{"id":3741,"date":"2025-12-18T13:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T04:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/?p=3741"},"modified":"2025-12-18T13:22:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T04:22:23","slug":"an-unprecedented-challenge-usada-pekora-in-death-stranding-a-conversation-with-kojima-productions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/3741","title":{"rendered":"An Unprecedented Challenge: Usada Pekora in DEATH STRANDING &#8211; A Conversation with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u30a4\u30f3\u30bf\u30d3\u30e5\u30a4\u30fc<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p><br><strong>Marketing Team, KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p><br><strong>Assistant Manager, Product Team, Gaming Business Development Office, COVER<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p><br><strong>Product Team, Gaming Business Development Office, COVER<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">Should we have connected?<br>Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA (United Cities of America).<br>Sam\u2014with companions by his side\u2014sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction.<br>Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.<br><br>PS Store\uff1a<a href=\"https:\/\/store.playstation.com\/concept\/10001538\/\">https:\/\/store.playstation.com\/concept\/10001538\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-flexible-table-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DS2_SXSW2025_Screenshots001-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DS2_SXSW2025_Screenshots003-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DS2_SXSW2025_Screenshots007-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DS2_SoP2024_Screenshot016-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DS2_SoP2024_Screenshot012-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DS2_SXSW2025_Screenshots002-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 in TOKYO\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vqTiHaWC5ro?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=vqTiHaWC5ro\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=vqTiHaWC5ro\">DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 in TOKYO<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">INDEX<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/3741\/#Bringing_Fans_the_Same_Pekora_From_Everyday_Streams_A_Year_Spent_Refining_Her_Look_in_the_Game\" >Bringing Fans the Same Pekora From Everyday Streams: A Year Spent Refining Her Look in the Game<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/3741\/#Doing_Something_Different_Behind_the_Scenes_of_an_Unprecedented_Initiative\" >Doing Something Different: Behind the Scenes of an Unprecedented Initiative<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/3741\/#hologra_Special_Episode_%E2%80%9CPekora_Stranding%E2%80%9D_An_Uncompromising_Level_of_Detail_Born_from_the_Dedication_of_Both_Teams\" >hologra Special Episode \u201cPekora Stranding\u201d: An Uncompromising Level of Detail Born from the Dedication of Both Teams<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/3741\/#Overseas_Impressions_Up_by_650_The_Power_of_%E2%80%9CConnection%E2%80%9D_in_Driving_Emotion_and_Reach\" >Overseas Impressions Up by 650%: The Power of \u201cConnection\u201d in Driving Emotion and Reach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/3741\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bringing_Fans_the_Same_Pekora_From_Everyday_Streams_A_Year_Spent_Refining_Her_Look_in_the_Game\"><\/span><strong>Bringing Fans the Same Pekora From Everyday Streams: A Year Spent Refining Her Look in the Game<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015To start with, when did discussions around Pekora\u2019s appearance in DEATH STRANDING 2 first begin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>The initial conversation with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS began in the summer of 2023. From there, we continued discussions and gradually worked through the details and by around October of that year, we had reached a stage where we were able to share the proposal with our Talent Management Team.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015Were you involved in the project from around that time as well, Y?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>&nbsp;I joined the project in the summer of 2024, beginning with Pekora\u2019s recording sessions. I didn\u2019t know that the project was already underway in 2023, so that\u2019s news to me.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>In the year before Y joined the project, we spent a lot of time discussing how best to bring Pekora into the game. Together with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, one of the first questions was whether to use a Live2D or a 3D model. We created sample footage for both and compared them, we ultimately decided that the 3D model would work best.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>For many of the other guest preppers, the process typically involves capturing a 3D model in the KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS\u2019 scanning room and then refining it before implementing it in the game. In Pekora\u2019s case, however, there were many elements that were experimental for our team as well, so the process required extra time.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-12-16-18.50\u306e\u753b\u50cf-1024x574.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3704\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-12-16-18.50\u306e\u753b\u50cf-1024x574.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-12-16-18.50\u306e\u753b\u50cf-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-12-16-18.50\u306e\u753b\u50cf-768x431.