Pixiv Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yasuhiro Niwa; hereinafter “Pixiv”) and JP UNIVERSE Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hajime Tabata; hereinafter “JP UNIVERSE”) have reached an agreement (hereinafter the “Agreement”) to utilize JP UNIVERSE’s game space meta-platform RAID, which is scheduled for beta testing in 2025, as a playground for 3D avatars created with Pixiv’s 3D character creation software “VRoid Studio”, which has over 4.6 million accounts.
Pixiv will provide VRoid SDK to RAID’s studio service, while JP UNIVERSE will offer RAID’s studio service free of charge to Pixiv users, enabling interoperability between the two platforms. Creating an innovative system that enables creative activities in 3D and VR spaces. This will expand the stage for Pixiv users’ creative activities from the 2D world to the interactive 3D world.
Based on this agreement, the two companies will jointly aim to expand and develop the creator economy.
About “VRoid” and “RAID”
VRoid is a service provided by Pixiv, originating from VRoid Studio, a 3D character creation software that enables users to create characters as if drawing a picture. VRoid has expanded into various areas, including smartphone applications for easy avatar creation, a platform for submitting 3D avatars, and a developer’s kit for integrating the software.
VRoid Project：https://vroid.com/en
“RAID” stands for **RYUGUKOKU ADVENTURE IN DISCOVERY**, an online RPG that JP UNIVERSE plans to launch in 2025. JP UNIVERSE is developing this RPG while establishing a network of creators across the Asian region, utilizing its proprietary middleware, **PEGASUS WORLD KIT** *1, which also serves as the technological foundation for the game.
PEGASUS WORLD KIT: https://www.pw-kit.com
Comment from Yasuhiro Niwa, CEO and Representative Director of Pixiv Inc.:
We are confident that this partnership with JP UNIVERSE will go beyond technological innovation and offer creators a unique opportunity for creators to unleash their imagination and creativity. By collaborating with JP UNIVERSE, we will provide an innovative creative environment in 3D space and expand new possibilities for expression.
Comment from: Hajime Tabata, CEO and Representative Director of JP UNIVERSE Inc.:
As a creator, I see great potential in this partnership with Pixiv through VRoid. The enjoyment of original avatars will expand to the world of games, transforming Pixiv’s traditionally 2D content into an immersive 3D experience. We will continue to collaborate with Pixiv to bring this dreamlike and enjoyable world to life.
JP UNIVERSE.Inc, https://www.jpuniverse.com
Location: PILE KUDAN, 1-14-16 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director & CEO: Hajime Tabata
Business Description: Providing RPG development tool “PWK” and UGC online RPG “RAID”
Date of Establishment: February 8, 2022
Contact: info@jpuniverse.com
Pixiv Inc. https://www.pixiv.co.jp/
Location: JPR Sendagaya Building 6F, 4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director & CEO: Yasuhiro Niwa
Business Description: Internet service business
Date of establishment: July 25, 2005
Contact: info@pixiv.co.jp (Nishidoi, Nishida)
