Sony's Offensive

Although PC Engine initially sold quite well, it didn't generate much buzz outside the gaming community, and even within the gaming community, it was basically just a new toy for "rich friends".

Public attention has now returned to Sony.

Sony's simultaneous global launch of GG was like a meticulously planned blitzkrieg, instantly capturing the attention of major cities around the world.

The editor cut the shots so quickly that the scenes changed rapidly.

The DDR gaming machines' dazzling lights reflected the players' energetic dance moves.

These players, or professional dancers, are agile and their every movement is full of power and beauty.

Or perhaps a very attractive young actor, with a bright smile and radiating youthful energy.

The background music is a selection of popular hits that Sony Music has carefully chosen from its vast music library, and these songs are highly popular in various regions.

In the GG screen, eye-catching slogans flash continuously.

Dance for your favorite song!

Define your rhythm!

These stirring slogans directly ignited the audience's deep-seated yearning for music and freedom.

The giant screen in Times Square New York, suddenly lit up at the scheduled time.

At the busiest intersection in Tokyo, Shibuya, the GG sign, which usually displays fashion news, is now filled with images of DDR.

In London's Piccadilly Circus, where ancient buildings stand alongside modern electronic screens, DDR's GG has become the latest focal point.

Sony leveraged its extensive global distribution network to ensure maximum exposure for GG during prime time and in key locations.

Shigeo Maruyama stood in the conference room of Sony Headquarters, where a projector in front of him displayed GG projection photos sent back from branches around the world.

He looked at those familiar city landmarks, which now shone with a different kind of brilliance because of DDR's GG.

Successful reports kept pouring in, confirming the perfect execution of the global simultaneous launch.

Satisfied, he instructed his subordinates to finish this part of the promotional campaign, and then turned his attention to the recording of the game LD, which was overseen by Ken Kutaragi, as well as the arcade production and inventory preparation work that he needed to follow up with Sega on.

Tokyo, Shibuya.

When the familiar and highly provocative intro to Yoko Oginome's "Dancing Hero" suddenly blared from the giant GG screen of a large electronics store on the street, a group of young girls dressed in the most fashionable clothes were instantly attracted.

Their steps unconsciously came to a stop.

Wow! It's Yoko- chan's song!

One of the girls exclaimed in surprise, her eyes sparkling as she stared intently at the arrows and dancers on the screen that were moving in sync with the music.

"This dance move looks amazing!"

Another girl pointed to a quick swipe on the screen, her voice filled with longing.

They recognized it as one of their idols' hit songs and began to hum along softly, their bodies swaying gently to the rhythm.

A few bolder individuals even began to try imitating the dance moves shown on the screen. Although they were a bit clumsy, their excitement and curiosity infected the passersby around them.

"If I could dance to this song, I would definitely go!"

After the initial gasps of surprise, the girls started chattering excitedly, their eyes filled with anticipation for this novel game.

Almost simultaneously, entertainment programs on major Japan television stations keenly captured this phenomenal GG advertising campaign.

Commentators began to hotly debate Sony and Sega's big move, analyzing the social trends it might trigger.

On social media, the topic of "Sony's new dance game" quickly gained traction.

Discussions related to Yoko Oginome's <Dancing Hero> have seen explosive growth.

Times Square, New York.

On the giant electronic screen, Rick Astley's slightly husky yet magnetic voice, accompanied by <Never...>, played.

The classic melody of "Gonna Give You Up" pours down from DDR's GG.

Passersby, hurrying along, were drawn to the sudden familiar singing and novel scene, and stopped to watch.

A white-collar man in a suit, who was looking down at his watch, suddenly looked up after hearing the singing, his face showing surprise.

"Hey, isn't this Rick's song?"

His female companion, meanwhile, curiously observed how the player used foot pedals to control the game on the screen.

"Are there video games like this? Not those blocky graphics?"

A few street kids who were chatting against the wall gathered around, some nodding slightly to the energetic rhythm.

"A game where you dance? That sounds completely different from those games that use controllers!"

Surprise and curiosity filled the crowd.

London, night is just beginning to fall.

A group of young people, who had just finished drinking, walked out of a bar with their arms around each other's shoulders.

Across the street, on a large screen, the powerful disco beat of Modern Taiking's "Brother Louie" in DDRGG style instantly grabbed their attention.

On the screen, under dazzling lights, players danced to the beat of the music, performing mesmerizing moves.

"Oh! Look at that! That's awesome!"

A blond youth whistled and pointed at the screen.

They showed great interest in this new form of entertainment that combines pop music with dynamic dance.

Where can I play with this?

"I'll ask around when it's light out; I definitely have to give it a try!"

Discussions rose and fell, and the excitement grew even higher under the influence of alcohol.

Sony's GG offensive, like a wildfire, quickly ignited the passion of young people around the world.

This appeals to more than just core gamers.

This further fueled a strong desire among many non-core users who were not previously interested in video games, especially young people who were deeply attracted by local pop hits, to try DDR.

Major media outlets have begun to predict that DDR will undoubtedly become the phenomenal product of the year.

The slogan of "Dancing Revolution," through these ubiquitous GGs, was sown like seeds in people's hearts, quickly taking root and sprouting, deeply penetrating their minds.

Market expectations have been pushed to an unprecedented peak by wave after wave of publicity.

The atmosphere in the conference room at Nintendo Headquarters was as oppressive as the sea before a storm.

Information regarding Sony and Sega's global GG offensive for DDR memory was presented to Yamauchi Haku one by one.

Each report clearly demonstrates the scale and determination of the adversary's operation.

A giant GG banner in Times Square, New York.

Crowds thronged Shibuya, Tokyo.

A heated discussion on the streets of London.

There has even been initial feedback from other Europe countries, second-tier cities in North America, and even some emerging markets in Southeast Asia.

Without exception, the craze was sparked by DDRGG.

"Sony has really gone all out this time, utilizing almost all of their global music promotion channels."

A senior executive's voice, barely perceptible in its hoarseness, broke the silence.

"The fact that Shigeo Maruyama personally oversaw the operation demonstrates his determination."

Another executive added, his tone filled with concern.

"Sega's Nakayama Takuya, his grasp of market trends and his ability to plan such large-scale promotions are truly remarkable. How many times has this happened already?"

Yamauchi Haku's face was ashen; he remained silent, simply flipping through the report in his hands.

The knuckles of my fingers turned slightly white from the force I exerted.

He could feel Sony's overwhelming offensive, a devastating blow launched by leveraging its absolute dominance in the music and entertainment industry.

This is completely different in nature from the previous competition between simple game products.

Sony is not just promoting a game, but exporting a culture and a trend.