Free Steam App “Desktop Mate” to Accompany Your Work (Including Custom Mod & Download Link)

Japanese company infiniteloop has recently launched a free mascot app called “Desktop Mate,” bringing cute characters to your desktop! The app seamlessly integrates 3D technology, allowing characters to sit freely or move between windows. Users can interact with the characters, whether it’s dragging them playfully or gently patting their heads with love. Additionally, the app features an alarm reminder function, where the 3D character uses lively expressions and gestures to kindly remind users of work deadlines.

Currently, “Desktop Mate” supports characters such as the official ambassador “あいえるたん” and the DLC paid version “Hatsune Miku.” More characters, like “Snow Miku,” are planned for future releases. With its adorable and interactive features, combined with Hatsune Miku’s immense popularity, the app has garnered over 1,600 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam within just one week. Enthusiastic fans worldwide have also come up with creative ways to customize the app, allowing users to replace characters with their favorite VTuber!

The following content is based on user feedback and does not guarantee compatibility with relevant terms of service. If you have any concerns, please refer to the official documentation first.

Step 1: Install the Custom Avatar Loader Mod

Install the “Custom Avatar Loader Mod for Desktop Mate” to use any .VRM model in Desktop Mate.

Pre-requisites

• Install the latest version of MelonLoader for Desktop Mate (v0.6.6 is recommended).
• Install .NET Runtime 6.0 from Microsoft.
• Download “Custom Avatar Loader.zip” from here or the Releases section on the right.
• Extract the contents of the ZIP file into the Desktop Mate folder.

Step 2: Convert MMD Models to VRM Format

Most official and unofficial VTuber models are in MMD format. To meet the requirements of the mod installed in Step 1, you will need to convert MMD models to VRM format. The VRM format is the standard file format for 3D virtual avatars, which supports various applications across platforms. It was initially developed by VRoid. During the conversion process, file corruption may occur, and you might need to use Unity to fix it or contact the tool provider.

Related Tools

• Unity + UniVRM (as shown in the video)
• PMX to VRM Converter

Once you complete both steps, you can start enjoying time with your favorite VTuber avatar, allowing them to accompany your daily work! If you’re struggling to find a 3D model, feel free to refer to the hololive MMD list compiled by us. You can also check out BOOTH and Niconico for other VTuber models.

BONUS: Wanting to Showcase Multiple Models

If you have the mindset of ‘I want them all,’ follow the steps and video tutorial below:

• Copy the game files.
• Create a text file named “steam_appid.txt” in the directory.
• Write the Steam App ID for Desktop Mate into the text file and save it.