Anime fans have traditionally engaged with their favorite characters through screens, merchandise, and events, but direct interaction has remained out of reach. Gakugeki introduces a virtual reality platform designed to change that dynamic by allowing users to meet, speak with, and experience moments alongside licensed anime characters in immersive digital environments. The platform creates a new category of entertainment where characters are not simply viewed but encountered in a shared virtual space.
The experience is built around VR headsets, beginning with support for Meta Quest devices. Users launch the Gakugeki application, select a character, and enter a virtual environment where real‑time interaction becomes possible. The platform is designed to support natural conversation, character‑driven responses, and shared activities such as taking photos or participating in themed events. This approach transforms passive fandom into an interactive encounter that feels personal and memorable.
A defining aspect of Gakugeki's platform is its focus on licensed intellectual property. Rather than offering generic avatars, the company collaborates with Japanese entertainment partners to bring genuine characters into the virtual world. This includes well‑known titles such as Afro Samurai, with additional characters expected as partnerships expand. Each appearance is shaped by the guidelines of the IP holder, ensuring that interactions remain true to the character's personality, tone, and narrative boundaries.
The platform is designed to support a wide range of conversational and experiential scenarios. While the technology enables open‑ended interaction, the specific nature of each encounter is determined by the rights holders. This ensures that the experience remains authentic while respecting the creative integrity of the original works. The result is a system that balances technological freedom with responsible stewardship of beloved characters.
Gakugeki's business model is structured around event‑based access rather than character ownership. The application itself is free to download, and users can explore the platform before choosing to participate in specific experiences. When a user wishes to meet a particular character, they purchase access to that encounter, similar to buying a ticket for a live event. This model emphasizes the value of the experience rather than the acquisition of digital assets.
Events may include one‑on‑one meetings, photo sessions, or live 3D performances, each designed to create a sense of presence and connection. This approach mirrors real‑world fan interactions such as meet‑and‑greets or convention appearances, but with the added flexibility and immersion of virtual reality. By focusing on experiential moments, the platform offers something distinct from traditional digital goods or avatar‑based systems.
Gakugeki is preparing for a public release scheduled for May 2026. The initial launch will support Meta Quest headsets, including Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest Pro. Future expansion to additional VR platforms may follow based on user adoption and market response. The company views this release as the beginning of a broader entertainment ecosystem where fans can engage with characters in ways that were previously impossible.
The platform's introduction at CES highlights the growing intersection of virtual reality, entertainment, and fan culture. As VR adoption increases and content libraries expand, immersive character interaction is positioned to become a new form of digital engagement for global audiences.
Gakugeki offers a new approach to anime fandom by enabling immersive, interactive encounters with licensed characters in virtual reality. Through authentic partnerships, event‑based experiences, and a focus on meaningful interaction, the platform transforms how fans connect with the stories and personalities they love. As it prepares for launch, Gakugeki represents a significant step toward the future of character‑driven entertainment.
Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.
Scott Ertz is a seasoned media professional whose dynamic presence spans broadcasting, journalism, and tech storytelling. As Editor-in-Chief of PLUGHITZ Live, he leads a multimedia platform that blends insightful reporting with engaging live coverage of major industry events. He's best known as the host of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, a long-running show that demystifies emerging tech trends with clarity and charisma, and Piltch Point, where he collaborates with Avram Piltch to spotlight cutting-edge innovations.
Scott's media journey began with a passion for connecting audiences to the pulse of technology. His work has taken him behind the scenes at CES, Collision Conference, and FIRST Robotics events, where he's interviewed industry leaders and captured the cultural impact of tech in real time. His on-camera style is both approachable and informed, making complex topics accessible to viewers across platforms.
Beyond hosting, Scott is a developer and producer, shaping the technical backbone of PLUGHITZ Corporation's properties. His storytelling is rooted in authenticity, whether he's scripting historical segments or crafting social media narratives. With a background in gaming culture and community engagement, Scott brings a unique blend of nostalgia, innovation, and journalistic integrity to every broadcast. His voice is one of curiosity, connection, and creative leadership.
