Chapter 128: Production Announcement
"This is the new storage medium that all of you will coexist with us," Kang Junhyuk proudly announced.
However, after a moment, the audience's excitement deflated as they examined the item in his hand.
"I thought they were going to reveal something amazing... It's just a cartridge?"
"It's a bit smaller than a Super Family cartridge, but it definitely looks like one."
"Is it just me, or is this cartridge surprisingly slim? It might be about the thickness of three 3.5-inch floppy disks?"
Kang Junhyuk smiled as he held the next-generation cartridge, about the size of a cassette tape, in his hand.
"Are you saying Pentagon is getting into the cartridge business? It's not much different from Mintendo or NEGA, is it?"
In response to someone's question, Kang Junhyuk replied with a grin.
"As you can see, this is a game cartridge for the next generation console. However, it's not a typical ROM cartridge used by Mintendo and NEGA. It's a flash memory cartridge that can read and write data."
"What!? You can read and write data!?"
Kang Junhyuk demonstrated by shaking the cartridge in his hand and provided further explanation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what is the most significant cost in game development?"
"Well, it's undoubtedly the cost of cartridge production..."
"That's correct. The cost of ROM cartridges that use semiconductors is extremely high. Despite the high cost of these cartridges, we, Pentagon Soft, don't make much profit. That's why we aim to eliminate the production cost of cartridges."
"What are you saying? How do you plan to distribute games then?"
"Well, let me explain the new distribution structure of this next-generation console."
After a while, those who had heard the explanation about the distribution method for the next-generation console looked at Kang Junhyuk with incredulous expressions.
"Is that really possible?"
"I believe so. Of course, there might be a slight learning curve initially, but once you understand the advantages of the data sales method, many of you will likely use it."
"But... how did you come up with such a distribution method?"
The distribution method for the next-generation console games was quite unique, as Kang Junhyuk had explained. It was the data download method, even in an era where the internet wasn't widespread. He had considered an offline data download method, much like video rental shops, where consumers could visit game shops and download games directly.
The method was straightforward, but no one had tried it before. At first, people found it a bit complex, but when compared to a video rental shop analogy, it made sense.
"If this distribution method is real, there's no need for cartridge production costs anymore."
One of the Hudsun employees expressed satisfaction with the new distribution structure. However, Kang Junhyuk shook his head with a smile and replied, "No, we will still continue traditional software sales. There are various types of people in the world, and some may have reservations about this sales method."
"Why would anyone have reservations about buying software at a lower price?"
"The collector's market. I'm talking about enthusiasts and collectors of games. And perhaps some of you here would like to keep certain games you've enjoyed for a lifetime. Let me ask, is there anyone here who still has a Dragon Emblem cartridge at home? Please raise your hand."
Surprisingly, more than half of the people in the room raised their hands, including the Hudsun employee who had asked the question.
"You've probably cleared the game already, so why do you still have it?"
"Well, it was such a fun game to play..."
"Exactly. After playing, there's usually a desire to keep a title that left an impression. Consumers are the same. It's not just about games, but people also want to own books and movies they've deeply enjoyed for a lifetime."
"So, doesn't this bring us back to where we started?"
"No, it doesn't. But we do have a responsibility to satisfy consumers. That's why we won't interfere with the production quantity or provide any royalties for ROM cartridges. You can produce as many as you want, be it 1,000 or 10,000, after conducting your own market research."
"No royalties?"
"Instead of royalties, we will ensure that the retail price of game software does not exceed 6,000 yen. We are willing to compromise for the consumers."
If President Kamauichi had heard this story directly, he would have been furious, right? Even without that, after hearing the news of today's presentation, he would surely take action soon. He was not the type to let things slide.
Kang Junhyuk scanned the audience's reactions from the stage, waiting for the next question.
Fortunately, third-party representatives seemed quite positive about the new distribution method.
As murmurs and discussions from those who had long been dominated by Mintendo and had been skeptical about new developments spread around, Hoojima asked, "But with read-write flash memory, is there no risk of cloning? What if a device for copying cartridges is developed?"
At that moment, the cheerful atmosphere in the room turned sharp, as this was indeed a sensitive issue for game developers - illegal duplication. But it wasn't unreasonable for Hoojima to ask.
Kang Junhyuk cleared his throat and continued, "Of course, we have plans to address that issue."
"Please explain in more detail."
Just wait a bit... he thought.
