Hololive Fan Games Now Monetizable with New ‘holo Indie’ Initiative

COVER Corp. has opened up fan game monetization involving hololive intellectual property (IP) as part of an industry-first initiative.

Holo Indie launched on November 15 with an amendment to COVER’s derivative works guidelines. These guidelines dictate what fan works can be made using their IP, and how they can be monetized.

There is a carve out specifically for fan games in the latest amendment, focusing on a new Game Creator Support Program. Accessing this program will allow creators to monetize their games and publish under the ‘holo Indie’ game brand on Steam. It also gives fan game makers a chance to see their favorite VTubers play their games on stream.

“The ‘Game Creator Support Program’ has been created in order to provide an ecosystem that supports ongoing activities from derivative work game creators and to create opportunities to deliver a wide variety of derivative work games that can be accessible to more fans,” COVER said in their statement.

Both existing and new fan games are able to be monetized through holo Indie. This includes titles like HoloCure, Idol Showdown, Delivering Hope and more, which have captivated fans and VTubers alike.

Before publishing on Steam, COVER must approve the game’s contents. COVER has also not disclosed how much of a cut developers will get through the program.

The guidelines state “only game creators who use the [program]... will be permitted to create fan made games under a corporation’s or circle’s name.”

Some agencies have offered fans compensation for similar works. Idol Corp announced a clip monetization program, where fans could earn money for uploading snippets of their VTubers. However, this is the first time it’s extended into fan works such as games.

Prominent fan game developers have welcomed the move from COVER Corp to give indie developers a chance to fund their creations.

“With Holo Indie being a thing, my hope is that more creators are encouraged to make more amazing new holo fan games,” HoloCure creator Kay Yu said on Twitter/X. He also vowed HoloCure will remain free-to-play for all.

David Wu, the creator of numerous Hololive fan games including Delivering Hope, added: “I'm super excited about Cover’s Game Creator Support Program. I can see a future where my Steam wishlist is full of Holo fan games.”

In-development fan games, like Elite Exorcist Miko, will likely take advantage of the program—even if they don’t monetize.

“We still need to figure some things out about the program, but I think it could be a good way to get the game to as many of you as possible,” developer Tian Nya said.

Holo Parade named first holo Indie release

In the November 15 announcement, Cover also promoted the first game to be released under the holo Indie brand.

Holo Parade is a 2D tower defense game featuring more than 65 Hololive VTubers and mascots. Developed by Roboqlo, the game is up for preorder on Steam ahead of its December 1 release.

“I believe that ‘holo Indie’ has great potential to energize the community by involving both fans and creators,” the creator said.

“The decision to release HoloParade as a model case was made quite recently in the development timeline.

“Being a solo project, there were long periods of uncertainty and anxiety about the future, but it was the unwavering support from all of you that allowed me to continue working with all my might.”

More games will be added in the coming months.