Ukrainian production company WePlay Studios has announced it will no longer partner with or produce the VTuber Awards after host Filian streamed with Russian VTubers. The Kyiv-based company cited its Ukrainian roots and the ongoing Russian invasion as key factors in the decision.
The controversy erupted after Filian, the face of the VTuber Awards, conducted a livestream featuring collaborations with Russian VTuber Trixie_vox and SmugAlana, an American VTuber with Russian/Ukrainian heritage. While online discussions included allegations about a potential collaboration with xKamysh, a VTuber claimed to have connections to Russian defense contractors, evidence only shows xKamysh once raided Filian’s stream.
WePlay’s departure creates significant uncertainty for the future of the VTuber Awards. The Ukrainian company provided crucial production infrastructure that elevated the event’s quality and reach. Without their support, organizers will need to find alternative production partners.
“We cannot continue our involvement with the VTuber Awards given recent events,” WePlay stated in their announcement. “As a Ukrainian company, we must stand firmly with our values during Russia’s ongoing invasion of our homeland.”
The severed partnership shows how real-world conflicts are starting to affect digital entertainment spaces, too. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian organizations have widely adopted policies of disengagement from Russian entities as acts of solidarity and resistance.
WePlay Studios has built a reputation in gaming and streaming production, also handling events like the OTK Awards. Their withdrawal brings more than just a logistical headache— it really demonstrates how geopolitical tensions now reach even into virtual creator communities.
Filian, known for her energetic streams and broad collaborations, has not publicly addressed the story. She has previously dealt with controversies without lasting career damage, though losing this production partnership presents a significant challenge for the awards show she hosts.