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-12-16-18.50\u306e\u753b\u50cf-1536x861.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-12-16-18.50\u306e\u753b\u50cf-2048x1148.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015It sounds like you moved forward with careful testing from the very early stages of defining specifications. When it came time to implement Pekora in the game, what kind of data was shared between the two companies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>We first recorded sample footage of Pekora\u2019s 3D model in our studio and submitted the video to KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. Their team then adjusted the footage to ensure it would blend naturally with the game\u2019s world and visual style.&nbsp;<br><br>There was a clear reason for providing video rather than the 3D model data itself. KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS\u2019 request was to present Pekora in a way that felt authentic to how she appears in her everyday streams. At the same time, DEATH STRANDING is built on a highly realistic engine and shade system. Balancing those two elements, we explored different approaches before ultimately arriving at this solution.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-85\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>For the Private Room wallpaper, we actually proposed an alternative concept alongside the streaming-style background seen in the game, featuring Pekora astride a bike. Personally, I liked that version more, but director Kojima felt that a background closer to Pekora\u2019s usual streams would be more fitting.&nbsp;<br><br>To make it something truly special, we asked Hikosan (@hikosan333) the illustrator who had previously created the thumbnail artwork for Pekora\u2019s DEATH STRANDING 1 livestream playthrough, to take on the design. At first glance, it looks just like a background similar to other Pekora ones, but if you take a closer look, you\u2019ll find DEATH STRANDING details sprinkled throughout. Be sure to explore every corner!<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\u69d8_DEATH-STRANDING2\u5c02\u7528\u90e8\u5c4b_0219-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\u69d8_DEATH-STRANDING2\u5c02\u7528\u90e8\u5c4b_0219-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\u69d8_DEATH-STRANDING2\u5c02\u7528\u90e8\u5c4b_0219-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\u69d8_DEATH-STRANDING2\u5c02\u7528\u90e8\u5c4b_0219-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\u69d8_DEATH-STRANDING2\u5c02\u7528\u90e8\u5c4b_0219-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\u69d8_DEATH-STRANDING2\u5c02\u7528\u90e8\u5c4b_0219-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u30d7\u30e9\u30a4\u30d9\u30fc\u30c8\u30fb\u30eb\u30fc\u30e0\u306e\u58c1\u7d19<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015How did the team at KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS respond to Pekora\u2019s appearance in the game?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>In the beginning, myself included, there were some team members who weren\u2019t very familiar with VTubers. However, fortunately, we had fans of hololive within the company, and we often turned to them for advice, asking questions like, \u201cWhat\u2019s the best way to introduce Pekora?\u201d and \u201cHow can we make this feel natural for fans on both sides?\u201d<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>That makes sense. The dialogue scripts for Pekora were prepared by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and then reviewed by our team and I got the sense that they were written by someone who truly likes Pekora. (lol)&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>I heard that feedback from those staff members was also reflected in how Pekora speaks, with suggestions like, \u201cWouldn\u2019t she say this a bit differently?\u201d Through those kinds of exchanges, it seems that other staff members gradually became more familiar with Pekora as well. lol.&nbsp;<br><br>As for me, I wanted to gain a better understanding of VTubers, so I started by creating a Live2D model myself. By actually animating it and working with it hands-on, I was able to learn not only what was technically possible or impossible, but also a deeper understanding about VTuber culture. Before long, it became something I checked in on every day &#8211; an entertainment culture that\u2019s now firmly part of my routine.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Doing_Something_Different_Behind_the_Scenes_of_an_Unprecedented_Initiative\"><\/span><strong>Doing Something Different: Behind the Scenes of an Unprecedented Initiative<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;\u2015We\u2019d also like to ask about promotional campaigns. In terms of exposure, there was a fair bit of hype on social media surrounding Pekora\u2019s visit to KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and surprise handing out of tissues by Kojima himself, followed by three teaser videos, before the official announcement of Pekora\u2019s appearance.&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>Pekora\u2019s recording session also served as our first in-person meeting, and discussions around promotion gradually moved forward after that.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>We first met at our office and held a brainstorming session. We wrote down ideas each of us had brought on a whiteboard and then combined them as we went along. That said, the overall direction was aligned from the very beginning &#8211; both teams shared the view that, since a VTuber was involved, we wanted to create something with a strong sense of storytelling that could spark conversation on social media.