Live2D

Live2D is a proprietary 2D animation library developed by the Japanese software company Live2D Ltd. (formerly Cyber Noise). The format allows the creation of rigged character models—usually in an anime art style—consisting of two-dimensional textures divided into layers. These layers can then be tweened and warped in order to allow 2.5D motion. Live2D models can be integrated into software via an SDK, while a program known as Live2D Cubism serves as its authoring environment for importing and rigging models.

Live2D has been primarily used as part of video games—including in particular visual novels such as Nekopara, and mobile gacha games such as Azur Lane and Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! among others. Live2D models can also be used by facial motion capture software such as FaceRig and VTube Studio, allowing a model's head movement and expressions to be puppeted using input from a webcam or phone camera; this technique is used most prominently by VTubers

Live2D typically refers to the Live2D Ltd. software, but has sometimes been used as a generic trademark to refer to similar tween-based animation techniques, even if they do not use the software.

History

Background

Live2D was first introduced in 2008 to resolve the need for interactive media. Since then, the technology has also changed how games enhance user experience through lively characters and expressions.

In 2009, Cybernoids Co. Ltd. (now Live2D Ltd.) released their very first Live2D application, Live2D Vector. The application transforms vector graphics to make flat character images achieve three-dimensional head turning and moving effects. Although such characters can only perform limited activities, they perform much better than static pictures or slideshows. Users can also customize their moving character by adjusting parameters through software or collecting materials such as images of different angles of a character. Although the occupied capacity resources are reduced, the rendering of complex images consumes a lot of CPU and RAM. Also, while it can be difficult to work with more traditional art styles such as oil painting or gouache styles, creators have been experimenting with these styles with success.

The first application of the Live2D technique is HibikiDokei, released by sandwichproject (株式会社レジストプランニング), an alarm app released in 2010. The alarm app has a girl character named "Hibiki" who talks and moves.

In 2011, Live2D adopted PSP game Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai Portable released by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. became the first game of the O.I.U. A system derived from Live2D technology was applied in a game, where the character moves and changes positions and expression while talking to the player. Characters moved expressively on the screen and seamlessly like a traditionally-animated anime, which interested players and contributed to popularity of Live2D.

Software

Live2D Ltd.

Live2D
DeveloperTetsuya Nakajo
PlatformMicrosoft Windows, macOS
LicenseProprietary
Websitewww.live2d.com/en/

Software developer Tetsuya Nakashiro had been independently developing Live2D software and founded the company Cyber Noise (or Cybernoids, Japanese:サイバーノイズ) in 2006 with support from the Exploratory IT Human Resources Project of the Japanese Information Technology Promotion Agency (IPA). Because of its novelty and lack of uptake, Cyber Noise was unsuccessful.

In 2011, Live2D software received attention after its use in the PSP game Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai Portable. It subsequently received interest as a library for Android and iOS. Following this success, in 2014, Cyber Noise subsequently renamed itself to Live2D Ltd., unifying with its product name. Sales of Live2D have had significant growth since then. In 2021, 70% of Live2D Cubism Pro users are or create Vtubers, followed by games/app developers and animation/video creators.

Live2D Ltd. provides its software and SDKs under both commercial licenses and as freeware.

Software

  • Live2D Cubism
  • Live2D Cubism Editor
  • Live2D Euclid (released in April 2017, no longer available from October 16, 2018)
  • Live2D CubismM
  • Live2DViewerEX

Official marketplace

  • nizima: nizima is a platform where users can buy and sell illustrations, Live2D data, or make-to-order transactions. Illustrators and Live2D creators are able to work together on a character and share sales on the platform. The platform also provides a Live2D preview for users to see and move the model before purchasing.
  • nizima LIVE: nizima LIVE is a PC application that allows anyone to easily move a Live2D model by recognizing and tracking facial expressions. From beginners who are new to the tracking app to intermediate and above who are already familiar with Live2D, you can enjoy it for various purposes, such as VTuber activities and avatars for calls and meetings.
  • nizima Action: nizima Action is an online video editor specifically designed for creating short-form Live2D content, allowing users to easily create rich video edits in their browser, and it's perfect for producing short videos of about 1 to 5 minutes.

