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“
星尘四散之时，生命奇迹伊始
When the Stardust Scatter,
the Miracle of Life Starts.
”
—MEDIUM⁵ 2050 Game
MEDIUM⁵ (Simplified Chinese: 五维介质; Traditional Chinese: 五維介質), also stylized as MEDIUM5 and Medium5, is the official brand, music label and title name for VOCALOID, Synthesizer V, and Synthesizer V Studio vocals created and distributed by the company Beijing Photek S&T Development Co., Ltd.. Currently there are five main vocalists released under this title: Xingchen, Chiyu, Shian, Cangqiong, and Haiyi as well as two supporting vocalists: Muxin and Minus.
Concept[]
The concept behind the MEDIUM⁵ project states that a being known as ZERO who possesses the Metatron's Cube split herself into five girls, each of whom is represented by one of the five essential elements also known as the five Platonic Solids:[1] Xingchen holds the star tetrahedron and represents the human body, heaven & earth, or aether; Haiyi holds the icosahedron which represents the water element; Cangqiong holds the octahedron which represents the air element; Chiyu holds the tetrahedron which represents the fire element; and Shian holds the hexahedron which represents the earth element. Minus' role in the MEDIUM⁵ cast, while currently unknown, holds the dodecahedron which represents ether, as well as Muxin who is noted to be a boy who likes to look up at the stars through a telescope.
Etymology[]
The Chinese name for MEDIUM⁵, "五维介质" (Wǔ Wéi Jiè Zhì ) can mean "five-dimensional medium". Individually, "五" (Wǔ ) means "five", a reference to the brand's focus on its primary five vocalists: Xingchen, Haiyi, Cangqiong, Chiyu, and Shian; "维" (Wéi), in the context of physics, means "dimension"; and "介质" (Jiè Zhì ), also in the context of physics, means "medium" as in "the thing that serves as a medium/vehicle when a phenomenon happens", like for example "sound waves and light waves transmitting through the atmosphere", where the atmosphere is called the "medium" by which such waves travel[2] or by which "wave energy is transmitted, determining its speed and direction".[3]
History[]
2017[]
Beijing Photek S&T Development Co., Ltd. CEO Ddickky noted in 2017 that people seemed to think that Xingchen was easy to manage because she was the company’s only VOCALOID. He mentioned that he wanted to try to "have five to take care of" to see how challenging it was to manage more characters and asked fans to "stay tuned". This seemingly hinted that there may be additional characters aside from Xingchen in the future.[4] Later that month, it was mentioned that because Beijing Photek wanted to save money to produce content, some big news would be announced at Quadimension Live Tour rather than at a separate conference. This included new merchandise, new official art, and if there was time, new games or voicebanks. It was not specified if these voicebanks were for Xingchen or for any new characters.
2018[]
On January 5, 2018, a new female character was hinted and introduced as "Xingchen's younger sister",[5] and would eventually be unveiled to be Haiyi.
The first usage of the label "MEDIUM⁵" (五维介质) appeared in 2018 at the time of Cangqiong's debut.[6] From then on, any content featuring Xingchen or any of the other Beijing Photek characters would use the MEDIUM⁵ label. This would include demonstrations for other characters & vocals, albums, merchandise including figurines and other forms of media.[7]
Marketing[]
Various albums and merchandise have been released under the MEDIUM⁵ brand for the five singers. A game featuring the main cast was also in production known as MEDIUM⁵ 2050 (五维介质2050).
Key people[]
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Zero01 is the official operations manager of MEDIUM⁵.[8]
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Voice Databases[]
Synthesizer V[]
Synthesizer V Studio[]
Synthesizer V AI[]
Postponed Vocals[]
Synthesizer V AI[]
Unreleased[]
Other Characters[]
Along with the originator ZERO, five additional characters were revealed to be part of the MEDIUM⁵ cast; their relation to the project is currently unknown. They have been confirmed to be a part of the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game.
ZERO[]
ZERO, formerly known as Quadimensionko and Xingchen ZERO (星尘ZERO), is the Guardian God (守護神) of the planet according to the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game storyline and originator of Xingchen, Haiyi, Cangqiong, Chiyu, and Shian. She is the holder of the Metatron's Cube.[9] ZERO is 16 years old and she is 160cm tall. Her birthday is listed as unknown.
