FaceRig News

Facerig was born in 2014 as one of the very first software suites that enabled anyone with a webcam to digitally embody awesome avatars. A year later, we pioneered VTubing as we know it today by partnering with Live2D. We’ve loved seeing all the artwork and characters you’ve brought to life with FaceRig!

As much as we loved (and still love) FaceRig, we were facing a tough situation three years after launch, in 2017. We realized the future of FaceRig and its continual improvement just was not sustainable. The external team that developed FaceRig’s render and animation engine disbanded, making any further development on FaceRig a lot more challenging.
The world of avatars and VTubing has changed significantly since our 2014 Early Access launch. As larger companies began to enter the market, we saw innovation blossom but also censorship and control creep in.

To help overcome these challenges, in 2018, we secured capital from external like-minded investors and started building the new Animaze engine and technology from the ground up. Inspired by VR chat’s free base with optional subscription, we focused on a metaverse-centric, avatars-as-a-service paradigm, but built on an independent engine.

We were thrilled to launch Animaze on iOS in Autumn 2019 and PC in Autumn 2020. To the best of our knowledge, Animaze (and Facerig before it) is among the very few fully-featured avatar apps and tool suites out there powered by an indie engine. We consider our independence of great importance to guarantee freedom of speech for all avatar voices in the coming metaverse. In recent years we’ve seen big gaming companies silencing their e-sports champions as soon as they voiced opinions not aligning with the gaming company's best financial or political interests, underscoring the importance of an independent avatar solution. Of course, we’ve also seen similar controlling behavior from large social network companies.

Because building and testing an independent engine takes enormous focus and effort, and software support has a large cost, (particularly for custom avatar imports in a custom engine), we don’t have the resources to support the old FaceRig on its discontinued engine. As a result, we will stop selling new FaceRig licenses in 2022. Before that happens, though, we are holding one last goodbye sale for those of you who requested a final opportunity to own a bit of metaverse avatar history at a discount. At the end of this sale, FaceRig will no longer be available for purchase.



For those who already own FaceRig or get it during this sale: once purchased, you own it forever. FaceRig will stay in your Steam library and will likely remain just as usable as it is today. However, Holotech's entire development and support focus will be on Animaze. FaceRig will no longer be updated or patched.




We designed Animaze to take your avatar communication to the next level. Holotech Studios team is continually working to improve Animaze. We’re releasing new features and content monthly. We also have folks monitoring the support[@]animaze[.]us inbox and ready to help on our Discord server ( https://animaze.tv/discord ) with any questions you may have on custom avatar creation, imports, app functionality or just avatars in general. You can play with Animaze on Steam for free. The free tier for casual use gives you access to our best face tracking library and all its advanced tracking settings, (even the iPhone based tracking is part of the free package) and a lot of free. ready-to-use, highly customizable avatars. If you would like to upgrade to a paid tier, the first term of ALL Animaze subscriptions is 50% off for Steam FaceRig users

Today we are releasing a pre-emptive update to FaceRig to ensure that you can continue using FaceRig’s broadcast functionality to livestream and video chat. This update includes a new virtual camera driver called the Animaze Virtual Camera. You will need to install this device, which serves as a backup for the FaceRig virtual camera, to continue live streaming and video chatting with FaceRig after January 1st, 2021. Please read the details below in full so you can continue using FaceRig without interruption!

On Jan 1, 2021, the FaceRig virtual camera driver’s digital signature will expire. When the signature expires, the virtual camera will cease to function on most devices. We are in the process of updating the driver’s digital signature, but it is not yet complete. To ensure you can continue using FaceRig without interruption after Jan 1, we’ve released an update today that includes the virtual camera driver developed for Animaze. This driver is virtually identical to the FaceRig virtual camera - the only notable difference between these drivers is the expiration date of their digital signatures.

Starting on Jan 1, 2021, we recommend that you switch to the Animaze virtual camera driver to avoid any potential broadcasting issues. The Animaze virtual camera driver is built as a fallback, and will not function until the FaceRig virtual camera driver certificate expires on Jan 1.



The Animaze virtual camera driver should be automatically installed when you open the latest version of FaceRig after updating. Alternatively, you can install the driver manually by navigating to \Steamapps\common\FaceRig\Bin\prerequisites\AnimazeVirtualCamera and running the install.bat file.

