the unstable situation of hololive

Hololive, a major force in the VTuber scene, is currently facing a challenging period with multiple talents announcing their graduations or terminations. This shift has sparked widespread concern about the agency’s management practices and the level of support provided to its creators. Let’s delve into what these changes mean, the historical backdrop of Hololive, and what the future might hold for the agency and its talents.

Recent Departures and Their Implications

Lately, we’ve seen a surprising number of talents leaving Hololive, which has led to a lot of speculation about what’s happening behind the scenes. Here’s a quick rundown of some notable cases:

yozora mel : An original member terminated for breaching her contract. While specifics are unclear, many believe it was due to a personal mistake.

A chan: Another founding member who stepped away to care for her ill family, showing how personal challenges can impact professional decisions.

Gamma from Holostars: His termination remains a mystery, leaving fans with many unanswered questions.

Minato Aqua: Left to explore other opportunities, although she plans to continue collaborating with Hololive members.

Amilia Watson: A prominent English talent who hasn’t fully graduated but has voiced a desire for greater creative freedom.

Sakamata Chloe: Cited creative differences, which raised red flags among her fanbase.

ceres fauna : Mentioned conflicts with management, emphasizing her departure wasn’t due to a lack of interest in being an idol.

These departures are worrying, especially since Hololive usually experiences only a few graduations each year. In 2024, however, this number spiked, despite promises from the CEO about a new direction. This has left many questioning the agency’s stability.

Historical Context of Hololive

Since its early days, Hololive has been a benchmark in the VTuber industry, renowned for cultivating a passionate fanbase and managing its talents well. However, it’s not been without its hurdles. The current wave of graduations hints at a cultural and operational shift within the company.

In the past, Hololive managed around one to three graduations per year. Notable exceptions include 2020, when the company had to disband Hololive China. But the current situation feels unprecedented, leading to deeper discussions about what might be driving these changes.

Many talents have openly shared their frustrations with the increasingly restrictive management. Complaints include slow project approvals, limited creative freedom, and bureaucratic red tape, all contributing to a sense of burnout. Some talents have expressed dissatisfaction with being forced into activities they don’t enjoy, leading to creative differences and, eventually, their departures.

The internal culture has also come under fire for stifling open dialogue about management issues. Fans often feel they can’t voice concerns without facing backlash, creating an environment where problems remain unresolved.

As Hololive moves forward, it faces the dual challenge of rebuilding its talent roster while addressing the concerns of both current and former members. The departure of key talents raises questions about the agency’s future direction and its ability to attract new creators who share its vision.

Despite these hurdles, there’s hope for Hololive. The agency has shown resilience and an ability to learn from past mistakes. Recent statements from management acknowledging the need for change suggest a willingness to tackle the issues that have led to talent dissatisfaction.

Hololive’s current situation is a complex mix of talent departures, management challenges, and the ever-changing VTuber industry. While recent graduations have raised concerns, they also offer a chance for Hololive to reevaluate its practices and create a more supportive environment for its talents. As fans, our role is to keep voicing our concerns and supporting the talents we love, helping Hololive navigate this tough time and come out stronger.