Setback

The next day, Takuya drove to Technosoft Company.

Technosoft is a company that focuses on the development of shooting games. Their <Thunder Force> series has a loyal fan base on both arcades and console platforms. Although the market for such hard-core shooting games is relatively niche, the player base is extremely loyal and has very high requirements for the game.

Technosoft's office is located in an industrial-style building in the suburbs of Tokyo. Unlike the previous two companies, the atmosphere here is more tough and direct. Various science fiction-style spaceship and mecha design drawings are hung on the wall. Game test screens are running on several computers in the office area, and fierce explosions and shooting sound effects are heard from time to time.

"Executive Nakayama, welcome." Fumio Ozono warmly welcomed Takuya. As the president of Technosoft, Dayuan is a middle-aged man in his fifties, with a burly figure and a loud voice, giving people a solid and reliable feeling.

The two came to the conference room, and refreshments were already prepared on the table. Different from the formal meetings of the first two companies, the atmosphere here was more casual and direct.

"I heard that Sega is going to launch a 16-bit console?" Dayuan got straight to the point, "How is the performance? Can it run our shooting game?"

Takuya smiled and took out a piece of information from the briefcase. "These are the technical specifications. I believe that with Technosoft's technical strength, we can fully unleash the full potential of this console."

Dayuan browsed the information quickly, exclaiming in admiration from time to time. "The processing speed, picture color... these parameters are indeed very high."

"Because of this," Takuya looked directly into Dayuan's eyes, "I hope Technosoft can port your classic arcade shooting game to the new console and develop a brand new shooting game masterpiece."

Dayuan put down the information, eyes flashing with excitement. "To be honest, we have always hoped to achieve a real arcade experience on home consoles. However, the existing 8-bit machines are always unable to meet the expectations and have to make various compromises."

"Now, these compromises will be a thing of the past." Takuya said firmly, "The performance of Sega's new console is enough to support your craziest ideas."

Dayuan stood up and walked to a concept picture on the wall. It was a futuristic battleship, surrounded by various enemy planes and bullet trajectories.

"We have always had an idea for a game that combines barrage shooting and traditional shooting elements. Hundreds of enemies and bullets appear on the screen at the same time, and the scene is spectacular and smooth." Dayuan's voice is full of passion, "But on existing consoles, this can only be a dream."

Takuya walked to Dayuan and carefully observed the concept drawing. "On Sega's new console, this dream can become a reality."

"Not only that," Takuya continued, "We also hope that Technosoft can consider developing shooting games that are more suitable for family entertainment, such as supporting multiplayer cooperation mode, so that players can experience the fun of the game with family and friends."

Dayuan nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, shooting games should not be limited to hardcore players. Appropriately lowering the difficulty and adding cooperative elements can attract more players to try this genre."

"That's it." Takuya said with a smile, "We hope that the new Sega console can meet the needs of all types of players, from hard-core game enthusiasts to ordinary home users."

Dayuan stretched out his hand and held it tightly with Takuya. "Nakayama specializes in, you can look forward to Technosoft's masterpiece. We will bring the most shocking shooting game experience to the new Sega console."

When we left Technosoft, the night was already dark. Tokyo The night sky was dyed brilliantly with countless neon lights. Takuya stood beside the car, taking a deep breath, feeling tired and satisfied after a day of running around.

Three companies, three different game types, and three different ways of cooperation. COMPILE's "Sega All-Stars Party Game" will attract family users; Game Arts' high-quality RPG will meet the needs of plot parties; Technosoft's shooting games will attract hard-core players. This combination will create a diversified game ecosystem for the new Sega console.

Takuya got into the car and started the engine. Today's results are satisfactory, but this is just the beginning. There are more third-party manufacturers waiting for him to visit, and more game types need to be covered. Only by building a strong third-party developer camp can Sega truly challenge Nintendo's dominance.

The sound of the RX7's engine faded away in the night, and Takuya was already planning the next stop in his mind. The journey was long, but he believed that Sega's future would become brighter because of these efforts.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, in Managing Director's Office's execution room on the top floor of Sega Corporation, the cold air from the air conditioner could not dispel the haze on Masao Suzuki's face.

This veteran who has been on the market battlefield for many years looks heavier than the Tokyo rainstorm last night.

"Nakayama Special Agent, I'm sorry."

Masao Suzuki placed a fax on Takuya's desk, and the edge of the paper was still warm from the fax machine.

"Sunrise officially rejected our authorization application."

Takuya put down the pen in his hand, moved his eyes away from the project, and glanced at the fax.

The text on the fax was concise and cold, leaving no room for negotiation.

"What's the reason?"

Takuya's tone was surprisingly calm, as if what he just heard was today's weather forecast.

Masao Suzuki pushed up his glasses and frowned.

"The official reason is that 'the company has adjusted its strategy and will not consider new licensing cooperation for the time being'."

"But according to feedback from our contacts in the industry, Bandai is indeed influencing us secretly."

The wall clock in the office is ticking, and every sound is like a reminder of the urgency of time.

Takuya stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the busy Tokyo street downstairs.

"The relationship between Bandai and Sunrise is indeed deep-rooted."

"The licensing income from the sales of the Bandai model accounts for almost 30% of the annual revenue of Sunrise."

Masao Suzuki added behind him, "What's even more terrible is that Bandai also holds 8% of the shares of Sunrise and has a say in the board of directors."

Takuya turned around, with no trace of frustration or anger on his face.

This calmness surprised Masao Suzuki, and even made him a little uneasy.

"Mr. Suzuki, this is what we expected."

"Sunrise This is a hard nut to crack."

Takuya sat back in the office chair and tapped his fingers on the table.

"Since Sunrise cannot be won for the time being, we will adjust our strategy."

"Toei will probably have a tough battle over there. Bandai's tentacles are longer than we thought."

Masao Suzuki nodded in agreement, but there was still worry in his eyes.

"Then what should we do next?"

Takuya Spread a piece of paper on the table, quickly draw a few circles, and connect them with lines.

"First it's easy, then it's difficult, and do it steadily."

"Turn your energy to Voyager Holdings and Tohokushinsha, and strive to win the authorization of <Space Battleship Yamato> first."

"These two companies are relatively independent and are not deeply bound by Bandai like Sunrise."

Masao Suzuki's eyes gradually brightened.

"Indeed, <Space Battleship Yamato>'s status in the hearts of players is no less than that of Gundam."

"If we can win this IP first, it will not only boost everyone's morale, but also accumulate chips and experience for subsequent negotiations."

Takuya nodded.

"This is exactly the reason. With <Space Battleship Yamato> in hand, we will be more convincing when facing other copyright holders."

"Let them see our respect for classic works and our ability to promote them."

The two discussed the specific contact methods and negotiation strategies for another half hour.

Masao Suzuki Write down every key point and prepare to take action immediately.

"One more thing, Mr. Suzuki."

Takuya called Suzuki when he was about to leave.

"Don't rush for success. It's better to be slower and make sure that every step is taken solidly."

"What we want is not a one-time deal, but a long-term partnership."