Virtual entertainers, also known as Vtubers, have a moment right now, and that’s mainly because the barriers that a digital avatar creates are lower than ever before. You can hire a professional to create a Vtubing model for hundreds or even a few thousand dollars. Or you can download software and do it yourself – completely free.
During the holidays, Steam saw the release of VRoid Studio, an application that lets you create 3D models of humanoid characters. You can create your creations in games like VR chat, or you can adopt them as avatars for streaming. The program allows for commercial and non-commercial use, which is great because it means you do not have to worry about another entity owning your creation.
“You do not have to be artistic to use the program,” reads one top review on the Steam store page. “You can use hair to make accessories like horns, wings, tails, glasses, earrings, etc. With enough practice and skill, you can make many creative models.” In the store description it is also noted that you have a lot of flexibility to make facial expressions. However, reviews indicate that the program is demanding and that it can slow down unless you use a leading rig. Given the price, it’s hard to complain though.
Although this program was technically available before this release, it will undoubtedly be a miracle to bring Vtubing to an even larger audience on Steam – the largest computer game distribution platform in the world. The community tab for VRoid Studio is already full of people showing off their new avatars, like the top of this post, where steam user Juliet-Veil unveiled an anime version of their fursona. The community is also full of people asking for help navigating the program, as many have never worked with a resource like this. As such instruments become more ubiquitous and user-friendly, the Vtubing wave is likely to grow to new heights in 2021.