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"887\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/251218_PR_EN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3743\" style=\"width:456px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/251218_PR_EN.png 682w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/251218_PR_EN-231x300.png 231w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>Following the recording, we first revealed that Pekora had visited KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, aiming to give fans on both sides the sense that \u201csomething might be about to happen.\u201d At that point, very few people were expecting that Pekora would actually appear in the game though.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"ja\" dir=\"ltr\">\u306a\u3093\u3068\uff01\u5c0f\u5cf6\u76e3\u7763\u3068\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\ude80\u2728 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7Nywt8vW6Z\">https:\/\/t.co\/7Nywt8vW6Z<\/a><\/p>&mdash; \u514e\u7530\u307a\u3053\u3089\ud83d\udc6f\u200d\u2640\ufe0f\u30db\u30ed\u30e9\u30a4\u30d63\u671f\u751f (@usadapekora) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/usadapekora\/status\/1829429235804484067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 30, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>At the time, we really wanted people at hololive production to become familiar with DEATH STRANDING. We felt that would lead to a stronger impact, so I remember that many of the proposals were made with hololive very much in mind.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>We had confidence that Pekora\u2019s fans would take an interest in DEATH STRANDING once Pekora\u2019s appearance was announced, so when it came to where to focus our resources, we discussed placing a strong emphasis on social media, aiming to reach fans who support hololive in general, as well as those who knew about KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and VTubers.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015On May 23, 2025, shortly before the official announcement, pocket tissues were handed out in Shinagwa, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara. The tissues that were handed out featured a QR code that led viewers to a teaser video. Was this also an idea that came up during the earlier brainstorming session?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>From our side, we had suggested the idea of \u201chanding something out.\u201d This is not unique to our company, but rather a broader challenge for VTubers in general; as VTuber content originates from the Internet, real-world exposure tends to be limited. Given this opportunity, we wanted to try something more analog, something we don\u2019t usually do at hololive. The idea of handing out tissues itself, however, came from KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>On our side as well, we thought that if we were going to hand something out, it should be something we would be least likely to do ourselves, so we landed on pocket tissues. There was also a sense that they resonated with DEATH STRANDING\u2019s themes, in that people can choose whether or not to take them.&nbsp;<br><br>When we presented the idea to director Kojima, he was interested in the concept of intentionally connecting a VTuber collaboration with something as analog as giving out pocket tissues and the proposal was approved immediately. He also seemed to develop an interest in pocket tissue culture itself, and later even touched on this initiative in his regular column for <em>anan<\/em> magazine.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><sup>\u203b\u300c\u30b2\u30fc\u30e0\u30af\u30ea\u30a8\u30a4\u30bf\u30fc\u5c0f\u5cf6\u79c0\u592b\u306ean\u2010an\u2010an\u3001\u3068\u3063\u3066\u3082\u5927\u597d\u304d\u25cb\u25cb\u25cb\u25cb\u25cf\u300d<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"blogcard ex wide\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ananweb.jp\/categories\/entertainment\/62013\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t<div class=\"blogcard-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blogcard-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/api.ananweb.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/5c6473d21878937b9c793845a9a06fb7.jpg\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n      <div class=\"blogcard-body\">\n        <p class=\"blogcard-url\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"favicon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/s2\/favicons?domain=https:\/\/ananweb.jp\/categories\/entertainment\/62013\">https:\/\/ananweb.jp\/categories\/entertainment\/62013<\/p>\n        <div class=\"blogcard-texts\">\n          <h3 class=\"blogcard-title\">\u5c0f\u5cf6\u79c0\u592b\u306ean\u2010an\u2010an\u3001\u3068\u3063\u3066\u3082\u5927\u597d\u304d\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26ab\ufe0e\uff1a\u7b2c28\u56de\u76ee\u300e\u30dd\u30b1\u30c3\u30c8\u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30b7\u30e5\u306a\u95a2\u4fc2\u300f<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"blogcard-description\">\u5c0f\u5cf6\u79c0\u592b\u306e\u53f3\u8133\u304c\u5927\u597d\u304d\u306a\u3053\u3068\uff1d\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26ab\ufe0e\u3092\u65e5\u5e38\u304b\u3089\u5207\u308a\u53d6\u308a\u3001\u305d\u308c\u3092\u5de6\u8133\u3067\u6df1\u6398\u308a\u3059\u308b\u3001\u672a\u6765\u3078\u306e\u8003\u5bdf\uff06\u5fdc\u63f4\u30a8\u30c3\u30bb\u30a4\u300c\u30b2\u30fc\u30e0\u30af\u30ea\u30a8\u30a4\u30bf\u30fc\u5c0f\u5cf6\u79c0\u592b\u306ean\u2010an\u2010an\u3001\u3068\u3063\u3066\u3082\u5927\u597d\u304d\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26aa\ufe0e\u26ab\ufe0e\u300d\u3002\u7b2c28\u56de\u76ee\u306e\u30c6\u30fc\u30de\u306f\u300c\u30dd\u30b1\u30c3\u30c8\u30c6\u30a3\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015Director Kojima himself was seen handing out tissues, which quickly spread across social media and coverage across various media outlets.