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Not only did Hololive Vtuber Minato Aqua act as a producer on and star in her own visual novel named AQUARIUM, but the game ended up appearing worldwide. Now that the Hololive game is available globally on PCs, Siliconera spoke with the performer to learn more about what it was like to prepare a game and what she’d like to do next.
Jenni Lada: What was it like doing voice acting for a game where you’d be starring as “yourself?” What elements from your typical streams and life did you try and incorporate into your performance in AQUARIUM?
Minato Aqua: Voice acting and recording for games is completely different from streams and live performances, and it was extremely difficult to carefully read each word as dialogue. In normal broadcasts, I try to be honest in order to clearly convey my thoughts, but in games, I record with careful pronunciation and intonation in order to accurately convey the story and characters’ lines.
You also served as a producer on AQUARIUM. What sorts of tasks did you undertake? Also, what did you learn from the experience?
Minato: My tasks were the main plot of the story, the concept, and overall worldview. The screenwriter wrote the story based on the rough outline that I had envisioned. Through my VTuber activities, I always try to be someone who can move people’s emotions and feelings, so I hope that the game will move the people who play it and become a work that gives them energy and motivation.
I also suggested that I would like to have Captain (Houshou Marine) and (Shirakami) Fubuki-chan, and that I wanted Hanekoto-sensei for the key visuals and the designs.
Through producing, I was able to see up close how a game is made, and I hope that many people will see this game. I was once again moved by how a piece of work was completed with such strong energy. I was really happy that my fantasy turned into a reality though this game.
How did you help influence the game’s design and direction?
Minato: In terms of game design, the designers and I put a lot of effort and detail into the design of the maid uniform. I am extremely satisfied that I was able to fully reflect my fetishism and obsession of cute things. In response to such broad and unreasonable requests such as “Please make sure this game is full of kawaii (cute) and all things cute!”, the staff at ENTERGRAM (game company) delivered and made sure to make even the smallest details, including the game’s UI cute.
How do you feel about it getting a worldwide release and heading to Steam? Will any additional preparation go into this release on your end?
Minato: I would like many people from around the world to play this game. It’s a wonderful story full of cuteness, laughter, and tears, so please play until the end!
How would you feel about the prospect of potentially working on future games?
Minato: I still have a lot of imagination in my head, so if I have another chance, I would definitely like to do it! I’m looking forward to a game company / game developers to come forward that will make my wish come true!
Now that your first game is done and on Steam too, what would you like to do next?
Minato: I would be very happy if AQUARIUM continued as a sequel in some form! In order to release a sequel, it first has to sell many copies, so please support and buy this game!
AQUARIUM is available for the PC via Steam worldwide, and the Hololive game is on the PS4 and Switch in Japan.
