This article offers a glimpse into our motion capture studio, an indispensable asset for Brave group Inc.’s IP Production in creating 3D streams and 3D LIVE performances.

About Brave group’s Motion Capture Studio

As of March 2025, Brave group Inc. operates over 30 services and projects across 17 group companies.

The Studio Department (hereinafter referred to as the Studio Department) within Brave group Inc.’s Corporate Growth Division is responsible for producing and streaming 3D LIVE performances for the VTubers and VSingers belonging to our group. The Studio Department is comprised of approximately 30 members, including 3D model production directors, 3D modelers, Unity engineers, sound engineers, filming staff, and streaming and studio staff. The Studio Department also oversees the motion capture operations we’re showcasing today, handling 3D LIVE streaming and filming, as well as engaging in technological development aimed at enhancing quality.

This tour of Brave group Inc.’s motion capture studio was led by Hayato Tanaka, Head of the Studio Department within the Corporate Growth Division, and Adil Azka from the Studio Department’s Studio Team.

Studio Tour, Start!

── It looks spacious enough for about six or seven people to sing and dance. So, 3D LIVE streams and motion capture recordings take place here!

Adil: That’s right. The 3D LIVE performances and 3D streams by the IP groups operated by Brave group Inc. are primarily broadcast from this studio.

── Our talents move with such energy during 3D LIVE performances! And are those motion capture cameras subtly visible near the ceiling?

Tanaka: Yes. These cameras are OptiTrack. Our studios utilize both OptiTrack and VICON systems for 3D model-based live performances, streaming, and motion capture recording. As each motion capture system has unique characteristics, we strategically choose between OptiTrack and VICON based on the format and content of the 3D LIVE performance or stream. To briefly explain motion capture, both systems we use are called optical motion capture. By placing cameras within the studio, they capture the absolute position of small spherical objects called markers attached to people or objects, mapping them into a virtual space. In contrast, systems like mocopi, often used for home 3D streaming, are called inertial motion capture. They do not use cameras but instead capture only the movement of pointers, mapping them into a virtual space. Brave group Inc. primarily uses the optical motion capture system OptiTrack, with VICON utilized as needed for specific applications.

── Thank you for the detailed explanation! Compared to our previous visit, it seems that the number of cameras has increased, and some equipment has been refreshed.

Adil: Yes. We updated the studio layout in February 2025. This was prompted by the increase in the number of talents belonging to Brave group Inc., which led to a greater demand for 3D LIVE production, streaming, and recording.

Tanaka: To deliver even higher quality 3D LIVE performances and 3D streams while maximizing our current environment, we’ve been continuously replacing some equipment and investing in new facilities since around October 2024. We will continue to update and improve as the number of talents and IPs increases!

How are Virtual Spaces and Live Productions Created?

── So, more updates are planned. We’re certainly looking forward to even higher quality live performances! Now, could you tell us what technologies are used to create 3D LIVE performances based on the motions captured and recorded here?

Tanaka: At Brave group Inc., the virtual spaces for moving 3D models and the productions for 3D LIVE performances are primarily created using the game engine Unity. Additionally, stages and props placed on them are modeled using various DCC tools* such as MAYA, Blender and 3ds Max. Particle systems for effects like falling flower petals and spotlights are created using Particle System and Visual Effect Graph.

*DCC Tools: An abbreviation for Digital Content Creation, referring to software that includes all necessary functions for 3D CG production.

── I see, a single live performance is created using a wide array of equipment and technologies. Maintaining extensive facilities like a motion capture studio must be quite challenging from a cost perspective, isn’t it?

Tanaka: Exactly! Due to the significant initial investment and maintenance costs associated with studio equipment like motion capture systems, many companies still opt to use external motion capture studios rather than owning their own. This makes it difficult to conduct practical experiments after updating core systems for 3D LIVE performances, or to experimentally create effects (visual effects) and particles (such as pillars of fire or smoke as live stage effects) in Unity and test them in a real environment. However, since Brave group Inc. owns its own motion capture studio, we have an environment where we can immediately verify the productions and initiatives we create.

── An environment where engineers and creators can immediately verify the movements and appearance of 3D models after creation sounds quite appealing! May we also visit the control booth for motion capture?

Adil: Yes, please come this way!

── There are many unfamiliar pieces of equipment lined up here!

Adil: This is the control booth for operating video, audio, and streaming. When recording videos for Brave group Inc.’s talents or during online live performances, members of the Studio Department, including Unity engineers and sound engineers, gather here to create the streams and live shows you usually enjoy.

── It looks like various equipment has been added to the control booth since we last interviewed you around March 2023!

Adil: To accurately capture the subtle movements of our talents, we’ve gradually increased the number of cameras. Additionally, because audio is just as crucial as visuals in 3D LIVE performances, we’ve also arranged mixers to adjust multiple sound sources.

Tanaka: Regarding audio, thanks to the strong request from our sound engineer Mr. Tabata, we have acquired particularly specialized equipment. While I can’t go into extensive detail, I hope this report conveys the production environment at Brave group Inc. that allows us to deliver “the Best” in 3D LIVE performances and streams.

── For those interested in the production environment we’ve showcased today, we highly encourage you to apply for a position at Brave group Inc.

Tanaka: Absolutely. To continue providing “the Best” to our fans, we are committed to updating not only the equipment and environment of the motion capture studio you’ve seen but also the skills of our team members. If you’re passionate about continuously refining the technology for creating 3D models and 3D LIVE performances, if you can positively suggest “how to make things even better”, and if you aspire to create “the Best” as part of a team, we’d love to talk to you!