Chinese developer miHoYo debuted Early Access for BSide: Olivia Lin on Steam, introducing an AI-powered digital companion focused on music and emotional engagement rather than traditional gameplay.
- AI companion blending music performance and chat interaction
- Users can customize desktop with live wallpaper and initiate piano performances
- Early Access feedback cites bugs, limited features, and account login issues
What happened
On July 13, 2026, miHoYo launched Early Access for BSide: Olivia Lin, an AI companion app on Steam. Unlike the company’s well-known anime-style games, this new release is categorized as a Free to Play Utility, signaling a strategic move beyond gaming into AI-based digital companionship. The app centers on Olivia Lin, a virtual character modeled as a Shanghai piano student with interests in psychology and classic films. She interacts with users through music performances, AI-driven letter chats, and desktop customization features.
The character Olivia was initially introduced on Bilibili in August 2025 via piano performance videos using realistic motion capture techniques. Over time, her presence expanded into interactive letter-reading content, setting the stage for the app’s immersive experience. BSide allows users to watch Olivia perform preprogrammed piano pieces or upload MIDI files to generate animated performances. It also supports text-based interaction where Olivia responds in character, providing a personalized companionship feel.
Why it matters
miHoYo’s launch of BSide: Olivia Lin highlights a growing trend among gaming companies diversifying into AI-driven companion products. This approach leverages existing expertise in character design and animation while exploring new market opportunities in emotional and creative digital assistants. By integrating music, AI interaction, and desktop utility functions, the app attempts to create a unique user experience distinct from traditional games.
However, the Early Access phase reveals challenges that might influence the app’s long-term success. Users expected a game-like experience from miHoYo but encountered a utility app lacking a core storyline or gameplay. Other concerns raised include formulaic AI responses, bugs related to audio-video synchronization, and a mandatory miHoYo Pass for access, which complicates onboarding. These feedback points underscore the difficulty of balancing innovation with polished user experience in evolving AI products.
What to watch next
As miHoYo advances BSide through Early Access, key indicators will be how effectively it addresses user feedback by improving AI conversational quality, fixing technical bugs, and expanding feature sets. Its ability to clearly define the app’s purpose—whether as a creative tool, emotional companion, or both—will be crucial to attracting and retaining users amid increasing competition in the AI companion market.
Additionally, the evolution of account management processes, especially simplifying login requirements, could impact adoption rates. Monitoring download growth, user engagement data, and miHoYo’s roadmap for incorporating new interaction modes or music capabilities will provide insight into the app’s trajectory. The project’s success may ultimately depend on carving out a differentiated niche that blends AI companionship with artistic expression in ways users find meaningful.