Ch. 541Blizzard Was Still the Same Blizzard

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Xingguo and Wu Xiuhua return home after the Chinese New Year holiday, leaving Chen Anran and Chen Hao.
  • Chen Hao goes to work in disguise due to his newfound fame, causing amusement among his employees.
  • He posts a New Year's bonus of 168 yuan for each employee to boost morale.
  • Chen Hao reviews Xu Pengkun's investment report, focusing on the domestic and international stock markets, and decides to invest 10 billion yuan based on the recommendations.
  • Chen Hao inquires about the status of Blizzard's merger with Activision, learning about the ongoing dispute between the two companies.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Shows his caring nature towards his employees by offering a New Year's bonus and his decisiveness in investing based on professional advice.
  • Chen Xingguo: Struggles with leaving his granddaughter and wife but ultimately returns to work, showing his dedication to his job.
  • Wu Xiuhua: Initially reluctant to leave her granddaughter, she eventually returns with her husband to support him.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of employee morale and job satisfaction, as seen through Chen Hao's bonus decision.
  • The struggle between personal desires and professional responsibilities, as seen in Chen Xingguo and Wu Xiuhua's decision to return to work.
  • The power dynamics and negotiations in business mergers, as seen in the Blizzard-Activision dispute.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and his employees: Chen Hao's disguise and subsequent bonus announcement lead to humorous interactions with his employees.
  • Chen Xingguo and Wu Xiuhua: The couple's discussion about returning to work highlights their differing priorities and eventual compromise.
  • Chen Hao and Xu Pengkun: Chen Hao seeks Xu Pengkun's investment advice, demonstrating his trust in his friend's professional expertise.

Ch. 542Mercy Does Not Command Troops

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao's company, Century Horizon Group, has successfully launched Wuxia World, making it a major competitor to World of Warcraft in North America.
  • Chen Hao sees an opportunity to acquire Blizzard, which is currently in negotiations with Activision, due to a change in the timeline.
  • Chen Hao tasks Xu Pengkun with leading a team to the US to engage with Blizzard, aiming for a swift acquisition under the name Century Interactive Entertainment's North American branch.
  • Chen Hao agrees to look into helping Ning Hao's film, No Man's Land, which has been stuck in review for two years.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness in seizing the opportunity to acquire Blizzard.
  • Xu Pengkun shows loyalty and efficiency in carrying out Chen Hao's orders.
  • Chen Hao reveals his long-term vision for Century Pictures, aiming to make it well-known and invest in promising directors.

Significant Themes

  • Opportunism: Chen Hao seizes the opportunity to acquire Blizzard due to the changed timeline.
  • Long-term Vision: Chen Hao's plans for Century Pictures and his approach to the Blizzard acquisition show his focus on long-term goals.
  • Talent Management: Chen Hao's review of the group's talent structure optimization plan highlights his focus on efficiency and top-tier employees.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Xu Pengkun work together, with Xu Pengkun carrying out Chen Hao's orders efficiently.
  • Chen Hao shows concern for Ning Hao's film, agreeing to look into it.
  • Chen Hao interacts with Liu Yonghao, the head of HR, reviewing and approving the talent optimization plan.

Ch. 543Black Hole Plan

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao presents the 'Black Hole Plan' to the core team of Century Interactive Entertainment, aiming to monopolize the global game market.
  • The plan involves creating a unified game content system with data interoperability, adapting it to different terminals (computers, mobile phones, handhelds, web browsers), and making games exclusive to control the user base.
  • Chen Hao revises and approves game planning proposals submitted by the team, cutting more than half due to poor ideas or rehashes.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates his grand vision and ambition, wanting to 'have all games' and become the 'king' in the gaming world.
  • The team shows enthusiasm and determination to take on the challenging tasks ahead.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition and grand vision
  • Innovation and adaptation in the gaming industry
  • The importance of high-quality, dedicated work for player satisfaction and financial success

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with the team, presenting his plan, challenging them, and distributing materials for further discussion.
  • The team responds enthusiastically to Chen Hao's ambitious plan, showing their eagerness to take on the challenges ahead.

