Earth Defense Force 6 has partnered with Vtuber corporation Hololive to flood the internet with EDF propaganda in a new promotional campaign. The latest entry in the over-the-top third-person shooter series, set to launch on July 25 in the US and Europe, and to commemorate it, various Hololive talents have released covers of the EDF Recruitment Song.

Hololive EN Vtubers, Gwar Gura, IRyS, and Takanashi Kiara, each released their covers on the official PlayStation YouTube. The videos also reveal that these talents will appear in EDF 6, as decoy items used to attract enemies.

 

These decoy items are available a pre-order bonus for buying EDF 6 now. In the item details, they’re described as “Blow-up dolls created by the EDF Public Relations Department for the purpose of recruiting soldiers, converted into combat decoys. They were made to resemble idols contracted by the Public Relations Department to recruit young people at events.”

In 2022 for the release of Earth Defense Force 6 in Japan, Hololive talents Nakiri Ayame, Shirakami Fubuki, and Ookami Mio appeared in a similar capacity, with promotional videos and in-game appearances. 

EDF developer Sandlot and D3 Publisher also partnered with several Japanese Hololive talents to play the game on release in Japan. This collaboration from two years ago has continued all the way to the western release this month.

Hopes are high for the upcoming Earth Defense Force 6 debut on Steam, as traditionally the game has been a niche title in the west. But, with the popularity of fellow bug-kill-’em-up Helldivers 2, EDF 6 might find a captive audience looking for the next big thing.

However, Earth Defense Force 6 does have a few things going against it, the first being the price point. Helldivers 2 released with a universally reasonable $40 price tag, which was discounted on release. EDF 6, comparatively, will launch with a tag of $59.99, although with an initial discount of $53.99. As a result, players may balk at the cost.

Additionally, the EDF series is notorious for rarely reducing its prices or going on sale (Earth Defence Force 5 still currently retails for $59, despite being almost seven years old), and for having plenty of DLC. Different classes, weapons, and even vehicles are locked behind micro transactions.

Still, with the backing of the Vtubers of Hololive, perhaps EDF 6 can beat the odds and become a hit. The game releases on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam on July 25.