Old Zhang nodded and noted the task in his notebook. "We're already exploring LAN technology. We've studied the IPX protocol, which can connect multiple computers. However, achieving a WAN-based MMO like Dungeons & Dragons Online is a massive undertaking—data synchronization and anti-cheat measures are huge hurdles. We can start with simple LAN multiplayer to gain some experience."
With the serious business concluded, the tension in the meeting room eased.
Nine-Tattooed Dragon stood up and smoothed the hem of his short-sleeved shirt.
"Alright, we've been grinding all morning. My treat—let's go grab a good meal downstairs."
The core team from Mercury Technology didn't hold back and followed him down to a nearby seafood stall they frequented.
In the private room, as the dishes were served, the conversation naturally shifted to company gossip.
"Speaking of making money, we should raise a glass to Director Chen," Old Zhang said, lifting his beer mug toward the man with black-rimmed glasses sitting in the corner.
This man was the copyright supervisor sent by Takuya Nakayama, a genuine Taiwanese.
Initially, Fu Zhan and the others had been quite critical of this parachuted supervisor, fearing he would use his authority as a pretext to stifle development.
After a few months of working together, the dynamic had completely shifted.
Director Chen wasn't just a strict gatekeeper for copyright reviews—he'd even helped them avoid several major pitfalls. On top of that, he'd casually started a side hustle.
"Director Chen, I'll finish my glass. You drink at your own pace," Fu Zhan said, raising his own glass.
When they were preparing the Traditional Chinese version of Investiture of the Gods: The Legend of Yang Jian, Director Chen had volunteered to lead the charge. Leveraging his connections in the Taiwanese gaming circle and coordinating with the Nine-Tattooed Dragon's distribution channels, he had successfully pushed Mercury Technology's product into the Taiwanese market.
For years, the home console market in Taiwan had been dominated by Nintendo's Famicom and Super Famicom, distributed by Xiao Tian Cai. Nintendo's consoles were expensive, and their games were priced just as high.
Mercury Technology, backed by Sega's infrastructure and a mythological theme that resonated deeply with Chinese culture, had made a massive splash upon entry.
"You're too polite, President Fu. We're all in the same boat," Director Chen said, adjusting his glasses before taking a sip of tea. "Xiao Tian Cai is struggling right now. Our Traditional Chinese version has a faster distribution speed, a price advantage, and the game quality is rock solid. Taiwanese players have a natural affinity for themes like the Three Kingdoms and Investiture of the Gods. With The Legend of Yang Jian's robust systems and the word-of-mouth buzz, the sales figures naturally soared."
Director Chen set down his teacup and speared a piece of fish. "Xiao Tian Cai's agency model is too rigid. Importing from Japan takes too long and costs too much. We're shipping directly from Fuzhou through Brother Kowloon's channels, keeping logistics costs to a minimum. You saw last month's sales reports—we've already carved out a huge chunk of the market. Their CEO is frantically trying to secure new stock from Japan to save his skin."
Director Chen pushed up his glasses, a hint of smugness in his voice. "Xiao Tian Cai has always gone for the high-end market in Taiwan, coasting on Nintendo's reputation. They control their distributors with an iron fist, keeping the lion's share of the profits for themselves. We're doing things differently. I've agreed with Brother Kowloon to give the profits back to the distributors. As long as they prioritize The Legend of Yang Jian, we'll offer a rebate three percentage points higher than Xiao Tian Cai's."
Director Chen tapped the table with his finger. "Fortune favors the bold. Which game store owner doesn't want to make more money? The moment a customer walks in, they'll push The Legend of Yang Jian like crazy. Combined with the fact that our game is actually fun, word-of-mouth has spread like wildfire. By the time Xiao Tian Cai even realized what was happening, our stock had already flooded every game store, large and small."
Everyone burst into laughter. There was nothing more exhilarating than a victory won through a real-and-brutal market battle.
"If they want new stock, we'll give them The Legend of Nezha," Nine-Tattooed Dragon said, picking up an oyster. "Once the discs are pressed, I'll personally lead the team to distribute the Traditional Chinese version. By the end of the year, we're going to rub Xiao Tian Cai's face in the dirt."
Fu Zhan set down his wine glass and looked at his fired-up brothers.
"The Legend of Nezha's combat system took us a long time to polish, and it's even more fluid than The Legend of Yang Jian," Fu Zhan said. "With the prequel paving the way, our entry into the Taiwanese market will be even smoother. Director Chen, we'll need you to put extra effort into the promotion over there. We'll follow the usual rules for magazine reviews and distributor rebates—no cutting corners."
"Leave it to me," Director Chen agreed instantly. "As long as the game's quality is top-notch, I'll handle the rest."
The meal was a lively and spirited affair.
San Francisco. Computer Gaming World Editorial Department.
A fax machine spat out a sheet of paper smelling of ink.
Paul reached out and tore the paper from the fax machine. His gaze lingered on it for two seconds before he handed it to David, who sat across the desk.
"Intel from Silicon Valley," Paul said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "3DO is preparing to lay off its hardware department."
David took the fax.
A few lines of text laid Trip Hawkins' hand bare.
The Internet and PC gaming markets were experiencing an unprecedented spring. Major hardware manufacturers were constantly innovating, and sales of Pentium processors and graphics accelerator cards were climbing steadily.
The software side was equally vibrant. Silicon Valley Online's Dungeons & Dragons Online had whetted players' appetites to the max, and titles from Westwood and Blizzard were already scheduled for release by the end of the year.
Yet, right at this critical juncture, 3DO—the company that had once loudly proclaimed its next-gen gaming philosophy—could no longer hold on.
"It was expected," David said, pinning the fax under his keyboard. "In the first quarter of this year, GoldStar—that's LG from South Korea—already shut down the 3DO console production line. When the primary manufacturer flees, it's a fatal signal. In the hardware business, losing your contract manufacturer is like cutting off your supply lines."
"The second quarter is even worse," Paul added. "Every third-party developer except Matsushita has halted their new projects. Even with the hardware price slashed below 300 US Dollars, retailers still can't clear their stock. Why would a gamer buy a console with no new games when they can spend that same 300 US Dollars on a 3dfx graphics accelerator card and play games with far better visuals on a PC? The center of gravity in electronic entertainment is shifting, and Hawkins failed to keep pace."
David picked up a pen and circled September on the desk calendar.
"They're planning to sell off the exclusive rights to the next-generation console, the M2," David said, staring at the circle. "The primary buyer is Matsushita. Samsung is also in talks to acquire other assets from their Hardware Department. Japanese and Korean companies have always been interested in ready-made technical patents like these."
"Trip Hawkins is cutting off his own arm to save his life," Paul shook his head. "He's pivoting entirely to become a software company. The man left EA to build hardware, only to come full circle and end up right back where he started. He wasted years and a fortune, only to buy a hard-learned lesson."
David recalled the E3 Exhibition from a few months ago.
Hawkins had stood on stage then, passionately pitching the monthly subscription model and social networking for Meridian 59.
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