The extreme shortage of high-quality, easy-to-find video game figures has reached a breaking point, sparking a DIY revolution among frustrated collectors. Fans report that official figures for popular game characters are either prohibitively expensive, locked behind pre-order bonuses, or virtually nonexistent in stores.
"It's a wasteland out there," says Mark Rivera, a collector and host of the 'Figuring It Out' YouTube channel. "You can walk into any shop and find a dozen different anime figures, but for something like Omori or Hollow Knight, you're lucky to find even a single Amiibo."
This scarcity has pushed enthusiasts to take matters into their own hands. A viral TikTok by user yumenikkis demonstrates the trend: they transformed a standard Rent-A-Girlfriend figure into a detailed custom of Mari from Omori, repainting hair, editing facial features, and crafting a new base with a picnic basket and candy.
"I wanted Mari for my collection, but there's no official figure," yumenikkis explained in a direct message. "I had to learn to modify existing dolls. It's time-consuming but incredibly rewarding."
Custom work ranges from simple repaints to complete overhauls using clay, 3D printing, and airbrushing. The trend has exploded online, with tutorials on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube accumulating millions of views.
Background
The disparity between anime and video game figure availability stems partly from licensing costs and market demand. Anime properties, especially from series like Vocaloid or Attack on Titan, have mass-produced figures from companies like Good Smile Company and Kotobukiya.
Video game publishers, however, often limit figures to expensive collector's editions or high-end statues costing hundreds of dollars. Smaller franchises rarely receive any merchandise at all.
"The economics just aren't there for many games," explains industry analyst Dr. Emily Tran. "Unless it's a blockbuster like Elden Ring, manufacturers see too much risk. That leaves fans to fill the gap."
What This Means
For collectors, this DIY movement offers a new avenue for expression—but also highlights a market failure. Custom figures can cost just the price of a base figure and some paints, making them affordable alternatives.
"This is democratizing the hobby," says Rivera. "Anyone with patience can now have a shelf of their favorite game characters, not just the ones companies decide to make."
The trend may pressure publishers to reconsider their merchandise strategies. Some experts predict a rise in smaller, affordable figure lines, especially as 3D printing becomes more accessible.
"We're already seeing companies like numskull and Youtooz offer more video game figures under $50," notes Tran. "The DIY demand sends a clear signal: there's an audience hungry for these products."
Until the market catches up, collectors like yumenikkis will continue crafting their own icons—one paint stroke at a time.