New Investment Targets

"This will technically require quite a bit of optimization to the underlying protocols," Frank analyzed.

"Then go hire people. Go acquire them." Nakayama Takuya pointed at the list from just now. "Those small teams working on communication protocols—this is where they can put their talents to use. Maintaining the user experience doesn't rely on slogans. It relies on these inconspicuous details."

"Also, in certain areas where the number of people may be relatively large, like main-city plazas, taverns, and so on, we can learn from Neverwinter Nights and create a screen that only displays a simple scene and the character images of your own party. Specific interactions would still rely on the area list for operations. That would significantly reduce the performance burden," Nakayama Takuya added. "For the rest, follow this line of thinking too, and do everything possible to ensure the experience within the party."

Tom lit a cigarette and exhaled a mouthful of smoke. "What about billing? How are you planning to charge?"

Nakayama Takuya leaned back in his chair. "That's your task. Frank, go pull in a few people who are good at analyzing internet user behavior, and add actuaries too. Factor in server costs, bandwidth costs, and R&D amortization, and calculate our break-even point. The chess-and-card lobby makes money, but that's small money, and the profit margins are too transparent.

"RPGs are different. There are far too many payment points that can be mined in them."

He looked at Tom. "Hand the actual game development work to Sega North America. You already have ready-made art resources and systems designers in your hands. That's much faster than assembling a team from scratch outside. Bring our advantages into play and turn this thing into Silicon Valley Online's heavyweight killer move."

Tom stubbed out his cigarette and stood up.