Other Live2D Animation Software

Animation software is able to combine with the Live2D system to create real-time animated avatars through motion capture, character animation and computer-generated imagery, including:

Animation software

Title Platform
Adobe Character Animator Windows, MacOS
CrazyTalk Windows
FaceRig Windows
Motion Live 2D Windows
Toon Boom Harmony Windows, MacOS

Face-tracking software

Title Platform
Hololive iOS
Nijisanji Android, iOS

Works using Live2D

Visual novels

Title Platform Original release date
Mashiroiro Symphony Windows, PSP 2009
Ensemble Girls! Android, iOS 2012
Tokimeki Restaurant Android, iOS 2013
Nekopara Windows, macOS 2014
City of Love: Paris Android, iOS 2017
Date A Live: Rio Reincarnation Windows, PS4 2017
Crystalline Android, iOS 2018
Kaori After Story Android, iOS 2018
Runa's School Story Windows, macOS 2019
Ethereal Enigma Android, iOS 2020
Sophistry Windows, Linux, macOS 2021
Heartbeat! -After the Summer- Windows, macOS 2022
Anonymous;Code Nintendo Switch, PS4, Windows 2022
OPPAI Ero App Academy Bigger, Better, Electric Boobaloo! Windows 2023
The Fox Awaits Me HANA Windows 2023

Mobile games

Title Platform Original release date
Battle Girl High School Android, iOS 2015
BraveSword×BlazeSoul Android, iOS 2015
Ensemble Stars! Android, iOS 2015
Potion Maker Android, iOS 2015
YUMEIRO CAST Android, iOS 2015
Moe Girl Cafe 2 Android, iOS 2016
Destiny Child Android, iOS 2016
Girls' Frontline Android, iOS 2016
Azur Lane Android, iOS 2017
Brave Nine Android, iOS 2017
BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch 2017
Depose Girls (Houchi Shoujo) Android, iOS 2017
Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story Android, iOS 2017
Neptunia & Friends Android, iOS 2017
Dream Girlfriend Android, iOS 2017
Project Tokyo Dolls Android, iOS 2017
Raramagi Android, iOS 2017
Uta no Prince-sama: Shining Live Android, iOS 2017
Epic Seven Android, iOS 2018
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight-Re LIVE Android, iOS 2018
Mashiro Witch: Marchen of Midnight Android, iOS 2018
Ayakashi: Romance Reborn Android, iOS 2018
Promise of Wizard Android, iOS 2019
Girl Cafe Gun Android, iOS 2019
Counter:Side Android, iOS 2019
Mirage Memorial Android, iOS 2019
Palette Parade Android, iOS 2019
My Stella Knights Android, iOS 2020
Disney: Twisted-Wonderland Android, iOS 2020
Goddess Kiss: OVE Generation Android, iOS 2020
Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! Android, iOS 2020
D4DJ Groovy Mix Android, iOS 2020
Illusion Connect Android, iOS 2020
SINoALICE Android, iOS 2020
Zgirls3 Android, iOS 2020
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Lost in Memories Android, iOS 2020
Assault Lily: Last Bullet Android, iOS 2021
KonoSuba: Fantastic Days Android, iOS 2021
Artery Gear: Fusion Android, iOS 2021
Metal Waltz Android, iOS 2021
Alchemy Stars Android, iOS 2021
B-PROJECT Ryūsei*Fantasia Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch 2021
Blue Archive Android, iOS 2021
Revived Witch Android, iOS 2021
Destiny Girl Android, iOS 2022
Dynasty Heroes: Romance Samkok Android, iOS 2022
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Android, iOS 2022
Idle Princess Android, iOS 2022
Girls Academy Android, iOS 2022
Clover Theater Android, iOS 2022
Date A Live: Spirit Pledge HD Android, iOS 2022
Echocalypse Android, iOS 2022
MementoMori Android, iOS 2022
Goddess of Victory: Nikke Android, iOS 2022
Counter:Side Android, iOS 2022
Path to Nowhere Android, iOS 2022
Cherry Tale Android, iOS 2022
The Tale of Food Android, iOS 2023
Takt Op. Symphony Android, iOS 2023
Love Live! School Idol Festival 2: Miracle Live! Android, iOS 2023
Crazy Ones Android, iOS 2023
Reverse: 1999 Android, iOS 2023
Trickcal Revive Android, iOS 2023
Phantom of the Kill -Alternative Imitation- Android, iOS 2024
Tokyo Debunker Android, iOS 2024
Ride Kamens Android, iOS 2024
18TRIP Android, iOS 2024
STARSEED: Asnia Trigger Android, iOS 2024
Echocalypse: The Scarlet Covenant Android, iOS 2024
Die Neue Saga Android, iOS 2024
Emberstoria Android, iOS 2024
Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade Android, iOS 2024
Journey Renewed: Fate Fantasy Android, iOS 2024
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Magia Exedra Android, iOS 2025
Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond Android, iOS 2025