Ch. 544My World & Auto Battler

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao introduces two new game genres to his team: strategic board games (Auto Battler) and sandbox games (Minecraft).
  • He explains the rules and charm of Auto Battlers, using chess as an analogy.
  • Chen Hao reveals that many of their existing games can be adapted into Auto Battlers.
  • He introduces Minecraft, a simple and reliable game with rudimentary blocky pixels, where players can create their own worlds using provided tools and materials.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates his passion, creativity, and dedication to game design.
  • Chu Xuan shows curiosity and eagerness to learn from Chen Hao.
  • Zhou Xiao remains calm and composed, expressing confidence in Chen Hao's abilities.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of UGC (User Generated Content) in game development.
  • The inspiration that daily life experiences can provide for game ideas.
  • The value of passion and dedication in creative work.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with his team, teaching them about new game genres and inspiring them with his passion and creativity.
  • Chu Xuan and Zhou Xiao engage with Chen Hao, asking questions and expressing their thoughts.

Ch. 545Elegant and Popular, All About Gameplay

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao presents a game development plan, including various game types and modes like World of Warcraft, Fruit Brawl, and a battle royale mode.
  • He discusses integrating nostalgia elements like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Saint Seiya into online games.
  • Chen Hao assigns responsibilities and tasks to his team, outlining a four-step plan for Century Horizon 2.0.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates his visionary leadership and strategic thinking, inspiring his team.
  • Yao Xiaoguang, a new subordinate, shows enthusiasm and understanding of Chen Hao's vision.

Significant Themes

  • Vision and Leadership: Chen Hao's grand vision and charismatic leadership inspire his team.
  • Innovation and Adaptation: The plan emphasizes innovative game concepts while also adapting and integrating nostalgic elements.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: The team works together, with clear roles and responsibilities.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with his team, assigning tasks and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
  • Yao Xiaoguang engages with Chen Hao, asking questions and showing understanding of his ideas.
  • Chen Hao and Lei Jun discuss the development of game consoles, showcasing their mutual respect and trust.

Ch. 546Century Horizon 20

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao and Lei Jun discuss a new project, with Chen Hao leaving after criticizing Lei Jun's sketch.
  • Chen Hao focuses on restructuring Century Horizon Group in February.
  • On March 2nd, Century Horizon Group 2.0 is launched, divided into eight business groups.
  • Chen Hao announces a rotating CEO system with four initial candidates.
  • The group undergoes operational changes, affecting every part of the organization.
  • Tech media reports on Century Horizon's adjustments, sparking industry analysis and discussion.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: He takes on a more hands-off approach, aiming to become a hands-off manager. He believes in the benefits of the rotating CEO system despite its potential drawbacks.
  • Lei Jun: He's seen as less serious in his work, as evidenced by his sketch for the new project.

Significant Themes

  • Change and Adaptation: Chen Hao drives change within the group to adapt to future trends and maintain growth.
  • Leadership and Management: Chen Hao's approach to leadership is explored, with his desire to become a hands-off manager and his belief in the benefits of a rotating CEO system.
  • Industry Impact: The changes at Century Horizon Group have significant implications for the entire IT industry.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Lei Jun: They discuss a new project, with Chen Hao criticizing Lei Jun's sketch and leaving abruptly.
  • Chen Hao and the Executives: Chen Hao communicates and discusses the group's restructuring with executives, ultimately announcing the rotating CEO system and the four initial candidates.

Ch. 547Helping Them into the Saddle, Then Seeing Them Through

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Blizzard's acquisition by Activision is in negotiation, with Vivendi demanding a high price and control over the merged entity.
  • Chen Hao, after a year, decides to intervene in Wang Xing's Meituan and Zhang Yiming's Doudong Technology due to their lack of progress.
  • Chen Hao meets with Wang Xing to discuss Meituan's issues and introduces him to Groupon, a group-buying website.

