Establishing a Company

Then he'd go to the bank for another million—interest-free, of course.

With three million in starting capital, he could develop a new game.

"Chuan-ge, you're a beast!! I won't say more—it's all in the drink. Here's to your new game blowing up~~"

Xiao Ming poured drinks for both of them, grinning as he spoke.

"By the way, Chuan-ge, if you're setting up a studio, are you gonna hire people in the early stages?"

Xiao Ming was quiet for a moment, then suddenly asked.

He phrased it tactfully, but the meaning was obvious.

And Wang Chuan picked up on it.

"In the early stages of a studio, the workload isn't that heavy. I can handle part of it myself and outsource the rest—no problem."

Wang Chuan smiled, turning him down just as politely.

He'd been around Xiao Ming for a few days now and knew the guy's level.

He had the foundation and was sharp, but he lacked patience.

Just a few days ago, he'd said he was going home after graduation to inherit his dad's fortune~~

Asking today was probably a spur-of-the-moment thing.

By tomorrow, he might not even want it anymore.

So, to avoid awkwardness, Wang Chuan simply declined.

Sure enough, hearing Wang Chuan's answer, Xiao Ming didn't seem disappointed.

He just nodded casually, like it was a throwaway question.

"Oh, right, Chuan-ge, have you heard the news from Three Factories? Sounds like they're gunning for you."

After they'd eaten and drunk their fill, they lounged back in their chairs and chatted.

Suddenly, Xiao Ming seemed to remember something and spoke up, a bit indignant.

"Oh? What's that? I haven't been keeping up with outside news lately."

Wang Chuan popped a peanut into his mouth and asked offhandedly.

"What else? It's because you turned down Three Factories, Chuan-ge, so they all announced they're making meta games now~~~"

"Pfft, I thought it was something serious. Their hands are their own—if they want to make them, let them."

"Anyway, my next game isn't going to be a meta game type."

Wang Chuan wasn't surprised at all, saying it flatly.

He'd guessed as much—after all, The Stanley Parable had exploded in sales. How could Three Factories pass up such a golden goose?

"Huh???"

"Chuan-ge, you're not joking, are you? The Stanley Parable took off and made meta games super hot."

"And players are calling you the father of meta games, but you're not gonna ride the wave with a similar title?"

Xiao Ming was stunned by Wang Chuan's words, then quickly tried to persuade him.

Damn, this was a rare golden opportunity.

If it were him, he'd definitely push out a sequel and rake in the cash.

"The situation's different now! Before, I wanted to earn the title of Game Producer, so I made a meta game. But if you look closely, meta game content is pretty limited."

"Plus, the genre leans toward the artsy side—it doesn't really fit me anymore~~~"

Since Xiao Ming asked, Wang Chuan explained seriously.

In this world, no one understood the meta game genre better than him.

Before he crossed over, meta games were practically everywhere.

Icey, Undertale, Pony Island—all pretty famous meta games.

You could say meta games were the poster child for low-budget indie games.

Because in a meta game, the most important thing is avoiding a sense of disconnect.

With a small budget, the playtime never exceeds six hours.

And that length, paired with a decent story and that fourth-wall-breaking feel, is enough to satisfy players.

But if you tried to follow that formula in a AAA title, it'd be impossible.

High production costs mean long playtimes.

Following the meta game approach, players wouldn't get a smooth narrative experience or feel the shock of breaking the fourth wall.

That way, it's neither a proper AAA title nor a proper meta game.

The whole thing would just fall apart~~

So 3A titles usually showcase meta-game elements in the form of levels.

Like the ending in NieR: Automata, sacrificing the player's save file to save others.

But that's more of an easter egg, just one way to express meta-game features.

Of course, the most important thing is the popularity of The Stanley Parable online.

It'll definitely get major studios and media hyping up the "meta game" concept.

By then, whether it's Three Factories, smaller studios, or indie game producers, everyone will jump on the bandwagon.

Wang Chuan could almost see the scene.

A month's new releases, over eighty percent, all meta games.

Players would get their fill all at once, and game studios would be in for a rough ride.

Too many similar games means endless competition.

When interests are at stake, there's no room for backing down.

It'd be quite the show!!

Wang Chuan didn't share his guesses with Xiao Ming.

He just kept chatting about other things, and soon they parted ways.

That meant Wang Chuan was about to graduate!

Thanks to his speech at the graduation ceremony, he had the school's support.

So for his studio's location, he asked the school to help find a place.

After all, not using connections when you have them is just stupid.

Soon, the school got back to him.

The studio was in the suburbs near the school, with a monthly rent that wasn't too steep.

Only about a hundred thousand.

It could've been even cheaper, since the office buildings nearby were more affordable.

But after thinking it over, Wang Chuan still rented this one.

Because it was a villa!!

Over seven hundred square meters, really huge.

When had he, Wang Chuan, ever lived in a villa? This was a chance to experience it.

A hundred thousand? Rented it. When had he, Wang Chuan, ever been short on cash?

Well, mostly because the money from the game was about to come through.

Soon, Wang Chuan took a car to the villa.

"It really is kinda big~~~"

Even though he knew the exact size, seeing it in person still stunned him.

Was this the life of the rich?

The villa had three floors—two above ground and one below, connected by an elevator.

There was a dedicated swimming pool outside.

The basement had fitness equipment, probably a gym.

The first floor was for receiving guests or working.

The second floor was for resting or gaming.

"Not bad, not bad. This place is totally worth the rent."

After a quick tour, Wang Chuan was more than satisfied.

Compared to working in an office building, the villa's environment was way better.

Scenic hills and clear waters, peaceful and comfortable.

Yeah, after checking it out that day, Wang Chuan moved right in. No one could stop him~~