Influencer
Gaming Streamer Valkyrae Launches An Anime Company
Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter, a prominent gaming streamer, announced the launch of Hihi Studios, a media company focused on developing anime-inspired content.
The new venture aims to create intellectual property for graphic novels, television, and film projects.
hihi!!! so excited to finally announce the launch of my media company @hihistudios !! My love for animation has only grown and now excited to be able to be involved in creating entertainment across tv, film, and other mediums! Stay tuned 🙂 pic.twitter.com/WHTn7oRQH6
— RAE (@Valkyrae) September 27, 2024
Hihi Studios enters the market with a co-publishing agreement with GlobalComix, a digital comic book platform. This partnership will fund, develop, and distribute the studio’s initial intellectual property across digital and physical formats.
The company’s mission extends beyond content creation. Hihi Studios plans to release merchandise and products tied to each intellectual property, targeting the global communities of anime and manga fans. The studio aims to respect existing anime culture while introducing new perspectives and innovations to the medium.
Hofstetter founded Hihi Studios with her manager and co-founder, Kai Gayoso. The founding team includes Gabe Pepe and Madeline McFerren from Range Media Partners, Valkyrae’s representation agency.
In an interview with Variety, Hofstetter revealed that the company name, “Hihi Studios,” derives from her signature greeting to her streaming community. She chose the name for its memorability, welcoming nature, and logo symmetry.
Hofstetter cited her previous partnerships with creative teams in marketing their IP as inspiration for launching her own company. She desires to champion her own ideas in a new medium and plans long-term involvement in the venture.
While anime and animation will heavily influence Hihi Studios’ projects, the company remains open to various forms of graphic storytelling, including comic books and manga. Hofstetter indicated that some projects may explore mature themes, including death and war, with a focus on universal human experiences and entertainment value.
Stella Chuu, a streamer and cosplay artist, has also made a thriving business from her hobby and passion of dressing up as video game and anime characters.
