SOOP said on the 10th that it will roll out Virtual University, a training program for virtual streamers, and expand a growth support program that connects avatar production, equipment support, and education.
A virtual streamer is a form of live streaming using a virtual avatar. To lower the barrier to entry at the initial stage, SOOP planned an entertainment-style education program called Virtual University. Popular virtual streamers will join as honorary professors to share broadcasting know-how and content production experience.
The first program will be held on Mar. 19, with Go Segu participating to conduct a lecture and practice session on expressiveness. After the training, participants will complete assignments for about two weeks, and prize money will be awarded to top participants through a final evaluation.
Since September last year, SOOP has been running Welcome Virtual, a standing support program to help virtual streamers get established. It offers main banner promotion, operator support, and broadcast effect features, and about 200 people have participated so far.
It is also holding a Today, Virtual event in collaboration with the avatar production platform Mascos. Through Virtual Makeover, a 3D avatar production support program, it also supports creating avatars tailored to a streamer's concept.
At the same time, it is lowering equipment burdens by operating an optical motion-capture studio rental and a Virtual Reality (VR) device "PICO" lending program.
SOOP said it plans to strengthen the virtual streamer ecosystem by linking production infrastructure with educational content.