they open the app without a specific goal, just to be entertained, explore, and connect. Our Smart Avatars are designed with that same casual engagement in mind — not task-oriented, but relationship-based, like hanging out with a close friend.”

“That’s where games come in — and why our partnership with Unity is so significant,” Nigam continued. “As AI becomes a regular part of life, people will want richer, more interactive experiences beyond conversation. This collaboration opens the door for creators to build next-generation AI-driven content, ushering in a new era for AI in entertainment.”

For developers, the partnership enables seamless integration of automatically rigged, emotionally intelligent avatars into games, along with access to Genies’ full suite of customization, behavior modeling, and UGC tools. This reduces development time while opening up new genres — from narrative-driven companions to persistent NPCs that form relationships with players.

“Game developers today face immense pressure to work faster without compromising creativity,” said Adam Smith, SVP of Product at Unity’s Engine team. “Bringing Genies’ AI avatars and UGC tools into Unity helps streamline workflows and unlock new creative possibilities through personalized, engaging gameplay.”

Genies is already working with top entertainment, gaming, and sports IPs to bring iconic characters to life as interactive AI companions. Through *Parties*, IP-owned social platforms, fans can form lasting, dynamic connections with these characters. The Unity partnership allows creators to build unique games and experiences around these Smart Avatars, offering co-creation opportunities similar to Roblox and Fortnite — but with deeper personalization.

Nigam believes AI companions will soon be woven into everyday life, living across devices and realities — especially as AI and XR hardware evolve. “Imagine brushing your teeth in the morning,” he said. “You look in the mirror, and your AI companion is sitting on the counter next to you, suggesting a playlist to energize your day, giving advice on a relationship issue, sharing a recipe for dinner, or pointing out a quiet place nearby to read. That’s the direction we’re heading.”

Genies is building something far more intimate and culturally meaningful than many of its peers. InWorld focuses on bringing AI characters to video games, while Ready Player Me has raised $69 million to expand its platform and developer tools.

Genies Smart Avatars stand out by combining stylized visuals powered by AI, memory through data tracking, and real-time behavioral animation tailored to users. In gameplay, this means your avatar cheers when you win, mopes when you lose, celebrates victories, and evolves based on your actions and preferences.

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