MateEngine

MateEngine
MateEngine is a lightweight customizable desktop companion app that brings3 D anime-style characters to life on your screen Built with VRM model support it allows you to inject your own avatars and watch them interact idle and even dance right from your desktop
This project is a alternative aimed at giving users more control and flexibility without relying on expensive model packs or locked-down systems Whether you want a simple virtual presence or a more animated character hanging out while you work MateEngine is designed to be approachable and performance-friendly.VRM Models Frequently Asked Question
Important This app includes the default model Zome Hatsune Miku is not included
To use custom models you must download them from websites that offer vrm files or commission artists who create or convert models to the VRM format
I am not responsible for the quality of third-party models If you experience clipping or similar issues the model s author is responsible not this app
RELAXE ON WINDOWS
Drag your pet onto a window and it will relax on top Perfect for watching videos she ll watch with you Or let her quietly spy while you do your homework hehe
This feature is experimental and not fully developed Please avoid using it with apps that have anti-cheat protection enabled.DANCING
She will start dancing when you play music You can decide which apps are allowed to trigger dancing
Open the Options menu go to the audio sources and whitelist your music apps
Tip Start the music app first e.g Spotify then open the menu and add it to the source list
HEAD AND SPINE MOVEMENT
Not just the head her eyes head and spine all follow your mouse cursor
This makes the movement look smooth and natural compared to other desktop pets
HAND MOVEMENT
Careful Sometimes she ll try to grab your mouse hehe
Move your cursor near her hands or arms and watch her try to catch it
TOUCH REGIONS
Hover your mouse over sensitive areas like the head or belly to trigger cute gestures
For example hovering over her head makes her giggle and spawn sparkle effects making her feel comfy
CHATTING
You can chat with your pet anytime Just note that it s a small local AI with simple messages
For more complex conversations you can use mods with your own models and messages
RELAXING
When you drag her to the taskbar she ll lay down and relax on a big candy macaron
watching your mouse cursor with sleepy eyes
DRAGGING
You can reposition her by clicking and dragging her with your mouse
Just hold the button down and move her wherever you like
CHIBI MODE
Hold your mouse over her feet for a few seconds and she ll transform into a tiny
adorable chibi version of herself extra smol and cute CUSTOMIZATIONS
You can change her size animation speed language and modes
There are also graphics and FPS settings for low-end potato PCs DARK MODE
You can turn off lighting perfect for VRM models with emissive textures
Pair it with the glow bloom toggle and your pet will shine like a diamond in the darkMODDING
Modding is supported Load your own VRM model by pressing the VRM button
If your model doesn t load it s likely corrupted or not exported correctly
Make sure to export using the correct format
VRM0.X Uses MToon Shader
VRM1.X Uses MToon10 Shader
Also make sure your model uses a proper humanoid bone setup
MateEngine follows the official VRM loading specification so model issues are not caused by the app.How To Use
It s easy Just start MateEngine and you ll be greeted by Zome
Right-click Zome to open the Options menu here you can change graphics effects audio and choose which apps make the pet dance
Tip Start the sound app e.g Spotify and play something before opening the menu or it won t appear in the sound source list Then add it to the Danceability list and save.Key Features
Idle Animations10 different idle animations for when the pet is relaxing on your desktop
Drag Animation1 drag animation plays when you move your pet around the desktop
Dance Animation The pet dances when music plays on apps like Spotify Chrome and others
Head Tracking The pet follows your mouse with its head
Eye Tracking The pet s eyes also follow your mouse for extra detail
Hand Tracking When you hover your mouse near its hands the pet will try to catch and hold it
Head Pats Hovering over the pet s head makes it shake jiggle and spawn adorable heart particles
Spine Chest Tracking Head eye and hand tracking aren t enough When you move the mouse the pet will also move its upper body in that direction to make movement more realistic
Chibi Mode Hover over its feet for3 seconds to transform the pet into a chibi version Works with custom VRM models
Sensitive Parts The pet will react shyly and cover certain areas if you hover over them
Custom VRM Support Load any VRM using MToon shaders UniVRM VRM0 VRM1.X MToon10 support coming soon
Particle Effects Includes various particle effects with more to come
Auto-Load Custom VRM Your custom model loads automatically on startup.Performance
MateEngine is designed to be lightweight on CPU and GPU resources RAM usage depends on your model s complexity especially texture sizes For example a high-res VRM model may use around200 MB of RAM Simpler models use significantly less
Animation transitions are smooth and fluid providing a more natural experience compared to other apps in this space.Planned Features Upcoming Updates
Menu color customization
Wallpaper Engine integration
Optional support for avatars sitting on windows or the taskbarKnown Limitations
Taskbar window sitting is currently disabled to avoid triggering anti-cheat systems in certain games.Community and Contributions
MateEngine is open-source IIf you re a developer or just curious about how it works you re welcome to explore the project contribute features or build your own versions using Unity