In 2015, Beijing Photek S&T Development Co., Ltd. commissioned illustrator November to design a mascot for the Quadimension circle. Because of the name of the association being "Quadimension" and the team having a fondness for sci-fi themes, several requirements and explanations of the character's concept were discussed including:
- Having a science-fiction style with a sense of science and technology that looked suitable for flying around the universe.
- Having four ponytails, because of the circle's name "Quadimension".
- The Quadimension team thought that these two requirements were too big and slightly unprofessional, and questioned "What would Quad do?" without any explanation, and finally, the preview PVs of the two albums Quadimension 1 and 2 were released for reference.
After some time, the design was completed. It was stated that November watched the two album PVs and was more interested about the cubes that were flying inside the videos, so he looked into background information based on this element and pitched the ideas of the Metatron’s Cube and the starfruit. The design and initial concept was decided after hearing this. This would eventually lead to the creation of "Quadimensionko".[10]
Around the time of VOCALOID production, Quadimension submitted this version of November's design in hopes of using the concept as a box illustration; however, the style and image were not approved, and the design was modified again, that then would become what now looks like Xingchen.[11] It was stated that the team was uncomfortable with the new design, because the reason for the initial design not being used was not that it was not good enough. The director began thinking "There will be a day when we become stronger and have more autonomy."
Later the team discovered that Xingchen has "occupied" this position as mascot, and there could only be one Xingchen. The team questioned if this design is another version of Xingchen's "ZERO Form" design, or a scrapped concept. Quadimension noted they could not treat these two roles as one person however it could not be another unrelated character completely because it has a strong connection with Xingchen.
After another period of time, and a period of struggling how to handle this concept, MEDIUM⁵ came out. It was stated that she and Stardust are both one person and not one person, somewhere in between, representing the past and the present. The difference is the other sisters, and it also solves the problem of having five geometric bodies and elements.
From 2015 to present, ZERO has not been officially released, however Quadimension has not stopped improving her as a character. In addition to the few designs that have been released, it was reported that there are more modifications and adjustments during the design process. After four years, she was given the name ZERO, which means origin.[12]
Role in MEDIUM⁵ 2050[]
According to the synopsis of the upcoming MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game, the Guardian God –ZERO– fought for the planet desperately and beat the enemy; however, the planet had been broken and no longer suitable to live in. Seriously injured, ZERO had to break herself apart into "Genesis Crystals" (起源结晶) to mend with the environment of the planet. [13]
ZERO/Gallery[]
MEDIUM⁵ 2050[]
MEDIUM⁵ 2050 (五维介质2050) was an upcoming mobile strategy game produced by the joint team of the developers behind the MEDIUM⁵ project and the independent audio game developer I-Inferno (同步音律工作室). On March 11, 2023, Ddickky announced that development of the game was suspended, citing issues relating to a financial situation and being unable to fulfill some of the previous funding agreements.[14] Despite not being released, it currently has a 9.2 rating on bili games[13]
Songs from various Quadimension albums including Storybook, Quadimension X-1, Quadimension X-2, Quadimension X-3, and Quadimension Finale describe additional character backgrounds, such as introducing where some characters were born (such as 远溯 (Yuǎn Sù) and 黑花鸢尾之歌 (Hēi Huā Yuānwěi zhī Gē) which introduce Haiyi's homeland of Poseidonia), interactions between other characters of the game (such as 蜕鳞之时 (Tuì Lín zhī Shí), which describes the relationship between Haiyi and the Resonancer STHENO), as well as major events that occur within the game's lore. Concept artwork from each of the albums and character designs were showcased in 2022 in a PV using the song 须臾永恒 (Xūyú Yǒnghéng).[15]
Gameplay[]
Little is known of the actual gameplay, however, the game was noted to be a strategy game and appeared to take on a 2D visual novel-like format during parts where characters would be speaking or interacting.[16] The game was introduced with a 3D animated introduction showcasing the main plot points of the game.[17]
Synopsis[]
Past (Then)[]
Once upon a time, there were different kinds of species on the planet, including humans, elves, and waterfairies. They founded their own civilizations which lasted for thousands of years, until Outer Gods (外神) invaded this planet and caused "The Enormous Catastrophe" (大灾难) Although the Guardian God (守護神) ZERO fought for the planet desperately and beat the enemy, the planet had been broken and was no longer suitable to live in. Seriously injured, ZERO had to break herself apart into "Genesis Crystals" (起源结晶) to mend with the environment of the planet.[18][19][20]
The Enormous Catastrophe[]
In the history written by later generations, "The Enormous Catastrophe" resulted from the invasion of Outer Gods. The tough war lasted for hundreds of years between Outer Gods and ZERO, the Guardian God. Although ZERO had won the fight, the planet had been broken, the environment had been destroyed, lots of species became extinct or endangered, and those prosperous civilizations nearly died out as well.