Character Developments

  • Wang Xing realizes the complexities of running a business independently and seeks Chen Hao's guidance.
  • Chen Hao demonstrates his business acumen and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

  • The challenges of starting and running a business independently.
  • The importance of timing and market readiness in business ventures.
  • The potential of the online-to-offline (O2O) business model.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao mentors Wang Xing, providing guidance and introducing him to new business models.
  • Wang Xing seeks Chen Hao's help, acknowledging his lack of experience and seeking his expertise.

Ch. 548Wang Xing's Last Life

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao introduces the O2O (Online-to-Offline) business model to Wang Xing, which connects online customer sources with physical store consumption.
  • Chen Hao shares market research data indicating the vast potential of the O2O market in China, particularly for lifestyle services.
  • Chen Hao outlines a transformation plan for Meihao Shiguang Local Life Network, renaming it Meituan.com.
  • Chen Hao visits Zhang Yiming's startup, Doudong Technology, in a cramped apartment office.

Character Developments

  • Wang Xing: Shows determination and inspiration after receiving Chen Hao's guidance and investment.
  • Zhang Yiming: Displays frugality and focus on critical areas, prioritizing the team's well-being and belonging over office environment.

Significant Themes

  • The potential of the O2O market in China.
  • The importance of a well-thought-out business model and market research.
  • The significance of a strong team and company culture.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Wang Xing: Chen Hao provides guidance, investment, and a transformation plan for Wang Xing's company.
  • Chen Hao and Zhang Yiming: Chen Hao visits Zhang Yiming's startup, showing interest in their progress and work environment.

Ch. 549Space Has Form, Dreams Are Boundless

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Yiming presents Doudong Technology's achievements to Chen Hao, showcasing multiple projects like 99fang, Funny囧tu, and Must Read Morning and Evening.
  • Chen Hao challenges Zhang Yiming and Liang Rubo to consider monetization strategies and profit margins for their projects.
  • Chen Hao shares insights about Tencent's past struggles and the importance of focused development.
  • Chen Hao suggests merging Must Read Morning and Evening and Must See Today into Toutiao, and introduces the concept of Douyin for video content.
  • Doudong Technology's servers experience a power outage during a company dinner, causing temporary website inaccessibility.
  • Chen Hao invests an additional 15 million yuan in Doudong Technology, expressing confidence in Zhang Yiming's leadership.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Yiming: Shows ambition and eloquence when discussing projects, struggles with monetization strategies, and is inspired by Chen Hao's guidance.
  • Liang Rubo: Contributes to the discussion, suggests the name 'Toutiao' for the news platform, and supports Zhang Yiming's decisions.
  • Chen Hao: Demonstrates his investment acumen, provides valuable insights, and shows confidence in Doudong Technology's potential.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition vs. Focus: Zhang Yiming and Liang Rubo grapple with the balance between trying too many projects and focusing on a few promising ones.
  • Monetization and Profitability: Chen Hao emphasizes the importance of finding viable monetization strategies for Doudong Technology's projects.
  • Mentorship and Guidance: Chen Hao serves as a mentor, offering insights and guidance to help Doudong Technology grow.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Yiming and Liang Rubo: Collaborate on presenting projects, discuss monetization strategies, and make decisions together under Chen Hao's guidance.
  • Chen Hao and Zhang Yiming: Engage in a candid discussion about Doudong Technology's projects, with Chen Hao providing valuable insights and investing additional funds.
  • Chen Hao and Doudong Technology employees: Share a meal and interact, with employees seeking autographs and photos, creating a fan meeting-like atmosphere.

Ch. 550Vivendi: The Industry's Scourge

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Vivendi, a French multinational media group, acquired and merged with several media companies, including Havas, Cendant Software, Maroc Telecom, NetHold, Pathé, and created Universal Music Group.
  • Vivendi's acquisition strategy was "acquire, restructure, extract value, sell," earning it a notorious reputation in the gaming industry as the "game company crusher."
  • Vivendi acquired Sierra and Blizzard, leading to significant changes and layoffs, and the eventual closure of Sierra's development studios.
  • Blizzard's Diablo 2 creators, known as the "four titans," resigned due to creative differences, leading to the creation of Torchlight.
  • Vivendi initially planned to sell Blizzard but later canceled due to World of Warcraft's potential.
  • Activision attempted to acquire Vivendi's gaming division, leading to a complex relationship between the three companies.

