Today marked a pivotal shift in the world of popular virtual avatars. Ironmouse, a prominent VTuber, has left the American talent agency VShojo, alleging that it withheld payments owed to her and a charity she supports through her Twitch and YouTube earnings.

For those not acquainted with VTubers, this may not appear significant. However, while VTubing is a relatively recent trend, these streamers rose to fame during the pandemic, transforming into a booming industry. Here’s what you should know.

What is VTubing?

VTubing consists of live-streaming with virtual, personalized avatars in either 2D or 3D. These fictional characters interact with audiences similarly to other creators, yet their real identities remain concealed behind animated facades.

VTubers have gained popularity on streaming platforms globally, building on the success of virtual avatars in Asia and gaining momentum in the West. Numerous talent agencies are now concentrating on VTubers, including Japan’s NIJISANJI and Hololive Production.

This streaming subgenre saw expansion during the pandemic as individuals sought fresh content and spent more time online. On Twitch, the viewership for VTubing content surged by 350% from January to August 2022. VTubers provide distinctive characters, adding a unique twist to conventional streaming. VTubing blends anime, pop culture, and streaming culture, drawing in a wide array of fans.

What is VShojo?

VShojo is a prominent VTuber talent agency, established by a team that includes a former founding member of Twitch. Founded in 2020, the agency has signed notable talents like Ironmouse, Veibae, AmaLee, Projekt Melody, and other well-known streamers.

VShojo’s mission is to “assist VTubers in transforming their passion into a career through dedicated management, technological innovations, collaboration, and support.”

Who is Ironmouse?

Ironmouse is a Puerto Rican VTuber, characterized by Rolling Stone as “a virtual demon queen who briefly overtook popular creator Kai Cenat as the most subscribed streamer on Twitch.” She was one of the first major talents recruited by VShojo.

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In a video uploaded to YouTube yesterday, Ironmouse declared her exit from VShojo. Supportive messages filled the comments section from fans. She noted that her lawyer had advised her not to share the entire story. “For now, I just need to let you know that I will no longer be associated with VShojo,” she said. “As of right now, I am an independent VTuber.”