&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>Originally, director Kojima wasn\u2019t planning to hand out tissues himself (lol). We hoped the buzz would build naturally, so we didn\u2019t actively reach out to the media on our end. As a result, seeing the initiative gain attention through social media and then be covered by the media was something we were truly grateful for.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"ja\" dir=\"ltr\">\u7a81\u7136\u3067\u3059\u304c\u2015\u2015\u200b<br><br>\u672c\u65e517\u6642\u3054\u308d\u304b\u3089\u9806\u6b21\u3001\u4ee5\u4e0b\u30a8\u30ea\u30a2\u3067\u30dd\u30b1\u30c3\u30c8\u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30b7\u30e5\u3092\u914d\u5e03\u3057\u307e\u3059<br>\u306a\u304f\u306a\u308a\u6b21\u7b2c\u7d42\u4e86\u3067\u3059\u3002\u200b\u898b\u304b\u3051\u305f\u3089\u662f\u975e\u304a\u53d7\u3051\u53d6\u308a\u4e0b\u3055\u3044<br>\u203b\u914d\u5e03\u30a8\u30ea\u30a2\u306f\u6b69\u9053\u3067\u3059\u3002\u6ede\u7559\u3057\u306a\u3044\u3088\u3046\u304a\u9858\u3044\u3044\u305f\u3057\u307e\u3059<br><br>\ud83d\udccd\u914d\u5e03\u30a8\u30ea\u30a2<br>\u30fb\u54c1\u5ddd\u99c5\u6e2f\u5357\u53e3 \u524d<br>\u30fb\u30e6\u30cb\u30af\u30ed\u6c60\u888b\u30b5\u30f3\u30b7\u30e3\u30a4\u30f360\u901a\u308a\u5e97\u5468\u8fba \u6b69\u9053<br>\u30fb\u79cb\u8449\u539f\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/K4TJR5LZ1N\">pic.twitter.com\/K4TJR5LZ1N<\/a><\/p>&mdash; KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (@KojiPro2015) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KojiPro2015\/status\/1925747922324357148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"hologra_Special_Episode_%E2%80%9CPekora_Stranding%E2%80%9D_An_Uncompromising_Level_of_Detail_Born_from_the_Dedication_of_Both_Teams\"><\/span><strong>hologra Special Episode \u201cPekora Stranding\u201d: An Uncompromising Level of Detail Born from the Dedication of Both Teams<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;\u2015On June 29, a special episode titled \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\">[Anime] Pekora Stranding<\/a>\u201d was released as part of the 3D animated series hologra (holo no graffiti) on the official hololive YouTube channel. We\u2019d also like to hear about the production behind this episode.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u3010\u30a2\u30cb\u30e1\u3011\u307a\u3053\u30fb\u30b9\u30c8\u30e9\u30f3\u30c7\u30a3\u30f3\u30b0\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OrZkG15wQRM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\">[<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anime<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OrZkG15wQRM?si=DurXkm8XpCt5wIeV\">] Pekora Stranding<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>That was really something\u2026<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>No, no not at all\u2026<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015W-what happened?!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-85\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>In our usual production process, we start by creating the script. This time as well, the script came first from hologra team &#8211; but, how should I put it\u2026 it was quite over the top. K first reached out to Y and asked, \u201cDo you think this is okay?\u201d adding, \u201cIf it\u2019s going too far, we can always make changes.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>hologra is known for creating fairly edgy content, so the proposal carried a sense of \u201cthis is something we need to push!\u201d For this promotion, we had been intentionally incorporating elements that aren\u2019t typically associated with VTubers, but since this was an in-house piece, we felt it was the right moment to fully lean into hololive\u2019s distinctive style. That said, I did think it might have been a bit too much to get the green light straight away though (lol).&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>We shared it with our development team as well, but it turned out to be a bit too much, and they had to put a stop to it (lol). In the end, we decided to dial it back just a little.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015Now we are going to be really curious as to what was in this over-the-top script\u2026 But in the final video, elements like the Odradek and the effects that appear when cargo is dropped felt incredibly faithful to the original game. Did KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS provide any materials for the production?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>&nbsp;It was difficult to use DEATH STRANDING assets directly, so we asked COVER to handcraft the 3D models based on sample data we provided. This is what I wanted to clarify earlier. We supervised the work very scrupulously, which meant the refinement process ended up taking quite a bit of time.&nbsp;<br><br>In saying that, it was clear that everyone on the hologra Team was striving to create something of outstanding quality, and seeing that level of dedication made us feel like we had to respond in kind and do our part as well.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2015What kind of supervision and refinement took place in practice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>From my side, one of the points I commented on was the angle of the Odradek as it opens and closes. It\u2019s an internal mechanism, so it\u2019s not something most viewers would necessarily focus on, but it\u2019s the kind of detail that those who know the game would immediately recognize.