This sponsored content is brought to you by UploadVR in collaboration with Dolami, Inc.
In the tangible world, the body we inhabit is the one we embrace. Conversely, in the realm of virtual reality, we can assume any identity we aspire to. Our digital avatars serve as our means of self-expression while we navigate interactive environments.
At times, our avatars might perfectly reflect our physical selves, while other instances may allow them to signify how we truly perceive ourselves. Three-dimensional avatars represent an extension of our identities, and Avatown is pioneering the future of avatar marketplaces.
Founded in a San Francisco classroom in 2022, Avatown was established by Dolami, Inc. The initial mission focused on developing a facial tracking technology named X MASK that would enable avatars to mimic the real-time expressions of their users.
However, amidst the dynamic changes within the VR landscape and the ongoing effects of COVID-19, the team opted to pivot from hardware to software, launching Avatown as a result. Initially, they used sewing machines in their classroom to craft X-MASK prototypes by hand.
Today, Avatown boasts a remote team of nine individuals spread across Asia, America, and Europe. While they may not meet face-to-face, all members share a collective vision regarding Avatown’s mission and its marketplace potential.
The objective? Spark awareness about virtual identities and revolutionize the landscape of 3D avatars on different platforms. Entering VR and being represented by an avatar that feels alien or unrepresentative can be unsettling; Avatown seeks to foster an environment where diversity, creativity, and personal expression reign supreme.
One of Avatown’s standout initiatives is The Avatar Studio. This platform enables creators to design, personalize, and deploy avatars crafted through Avatown’s efficient reference sheet generator.
This studio incorporates a suite of development tools crafted in collaboration with digital avatar and world engineers, ensuring an intuitive experience for both veteran users and newcomers in just three simple steps.
The Avatar Studio has attracted over 1.2 million users, with approximately 30,000 returning on a weekly basis. The global marketplace launched in December 2024, successfully captivating more than 50 creators and listing upwards of 150 digital items.
What lies ahead for Avatown? CEO and co-founder Yuta Inakazu envisions significant enhancements for the software, including a more refined customization process and the development of its own virtual reality games and environments.
Yuta’s journey into VR began at the young age of ten when he first encountered virtual reality at a Japanese arcade. While the games fascinated him, he found it challenging to fully express himself. Today, Avatown embodies that memory and aspires to enhance user interaction with their digital identities.
Curious to learn more about Avatown and its forthcoming projects? Connect with them on X, join the official Avatown Discord community, and embark on your avatar creation journey today!