Good quality, easy-to-find video game figures are extremely hard to find compared to popular figures such as Hatsune Miku, industry sources report [1]. Available video game figures tend to fall into two categories: very expensive statues or pre-order bonuses that are difficult to acquire [1].
Faced with this scarcity, some collectors are turning to customizing existing figures. They modify details like hair, face, and outfit colors to create figures representing characters that are otherwise unavailable. For example, TikTok user yumenikkis modified a figure of Mizuhara Chizuru from "Rent a Girlfriend" to resemble Mari from the video game "Omori," altering multiple attributes [1].
In addition to character modifications, collectors also customize the figure bases. Instead of using typical bulky designs, they create alternative bases to better fit their aesthetics or the character’s style [1].
This trend highlights fan efforts to fill a gap left by the market’s limited supply of accessible, high-quality video game figures. Customization serves as a creative solution for enthusiasts who want unique collectibles without paying premium prices or waiting for rare releases [1].
