Slimepress
Cover Corporation CEO Motoaki “YAGOO” Tanigo has shot down the idea of AI Vtubers, saying it goes against the core of the business. In a post on LinkedIn, Tanigo clarified that while many from the outside see Vtubers as simply a character moving on a screen, it was the people behind the character that draws [...]
Cover Corporation CEO Motoaki "YAGOO" Tanigo has shot down the idea of AI Vtubers, saying it goes against the core of the business.
In a post on LinkedIn, Tanigo clarified that while many from the outside see Vtubers as simply a character moving on a screen, it was the people behind the character that draws them in.
"The true essence of VTubing is rooted in the human element, the personality, talent, and authenticity of the individual behind the avatar", he says.
"Fans are drawn to VTubers because they know there is a real person behind the screen, someone they can connect with, empathize with, and support".
"VTubing is about breaking down barriers, whether it’s age, appearance, or geography, and creating a space where people can connect with the person behind the avatar. It’s about their dreams, their emotions, and their unique story", he adds.
"This is why AI VTubing will never become mainstream. People cannot form the same emotional bond with an AI. They know there is no real person behind the avatar, no dreams to champion, no shared laughter or struggles, no human journey to follow", he adds.
Taking A Stand For Your Talents In The Face Of AI Vtubers
Backing real, human talent instead of AI Vtubers is a strategy that's worked out for COVER Corporation- in their recently published financial report, the company reportedly saw a 22.9% year-on-year growth from streaming alone, as well as a 143.8% increase year-on-year for concerts.
With headliners in the hololive stable like Hoschimachi Suisei who just performed at the Budokan as well as the English branch's Mori Calliope performing in Los Angeles, it's important to note these things don't happen in a vacuum- they're built on the framework that starts with streaming.
AI has been a contentious issue in multiple creative fields- SAG-AFTRA and other unions have gone on strikes, demanding for protections for their members from being replaced by AI.
Similarly, in development, multiple games use generative AI as a form of cost-cutting, such as Liar's Bar and The Finals.