advance/early chapters : p atreon.com/Ritesh_Jadhav0869
The popularity of Transformers continued to soar. After one month, cumulative global player count reached 2.2 billion—bringing over 400 million new users to Infinite Realms in just one month and increasing overall user activity by approximately 60%.
The premium Volume Two storyline achieved $1.36 billion in sales—not to mention the sales of various paid cosmetics and derivative items, which were incredibly fruitful and genuinely astonishing.
Not only that, but Transformers also demonstrated amazing popularity and revenue-generating ability in other fields. Peripheral products and co-branded merchandise derived from Transformers were selling exceptionally well.
For example, the co-branded series with globally renowned sports brand Nike was repeatedly sold out, even triggering buying frenzies.
Transformers toys, in particular, became a global sensation—becoming favorite playthings of children worldwide. They were in short supply for weeks.
The Bumblebee car—one of the main characters from Transformers—hadn't even officially launched yet, but its global pre-orders had already crushed all competitors in its class. Its worldwide anticipation was off the charts.
According to industry media, the Transformers IP had essentially harvested the wallets of everyone from children to middle-aged adults, truly making it the hottest and most lucrative super-IP of the year.
Reed Pictures also collaborated with Stormwind Studios, planning to produce a Transformers theatrical film expected to release next year.
Not only that, but Stormwind Comics Studio also published a serialized Transformers comic series. The comic was set on the planet Cybertron, telling stories that unfolded there—thereby more comprehensively presenting the Transformers saga and Cybertronian worldview to countless fans. Simultaneously, an animated series project was officially launched.
The success and money-making capability of Transformers truly made many industry observers envious.
San Francisco Mansion
In a mansion in San Francisco, Ernst Klein had just finished his private physician's examination.
"Mr. Klein, your body is recovering very well, but you still need to rest for a while longer," the private doctor said.
"Thank you, Dr. Phillips," Ernst said in a deep voice.
"Then you rest. I'll see myself out." The private doctor left the room.
Soon after, a man with golden-brown hair walked in. The man was strikingly handsome, appeared to be only in his twenties, and carried a hint of arrogance in his bearing.
"Dad, what did the doctor say?" the young man asked casually.
His name was Raymond Klein—Ernst Klein's only son.
Ernst had been married before. He and his first wife had a child, but due to his wife's momentary negligence, their child tragically died in an accident.
His wife was consumed by guilt over the incident, developed severe depression, and eventually took her own life.
Ernst Klein didn't remarry for many years afterward. His current wife had been a famous beauty in the entertainment industry—and also an extremely calculating woman. She'd used various means to successfully conceive Ernst's child, thereby naturally marrying into wealth.
Raymond inherited his mother's good looks, making him quite handsome. But because he'd mostly grown up with his mother, he'd somewhat acquired her arrogant personality as well.
"It's nothing serious. Why did you come over?" Ernst said, lying in bed.
"What about the matter I brought up last time? Have you reconsidered?" Raymond asked.
"Absolutely not. You don't need to keep pushing this. The reason Infinite Realms has achieved what it has today is precisely because we've given all our partners the greatest benefits and respect. We're already making substantial profits. There's no need to try seizing control of IP derivative rights. That would infringe upon their fundamental interests!" Ernst said sternly.
"But we could make MORE money. Do more things. Increase our market valuation substantially. And we wouldn't be infringing on their interests—we'd be helping them better operate their IPs, developing them more comprehensively. We could establish a specialized management division to help every content creator package and operate their IP optimally, maximizing profits. If they make more money, we make more money too. Win-win. Why not?
You should be aware that many small studios and independent creators aren't very skilled at in-depth IP value development. They fail to capitalize on opportunities and reasonably develop derivative value when their content is at peak popularity—thus wasting opportunities and potential revenue. They even face IP theft in many countries, and it's difficult for them to defend their rights. They lack the resources and manpower!
But if WE operated the IP licensing, we could better protect their intellectual property and better safeguard their interests!" Raymond said eloquently.
He genuinely never understood why his father wouldn't firmly control the IP rights of creators' content to maximize profits. After all, they currently held a near-monopolistic position. Asking for a bit more wouldn't hurt anyone.
Especially after the emergence of massively popular IPs like Fast & Furious, the Avengers, and Transformers over the past two years—the terrifying revenue-generating ability and cultural influence they demonstrated in other markets genuinely tempted Raymond.
"We already offer services for IP agency management and commercial development, which creators can freely opt into. What you're proposing are MANDATORY clauses. The nature is completely different. The platform's terms have been established for many years and have become an understood consensus between creators and us. If we rashly make changes—especially such aggressive, one-sided clauses—it will inevitably cause widespread dissatisfaction among our partners. That's not conducive to Infinite Realms' long-term development!"
"What can they do even if they're dissatisfied? Many of these companies wouldn't survive if they left our platform. They have no choice. Moreover, we'd be doing it for mutual benefit maximization—it's not inherently bad! And as you said, these rules have been established for many years. They need to evolve with the times. I think everyone would understand!" Raymond said, his excitement growing.
"Don't say anything more. Bottom line: I don't agree. And you should abandon this line of thinking entirely. Now, I need to rest. You can go." Ernst closed his eyes.
Raymond hesitated, wanting to argue further. But he knew his father was extraordinarily stubborn and nearly impossible to persuade. And although Ernst was an excellent game engineer and designer, he definitely wasn't a shrewd businessman—at least he didn't prioritize money at all. So in many fundamental concepts, there was significant divergence between father and son.
As Raymond walked out of his father's room, a dark thought flashed through his mind. He genuinely hoped his father's condition would worsen dramatically.
But this evil impulse was only fleeting. His most basic conscience made him remorsefully discard those terrible thoughts.
Although his relationship with his father had always been rather distant since childhood—and even his mother's relationship with Ernst existed in name only—no matter what, Ernst Klein was still his father. He shouldn't harbor such thoughts.
Raymond convinced himself of this.
But deep down, the seed of ambition had already taken root.
Tip me at buymeacoffee.com/riteshjadhav0869