User:Usr 04af1bef-d21c-49d7-90e2-fe742e7f8be9/Studio Ghibli World Draft
A large multi-location tribute world featuring references to numerous Studio Ghibli films.
≺≺TEST≻≻Studio Ghibli World is a VRChat world inspired by multiple Studio Ghibli works, created primarily by MrYamato, with major contributions from Bananam and Bubs. The world features a large collection of iconic locations recreated or adapted for VRChat, allowing visitors to freely explore environments reminiscent of well-known Ghibli settings. The world brings together many environments and a few interactive elements, as well as several features from the early versions of the project that have been preserved over the years.
Overview
The world presents a compilation of areas referencing different Studio Ghibli films. These include houses, scenic outdoor zones, large structures, and themed interiors. Players can freely explore, discover details, and enjoy nostalgic environments. The world is mainly designed for social exploration rather than structured gameplay. The recommended player count is open-ended, as the world accommodates casual groups and individual visitors alike.
Features
- Multiple themed locations referencing various Ghibli films.
- Large explorable zones such as forests, lakes, houses, and interior spaces.
- Interiors created by contributors such as the inside of Howl’s Castle and the Ponyo seaside house (by ByMyHammer).
- Custom character models (e.g., No-Face, Totoro, bathhouse spirits) made or prepared by Bubs.
- World structures and major environment models created by Bananam.
- A mural wall inside the Totoro house displays various personal memories and photos from 2018–2019.
- Day–night cycle system (noted to have broken temporarily during the late 2018 Unity/SDK update).
- Interactive prop candle in Howl’s Castle, originally created for a cancelled VRChat movie project by ByMyHammer and Dr. Wootz.
Gameplay
≺≺TEST≻≻Studio Ghibli World is mainly an exploration and social environment. There are no formal objectives, win conditions, or progression systems. Players are encouraged to discover references, interact with props where available, and enjoy the ambience of the recreated locations.
Strategies
- Explore each zone carefully to locate hidden references and props.
- The world contains multiple buildings—checking interiors often reveals small details or team-related memorabilia.
- Visiting during different times of day (local lighting) may enhance the ambiance of some locations.
Trivia
Development History
- 2018 — Early Development Previews
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A development team member showcasing the world before its public release (2018).
- 2018 — SDK Update Issues
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Laputa appearing sideways due to rotation errors caused by the update. -
No-Face appearing misaligned and partially deformed after the update. -
A Hineris appearing at an incorrect angle due to issues caused by the update.
- 2019 — VRChat Rewind Appearance
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Studio Ghibli World featured in VRChat Rewind 2019.
- Two “hidden” forest spirits were placed as small Easter eggs. One appears and disappears near the well by Totoro; the other hides inside the boat by the lake.
- There were originally plans to include many more forest spirits scattered throughout the world, but these were never implemented due to MrYamato's limited availability.
- The candle prop in Howl’s Castle could extinguish or ignite others when multiple copies existed.
- Several of the world’s early photos (2018–2019) were displayed as part of an in-world mural.
- Early development screenshots show a visit from VrPill (VRChat staff) during the pre-release period.
- A major VRChat SDK update in late 2018 temporarily broke animations, models, and the day–night cycle, causing objects such as the Laputa island and Howl’s flying machine to appear sideways or inverted.
Hidden Avatars in the Lake Cabin
Inside the small cabin near the lake, pressing the candle in front of the red book on the wooden desk reveals five hidden avatar pedestals. These appear to be legacy or internal avatars used during development.
Available Avatars:
- Chicken Kimono
A stylized yellow bird wearing a white kimono, loosely inspired by the bathhouse workers in Spirited Away. Uploaded by: Bananam
- Fluff No-Face
A small fluffy variant of No-Face inspired by his iconic mask in Spirited Away. Uploaded by: kibler
- No-Face
A miniature version of No-Face based on his appearance in Spirited Away. Uploaded by: Bananam
- Guest Avatar
A simple internal avatar used by the creators; it does not reference any specific Studio Ghibli film. Uploaded by: Bananam
Unavailable Avatar:
- Ashitaka — Pedestal still present, but the avatar is no longer available.
Avatar Credits:Ashitaka
- Base: Lopie
- Imported by: Venom
Gallery
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The red seaplane from “Porco Rosso” flying above a flower field, with Laputa visible in the distant clouds. -
A painting easel depicting a scene from “The Wind Rises”, with Howl’s Castle visible in the background. -
Totoro resting under a tree near a stone well inspired by Spirited Away, with a countryside house reminiscent of the Totoro home. -
A Kodama appearing briefly near the stone well, one of the world’s hidden forest spirit Easter eggs. -
The Laputa flying warship passing over a lake inspired by “When Marnie Was There”, with a Guardian Robot visible in the distance. -
Kiki flying above the flower fields, referencing “Kiki’s Delivery Service”. -
Howl’s Castle at night, illuminated by its glowing windows. -
A cozy interior view of Howl’s Castle with its iconic glowing hearth. -
The seaside house from “Ponyo,” illuminated at night with the boat docked nearby. -
The bathhouse inspired by “Spirited Away,” which appears only during nighttime in the world, illuminated under the full moon. -
San (from Princess Mononoke) hiding behind a tree in a misty forest, watching the player from a distance. -
The iconic bathhouse from “Spirited Away,” glowing brightly at night as seen from the red bridge. -
Bathhouse spirits from Spirited Away gathered around the central hearth in a room decorated with colorful floral wall panels. -
Overhead view of the bath floor inspired by “Spirited Away,” showing No-Face, duck spirits, and several private bath pools along the central hallway. -
No-Face sitting alone inside the Spirit Train, a quiet scene inspired by Spirited Away. -
A peaceful view of the Ohara family house from When Marnie Was There, recreated on a grassy coastal hill with drying laundry and a lone tree overlooking the sea.
Resources
- ≺≺TEST≻≻Studio Ghibli World
- World uploader: Bananam
- Main creators:
- Additional contributors:
- ByMyHammer – Interiors (Howl’s Castle interior, Ponyo house), interactive candle prop
- Dr. Wootz – Concept ideas, early movie project content, testing
- ElvenStrider – Ideas, guidance, bug testing, early tours
- Vanilli – TBD (role not confirmed)
