Chapter 3: The Shabby Game Store
- Office Worker's Game -
It was called this game, "Game & Watch." Game & Watch was a creation of Gunpei-kun, who passed away in a traffic accident in 1997. Back then, games were considered toys for kids, with titles like Donkey Kong and The Legend of Zelda, and of course, Dragon Ball. These were the kind of games that catered to children's tastes. However, this game, from its title alone, was quite suspicious for a kids' game.
"Do you know how to play this?"
"I think I've got the hang of it."
Game & Watch was designed for children as young as 5 or 6, so the gameplay was extremely simple. Left and right arrow keys and just one confirm button. The game featured a system where the protagonist, an office worker, met with buyers, prepared reports on his desk, and sought approval from the owner. Every action was presented using a stop-animation technique, with the character moving one square at a time.
In other words, the gameplay involved rapidly moving left and right, serving as an intermediary between the buyer and the owner. What made it interesting was the deliberate delays when meeting the buyer or the sudden disappearance of the owner, creating a subtle sense of tension.
"This game is actually quite well made, isn't it?"
"You seem to have good taste."
"I used to play a lot when I was a kid. I already understand the basic mechanics, but, playing this game, the main character feels just like me."
"Well, most office workers feel the same way. Sigh..."
"True. It's depressing to be tormented by a game like this."
"Is that so? Hehe."
I played the game for a while and then closed the lid before handing it back to the elderly man. As I did, he gazed at the Game & Watch I offered.
"So, you make games? What kind of games have you been creating?"
"Up until now, I've been making PC online games, but these days, with so many mobile games flooding the market, it's not easy to create big projects like in the past. Games need to be enjoyable in just about 5 minutes of playtime, and they often force players into tedious grinding."
"Nevertheless, isn't that the trend of the times? Adapting to the preferences of the users."
"I don't think so. Just like how I used to enjoy console package games when I was a kid, there are players all over the world who still use consoles to play games. Just because it's free doesn't mean everyone will play it. The quality of the game is what matters."
Why was I pouring my heart out to this old man with white hair? Nevertheless, for the past few months, the frustration that had settled in my heart burst forth all at once, and I couldn't seem to stop myself.
"Mobile games are the most popular among young people in Korea today, that's undeniable. But, at the very least, we should give players the choice of different game genres. Just pouring out similar games, telling people to try it because it's free, but with no ending, and forcing them to spend money if they don't want to be stressed. Is this really the right way to operate games? Every story has a beginning and an end, but not anymore... Nowadays, there are trash games without endings flooding the world. They start the story as they please, and if they don't make money, they just shut down the service and say they're sorry. Just like that. Does that make sense?"
"You... young man, you speak quite eloquently."
"Haah... haah... No, I'm sorry. I got too excited. I apologize, sir."
"No, no. It's been a long time since I felt this passionate. You see, young man, if you're making games, you should have at least one belief."
"Even so, after telling all that to the old man, I feel relieved."
"Is that so? Hehe. Hey, young man, if you could go back to the past, which era would you choose?"
"Hmm? Oh, I don't know, it's not a big deal, but it's a bit of a dilemma. But if I could go back, I'd choose 1983."
"Why is that?"
"Ah, it was the time when the Atari Shock had ended, and the second-generation console, the Nintendo Family, was being released. It was an era filled with young developers brimming with passion and dreams."
"Is that so? Hehe, I see. That era was truly exciting. It was a time when the very concept of games wriggled with dreams. So, if you could really go back to that time, what would you want to do? Would you want to become a game developer again, just like now?"
I pondered deeply upon the old man's words. He was watching my reactions like playing a game of chess, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
"No, I wouldn't become a developer."
"Huh? Why not? Have you grown tired of games now?"
"No, it's not that. I believe that making the game I truly want is not something a developer can achieve."
"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"
"If I could take my current knowledge back to that era, I'd want to create a console, something on par with today's Nintendo and Sony. I'd like to establish a console company and become a developer."
"Ah, so you want to be both the owner and a developer, huh? That's a great idea."
"Do you think so? Haha... Just thinking about it makes me feel good."
"Is that so? Hehe, it's been a while since I had so much fun thanks to a young person like you. Right... I see, games were like that, huh?"
"Thanks to you, sir, I had a great time. It feels like something that's been bothering me for a long time has been resolved."
"Why? Are you planning to leave already?"
"Because I have to go to work again tomorrow. Aren't all office workers like this?"
"I see. Should I go in now too? It's gotten quite late."
"You're going in now? Then, I'll help you tidy up the store."
"Really? A young person with good manners. Then, could you please bring the display outside inside?"
"Of course."
As I was about to leave the store, I unintentionally looked at the Game & Watch that was still in my hand. Oh dear, I shouldn't be mistaken for a thief. I should leave it inside the store. It's one of a kind in the world; it must be quite valuable. But as soon as I turned my head...
"Huh?"
Before my eyes, a firmly closed shutter appeared.
"What's going on? Sir? Sir~!!"
It felt like I was in a dream just a moment ago. The brightly lit game store from a moment ago had suddenly transformed into a shabby, abandoned building while I turned my back. Am I dreaming right now? I pinched my cheek slightly, but my senses were very much alive. It's not like I've been possessed by a fox or anything; how could this happen? But I could clearly see in my right hand...
I turned my head and continued to stare at the Game & Watch that was still in my hand.
"What on earth... is going on?"
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