The first thing to remember is that this wasn't a launch event for a new version of the software; it was an entire launch party for Gumi, because she has the ability to sing in English. For those who don't know, each version of Vocaloid software includes different characters who represent different voices available in the program. Gumi was the Vocaloid whom the event was centered around. When's the last time any video game studio ever made this kind of a fuss over a new DLC character?
The event started with a short demo in the New People lobby to show off new features and how the program generally works. It wasn't incredibly in–depth, but the Internet Co. staff was around the whole day, and were very approachable. There was also a nicely laid out swag table with stickers, demos, and new tracks featuring Gumi.We didn't get a chance to talk with anyone from Internet Co. about Vocaloid 3, but during their presentation they stressed new features that made the program easier to use all-around. I personally tried out the demo, and after tinkering around for a few minutes I was able to figure out some of the functions on my own.
After milling around and rubbing elbows with other Vocaloid fans, it was time to line up for the concert. The New People building has been a great place for anime fans to catch limited releases of anime movies, but it also doubled nicely as a small stage for this mini-concert. I was impressed by how orderly the event ran, and the fact that each attendee was given a small glow-stick. Complimentary touches like this show that Internet Co. really care about their product and they want fans to have a good experience with it. The stage was mostly blocked by a screen, so I had an idea of what was going to happen, but before anyone made any digital appearances, the World Vocaloid Dance 01 performers boogied down to four tracks by Gumi. Starting off with a live-action dance routine was a great way to pump up fans and get the ball rolling.
After the dancers left, the audience was asked to cheer for Gumi to reveal herself. It started out strong enough, but the crowd was small and our cheers cracked into a smattering of nervous giggles. Despite the half-hearted summoning, Gumi managed to float up from the bottom of the screen and wave hello. What followed was a solid hour of Gumi dancing her butt off, and most audience members pumped their glow-stick-laden fists the entire time. Only a handful of songs were sung in English, but there was still a very good range of pop and techno styles that kept the crowd rowdy. Credit is due to Vocalekt Visions for putting on an engaging and entertaining experience, despite the size of the crowd and the fact that the Vocaloid cult is still a relatively small subculture in America.
All attendees were given free demo versions of Vocaloid 3. Many of the features are restricted in addition to users only having access to the English version of Gumi. Anyone with this demo or the full software can enter a contest by creating a sixteen-measure original song and upload it to the video sharing website Nico Nico Douga with the tag "gumiencgcontest." First prize is a Nendroid Gumi, second prize is a classy t-shirt, third is a tote bag, and fourth is a plastic folder.
The production value and care that went into this event proved how invested the company is in Vocaloid, and how in-touch they are with their fans.
