Background

Live2D was first introduced in 2008 to resolve the need for interactive media.^[9] Since then, the technology has also changed how games enhance user experience through lively characters and expressions.^[10]

In 2009, Cubism (now Live2D) released their very first Live2D application, Live2D Vector.^[11] The application transforms vector graphics to make flat character images achieve three-dimensional head turning and moving effects. Although such characters can only perform limited activities, they perform much better than static pictures or slideshows. Users can also customize their moving character by adjusting parameters through software or collecting materials such as images of different angles of a character. Of course, vector graphics still have many limitations. Although the occupied capacity resources are reduced, the rendering of complex images consumes a lot of CPU. Also, while it can be difficult to work with more traditional art styles such as oil painting or gouache styles, VTuber creators have been experimenting with these styles with success.^[12]

The first application of the Live2D technique is HibikiDokei released by sandwichproject (株式会社レジストプランニング), an alarm app released in 2010. The alarm app has a girl character named "Hibiki" who talks and moves.^[13]

In 2011, Live2D adopted PSP game Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai Portable released by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc became the first game the O.I.U system derived from Live2D technology was applied in a game, where the character moves and changes positions and expression while talking to the player.^[14] Characters moved expressively on the screen and seamlessly like an anime, which surprised players and triggered the popularity of Live2D.^[15]

Significance

For Virtual YouTubers (VTubers), Live2D can protect their identity. Privacy is a very crucial thing, especially in this era of Information Technology. Privacy protection (in various forms), is very important in today's internet era. Virtual Youtuber is a term for a Youtuber that uses real-time animation instead of their face. Live2D Virtual YouTubers start by rigging a character using Live2D, then using facial motion capture. The models can also be used in combination with Unity engine as a blueprint. Applications that have been built can be published in the form of videos or streamed on a YouTube platform using OBS Studio.^[16]

Live2D Ltd.

Live2D

Developer(s)	Tetsuya Nakajo
Platform	Microsoft Windows, macOS
License	Proprietary
Website	www.live2d.com/en/

Software developer Tetsuya Nakashiro had been independently developing Live2D software and founded the company Cyber Noise (or Cybernoids, Japanese:てサイバーノイズ) in 2006 with support from the Exploratory IT Human Resources Project of the Japanese Information Technology Promotion Agency (IPA). Because of its novelty and lack of uptake, Cyber Noise was unsuccessful.

In 2011, Live2D software received attention after its use in the PSP game Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai Portable. It subsequently received interest as a library for Android and iOS. Following this success, in 2014 Cyber Noise subsequently renamed itself to Live2D Ltd.,^[17] unifying with its product name. Sales of Live2D have had significant growth since then. In 2021, 70% of Live2D Cubism Pro users are or create Vtubers, followed by games/app developers and animation/video creators.^[18]

Live2D Ltd. provides its software and SDKs under both commercial licenses and as freeware.

Third-party

Animation software is able to combine with the Live2D system to create real-time animated avatars through motion capture, character animation and computer-generated imagery, including:

Visual novels

Mobile games

Console games

PC games