When you install the Animaze Virtual Camera, it may be set as the default camera device on your PC. If necessary, make sure you change that setting to utilize your preferred device after installing the Animaze Virtual Camera. Remember that the Animaze Virtual Camera will not function until the FaceRig Virtual Camera ceases to work on Jan 1, 2021.

To use the Animaze Virtual Camera, follow the exact same steps that you would follow using the FaceRig Virtual Camera.


Once we receive the updated digital signature for the FaceRig virtual camera driver, we will release a subsequent update that restores its functionality. When we release this update, you should resume using the FaceRig virtual camera driver; the Animaze virtual camera driver will cease to function. We hope to release this update and restore functionality of the FaceRig virtual camera driver in January 2021.

There are no other changes to FaceRig included in today’s update, and the Animaze Virtual Camera driver has no functionality beyond enabling broadcasting. This update is part of our commitment to provide critical product support to FaceRig and ensure its continued functionality through Dec 31, 2021.

If this update causes any issues with your FaceRig experience, you can revert to the previous version of FaceRig by right clicking FaceRig in your Steam Library, selecting Properties, going to the ‘Betas’ tab, and selecting the beta describing the previous version beta from the dropdown menu. This beta does not require a password. Please note that you will still need to use the appropriate virtual camera, regardless of which FaceRig version you are running.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Twitter, via email ([email protected]), or on Discord with any questions.


Over the last two months and a half, we have seen the virtual webcam driver certificate expiration has proved to be much less of an issue than we initially thought (it was affecting only a very small minority - the vas majority can use the old drivers with no problems), so we will not be pushing any more updates on the matter.

We are sorry for any confusion this patch might have caused: Internally we have miss-assessed the importance of the certificate expiration and what detrimental effects it could have (our expertise is not with device driver certificates).
We are a small team and we became aware of this certificate issue and its expiration quite late in 2020. We couldn't risk it having a potentially disruptive effect on the FaceRig community that is why we have rushed to provide this patch, out of an excess of caution. Hopefully, people can see now that both the patched and unpatched versions of FaceRig continue to function normally, with no differences.

To avoid that kind of misunderstanding in the future, we are reconsidering how to approach FaceRig support. We will not preemptively patch the FaceRig Main Branch unless we first validate with 100% accuracy that the problem we are trying to prevent would indeed affect the majority of users.

Thank you for your continued support!


All the Best,
Team Holotech

The day is finally here - Animaze is available on Steam NOW! Download it for free here to get started with Animaze avatars.

We’re incredibly excited for you to try Animaze and eager to hear your feedback. This is the beginning of a long journey together, and we’re glad to have you with us!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1364390/Animaze_by_FaceRig/



Today’s launch is an exciting event, but it’s only the beginning of our journey developing Animaze in partnership with you, our community. During Early Access, we will be releasing new versions of Animaze roughly once per month. Each new version of Animaze will contain exciting new features, and we’ll be consistently releasing new avatars and props.

We’ve identified a concrete set of features that we want to implement during Early Access. With your input, we will refine that list. Once every feature on the list is released, we’ll exit Early Access and release Animaze v1.0.

Our goal is to make Animaze the platform that everyone uses to bring their avatar identities to life. Our immediate focus is to expand the types of content that Animaze supports while continuing to push the envelope on customization and deliver world-class avatar embodiment.

Here are some of the features we are currently planning to add to Animaze during Early Access:

• .VRM Support: import .VRM models and use them as Animaze avatars
  
• Avatar and Prop Retexturing: re-design 3D Animaze avatar and props textures to create a unique avatar that’s all your own
  
• Audio-Based Lip Sync: animate your avatar’s mouth with the sound of your speech
  
• Additional Background Types and Customizations: customize the lighting set-up in your backgrounds, plus a new type of Live2D background
  
• A few more surprises :)
  

We’ll also be implementing a ton of incremental improvements to stability, performance, and tracking/embodiment quality, and adding new avatars and props. The Animaze Editor and our artist documentation will expand to include more varied and detailed tutorials (including support in additional languages), enabling artists to develop their own custom avatars and props much more easily.

In case you missed it, we’ve added the following features to Animaze since our closed beta back in September (all of which are present in Animaze today):

• Voice Effects: Disguise and alter your voice with a variety of free voice effects
  
• Enhanced Face Tracking via Your iPhone: Connect Animaze PC to our iPhone App and access state-of-the-art face tracking via the iPhone’s depth sensing camera (iPhone X and up)
  
• Secondary Capture Window: Display your avatar and background in a secondary window with no UI, so you can easily pipe your avatar output through screen and window capture programs like OBS. The secondary capture window also supports alpha-channel transparency for better green screen effects with a variety of avatars!
  
