Press Release•Oct 6, 2026 13:25 UTC
TOKYO, October 6, 2026 (Newswire.com)
–pixiv Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “pixiv”; Office: Shibuya, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yasuhiro Niwa) and VRChat Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “VRChat”; Office: San Francisco, USA; CEO: Graham Gaylor), which operates the social VR platform “VRChat,” announce that pixiv has invested in VRChat, and the two companies are exploring strategic collaboration together.
Through this partnership, both companies aim to further develop the creator ecosystem that supports 3D avatar culture. The collaboration will proceed in phases over the next few years.
CEO of pixiv Inc., Yasuhiro Niwa
In 2017, pixiv launched the VRoid Project with the goal of creating a world where anyone can have a 3D avatar. Since then, we have focused on building systems to support the creation and distribution of 3D avatars through VRoid Studio, our 3D character creation software, and BOOTH, a creators’ marketplace for all kinds of creative works. Today, the 3D model category on BOOTH has grown to a scale exceeding 10 billion yen in annual transaction volume. This market has flourished solely thanks to the efforts of 3D creators and the existence of VRChat, a platform where they can showcase their work.
Through this partnership, we aim to deepen collaboration between our two companies not only in the areas of creation and distribution within 3D avatar culture, but also in the realm of experiences, to further advance avatar culture and expand the possibilities for new forms of creativity.
CEO of VRChat Inc., Graham Gaylor
VRChat has always been built around giving creators the freedom to shape the platform and express themselves in their own way. Our creators are doing the hardest work, and our role is to support that creativity and help make avatar creation a meaningful opportunity for paid work. pixiv has played an important role in Japan’s creator ecosystem, and we’re excited to explore what we can build together while continuing to support creators across tools, marketplaces, and devices.
Behind the pixiv x VRChat alliance
pixiv currently operates VRoid Studio, a 3D avatar creation software, and VRoid Hub, a platform for posting and sharing 3D avatars. Both of these are widely used as entry points to 3D avatar creation. In addition, the pixiv creator’s marketplace BOOTH features a large variety of 3D avatars, costumes, and other relevant creations.
Avatars created through these services are widely used on VRChat, where the community has built a distinctive 3D avatar culture of its own.
This partnership brings together where avatars are made and where they’re experienced.
Growth in the 3D sector for pixiv Inc. and VRChat
Projected first steps for the alliance
pixiv and VRChat will collaborate in three main areas: joint promotions and events, making avatar culture more accessible to newcomers, and potential phased technical integration between the two platforms.
As a first step, the two companies presented at the VRChat booth at the Tokyo Game Show 2026, from Thursday, September 17th, to Monday, September 21st, 2026. They also participated in guest sessions.
Next, pixiv will release a new VRChat world this fall, “Avatar × Dress Up Tutorial.” Developed by pixiv with full promotional support from VRChat, the world introduces newcomers to avatars and the culture of outfit customization.
About VRChat
VRChat is an ever-expanding virtual universe powered by a passionate global community who create and share virtual worlds, avatars, and interactive experiences. It hosts over hundreds of thousands of active communities, with an average of 100,000 concurrent users per day and a peak of approximately160,000 concurrent users. It is available for free on Steam, the Meta Quest Store, PICO, iOS, and Android.
VRChat Inc.https://hello.vrchat.com/
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
CEO: Graham Gaylor
Established: 2014
pixiv Inc.https://www.pixiv.co.jp
pixiv’s mission is to empower artists and accelerate creativity by building a platform where each creation can find a community. In line with that, pixiv provides various services to support creators, including pixiv, a platform for posting illustrations, manga, and novels with over 100 million registered users; BOOTH, a comprehensive marketplace for creative works; pixivFANBOX, a fan community; and VRoid Studio, 3D character creation software. pixiv will continue to support the creative activities of people around the world.
Location: 4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director: Yasuhiro Niwa
Business: Internet services
Established: July 25th, 2005
Inquiry: info@pixiv.co.jp (Takahashi/Nishidoi)
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