Sofmap Co., Ltd., part of the Bic Camera group, has become the 2026 sponsor of Lethal Plan, the fighting-game VTuber group operated by KADOKAWA Game Linkage Inc. Through a range of tie-up activities such as original illustrations and events, the two aim to cement the brand image of “Sofmap means gaming.”

Sofmap becomes Lethal Plan’s 2026 official partner

With this announcement, Sofmap Co., Ltd. of the Bic Camera group has become the 2026 sponsor of the fighting-game VTuber group Lethal Plan. The two parties plan a variety of tie-up activities centered on Lethal Plan, including original illustrations and events.

Through these activities, the company aims to raise awareness of its gaming brand and establish its image, so that many fans come to associate “gaming” with Sofmap.

Sofmap’s “eSports Studio AKIBA” and its gaming brand

Sofmap runs a retail business centered on PC-related digital goods, as well as reuse and support businesses. Under its “Sofmap Gaming” brand, it focuses on selling the latest BTO PCs and popular devices, and contributes to the growth of esports through information sharing on X and YouTube.

Opened in April 2018, “eSports Studio AKIBA” reopened in April 2023 as a renewed studio on the 8th floor of the AKIBA Pasokon Digital-kan. As an event and streaming studio for esports, it is equipped with carefully designed facilities ranging from gaming devices to play environments and waiting rooms.

What is the fighting-game VTuber group Lethal Plan?

Lethal Plan is a fighting-game VTuber group active under the concept of “enjoying fighting games to the fullest and conveying their appeal.” While freely having fun as streamers, the members take fighting games seriously and help energize the fighting-game scene and the gaming industry as a whole.

The lineup features first-generation members Hoshitori Tomori, Amayadori Nageki, and Sorin Chinami, along with second-generation members Yukiyanagi Komari and Oyasumi Nerune. Each is active on YouTube and X.

Looking ahead

With the official partnership, fans can expect tie-up projects they can take part in, such as original illustrations and events. Attention now turns to how this collaboration between fighting-game VTubers and gaming retail will take concrete shape.

Commentary and outlook

A retailer signing on as an official partner of a VTuber group shows how VTubers are expanding their role from mere streamers to “the face of a brand.” The high-energy genre of fighting games pairs especially well with Sofmap, which handles gaming devices, and mutual customer referrals through illustrations and events can be expected. The use of VTubers in the esports space may become a model case for future industry sponsorships.

Source: PR TIMES