Character Developments

  • Vivendi is portrayed as a ruthless, profit-driven corporation, willing to sacrifice creative integrity and company culture for financial gain.
  • Blizzard's Mike Morhaime is depicted as a dedicated game creator, struggling to maintain creative control against Vivendi's influence.
  • Bobby Kotick, the boss of Activision, is portrayed as financially driven and manipulative in his attempts to acquire Vivendi's gaming division.

Significant Themes

  • The corrupting influence of money and power in the gaming industry.
  • The tension between creative integrity and corporate profit.
  • The struggle for control between game creators and corporate management.

Character Interactions

  • Vivendi's acquisition and restructuring of Sierra and Blizzard led to conflicts with employees and creative teams.
  • The relationship between Activision, Vivendi, and Blizzard is marked by power struggles and manipulation.
  • Mike Morhaime's interactions with Vivendi and Activision highlight his struggle to maintain creative control over Blizzard's games.

Ch. 551East of the River, West of the River—Thirty Years Is Too Long

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bobby Kotick ( Activision Blizzard's CEO) buys back Activision Blizzard's stock during Vivendi's financial crisis, gaining sole control.
  • Vivendi regrets selling Activision Blizzard and targets Ubisoft next.
  • A mysterious Eastern consortium, led by Chen Hao, enters the acquisition scene, making it a three-way struggle.
  • Chen Hao visits Blizzard headquarters, marking his second visit with changed circumstances.
  • Negotiations between Century Horizon Group (Chen Hao's company), Vivendi, and Blizzard begin. Vivendi lowers their asking price by 1 billion USD, but it's still far from Century Horizon's offer.
  • Chen Hao demands Blizzard's president, Mike Morhaime, attend the next negotiation, stating it's a "done deal or nothing."

Character Developments

  • Bobby Kotick: Seizes opportunity to gain full control of Activision Blizzard.
  • Chen Hao: Evolves from a potential game publisher candidate to a major player in the acquisition scene, displaying confidence and assertiveness.
  • Mike Morhaime: Reflects on Chen Hao's transformation and his own aging, hinting at internal contemplation regarding Blizzard's future.

Significant Themes

  • Change and Transformation: The title itself emphasizes change, with characters like Chen Hao and Mike Morhaime reflecting on their transformations.
  • Power Dynamics: The struggle for control between Vivendi, Activision Blizzard, and the Eastern consortium highlights the power dynamics at play in the corporate world.
  • Capitalism and Greed: The focus on monetary value and control suggests a critique of unchecked capitalism and greed.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Mike Morhaime: Their interactions highlight their changed dynamics, with Chen Hao now holding the power and Mike Morhaime reflecting on their past.
  • Chen Hao and Vivendi's representatives: Their interactions are tense, with Chen Hao displaying assertiveness and Vivendi representatives showing arrogance.
  • Vivendi and Blizzard: Both parties have hidden agendas, with Blizzard's president potentially contemplating a deal with Chen Hao.

Ch. 552Sit Down, It's Just Basic Operations

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao calls for a meeting to discuss the complex interests between Activision, Blizzard, Vivendi, and Century Horizon.
  • The team brainstorms strategies to make Activision abandon its plan to acquire Blizzard, enhancing Century Horizon's bargaining power.
  • Chen Hao approves multiple strategies: a public opinion war, acquiring Activision stock, making Wuxia World free for a month, and exploring cooperation with Activision.
  • The team executes these plans, leading to a 6% increase in Activision's stock and a global free month announcement for Wuxia World.
  • Century Horizon registers two new companies in North America, further stirring the market.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates strategic thinking, decisiveness, and a willingness to take risks.
  • The advisory group members show initiative, creativity, and loyalty in executing Chen Hao's decisions.