Genesis Crystals[]
ZERO had reached the top of the tower[21] being heavily injured and separated her powers into water, air, fire, and earth: the four 4 elements, which were named "Genesis Crystals" by the later generations. Genesis Crystals fell into isolated dormancy after fixing the environment of the planet.
Present (Now)[]
The environment of the planet recovered and became more suitable for living; however, the Resonancers (共鸣体) and the Aether Barrier (以太屏蔽) appeared at the same time, making it dangerous in the wild. This forced the remaining civilizations to either stay at their original locations, or cooperate with civilizations nearby and develop themselves isolatedly. Human civilization survived the dangerous environment and strengthened the defensive objects by technology. At last they created a peaceful appearance.
Little is known about the game's overarching plot; however, the game follows the main protagonist, speculated to be an older 16-year-old variant of Muxin,[22][23] who teams up with a wounded Chiyu, one of the consciousness bodies storing one of the Genesis Crystals (a fragment of ZERO who becomes wounded), and gathers her other sisters (Shian, Cangqiong, and Haiyi) in an attempt to defeat Minus, only to find out that even with their power combined, they are still unable to defeat her.[24][25] The player is tasked with exploring the world with the wounded Chiyu, locating her sisters and working together to save Xingchen.[26][27][28]
Genesis Atoms[]
The fragments that appeared during ZERO's breaking are called "Genesis Atoms" (起源微粒) by later generations. Genesis Atoms, which held great energy, were spread over the planet and were absorbed or gathered by living things, causing the birth of the Resonancers.
Aether Barrier[]
The "Aether Barrier" (以太屏蔽) is an unknown phenomenon. Electromagnetic fields are disturbed inside of the Aether Barrier, together with inexpressible visual anomalies and cognitive anomalies. It's a mystery from the end of The Enormous Catastrophe, to today.
Resonancers[]
"Resonancers" (共鸣体) are living beings containing Genesis Atoms, which can release power by causing a Resonance Effect (共鸣作用) between the Genesis Atoms and themselves. They follow the "law of the jungle" and kill each other for more Genesis Atoms. They are known to be violent and very aggressive within the Aether Barrier, and will attack the territories of other species, becoming a dangerous existence in every civilization's mind.
YITIAN[]
YITIAN (倚天; Yǐtiān) was a Resonancer from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game.[29][30] They are visually based upon a Chinese dragon.
CRIMSON[]
CRIMSON (绯; Fēi) was a Resonancer from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game.[31][32] She is visually based on a canine, likely a fox spirit or huli jing. Interestingly, she is also the only Resonancer who is not accompanied by the animal that inspired her in her original promo art.
NEMEA[]
NEMEA (Simplified Chinese: 尼米亚; Traditional Chinese: 尼米亞; pinyin: Nímǐyà) was a Resonancer from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game.[33] He is visually based on a lion, and his name is likely a reference to the Nemean lion of Greek mythology.
PEARL[]
PEARL (Simplified Chinese: 珠儿; Traditional Chinese: 珠兒; pinyin: Zhū'ér or Zhūr) was a Resonancer from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game.[34] She is likely somewhat based on a pearl oyster, with some elements, such as cerata, of a nudibranch.
STHENO[]
STHENO (Simplified Chinese: 丝莉娜; Traditional Chinese: 絲莉娜; pinyin: Sīlìnuó ) was a Resonancer from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game, dedicated from the sea and noted to be inextricably linked with Haiyi.[35] She is likely based on snakes, as well as Gorgons from Greek mythology. Her name may be a reference to the eldest of the three Gorgon sisters, Stheno. Curiously, the snakes that make up her hair heavily resemble pythons or boas.
