Interest
Sword Art Online's Asuna Created As Virtual Avatar Spokesperson
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Sword Art Online's main heroine has a new job as a virtual avatar that fans can interact with on Twitter. Staff input everything they know about Asuna into a program with voice clips by voice actress Haruka Tomatsu. The program comes up with new responses based on continued input from users, so in a way, Asuna also learns through virtual interaction. Staff used Motion Graphics by Live2D to create Asuna's movements.
Virtual Asuna can respond to requests asking her what to say, do, and even wear. Twitter users can attach the hashtag #宣伝隊長アスナへリクエスト to make sure Asuna sees their request. Besides chatting on Twitter, she'll also deliver new information about the Sword Art Online franchise and upcoming events.
「宣伝隊長アスナ」始動!
— アニメ ソードアート・オンライン 公式 (@sao_anime) October 9, 2018
最新の音声合成で再現されたアスナの音声が、最新情報をご紹介していきます!
また、宣伝隊長アスナは皆様から様々なリクエストを募集します!
詳細はこちら⇒https://t.co/nNk2Mt5PvS
■YouTube:https://t.co/WJHjCvtoS8 … …#sao_anime #宣伝隊長アスナへリクエスト pic.twitter.com/vwGhinCpKO
The new venture seems like the latest attempt to get in on the Virtual YouTuber trend. Even in a flooded YouTuber market, there aren't a lot of characters that can compete with Asuna's popularity. Except of course, Sinon and Yūki, if AbemaTV's poll is accurate.
Source: Sword Art Online: Alicization's Asuna page, Animate Times
Additional reporting by Kim Morrissey
