Chapter 18: Conquer the American Market!!
Kang Junhyuk, the brilliant mind behind the M.E.S, had just pulled off an incredible feat that left everyone dumbfounded. Inside the barrel of his electronic gun, nothing was being fired, yet, with each shot, the TV's ducks were falling in a delightful cascade.
The CEO and manager watched in astonishment, as if possessed by a ghost. Indeed, Kang Junhyuk was a genius. In a short span of time, he had created something remarkable.
After returning to Japan, Kang Junhyuk had burned the midnight oil, conducting extensive research for the new controller used in the game. During this process, he became interested in the TV screen's refresh rate, and his electronic gun, in a split second, could manipulate the TV's refresh rate.
When he pulled the trigger of the electronic gun, the entire screen blinked black for an imperceptible moment. Then, it highlighted the flying duck's object in white, allowing the gun to recognize the white object.
What did all of this mean? To be honest, I had no clue. Kang Junhyuk had inserted a function into the electronic gun to control the TV forcibly and to recognize the flying ducks. I remember him mumbling something about the operating principle at that time, but I didn't quite grasp it. I just thought, "Ah, it's finally done," and went back to sleep.
"It's definitely an interesting toy."
"Do you like it?"
"Yes, but..."
Toy World's CEO chuckled, lighting his thick cigar. I could read the expression on his face, clearly dismissing us. I had a gut feeling that this contract wouldn't go smoothly. The man with sharp eyes, who was quick to notice, opened M.E.S's cartridge lid and checked the Deokhunt game pack inside.
"My eyes can't be deceived. This is clearly a video game console. After trying to present it as a toy, you still intend to deliver it to our store. Well, alright, we'll take it into our shop."
Toy World's CEO's words made Yamashita's expression brighten up. But...
"However, make a Deokhunt-exclusive machine. We don't need other cartridges. Insert a decent game, and then it's okay. But I can see through your intention to release low-quality games on our device."
Creating a Deokhunt-exclusive machine wasn't a problem. However, it was absolutely impossible to do that in the console business, which aimed for additional income through software sales.
"No, we don't do that. Min Ten Do reviews all games at the headquarters to maintain quality. Your concern about low-quality games won't be realized."
"Don't make me laugh!"
In the end, Yamashita and I were driven away by the store clerks.
"If you want to make a contract with us, make a Deokhunt-exclusive machine. We don't handle game consoles anymore."
The manager roughly tossed the box containing M.E.S onto the floor and returned to the store. Oh well, it's a loss. Anyway, these American guys are strong. Whether they're of the same kind or not, they're just fighting on the street.
"It's indeed challenging. Human perception can be so frightening."
"Shouldn't we start looking for stores that aren't so full?"
"Stores that aren't so full? What does that mean?"
"It's a Korean phrase for guys who are full from eating. Anyway, let's move to a different location. There's nothing more to see here."
After tidying up the controller scattered on the floor, I got up. Before leaving Toy World, I turned back to the store entrance and mumbled softly.
"Pig, just wait and see. Please put some items in our store..."
&
Yamashita and I eventually visited a small toy store located at the end of New York's shopping district. Unlike the bustling downtown, this store, with a relatively quiet atmosphere, was named 'Toy Box.' It was a quaint little place, and the only one managing the store was the owner himself.
"Hello. We are representatives from a company called M.H.E.S, here to deliver a new toy..."
The middle-aged man at the counter greeted us with a smile.
"Hello. Nice to meet you. However, I'm sorry to say that our store is scheduled to close next month. Is that okay with you?"
"You're closing the store? Why?"
"Well, it seems that recently many toy stores have opened in the downtown area, so we've lost a lot of customers here, making it difficult for us to continue running the store."
"Oh, I see. Currently, we haven't made contracts with any toy stores, so if it's alright with you, could you take a look?"
"That's not a problem. Come inside."
In stark contrast to Toy World, the friendliness at Toy Box made Yamashita and me breathe a sigh of relief. There was no separate office, so we demonstrated the robot and Deokhunt in a corner of the store, just as we had done at Toy World.
"Oh, a very new control method. But is it a game?"
Indeed, Deokhunt's controls piqued the interest of Toy Box's owner, but he seemed perplexed by the idea of a game. Perhaps because half of Toy Box's store was filled with Atari game cartridges.
"I also like games, but I trusted Atari games too much. So, I'm afraid to purchase this machine."
"I completely understand that feeling. However, our M.E.S will never bring the same misfortune as Atari did."
I took out Super Marigi and Marigi Brothers from my bag, which I had brought to push in case the atmosphere was favorable at Toy World. Since we were driven away without even having a chance to demonstrate there, I had the opportunity to present them here for the first time.
Since Toy Box's owner had a good understanding of games, he quickly adapted to the Super Marigi system and was greatly impressed by the new side-scrolling gameplay.
"This is really amazing!"
"This game will soon be available in game centers in the United States."
"I see. If the quality of this game is as good as it looks, it will surely succeed in the United States. Especially, the fact that it's not confined to the screen like traditional arcades is incredible. A completely new approach!"
Toy Box's owner enjoyed Super Marigi like a child, showing great happiness. However, it didn't last long.
"If Atari had released a game like this... I could have continued running my store."
Tears welled up in his eyes, as if he felt unfairly treated for encountering Super Marigi at this late stage. Even Yamashita, with an unsympathetic expression, looked at Toy Box's owner.
"You really like games, don't you? If you don't close the store, could you consider receiving our MinTendo game console?"
"Of course. But I can't run the store anymore. Besides, I don't have the funds to purchase this game console."
"Alright, sir. Then we will assist you."
"What?"
"We'll provide you with 100 units of our MinTendo's M.E.S for free. We will also prepay three months' rent for this store."
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