[AI Character IP Project Starts] Unplug × ICO Announce AI Character IP 'PRAY TO GACHA'

▼ Overview

The joint project 'PRAY TO GACHA' by "Unplug Inc.," a specialized team in animation, motion graphics, and 3DCG video, and AI creator ICO, commenced on May 4th.

'PRAY TO GACHA : ALO'

▼ 'PRAY TO GACHA'

The protagonist, "ALO," loves gachapon (capsule toys), and her room is filled with figures.

She secretly wishes someone would see them, but she's a bit shy about making friends.

One day, she stumbles into a somewhat strange world—

To meet someone new in an unknown place.

'PRAY TO GACHA' is the story of "ALO," an original character born from AI generation technology. This work, which depicts themes of loneliness, coincidence, and connection through gachapon, seeks to explore the possibilities of new character expression created by AI.

▼ Official Links

・Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/praytogacha)

・X (https://x.com/PRAYTOGACHA)

・Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@PRAYTOGACHA)

・TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@praytogacha)

▼ Project Features

① Collaboration with Top Domestic Creators

This project is a joint effort between Unplug, a video production company specializing in animation and CG, and ICO, one of Japan's leading AI video creators. From planning and direction to generation, the project consistently pursues quality applicable to both business and entertainment, going beyond mere AI generation.

② New Horizons for Character Expression through AI Generation Technology

The character's visuals, world-view, and narrative are all created utilizing AI generation technology. While making full use of the latest AI tools, the character is elevated into possessing a unique world-view through the creators' sensibility and directorial skill.

③ A New Frontier in AI x IP Development

This project not only involves the development of AI characters but also aims for a next-generation content development model that includes future IP expansion such as merchandise. "AI-born characters appearing on real shelves"—this is a rare initiative in Japan that challenges this possibility.

▼ Comments

ICO (AI Creator)

"Through the character ALO, I want to freely expand the possibilities of AI expression even further. Please look forward to the evolving world of 'PRAY TO GACHA'."

・Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ICOaivideo)

・X (https://x.com/ICO_AIvideo)

・Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ico_aivideo)

Unplug Inc. (https://unplug-studio.jp/)

"We are truly delighted to have started this project with ICO-san.

This project earnestly challenges the possibility of AI-born characters becoming IPs that resonate with people's hearts.

We aim to challenge AI's ability to create new value by transcending the boundaries of entertainment and business. We kindly ask for your support for 'PRAY TO GACHA'!"