Significant Themes

  • Strategic decision-making and risk-taking in business.
  • The power of public opinion and market manipulation.
  • International business competition and expansion.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with his advisory group, encouraging brainstorming and decision-making.
  • Chen Hao's actions influence the global gaming industry, affecting competitors like Shanda and Ma.
  • Chen Hao's strategies target Activision and Blizzard, with Vivendi caught in the middle.

Ch. 553Said We'd Acquire Blizzard, Yet You Became an Activision Shareholder

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Wuxia World's free-to-play launch leads to a significant increase in players, causing World of Warcraft's player count to decline.
  • Blizzard's stock price drops, affecting Vivendi, while Activision's stock remains strong.
  • Cody receives a mysterious call from Chen Hao, inviting him to a meeting.
  • Chen Hao meets Cody in a lavish banquet hall, presenting documents outlining Century Horizon's intentions and capabilities.
  • Chen Hao offers Cody a partnership proposal, making Century Horizon the third-largest shareholder in Activision.
  • The media reports a secret cooperation agreement between Century Horizon and Activision.

Character Developments

  • Cody, the president of Activision, is shown to be worried and regretful about not pursuing Blizzard earlier.
  • Chen Hao, the representative of Century Horizon, demonstrates his business acumen and confidence in negotiations.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of power dynamics and capital force is evident, with Century Horizon's wealth and influence putting pressure on Activision and Blizzard.
  • The theme of business competition and cooperation is explored, with Chen Hao presenting a clear choice between conflict and partnership.

Character Interactions

  • Cody and Chen Hao have a tense yet productive meeting, with Chen Hao using business logic to persuade Cody to consider his proposal.
  • Levy, the president of Vivendi, is shown to be displeased and frustrated with the turn of events, leading him to take action against Blizzard.

Ch. 554Who Still Works Overtime on the Weekend?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao, the chairman of Century Horizon Group, calls Mike Morhaime, co-founder of Blizzard, to express his understanding of Blizzard's mission and promise full support for their creative freedom.
  • Chen Hao suggests a collective resignation threat if negotiations with Vivendi (Blizzard's parent company) fail.
  • Jean-Bernard Lévy, Vivendi's president, agrees to negotiate on Sunday, but Chen Hao insists on Tuesday, keeping the weekend free for his employees.
  • Lévy secretly contacts Activision to increase leverage in negotiations, causing internal conflict with Mike Morhaime.
  • Mike Morhaime threatens to resign along with half of Blizzard's employees if Lévy doesn't back down.
  • Lévy and Mike Morhaime make peace, with Lévy continuing to leak information to Activision.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates his persuasive skills and understanding of Blizzard's values, trying to win Mike Morhaime's trust.
  • Mike Morhaime shows his determination to protect Blizzard's autonomy, even threatening resignation.
  • Jean-Bernard Lévy reveals his ruthless business tactics, using Activision to manipulate the situation.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle for creative autonomy and control within a company.
  • The clash between corporate interests and artistic values.
  • The power dynamics between a parent company and its subsidiary.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Mike Morhaime: Chen Hao tries to win Mike over with emotional appeals and promises of support, while Mike is initially cautious but eventually appreciates Chen Hao's understanding.
  • Jean-Bernard Lévy and Mike Morhaime: Their relationship is tense, with Lévy trying to manipulate Mike and Mike pushing back against Lévy's attempts to control Blizzard.
  • Chen Hao and his friends: They are impressed by Chen Hao's negotiation skills and historical knowledge.

Ch. 555Activision Blizzard (X) Century Blizzard

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Blizzard's 4-year publishing rights in China for World of Warcraft are expiring, with multiple companies interested in acquiring them.
  • Vivendi, Activision, and Century Horizon engage in complex negotiations and alliances regarding Blizzard's acquisition.
  • After a tense negotiation, Century Horizon acquires Blizzard from Vivendi, with Blizzard retaining independent control and receiving a significant cash payment.
  • The acquisition is announced publicly, causing a stir in the gaming community and leading to an increase in interest in Blizzard games.

