VTubing

While vtubing as a phenomenon has grown sharply in popularity here in the United States within the last couple of months due to Hololive debuting several new vtubers who speak English on stream, it has existed in one way or another for at least a decade, with various vloggers on YouTube or streamers using face animation technology to hide their actual faces.

2020 December 22, Tyler Colp, “The Vtuber Industry: Corporatization, Labor, and Kawaii”, in Vice, archived from the original on 22 Dec 2020

Their backs coming up against the wall with every day that passed, the girl—who was sticking to her support role—found out about VTubing, which had only just started showing glimmers of the craze it would later become.

2022, Nana Nanato, translated by Alice Prowse, VTuber Legend: How I Went Viral after Forgetting to Turn Off My Stream, volume 3, J-Novel Club, published 2023, →ISBN

Despite the rapidly changing landscape and new challenges, the appeal of VTubing still shines through.

2022 December 24, Patrick St. Michel, “Pioneer’s departure marked new era for virtual stars”, in The Japan Times

“In the realm of VTubers, there appears to be a concept of a person behind the avatar, but in reality, that doesn’t exist. I am me. I undeniably exist!” Edo Lena said. She highlights the intriguing dynamic of VTubing, where the virtual persona captivates fans while the true identity of the VTuber remains distinct, showcasing how VTubing facilitates a multifaceted expression of self and creativity.

2023 September 20, Benoit Palop, “Virtual Personalities, Real Connections: The Impact of Virtual YouTubers”, in Vice, archived from the original on 27 Sep 2023

Obskur, an all-in-one broadcasting application, wants to make VTubing more accessible by letting users create 3D models and interactive environments without technical skills.

2023 November 13, Morgan Sung, “Obskur’s Character Creator and marketplace streamlines VTubing”, in TechCrunch, archived from the original on 13 Nov 2023