• Animaze Accounts: Take your avatars, customizations and coins with you from PC to iPhone with a free Animaze account. As an added bonus, you’ll also receive 500 coins for free when you make your account! Plus, for a limited time all Animaze subscribers with Animaze accounts will receive a coupon for 30% off Live2D Cubism! Read more on this below.
  
• Hotkeys: Set custom keybindings for avatar controls like movement, rotation, and triggering Animations. Use global setting to make your hot keys work even when you have other windows open.
  
• Localization: Animaze is now localized in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Russian! Spanish, German and Korean are comming soon.
  

Keep in mind that Animaze is an evergreen platform, and we’ll continue adding exciting new features - as well as new avatars and props - long past v1.0.

Check out our official roadmap post for even more information on what's coming up in Animaze. This is only the beginning!

30% Off Live2D Cubism for Animaze Subscribers

Our friends at Live2D are offering another awesome benefit for Animaze subscribers: 30% off Live2D Cubism Annual and 3-year plans for both Indie and Small Business uses. That’s up to ¥10,000 (nearly $100 USD) off!

How to Receive Your Live2D Coupon:

Everyone who has an active Animaze subscription (Plus or VIP) and an Animaze account with a valid email address by December 1, 2020 will receive an email with a special coupon code!

Follow these simple steps to sign up for a free Animaze Account:

• Open Animaze on Steam
  
• Click the “Account” button in the top menu bar
  
• Click “Log in/Sign Up” and enter your account details
  
• Click the option to accept marketing and promotion emails
  
• Click create account!
  

We’ll have more exciting news to share in the coming weeks. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on Discord, Twitter, or via email ([email protected])- and go try out Animaze! It’s free to play on Steam!

All the Best,
The Animaze/FaceRig Team

Hi Awesome People,



We’ve got some exciting news to share: Animaze is launching into Steam Early Access on November 17, 2020! That’s just a week away! Make sure you wishlist Animaze and join our Discord server to be notified the moment it’s available.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1364390/Animaze_by_FaceRig/

We can’t wait for you to experience Animaze. Whether it’s your first time using avatars or you’re a seasoned FaceRig veteran, we hope you’ll love it! Read on for some more important news about Animaze and FaceRig, including awesome discounts and sales coming up!



As a special thank you to our community, everyone who has FaceRig in their Steam library will automatically get a 50% discount on your initial purchase of all Animaze subscriptions! This discount is applied to your first purchase of EACH subscription - meaning you get 50% off your first monthly AND annual subscription for both our Basic and VIP subscriptions (renewals revert to the regular price). This discount is in addition to the two exclusive props and bundle of free avatars that all FaceRig owners automatically unlock in Animaze. For more info about your subscription discounts, check out our additional info section at the bottom of this post.



In response to community feedback, we are not removing FaceRig from sale until Animaze has completed Early Access and releases v1.0. This means FaceRig will remain available to purchase at least through the first few months of 2021.

Many of you expressed sincere interest in having FaceRig as an option to purchase after you’ve had the chance to try out Animaze. We hear you, and believe that this is especially appropriate while Animaze is in Early Access. We encourage you to evaluate Animaze and compare it side by side with FaceRig!

Please keep in mind that regardless of when FaceRig is removed from sale, if you own FaceRig, you will be able to use it in perpetuity. We are maintaining critical product and customer support for FaceRig through December 31, 2021. After that, FaceRig will continue to function but will not receive any updates or support.



In lieu of a “Going Away Sale” for FaceRig (as it is no longer about to be removed from sale), FaceRig is participating in the Steam Autumn Sale! FaceRig will be 50% off, with DLCs ranging from 30-80% off! The Steam Autumn Sale runs from November 25 - December 1.

Stay tuned for more exciting info when Animaze launches - including much more info on our roadmap - in a week! As always, don’t hesitate to @ us on Twitter, email us at [email protected], or join our Discord server.

All the best,
The FaceRig/Animaze Team

[h3]Additional Info: Subscription Discounts for FaceRig Owners[/h3]

How do I activate my discount?

Everyone who owns FaceRig will automatically receive a discount on each of Animaze’s subscriptions. This discount is applied behind the scenes as long as you have FaceRig in your Steam library. You don’t need to do anything on Steam or within Animaze to activate your discount. When you visit the Animaze subscriptions page, you will be shown prices that are 50% off of the normal price.