Character Developments

  • Mike Morhaime, Blizzard's CEO, is conflicted about the acquisition and considers betraying Blizzard.
  • Chen Hao, Century Horizon's representative, demonstrates a strong stance and willingness to take risks during negotiations.
  • Levi, Vivendi's representative, is hesitant to gamble and ultimately chooses a cash deal.

Significant Themes

  • Power dynamics and corporate maneuvering in the gaming industry.
  • The impact of acquisitions on company control and independence.
  • The influence of acquisitions on consumer behavior and market trends.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Levi engage in tense negotiations, with Chen Hao using a combination of carrots and sticks to pressure Levi into accepting Century Horizon's terms.
  • Mike Morhaime and Levi discuss the acquisition's implications, with Morhaime expressing his reservations about the deal.

Ch. 556Finish It and Leave

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao secures Blizzard's publishing rights for China, leaving other companies (NetEase, The9, Shanda) without a share.
  • The9, heavily reliant on World of Warcraft, faces potential collapse due to the loss of Blizzard's rights.
  • Zhu Jun, The9's CEO, considers selling his assets and focusing on football management.
  • Century Horizon and Century Blizzard join the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).
  • Vivendi withdraws from the ESA after Century Horizon's joining.
  • Activision's stock price drops significantly after Century Horizon's departure.
  • Century Blizzard holds a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking its official establishment.

Character Developments

  • Zhu Jun becomes disheartened by his failed ventures and considers selling his assets.
  • Chen Hao demonstrates his strategic thinking and willingness to take risks, leaving Activision after acquiring Blizzard.
  • Mike Morhaime, former President of Blizzard, maintains a low profile after the acquisition.

Significant Themes

  • Business competition and strategic decision-making.
  • The impact of acquisitions on companies and their employees.
  • The importance of self-reliance and diversification in business.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with Ding Lei (NetEase), Zhu Jun (The9), and Chen Tianqiao (Shanda), leaving them without a share in Blizzard's publishing rights.
  • Chen Hao communicates with Pony Ma (Tencent), who decides not to compete for Blizzard's rights due to Chen Hao's involvement.
  • Chen Hao works with Mike Morhaime to establish Century Blizzard.
  • Chen Hao's subordinates handle the wrap-up work for the acquisition, making a profit of several hundred million.

Ch. 557Two Worlds Fall Entirely into My Hands

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Century Blizzard returns to normal operations after the acquisition, with minor internal changes.
  • Chen Hao, the new Eastern owner, and a vice president arrive. Chen Hao observes Duan Jianye's performance and integrates production and sales.
  • Chen Hao gifts Mike Morhaime a game design proposal package before leaving, containing ideas for a card game, MOBA, Diablo 3 reboot, and mobile platform development plans.
  • Chen Hao agrees to help resolve the prolonged approval delay for World of Warcraft's "Wrath of the Lich King" expansion in China.
  • Century Interactive Entertainment and Century Blizzard announce the exclusive operating rights for World of Warcraft in China for 4 years.
  • The chapter explains the significance of publication numbers in game distribution and the challenges faced by The9 in obtaining approval for WLK.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Demonstrates his business acumen and commitment to Blizzard's independence by offering game ideas and helping with WLK approval.
  • Mike Morhaime: Shows wariness initially but appreciates Chen Hao's gift and seeks his help for WLK approval.
  • Duan Jianye: Receives new responsibilities, shares, and compensation, with expectations set for his future performance.

Significant Themes

  • The integration of Eastern and Western gaming companies and their business models.
  • The importance of publication numbers in game distribution and the challenges faced by game operators.
  • The tension between game operators and developers regarding server upgrades and operating rights.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Mike Morhaime: Discuss game ideas, operating rights, and WLK approval, fostering a professional relationship.
  • Chen Hao and Duan Jianye: Chen Hao observes Duan Jianye's performance and delegates new responsibilities to him.
  • The9 and Blizzard: The9 attempts to leverage WLK approval for extended operating rights, leading to tension with Blizzard.

