SOOP, the operator of the live streaming platform AfreecaTV, is creating a fandom community called 'Fandom World' for virtual streamers. The plan is to provide a community space where virtual streamers and fans can engage together and to establish a sustainable support model.
On the 17th, SOOP announced that it plans to develop Fandom World, where virtual crews can freely plan joint broadcast content and meet and communicate with fans.
In Fandom World, not only will there be gathering spaces for fans to be active, but rewards will also be provided according to quests within the world. Support will be offered so that virtual streamers can hold events such as concerts, showcases, and fan meetings without burden, and a service to sell items and goods linked to the content will also be launched.
Virtual streamers have various content where they showcase their talents in games, singing, talk, and more as their 'buca' (an alternate character different from their original character), a virtual persona, and communicate with users. They also have the unique advantage of possessing a 'Core Fandom' that actively supports their favorite streamers. In fact, the first solo offline concert of 'LILPA,' a member of the virtual girl group 'Isekai Idol' recently supported by SOOP, sold out all seats in just three minutes.
Virtual streamers meet and chat with fans in real-time on SOOP’s online and metaverse spaces, enjoying game and entertainment content together such as virtual esports tournaments and global virtual talk shows. On AfreecaTV, various virtual crew ecosystems like 'Waktaverse' (a virtual universe created by streamer 'Uwakkud'), 'POCOTONE,' and 'FRIA,' where 'Isekai Idol' is active, are expanding fandom communities where users directly participate and create content with streamers. On the metaverse platform 'Freeblox,' user-participatory fandom content transcending time and space is being planned and produced, including fan meetings and mini fan concerts of popular virtual streamers, and the Play World 'SOOPershot Team Competition.'
Since June, SOOP has been supporting virtual streamers by providing access to an optical motion capture studio. They are also increasing game tournaments and esports league content for virtual streamers. On the 2nd, the first season of the virtual streamers’ esports tournament 'Beojongdae (Virtual Comprehensive Tournament)' began.
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