Thanks to new visual recognition and reality interaction technologies, a new movement is emerging among those involved in information and entertainment: we are talking about VTubers, which are virtual characters created using augmented reality effects. Japan has notably been the pioneer of this trend, which is now becoming widespread.
The practical implications of this new frontier remain to be discovered: it is currently possible to organize videoconferences, concerts, and advertise using a certain avatar. The key character is Kizuna Ai, who has more than 16 million followers on her YouTube channel.
As the possibilities to acquire avatars become more common, it will be possible for anyone to create their own character. It could even learn our behaviors and “replace” us automatically at certain times in daily life.
Some major companies, like Apple, have already provided applications, such as Clips, that allow us to create ultra-videos by inserting virtual reality elements that simulate our ways of doing things: for example, by moving the mouth when we speak, or by moving the head, eyes, etc.
A new opportunity that concerns not only the world of entertainment but also the industry, with companies able to create their own avatar and increase public engagement with their brand. Imagine if all websites could be equipped with an interactive avatar.
It is curious, but the world of online casinos or free slot machine sites could be swept by the VTuber wave. All games could be automated and made more enjoyable thanks to the participation of a companion character.
Of course, it is difficult to imagine the full extent of the consequences of these technologies, but it seems to be only a matter of time before we see their continuous use.