Ch. 558No. 1 Hard to Get

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The game industry's reliance on publication numbers causes market chaos and a flood of low-quality games.
  • WLK (Wrath of the Lich King) faces delays due to publication number issues, causing player frustration.
  • Chen Hao considers acquiring The9's Warcraft department but decides against it due to outdated servers.
  • Chen Hao visits the Cyberspace Administration of China to discuss WLK's approval and other projects.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates his business acumen and strategic thinking, prioritizing quality over cost-cutting.
  • Chen Hao shows concern for players' experiences, vowing to improve Warcraft's servers.
  • Chen Hao exhibits political savvy, using personal connections to navigate approval processes.

Significant Themes

  • The impact of regulatory environments on the gaming industry.
  • The tension between business growth and maintaining quality standards.
  • The importance of personal connections and relationships in navigating bureaucracy.

Character Interactions

  • Players interact on social media, petitioning Chen Hao to release WLK.
  • Chen Hao consults with Li Fang on navigating approval processes.
  • Chen Hao meets with a senior leader to discuss WLK's approval and other projects.

Ch. 559Having Money Isn't Enough; What Matters Is Having People

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao learns about upcoming changes in the approval process for online games.
  • A leader at the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) asks Chen Hao to hire his relative's child.
  • Director Ning Hao finally gets a chance to revise "No Man's Land" after two years of being stuck in review.
  • "World of Warcraft: The Lich King's Wrath" expansion pack also undergoes revisions, with thick revision suggestions.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates his political acumen by supporting the upcoming changes and handling the leader's request discreetly.
  • Director Ning Hao shows maturity and understanding, accepting the revision suggestions for "No Man's Land" to get it approved.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of connections and relationships in the workplace, especially for second-generation heirs.
  • The challenges and politics involved in getting games and films approved by regulatory bodies.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with a leader at SARFT, understanding the implications of the upcoming changes and handling a veiled request.
  • Director Ning Hao interacts with leaders at SARFT, receiving revision suggestions for "No Man's Land" and understanding their change in attitude.
  • Chen Hao reflects on the journey of "World of Warcraft," feeling a sense of emotion and accomplishment.

Ch. 560The Prototype of the Century Games Empire

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Four years after securing World of Warcraft's publishing rights, Century Interactive Entertainment successfully launches the expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, on June 1st.
  • Century Pictures announces Ning Hao's film, "No Man's Land," for release on July 10th.
  • Century Interactive Entertainment signs strategic cooperation agreements with numerous game developers, including Softstar, Nintendo, Sony, and more, to release their games on the Century Games platform.
  • A group-buying website, Meituan, and a news platform, Toutiao, start gaining traction.
  • Hangzhou Zhong'an Cinema World struggles with low attendance rates despite recent upgrades.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao's influence and achievements in the gaming industry grow, earning him the title of "Father Chen" among players.
  • Zhou Xiao's efforts in securing strategic cooperation agreements with game developers are recognized.
  • Ning Hao's status as an emerging director is solidified with his upcoming film, "No Man's Land."
  • Tong Zhihong, the general manager of Hangzhou Zhong'an Cinema World, faces financial struggles due to low attendance rates.

Significant Themes

  • Passion and dedication in one's work, as shown by the employees of Century Interactive Entertainment.
  • The challenges and opportunities in the gaming and film industries, including piracy, competition, and market trends.
  • The struggle of small businesses to compete with larger corporations, as seen with Hangzhou Zhong'an Cinema World.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao's Weibo is flooded with gratitude from players for the successful launch of Wrath of the Lich King.
  • Zhou Xiao's team works with Chen Hao to secure strategic cooperation agreements with game developers.
  • Ning Hao's "No Man's Land" competes for screens with major Hollywood and domestic blockbusters.
  • Tong Zhihong meets with a representative from Meituan.com to discuss potential collaborations.
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