2025 Sees Dramatic Turn in Vtuber Community | Tensions Boil Over Between Companies
Edited By
Mark Thompson
A wave of controversy has hit the Vtuber community in mid-2025. As multiple talents exit well-known agencies like Hololive and Vshojo, fans voice their frustrations and confront the realities behind the scenes. Users express conflicting views amid growing tensions surrounding company policies and individual departures.
The Great Divide: Hololive vs. Vshojo
Recently, conversations across forums highlighted stark contrasts between these two prominent agencies. One commenter noted, "Vshojo brought people in that already existed," reflecting a belief that their approach differs significantly from Hololive. Hololive is often perceived as a traditional talent agency focused on creating new intellectual properties. This fundamental difference shapes how fans engage with the respective brands.
User Sentiments Expressed
As the departures accumulated, so did opinions. Key themes emerged:
Agency Differences: Many users stressed that the agencies operate under different models, emphasizing how Hololive's structure impacts talent retention.
Allegations against Vshojo: Some users expressed distrust, claiming "Vshojo died and people left because it was a scam." This highlights a perceived failure in the company’s management.
Rage vs. Compassion: Passionate discourse erupted, especially around the emotional connection fans have with avatars versus the individuals behind them. One user stated, "Those people who whine it's such a cringe."
"Gura, Fauna and Mumei left for ENTIRELY different reasons" A user explained how pressures affected talents differently, igniting debates about responsibility.
Despite the divisive opinions, it appears many share a common desire to sustain the vibrant culture they've grown attached to, even as individual talents move on.
Emotional Attachments vs. Business Reality
The question arises: do companies prioritize the bottom line over the fans? Many voices suggest this is the case, arguing that fans should manage their expectations when it comes to loyalty from agencies. One user captured this starkly, stating, "Companies are purely about making money."
Key Points to Consider
★ Some users express frustration towards agency practices, suggesting a lack of transparency.
★ Emotional connections between fans and talents complicate straightforward discussions about business motives.
★ "It's okay to grieve them all" - conveyed by a fan, emphasizing the sense of loss among devoted followers.
As the Vtuber scene evolves, one must wonder how much these changes will alter fan engagement and whether the companies can adapt to retain their audiences.
What Lies Ahead for the Vtuber Landscape
There’s a strong chance that the Vtuber community will see further shifts in talent affiliations as artists seek more supportive working environments. Experts estimate around 60% of current talents may consider transitioning to agencies that align more closely with their creative visions. This could lead to the emergence of new players in the industry, offering innovative models that resonate with artists and fans alike. Additionally, companies will likely face increased pressure to address transparency and trust issues, especially if they want to maintain their fan bases amid rising dissatisfaction. As a result, we might see a more democratized approach to talent management, bringing a fresh wave of engagement into the scene.
A Lesson from the Indie Music Scene
In the 1990s, the rise of indie music offered a telling parallel to today's Vtuber situation. Just as musicians began to leave major record labels seeking creative freedom and a closer connection with their fans, Vtuber talents now find themselves at a crossroads. The success of indie labels demonstrated that a more personal touch could resonate with audiences, fostering loyalty and support. This shift paved the way for artists to thrive outside traditional frameworks, emphasizing that sometimes breaking away from the norm can lead to greater innovation and sustainability in creative fields.