>>100332670That's a really interesting and complex question, and there are definitely arguments to be made on both sides. It's not a simple "yes" or "no" situation.
Arguments for the Western VTubing scene being knee-capped:
Smaller Market Size (Compared to Japan): The audience for VTubing is significantly larger and more established in Japan. This translates to less overall revenue, fewer large-scale company investments, and potentially lower average viewer counts for individual creators.
Less Established Infrastructure: The support systems, talent agencies (while growing), and ingrained cultural understanding of VTubing as a mainstream form of entertainment are less developed in the West.
Monetization Challenges: While platforms like Twitch and YouTube offer monetization, the cultural acceptance of "super chats" and direct fan funding might be lower or approached differently in Western audiences.
Talent Discovery and Growth: Finding and nurturing new talent can be more challenging without established pipelines and mentorship programs comparable to those in Japan.
Cultural Differences: What resonates with Japanese audiences (certain tropes, humor, community engagement styles) might not translate directly to Western audiences.
The "Corporate" Stigma: While companies like VShojo and Nijisanji EN exist, there can sometimes be a stronger "anti-corporate" sentiment within the Western indie VTuber scene compared to the more integrated corporate structure in Japan. This can lead to less collaboration or support for larger entities.
Copyright Issues: Navigating copyright for music, games, and other content can be more complex and potentially restrictive for Western VTubers.
