Hololive CEO Says Death Stranding 2 And The Vtuber Cameo Is Only The Beginning

What Even Is the Deal With Vtubers in Games?

For the uninitiated, Vtubers are basically CGI anime avatars brought to life by real streamers. Think of them as the gaming-geek equivalent of sci-fi holograms with an army of simping fans. And Hololive, as far as Vtuber agencies go, is like The Avengers of the anime streaming world. Their talents play games, sing, create viral memes, and now, apparently, they’re busting into AAA video games, taking the weird and wonderful into unsettling new directions.

Death Stranding 2’s little Vtuber experiment kicks off with appearances from Hololive stars like Amelia Watson, likely echoing their livestreams into the virtual dystopia Kojima’s team is piecing together. But Yagoo doesn’t want this to be a one-hit wonder; this is just the opening act for an era where neon-haired anime girls might become as common in gaming as loot boxes (but maybe less infuriating, depending on your perspective).

When asked about the decision, Tanigo said, “This is only the beginning,” which I’m pretty sure is CEO-speak for “We’re not stopping until we’re in every big game you play.” Cue existential dread, or hype, depending on how easily swayed you are by cat-eared idols with sugary voices.

Why Would Developers Even Do This?

Honestly? The math adds up. Vtubers, in all their chaotic, meme-worthy glory, tap directly into niche internet culture while wielding an almost cult-like following. That kind of audience engagement is marketing gold for game developers looking to generate buzz. It’s not crazy to imagine why studios would shell out big bucks for cameo appearances that can send hordes of fans rushing to pre-order.

And let’s not forget symbolizing community engagement. Dropping idols in the middle of your game world isn’t just a quirky add-on; it’s a neon-sign declaration to younger generations that studios get them. Or at least, that’s what they’d like you to think.

Imagine the Possibilities (Or Don’t)

Imagine slaying a dragon in Elder Scrolls VI, and just as you land the final blow, you hear a kawaii “Sugoi!” burst from the game’s subtitles because, surprise, one of Hololive’s Vtubers voice-acted the shopkeeper back in town. Or picture NBA 2K, but every sideline commentator looks like they just walked out of an isekai anime. It’s the type of chaos you didn’t ask for but now fully expect, thanks to Yagoo’s grand ambitions.

Does it add to player immersion? Probably not. Will it get people talking? Absolutely. And in the world of gaming, where attention is currency, those Twitter threads dissecting whether the collab is genius or cringe are worth every penny.

The Future of Vtuber Collaborations

Of course, this isn’t just about novelty. Hololive is banking on this strategy to push the cultural boundaries of Vtubing, pulling it beyond YouTube streams and TikTok trends right into the very fabric of interactive storytelling. But whether this becomes a long-lasting feature of big gaming franchises or a fleeting gimmick like 3D movies in the early 2010s will depend on how much developers lean into it.

For the moment, it seems we’re at the tipping point. Death Stranding 2 may very well be the test case to see if gaming audiences want Vtubers peppered into their experiences. Given Kojima’s penchant for breaking molds, maybe this collab will end up being the fusion of memes and artistry we didn’t realize the gaming landscape needed.

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