Certainty

"The same logic applies to games." Nakayama Takuya pointed at the television. "You said it yourself just now—this game doesn't let players shoot mindlessly. They need to observe patrol routes, read the background files in the terminals, think through tactics, and there are also a large number of story CGs and dialogue cutscenes in between. This kind of immersive experience, one that needs to be savored slowly, perfectly matches the consumption habits of the videotape audience."

"Set the release date after E3." Nakayama Takuya gave the final decision. "Go talk to Manga Entertainment. Ask them for the exact date of the large-scale videotape rollout. The game's release date will be that day. What we're doing isn't a theatrical tie-in. It's a videotape tie-in."

Hisao Oguchi quickly took notes in his notebook.

"Then how should we position the promotion at E3?" Hisao Oguchi asked. "Since we're avoiding mass-market traffic, do we still reserve a core booth for it at E3?"

"Yes. And not only reserve it—we package it as the benchmark for next-generation sci-fi tactical games." Nakayama Takuya set the tone. "The booth setup needs to be hardcore. Put out several more demo units. Let those professional game media people play it. They know their stuff. As long as they get into it, as long as they experience that tactical thrill of laying plans from within the command tent, the review articles they write when they go back will be the best GG."

Hisao Oguchi closed his notebook.

"I understand. Give up the scattershot mass-market campaign and concentrate resources on the core circle. Use strong word of mouth to drive long-tail sales."

"Go handle it." Nakayama Takuya waved a hand.

Hisao Oguchi left the office with the disc and proposal.

After returning to his own office, Hisao Oguchi did not immediately