Carmack's Preparations

Hisao Oguchi looked at the report and felt the heavy weight settling on his shoulders.

Nakayama Takuya was forcing him to grow up fast and take over the day-to-day operations of Sega's gaming empire.

"I understand, Managing Director. I'll shoulder the burden of the Development Department," Hisao Oguchi said solemnly.

"One more thing." Hisao Oguchi took an invitation from his pocket. "A fax from IDSA. They hope you can serve as the association's representative and give the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of this year's E3."

At last year's E3, Sega had stolen the spotlight and cemented its position as the industry's overlord. This year, the Interactive Digital Software Association was handing over this chance to show its face as a gesture of goodwill toward Sega.

Nakayama Takuya did not even glance at the invitation.

"Turn it down."

"Turn it down?" Hisao Oguchi was somewhat surprised. "This is a great opportunity to show Sega's influence to media around the world. Sony and Nintendo have been making plenty of moves behind the scenes for that speaking slot."

"Then let them fight over it." Nakayama Takuya picked up his teacup. "Sega's current market share is sitting right there. We don't need an opening speech to prove we exist. Let Ken Kutaragi or Minoru Arakawa go onstage and talk about those empty industry visions. We'll save our energy for the exhibition hall, let players line up to try our games, and let channel distributors sign big orders in the business rooms. That works better than any speech."

A true overlord did not need to shout himself hoarse in front of a microphone.

Hisao Oguchi put the invitation away. "I'll reply to IDSA right away and say your schedule conflicts, so you can't attend."

His gaze turned across the ocean.

In the United