Developer Gemdrops has recently announced that the launch of its VR rhythm game, Kizuna Ai – Touch the Beat, is being delayed. This game delay will apply to the PlayStation 4 (with PSVR support), Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam versions of the game. The game was initially scheduled for release on April 27 but has now been pushed back to May 25. According to the staff, the delay is due to the need to “improve the quality of the content.”
【Notice】
We would like to announce that the release date of "Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat!" for Nintendo Switch / PS4 / Steam will be changed to May 25th.Official website https://t.co/YAwTBWWhAI#KizunaAI
— Gemdrops (@Gemdrops_EN) March 31, 2023
Kizuna Ai, the famous VTuber, had already launched the rhythm game for PlayStation 5 on February 22. This first game is alongside the PlayStation VR 2 device. The game features 15 songs written and performed by her. With this, the PlayStation 4 version will also be compatible with the PlayStation Move controllers. Additionally, a “Non-VR” mode has been included in the game to enable players without VR devices to play as well. At the time, it is unknown how Touch the Beat will compare to the first game.
Kizuna Ai first launched on the YouTube channel “A.I.Channel” in 2016. Since then, Kizuna has become the most iconic virtual YouTuber globally. Newsweek Japan included her in its list of “globally respected Japanese people,” and her main channel has over 3 million subscribers. Her “A.I.Games” channel currently has over 1.51 million subscribers. She has also appeared in television programs and commercials and performed as a musical artist.
Kizuna Ai Touch the Beat!: Keeping a Popular Franchise Alive
In April 2020, Nozomi Kasuga became an adviser at Kizuna Ai Co., Ltd. With this, she formally confirmed that she is the voice actress behind the character. The company was formed out of Activ8, the talent agency managing Kizuna Ai and other virtual YouTuber talents. She has also played cameo roles in the Ingress and Magical Girl Site anime and performed the theme song in the Laidbackers movie.
Kizuna’s staff announced the “Kizuna Ai The Last Live ‘hello, world 2022′” concert in February 2022. This serves as her final concert before she goes on an indefinite hiatus. The staff cited an update to “future activities with the goal of further developing Kizuna Ai” as the reason for the hiatus. Kizuna (#KZN), an original singing CeVIO AI, was unveiled at the concert. Her original character designer, En Morikura, designed the AI with character concept art by Keigo Inoue. #KZN serves as a hub to connect with everyone and support Kizuna Ai and creators while she is asleep. (CeVIO is a software suite that includes voice synthesis.)
Kizuna no Allele is an upcoming anime project for Kizuna Ai that will premiere on Monday with Crunchyroll streaming.