Recently, we shared the exciting news about the VTuber debut of the pioneering VTuber, Kizuna Ai, which has sparked great anticipation among fans for her comeback. During the years that Kizuna Ai was inactive, the popularity of many virtual idols has grown significantly, leading to an increased acceptance of VTubers and even the hosting of physical events.
As Virtual Influencers Become Mainstream, Does Their Role Get More Complicated?
A recent report released in May by The Influencer Marketing Factory reveals that 79% of respondents are familiar with virtual influencers, with 53% following at least one. When asked why they follow virtual influencers, 49% expressed curiosity about the technology and creativity involved, 36% appreciated the entertainment value they provide, and 30% were interested in their unique perspectives.
However, as many virtual idols become more familiar and numerous, standing out from the crowd has become increasingly challenging.
This brings to mind the recently concluded '2024 Metaverse Virtual Influencer Creation Design Contest,' a collaboration between VIVERSE and Edith Technology that targets Taiwan’s college and high school students. Participants were asked to design 3D avatars and prepare short videos to showcase their characters. Now in its third year, the contest saw 210 teams participate, with their creative and elaborate characters displayed in VIVERSE Worlds.
Multimedia Mimi: A Contrasting Character Boosted by Singing Talent
The first place, introduced by National Taiwan University of Arts, is 'Multimedia Mimi,' originally named Yamaguchi Ume. To inherit the leadership of the mysterious organization 'Multimedia Mimi,' she must gather ten thousand fans within a month, and her trump card is holding a solo concert at Taipei Arena.
Yamaguchi Ume, with her twin ponytails and a mix of Japanese delinquent girl attire, sings in Japanese from atop a giant loudspeaker, delivering lines that resonate deeply and showcase a blend of beauty and underworld boss vibes. Despite her tough exterior and samurai sword, her character is also designed to be protective of small animals, adding a layer of 'contrasting cuteness' to her persona.
Multimedia Mimi/Yamaguchi Ume is a virtual character richly designed with attention to detail, showcasing a strong personality through her singing, which not only highlights her creative prowess but also her entertainment value and unique perspective. It's no wonder this character also clinched the gold award chosen by professional judges.
Multimedia Mimi's emphasis on singing talent mirrors the success of global VTuber sensation Gawr Gura. As a member of Hololive English, Gawr Gura has become a phenomenon in the VTuber world. This self-proclaimed shark girl from Atlantis has won over a massive fanbase with her exceptional singing abilities and adorable appearance. Her crystal-clear voice has been showcased in numerous singing streams and original song releases.
Both VTubers leverage their musical abilities to create a unique identity and connect with their audience, proving that in the virtual world, a beautiful voice can be just as captivating as a striking appearance.
Ringo: A True Idol Emphasizing Audience Interaction
The second place went to 'Ringo' from Tainan University of Applied Sciences. Ringo, whose name is derived from the Japanese word for apple, 'Ringo,' is the embodiment of the golden apple that indirectly caused the Trojan War according to Greek mythology. Originally from the divine realm, her overwhelming cuteness drew the jealousy of Zeus, leading to her exile to the human world where she aspires to become the most dazzling idol and virtual influencer.
In her introduction video, Ringo interacts with her fans, nicknaming them 'Apple Pies' and even capturing a moment where she scolds a crew member for mistakenly calling her 'Kinpingo' instead of her stage name. This scene, which could have been a character-breaking moment, instead adds a layer of authenticity and a tsundere trait to her personality. Ringo's character is meticulously crafted to highlight her unique traits through interactions, which has not only entertained but also impressed the professional judges.
Ringo's emphasis on audience interaction finds a parallel in Ironmouse, an independent VTuber from Puerto Rico and VShojo member. Ironmouse is known for her candid attitude and willingness to share personal experiences, including her health challenges. This openness demonstrates how embracing one's whole self, including difficulties, can be a powerful aspect of a VTuber's persona. Her energetic content and humorous interactions with viewers show that authenticity and deep connections are key in the virtual world. This multi-faceted approach aligns with Ringo's strategy of engaging with fans through various aspects of her personality, from confidence to moments of vulnerability, creating a more relatable and genuine virtual presence.
These examples of Multimedia Mimi and Ringo, both acclaimed by the audience and professional judges, illustrate that when character creation is equally impressive, 'how one presents oneself' becomes the key to standing out.
Whether it's Multimedia Mimi's approach of 'singing better than speaking' or Ringo's unique personality brought out through reality-show-like interactions, we see a precise grasp of audience expectations by the creators of these virtual influencers. We look forward to more exciting entries in next year's Metaverse Virtual Influencer Creation Design Contest and invite everyone to visit VIVERSE Worlds to see which characters capture your heart!
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