Practical Course for Creating Stereoscopic VTuber

Abstract

The authors conduct a practical class for third-year students in the Information Media Studies Department, focused on creating stereoscopic CG content. They focus on virtual YouTubers (VTubers), that has been gaining popularity on the internet. Despite the current VTubers being created as 3D models, they lack actual stereoscopic capabilities. VTuber characters can feel more lifelike upon introduction of stereoscopic visuals, allowing creators to expand their ideas and unlocking significant potential in the metaverse era. In this study, each student captures video footage of their upper body using their laptop's web camera. Then, they combine various freely available software tools online to create stereoscopic VTuber videos without the need for special equipment. The students produce content using techniques, such as anaglyph videos (using red-blue glasses), lenticular lenses, and fly's eye lenses for autostereoscopic viewing. They also add audio to the VTuber content, and at the end of the exercise, they hold a "Stereoscopic VTuber"presentation, where mutual evaluations are conducted. Results of the student surveys indicate a positive outcome in terms of their increased interest in related technologies and enhanced creative motivation. This practical course holds significant values as an education that combines information media art, system-oriented thinking, and AI technologies.