Kang Junhyuk cleared his throat and replied to Hoojima's question, "The terminals installed in game shops will have a kind of identification device. It will constantly check for any traces of data copying or additional programs. It will scan the information on the cartridge each time. Also, we will regularly update the hacking lock whenever a new game is released. If any signs of illegal duplication are found, the terminal will automatically erase all information on the cartridge and turn it into a 'brick,' making it impossible to install any games."
People found Kang Junhyuk's use of the term 'brick' quite amusing, and laughter filled the room.
Is that so strange? It was a commonly used term in the 2000s.
Anyway, people seemed satisfied with Kang Junhyuk's answer, and the cheerful atmosphere returned to the room. Hoojima also seemed content and leaned back in his chair.
Then, someone who had been silent until now approached Kang Junhyuk and addressed him, "Mr. Junhyuk."
He was a member of the second party affiliated with Mintendo, Mr. Kawata Satoru from the HEG Institute.
Previously, when Mr. Shige was struggling with the running motion in Super Marigi, he received inspiration for the in-game physics from the "Balloon Fight" he sent.
While not officially part of Mintendo, as long as they were associated with the HEG Institute, they were practically Mintendo folks.
"It's been a while, Mr. Kawata. Have you been well?"
"Thanks to you, yes. I found the new distribution method you explained quite fascinating. It's a unique approach and very user-friendly, thinking about second parties."
"Do you have any questions about the new distribution method, Mr. Kawata?"
"No, I don't. Instead... I have a question about Kang Junhyuk."
"Me?"
"After the production announcement, during the interview with Famicom's journalist, Mr. Junhyuk mentioned a scenario writer 'K' from The Empty Streets. And when Mr. Kawaguchi introduced Mr. Junhyuk, he referred to him as the 'planner' of The Empty Streets."
"Yes, that's correct."
"The release date of The Empty Streets coincided with the launch of Super Family. Does this mean that Mr. Junhyuk developed his own game while being affiliated with Mintendo? What do you have to say about this?"
Haha... I thought I could let it slide since there were no Mintendo employees, but I never expected Mr. Kawata to dig this deep. After organizing my thoughts for a moment, I addressed his question, directed at everyone present.
"Let's assume one day, a really great idea pops into your heads. Game developers like you all have probably felt it at least once. The idea that flashes in your head one day, a thought like, 'Ah, how about a game like this?' You've all had those moments, right?"
Some of the people at the table nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I've had those moments occasionally."
"Alright, let's say the idea that came to your mind is fantastic. Would you think it's your idea or your company's idea?"
As I spoke, subtle expressions appeared on the faces of the people.
"Well, it's my idea, but at the same time, it doesn't feel entirely mine..."
"So, if you had a strong feeling that the idea you came up with was going to be a success, what would you do?"
"Well, I'd probably submit a proposal to the company. But before that, should I finish the project I'm currently working on? And I'd have to assemble a team..."
"When I first planned The Empty Streets, I thought of Mr. Morita and Mr. Hayashi, who helped me create Psych Battle. There were no perfect people at Mintendo who could bring my idea to life, so I handed them my ideas and the scenario I wrote whenever I had the chance."
Then Mr. Kawata spoke up.
"Isn't that just an excuse?"
"Yes, it is. During my time at Mintendo, I handed the proposal to Pentagon Soft. As a result, The Empty Streets was created by Pentagon Soft because of it."
At that point, Mr. Kawata hesitated for a moment and couldn't provide an answer.
"I see. You know, I didn't ask this question to accuse Junhyuk."
"But President Kamauichi will be different. I believe Junhyuk knows that."
I sighed briefly and then spoke to the audience.
"I know very well."
&
The next day, as I had expected to some extent, the entire gaming industry was turned upside down.
Junpei's involvement with Famitsu was so swift that they released a special edition before the regular magazine even came out. They added a provocative headline that made it look like it was about a new 'Gundam' series.
That's how quickly they published it. Famitsu's special edition titled "Pentagon's Counterattack" was distributed via morning newspapers early in the morning.
Thanks to this, I had the chance to encounter this strange special edition at the convenience store on my way to work.
"They announced it so quickly. I bet it's going to be a mess at the office."
And my expectations weren't off the mark. From the ringing phones at the office entrance, I felt like I was swallowing dry saliva.
Soon, Sayuri, who spotted me from the office, hurriedly came running.
"Director, something big has happened."
"Yes, just from the sound of the ringing phones, it feels like that. Haha."
"It's not a time for jokes. They want to sue us for industrial espionage."
I already expected this, but is it really going to come out this strong? Still, we have a history together, so at the very least, shouldn't they have a conversation with me?
I really want to shout something after a long time...
"Kamauichi, you damn bastard!!!"
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