NOCTIA[]
NOCTIA (Simplified Chinese: 诺克蒂亚; Traditional Chinese: 諾克蒂亞; pinyin: Nuòkèdìyà) was a character from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game. There is no known information about NOCTIA. NOCTIA was revealed in an official artbook included within the Quadimension Finale album. Based on the illustration, NOCTIA was likely one of the Resonancers from the game.[36]
AETNA IGNEO[]
AETNA IGNEO (Simplified Chinese: 艾缇娜伊格尼; Traditional Chinese: 艾緹娜伊格尼; pinyin: Àitínà Yīgéní ) was a character from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game. There is no known information about AETNA IGNEO. AETNA IGNEO was revealed in an official artbook included within the Quadimension Finale album. Based on the illustration, AETNA IGNEO was likely one of the Resonancers from the game.[36]
UNI[]
UNI (尤尼; Yóuní ) was a character from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game. There is no known information about UNI. UNI was revealed in an official artbook included within the Quadimension Finale album. Based on the illustration, UNI was likely one of the Resonancers from the game.[36]
SYLPH[]
SYLPH (Simplified Chinese: 希尔芙; Traditional Chinese: 希爾芙; pinyin: Xī'ěrfú ) was a character from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game. There is no known information about SYLPH. SYLPH was revealed in an official artbook included within the Quadimension Finale album. Based on the illustration, SYLPH was likely one of the Resonancers from the game.[36]
LIN[]
LIN (麟; Lín) was a character from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game. There is no known information about LIN. LIN was revealed in an official artbook included within the Quadimension Finale album. Based on the illustration, LIN was likely one of the Resonancers from the game.[36]
KOHAKOU[]
KOHAKOU (Simplified Chinese: 红白; Traditional Chinese: 紅白; pinyin: Hóngbái)[37] was a character from the MEDIUM⁵ 2050 game. There is no known information about KOHAKOU. KOHAKOU was revealed in an official artbook included within the Quadimension Finale album. Based on the illustration, KOHAKOU was likely one of the Resonancers from the game.[36]
Wild Fire[]
Wild Fire (野火) is an organization which gained independence from human civilization dozens of years ago for unknown reasons. They achieved an extremely high level of technology, especially in the field of Resonancers and Genesis Atoms. They expand in the wild and hunt Resonancers for Genesis Atoms. They have been frequently attacking and permeating territories of other species during recent years, becoming a new threat. It seems that Wild Fire has found the secret of controlling the Resonancers.
Gallery[]
Media Gallery[]
External links[]
References[]
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/video/av42960488
- ↑ Dictionary review from Taiwan Ministry of Education's Revised Mandarin Chinese Dictionary, 2021
- ↑ https://baike.baidu.com/item/介质/5419484
- ↑ https://weibo.com/2182360953/FuT1Rs9Re
- ↑ https://weibo.com/5056093502/FCWyI8Cwt
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV14t411k7AB
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv3676024
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/opus/1008546565531369497
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Yb411675U/
- ↑ https://www.weibo.com/5056093502/C4zrJ38rp
- ↑ https://www.weibo.com/5582156776/CjUFfxBwx
- ↑ https://weibo.com/5056093502/HAFKwvdDT
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 https://www.taptap.com/app/210426
- ↑ Game suspension notice by Ddickky
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1WW4y1m7h6
- ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/508545160304396858
- ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1tX4y157aF
- ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/496698802982087782?tab=2
- ↑ https://www.taptap.cn/app/210426/all-info
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1364564542035001346 MEDIUM⁵ 2050 Background, Translation
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1361623302003978242
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1417396372475613186
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1417405077355126794
- ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/495352674334045367
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1364565185021812740
- ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/620400621394049375
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1486695300236513284
- ↑ https://x.com/SynthVNews/status/1486696180495142914
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/K3sb1wFMq
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/K40mluyvc
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/K3sb1wFMq
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/K40mluyvc
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/K8S5geZwY
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/K8S5geZwY
- ↑ https://weibo.com/6802075123/KdBQDBdLo
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 https://x.com/TakoyakiDonuts/status/1706377807826219492 - Scans from the Quadimension Finale album artbook
- ↑ While all other Resonancers are given either Chinese or English names in romanization, KOHAKOU was given a (misspelled) Japanese name (紅白; Kōhaku).