How long do the discounts apply for?

Animaze has 4 different subscriptions that you can purchase:

• Basic Monthly
  
• Basic Annual
  
• VIP Monthly
  
• VIP Annual
  

Your 50% discount applies to your first purchase of each subscription. Renewals are at full price.
For example, If you purchase the Basic Monthly subscription, your first month will be 50% off. If you purchase a Basic Annual subscription, your first year will be 50% off. Using the discount for one subscription does not erase discounts for other subscriptions. In total, you get one month of Basic for 50% off, one year of Basic for 50% off, one month of VIP for 50% off, and one year of VIP for 50% off! That’s more than two years of subscription discounts! Unused discounts never expire, so you can hold on to them until you’re ready to purchase.

How much do discounted subscriptions cost?:

Here are the prices you will see for Animaze subscriptions if you have the FaceRig owner discount:

Basic Monthly: $1.99/month
Basic Annual: $9.99/year
VIP Monthly*: $4.99/month
VIP Annual*: $49.99/year

* VIP subscription only required for those making more than $500 USD per month from their Animaze content

Hi Awesome People,

THANK YOU to everyone who signed up for or participated in our closed beta for Animaze! Now that we’ve had some time to pour over all of your feedback, we’d like to share a number of changes and updates we are making to Animaze (and FaceRig) as a result of the beta.



First of all - we are extending critical product support and customer support for FaceRig through December 31, 2021. Critical product support means that if any external factor (such as a Windows Update) causes FaceRig to be unusable for a large percentage of people, we will do everything in our power to fix it. In simple terms, we will make sure that FaceRig remains functional through the end of 2021. It’s incredibly important to us that everyone can continue using FaceRig without worrying about a sudden unexpected event disabling the program.

On the customer support side, you can continue to contact us through the usual channels (email, Discord, and Twitter are best) if you need help with FaceRig. Response time for issues relating to FaceRig may take up to 5 business days in some cases, but we are guaranteeing direct assistance through the end of 2021.



Many of you asked if FaceRig will go on sale one last time before we remove it from sale when Animaze launches. The answer is yes! We are going to have a Going Away Sale on Steam with significant discounts on the base FaceRig software and all DLCs (including Pro and avatar packs) before Animaze launches. Stay tuned for more details on date and time.



NOTE: for a detailed list of updates and changes, check out our blog post on our news page

[h3]New Features from Beta Feedback:[/h3]

During our beta, we got a huge amount of valuable feedback from our testers. As a result, we are adding a number of new features to Animaze before launch. These updates include:

• Advanced embodiment controls
  
• Prop placement controls
  
• Streamlined Live2D Imports
  
• Secondary render window with Alpha Channel transparency
  
• A host of under the hood embodiment, tracking, and calibration improvements.
  

These features are being added in addition to already-planned improvements we're making to Animaze before we launch.

[h3]Tweaks to Animaze Subscriptions:[/h3]

We've also made some tweaks to Animaze subscriptions in response to beta feedback, including:

• Doubling the virtual camera session time for free users from 45 to 90 minutes
  
• Adding more benefits to the Basic subscription (including 60 FPS streaming through the virtual webcam, which was previously in the VIP subscription)
  
• Limiting the VIP subscription to Commercial Rights only.
  

Here's what Animaze subscriptions will look like at launch:



[h3]Changes to Commercial Rights:[/h3]

We've also reverted our Commercial Rights requirements to be consistent with FaceRig. Moving forward, you only need Commercial Rights to use Animaze if you're making more than $500 per month from your channel. Here is what Commercial Rights requirements for Animaze will look like at launch:



[h3]Animaze Roadmap:[/h3]
Animaze will receive much more consistent and meaningful updates than you’ve seen in the last few years of FaceRig’s lifetime. We’re already hard at work building new features, new avatars, new props, and support for new content formats. We’ll be sharing roadmap information and engaging in consistent dialog with the community to ensure we’re building what you want. We’ve had a great start engaging with thousands of testers during our beta!



We know you are eager to learn when Animaze will launch. While we don’t have a launch date yet, we are working as hard as we possibly can to launch Animaze into Early Access on Steam before the end of 2020. If you haven't already, Wishlist Animaze now to be notified when we release:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1364390/

Stay tuned for more information, including a definitive launch date, in the coming weeks!

As always, you can reach us on email, Discord, and Twitter with questions and/or comments.

All the Best,
The FaceRig/Animaze Team