&nbsp;<br><br>There are also various other hidden touches. For instance, the map that appears in hologra is actually the same map used in the game, though not many people seem to have noticed it yet.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-85\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>If you zoom in on the blue pattern on the cargo, you\u2019ll see that it actually says \u201chololive production.\u201d<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>As for the talents who appear, we cast those who had previously completed DEATH STRANDING in their own livestreams. Quite a few people picked up on that detail.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u25bcLittle gags that appear in the hologra episode<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS01-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS01-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS01-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS01-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS01-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS01-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS06-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS06-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS06-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS06-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS06-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS06-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS02-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS02-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS02-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS02-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS02-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS02-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS07-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS07-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS07-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS07-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS07-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS07-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS03-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS03-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS03-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS03-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS03-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS03-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS09-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS09-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS09-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS09-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS09-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS09-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u25bchologra Rough Drafts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-flexible-table-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_DeathSt_01-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_DeathSt_02-1024x574.png\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_DeathSt_03-1024x579.png\" alt=\"\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overseas_Impressions_Up_by_650_The_Power_of_%E2%80%9CConnection%E2%80%9D_in_Driving_Emotion_and_Reach\"><\/span><strong>Overseas Impressions Up by 650%: The Power of \u201cConnection\u201d in Driving Emotion and Reach<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2015<strong>Finally, how did this collaboration feel overall?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-85\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>This project really reaffirmed for us just how strong KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS\u2019 reach is in overseas markets. With Pekora having been nominated in the Creator category at The Game Awards, it felt like international audiences have really accepted Pekora not as a VTuber, but as a well-known individual in her own right. This allows us to move beyond the label of \u201cVTuber\u201d and break boundaries in a positive sense, and that, to me, was the most meaningful outcome of this collaboration.&nbsp;<br><br>Looking at domestic impressions, the results were roughly in line with other collaborations of a similar scale. Overseas, however, impressions increased by as much as 650%. For hologra as well, comments from overseas viewers rose by 60%. These were extremely encouraging results for us.<br><br>In addition, among KOJIMA PRODUCTION\u2019s posts related to DEATH STRANDING, 28% included keywords associated with Pekora. We see this as a point where we were able to clearly communicate and deliver our value through the collaboration.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-83\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>What we focused on most was making sure her appearance would feel satisfying for existing fans, while also generating positive interest among those encountering Pekora for the first time. From the outset, we wanted to avoid making Pekora feel out of place, instead allowing her to blend naturally into the world of DEATH STRANDING. From there, as players progress through the quests, they&#8217;re rewarded with unlockables that would please fans, such as Pekora\u2019s hat or her music.<br><br>When it came to promotion, our focus before the announcement was on creating a context that highlighted our connection with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. Then, after the announcement, our emphasis shifted to reaching Pekora\u2019s fans through hologra. Because this collaboration began not so much as a partnership between companies, but from a chance connection between two creators &#8211; director Hideo Kojima and Usada Pekora &#8211; we feel it became something that both fan communities could naturally relate to and appreciate. For us at COVER, it was also a rare opportunity to produce a large volume of creative work, making this project particularly distinctive from others.