Ryan Gallardo

Hello!

My name is Ryan Gallardo. I was born and raised here on the island on good ol' Ewa Beach. Graduating from JCHS (James Campbell High School) I've always wanted to become a storyteller, first making videos on iMovie with my Ipad, playing around with the "build a trailer" feature that it had. My academic journey took me to and from UHWO, with Leeward Community College in between. If I was an artist tool, I'd probably be a canvas. I love telling the stories and experiences that inspired me in my life in my work, while also giving the opportunity of my inspirations to tell their own story. I see blank canvases as opportunities for somebody to express themselves and tell their own story, with my own skills and knowledge as a video producer.

Research Topic: Virtual Belonging in MMORPGs and Vtubing

Research Question: How do digital communities, specifically the MMORPG and Vtubing communities, invoke a sense of belonging?

Abstract:

Loneliness and depression are rising modern issues with no single solution, but feelings of belonging can play a critical role in addressing them. This project investigates how two online communities—Vtubing and MMORPG gaming—offer unique pathways to connection, identity, and inclusion. Through factors such as community support, accessibility, and highly interactive environments, these digital spaces create safe avenues for individuals to explore who they are and where they fit. Findings show that the passionate, inclusive nature of these communities can help counter isolation and foster belonging in meaningful ways. As such, Vtubing and MMORPG cultures represent valuable tools for supporting mental well-being within digital spaces and warrant further exploration.

Capstone Project: Web series

Project Title: Voices of the Virtual

Capstone Proposal:

CREATIVE PROCESS:

The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.

DELIVERABLE:

For his senior capstone, Ryan Gallardo built on his research examining how Vtubing and MMORPG communities foster belonging, connection, and emotional support for individuals facing loneliness and depression. This semester, he immersed himself even more deeply in these digital spaces by creating a web series that documented and reflected on his experiences within the community. Through the challenges and learning moments of production, Ryan gained a new perspective—shifting from participant to researcher—while engaging with a culture he already knew well. His project highlights how online communities can become meaningful spaces of identity, interaction, and support, demonstrating the real human connections that emerge within digital worlds.

Go and check it out!

Page updated

Report abuse