SnekStudio is a free, open-source VTuber application written using the Godot engine!
Features include:
VRM Support Use a standard model format shared across many tools and applications already. A MediaPipe-based Tracking System Capable of 50 different face blendshapes and hand tracking. VMC Receiver Support For those who would like to import real-time tracking data from other software. Modular Architecture Designed to be easily extended through self-contained modules written in GDScript, or just simple Godot scenes.
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So cool! I never even thought about what software VTubers were using to do body tracking, and that does sound a little concerning to have in the hands of companies. Plus it can help indie VTubers start without having to spend as much.
I know two of the commonly used free options for 3D vtubing are vnyan/vseeface:
https://github.com/Suvidriel/VNyanDoc (not sure what licensing it uses, but still uses unity)
https://github.com/emilianavt/VSeeFaceReleases (says it is not open-source)
Regardless, building custom models is likely still a lot of work and those wanting to get started quickly would probably still largely just buy pre-made models or hire someone to make a custom model. But it doesn’t help people who want to get into model making specifically.
Live2D is like $100/year for 2D models. Not sure what else people use outside pngtubers.