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>To be honest, since this was our first time featuring a VTuber, we did have some concerns about whether there might be negative reactions, but in the end, we were able to build new connections with an entirely new audience.&nbsp;<br><br>On the KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS YouTube channel, we regularly post videos related to DEATH STRANDING 2, and recently we uploaded a video that featured Pekora. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, and on social media we saw a large number of replies with screenshots of players wearing the Nousagi Cap, which just shows that at this point, Pekora has become a character that feels genuinely familiar to the DEATH STRANDING following as well.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Short Trailer | \u7279\u6b8a\u5831\u916c\u7de8\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5-P0pJwzl0E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5-P0pJwzl0E\">DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Short Trailer | \u7279\u6b8a\u5831\u916c\u7de8<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-87\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>As director Kojima mentioned at the event, once a connection is made, it\u2019s not something that\u2019s easily broken. The same is true of the connection created through this project &#8211; it\u2019s really about how much further we can deepen it from here. If we have the opportunity to work together with Pekora and everyone at COVER again in the future, I\u2019d love to pursue something even more exciting than this time (lol).&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the heart of the DEATH STRANDING series lies the theme of human connection. Through the connection forged between director Hideo Kojima and Usada Pekora, this collaboration brought KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and COVER together in a way that has delivered new emotions and experiences to fans on both sides and now we look forward to seeing how the creativity and passion shown by everyone involved in this project will spark our next collaborative opportunity and lead to new forms of co-creation in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS12-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS12-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS12-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS12-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS12-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/hologra_Deathst_SS12-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u3010DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH &#8211; Product Information\u3011<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ds2_keyimage_withoutreleasedate_16x9.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Should we have connected?<br>Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA (United Cities of America).<br>Sam\u2014with companions by his side\u2014sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction.<br>Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Game Title: DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH<br>Platform(s): PlayStation\u00ae 5<br>Release Date: June 26, 2025 (Local time)<br>CERO: D (for 17-year-olds and above)<br>PS Store\uff1a<a href=\"https:\/\/store.playstation.com\/concept\/10001538\/\">https:\/\/store.playstation.com\/concept\/10001538\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH | Final Trailer ESRB\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EQdOSTt7YpY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/EQdOSTt7YpY?si=wt2rVJKJX9GpVTzJ\">DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH | Final Trailer ESRB<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sup>\u00a92025 KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd. \/HIDEO KOJIMA. Produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sup>*\u201cPlayStation\u201d and \u201cPS5\u201d are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.<br>*\u201dLive2D\u201d and the Live2D logo are registered trademarks of Live2D Inc.<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u30a4\u30f3\u30bf\u30d3\u30e5\u30a4\u30fc DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Should we have connected?Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA (United Cities of America).Sam\u2014with companions by his side\u2014sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction.Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3721,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/?p=3617","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[145,144,105,14],"class_list":["post-3741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buisness","tag-conversation","tag-collaboration","tag-gaming-business-development","tag-interview","en-US"],"acf":[],"categories_info":[{"slug":"buisness","name":"Business"}],"tags_info":[{"slug":"conversation","name":"Conversation"},{"slug":"collaboration","name":"Collaboration"},{"slug":"gaming-business-development","name":"Gaming Business Development"},{"slug":"interview","name":"Interview"}],"thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1210_2-1.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3741"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3761,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3741\/revisions\/3761"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}