CyberStep Announces the Visual Novel Rica Mode Featuring VTuber Rica Hanamiya
The company CyberStep, operating through its Rabbitfoot label, has officially unveiled that it is developing Rica Mode. This project is a visual novel starring the popular VTuber Rica Hanamiya. The plan is to release the game in the summer season of 2026, although specific distribution channels (PC, consoles, mobile) have not yet been confirmed. The company indicated that it will share more concrete details in the near future. 🎮
An auditory experience designed to immerse the player
A fundamental pillar of Rica Mode will be its audio layer. The production will feature full voice acting for all game dialogues. To record this audio, the team will use a binaural microphone technique. This method aims to generate three-dimensional sound that surrounds the user, creating the illusion of spatial presence. The sound direction explicitly targets an ASMR style, with the goal of making the auditory experience within the narrative deep and enveloping.
Key audio features in Rica Mode:- Fully voiced dialogues: All characters will have performed voices.
- Binaural recording: Used to simulate realistic 3D audio.
- ASMR focus: Sound design prioritizes intimate and detailed sounds to increase immersion.
The anticipated binaural sound plays in stereo over the next twenty-four months.
A launch that requires patience
Enthusiasts of the visual novel genre and the VTuber universe will need to prepare for a considerable wait. The current release window points to summer 2026, meaning a development timeline of approximately two years. This initial announcement primarily serves as a project presentation; aspects such as the full storyline, supporting cast, or gameplay systems remain undisclosed.
Next steps and expectations:- 2026 release: The target date is summer of that year.
- Pending information: CyberStep promises to reveal more details as the date approaches.
- Ongoing development: The project is in active production phase.
A project that fuses digital trends
Rica Mode represents an interesting convergence of contemporary trends: the VTuber phenomenon and the classic visual novel format, enhanced with cutting-edge audio technology. The success of this title may depend on how well it integrates Rica Hanamiya's personality into a compelling interactive story, backed by the promised immersive sound layer. The early announcement strategy aims to generate anticipation and build a community around the project during its development cycle. ⌛