Yuji Naka's eyes lit up instantly.
As a programmer, he knew all too well the devastating impact data loss could have on players. A single corrupted save file from an RPG they'd spent dozens, even hundreds of hours on—due to hardware failure—could flood the company's customer service lines with furious calls.
The Managing Director's design innovation virtually eliminated this disaster at its source.
He remained steadfast in his focus on user experience.
"And," Takuya Nakayama added, "we must also consider battery life. A memory card might sit on a shelf for one or two years before a player buys it. We need to ensure the battery has enough charge to last until the card reaches its maximum safe read/write cycles. All these calculations must be done during the design phase. Later, we can offer a low-cost recycling program under the guise of environmental responsibility for cards that have reached their lifespan. After refurbishing and replacing the battery, we can resell them as official refurbished cards at a discount. If this proves unprofitable, we can instead recover them through discreet channels and sell them at low prices to emerging markets like Eastern Europe, South America, and China."
Department Manager Nakamura hurriedly added notes to his records.
He realized that while he had been preoccupied with the question of "whether it was possible," the Managing Director was already considering aspects like "how practical it would be" and "what potential issues might arise." He had even envisioned plans for secondary utilization and sales.
This stark difference filled him with a sense of dread.
If they had proceeded with his initial idea, they might have unknowingly planted countless seeds of future trouble.
"I understand, Managing Director!" Nakamura nodded emphatically, scribbling furiously in his notebook. "We'll immediately form a dedicated task force to implement all the details you've outlined!"
"If any issues come to mind later, no matter how minor, as long as they improve the user experience, feel free to consider them. If you're unsure about any decisions, you can always reach out to me." With that, Takuya Nakayama turned and strode out of the conference room.
No sooner had Takuya Nakayama exited the conference room than hurried footsteps echoed behind him.
He glanced back to see Yu Suzuki standing in the corridor, hands shoved into his pockets, his gaze drifting as if he wanted to say something but couldn't quite bring himself to speak. It was a stark contrast to his usual straightforward demeanor, always eager to discuss technical details.
"Mr. Suzuki, is something wrong?" Takuya Nakayama stopped walking, looking at him with keen interest.
Yu Suzuki opened his mouth, as if gathering his thoughts, but only managed a vague "Hmm" before his toes started tapping unconsciously on the floor.
Takuya chuckled inwardly; this was the first time he'd ever seen Yu look so conflicted.
"What's there to be hesitant about between us?" He walked over and casually patted Yu on the shoulder. "Just speak your mind. Did you run into some trouble with the Model 2 development?"
At the mention of "Model 2," Yu's eyes sharpened, but he quickly shook his head.
"No, Model 2 isn't even at the stage where problems could arise. We're still working on the prototype." He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. "It's about VR Racing."
"Oh? Is it finished?"
"Yeah, we completed all testing by the end of last month. It's ready to ship anytime." Yu nodded, finally getting to the point. "Takuya, do you remember? The Japanese Grand Prix is at the end of this month."
Takuya Nakayama remembered perfectly; this was one of the ideas he had originally suggested to Yu Suzuki.
"So?"
"VR Racing is ready to go, but..." Yu Suzuki's expression turned awkward. "My mind is completely occupied with the Model 2 architecture. I just can't focus on organizing promotional events. And having to go to Suzuka Circuit, face the media and players, and introduce the game... you know I'm terrible at that kind of thing."
Takuya immediately understood his predicament.
Asking a top programmer and producer to handle marketing was truly asking too much.
"Besides," Yu Suzuki added, his voice tinged with anticipation, "didn't you promise to take us behind the scenes at the racetrack, to see the cars and drivers up close? I think it's time you kept that promise. When we were developing the steering wheel, McLaren-Honda only gave us exterior design specs."
This guy! He's so audacious when asking for favors.
Takuya couldn't help but chuckle and give him a firm pat on the back. "Is that all? I thought it was something serious."
He looked at Yu Suzuki and said casually, "Focus on your Model 2. Leave the marketing to me. We're experts at releasing games in conjunction with major events in North America. We've synchronized game releases with movie premieres several times before."
"I'll have Sega of North America send over an experienced pro to mentor our local team. Don't worry, we'll handle it all clearly and efficiently."
Takuya Nakayama winked and added, "Tickets to the Japanese Grand Prix? That'll make those North American guys fight tooth and nail for the chance to go on this business trip. They might even come to blows in the office."
Yu Suzuki's tense face finally relaxed into a genuine smile.
He knew that as long as Takuya Nakayama took charge, the matter was secure.
"Please, Takuya!" he said firmly, then turned and strode toward the development department with a spring in his step, as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He could now return immediately to refining his new technology.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. The hands hadn't yet reached ten o'clock.
Takuya Nakayama calculated the time difference. It should still be before 5 PM in California—before quitting time.
He picked up the phone on his desk and dialed the number for Sega of North America headquarters.
A cacophony of background noise came through the receiver—loud farewells and greetings—before a booming voice, full of vitality, thundered across the Pacific, making Takuya Nakayama's ears ring.
"Takuya! My friend! What monumental news could possibly make you call me at this hour?"
On the other end was Tom Kalinske, president of Sega of North America. His signature voice, as if he were perpetually hosting a party, carried across the ocean with undiminished vigor.
"Tom, I need your help with something," Takuya said, pulling the receiver away from his ear with a smile. "Nothing too troublesome, though."
"Oh?" Tom's interest was immediately piqued. "Tell me."
"Yu Suzuki's new game is finished."
A moment of silence followed before Tom lowered his voice, his excitement palpable despite his restraint. "Yu Suzuki? Is this Virtua Fighter 2?"
"It's a racing game, Formula 1-themed," Takuya revealed slowly. "We're planning a grand launch event at the Japanese Grand Prix at the end of this month."
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