Console games

Title Platform Original release date
Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai (Haganai) PSP 2012
Fire Emblem Fates 3DS 2015
Kancolle Kai PS Vita 2016
Akiba's Beat PS4, PS Vita 2016
Dark Rose Valkyrie PS4, PS Vita 2016
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris PS4, Xbox One 2020
Azur Lane Crosswave PS4, Nintendo Switch 2020
Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 2022
TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2024

PC games

Title Original release date
Herald: An Interactive Period Drama 2017
Namu Amida Butsu! -UTENA- 2019

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Meet The Catgirls Of Sekai Project's Visual Novel NEKOPARA Vol. 1 - Siliconera". Siliconera. 29 December 2014. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  2. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (14 October 2023). "VTuber Legend Anime Reveals 4 More Cast Members, 2024 Debut". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  3. ↑ Siegal, Jacob (25 August 2018). "The 8 best free iPhone games of the week". BGR. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  4. ↑ Nogishi, Aki (5 November 2024). "The secret behind Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat. Hatsune Miku's super expressive animations. We asked the devs how Live2D makes it happen". AUTOMATON WEST. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
  5. ↑ "What is Live2D?". Live2D Cubism. 23 July 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  6. ↑ "Creator Interviews". Live2D Cubism. 9 April 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  7. ↑ "live2D history". Live2D. 31 July 2019. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  8. ↑ "FaeriSami/status/1729257776009154584". X (formerly Twitter). Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "HibikiDokei". sandwichproject.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  10. ↑ "【週刊 俺の妹P】俺の妹がLive2Dでこんなに動く!! ＆5人の妹ができる特典って!?". Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  11. ↑ "【特集】「Live2D」を救ったのは『俺妹』！？誕生のきっかけや話題の「FaceRig」に迫る". インサイド (in Japanese). 8 February 2016. Archived from the original on 7 January 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  12. ↑ "会社消滅寸前だったとあるベンチャーが、世界初の2D立体表現技術を完成できたワケ - エンジニアtype". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  13. ↑ "Live2D社が目論む未来の「Live2D」とは？―ソフトウェアから共創のプラットフォーム＆マーケット市場へ【alive2021 レポート】". インサイド (in Japanese). 30 December 2021. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  14. ↑ "Live2D official market "secondary ma" was renamed to "nizima" and the design and UI / UX were renewed | Live2D Co., Ltd". 株式会社Live2D. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  15. ↑ "(日本語) バンドリ！ ガールズバンドパーティ！ | Live2D". Live2D. Archived from the original on 20 May 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  16. ↑ "MAGIA RECORD | Live2D". Live2D. Archived from the original on 28 June 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  17. ↑ "プロジェクトセカイ カラフルステージ！ feat.初音ミク | 導入実績". 株式会社Live2D (in Japanese). 29 September 2020. Archived from the original on 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  18. ↑ "Revived Witch - Creator Interviews". Live2D. 28 August 2023. Archived from the original on 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  19. ↑ Fujiwaki, Minamo (26 September 2022). "工数を度外視してでも"差別化"を…『勝利の女神：NIKKE』の飽くなき挑戦". PickUPs! (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024. 弊社にはLive2Dで培ってきたノウハウがありますが、実は『勝利の女神：NIKKE』ではツールを変えSpineを採用しています。
  20. ↑ zozi. "Studio Sleipnir PSvitaのソフト 「艦これ改」が発売になりました。". studiosleipnir.blog15.fc2.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  21. ↑ "system｜なむあみだ仏っ！-蓮台 UTENA- 公式サイト". なむあみだ仏っ！-蓮台 UTENA- 公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 22 June 2020.