America: The Godfather of Game Development
Chapter 471

Yu Suzuki's transfer orders

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So----

With the introduction of this technology, new problems have arisen.

How can we popularize it?

Theory is theory, and practice is practice.

To bring this thing to market, a brand new modem is undoubtedly needed.

"There's no rush for full rollout; we still need to test its feasibility and stability."

Lin Lixin rubbed his chin.

Although he really wanted to push forward the development of the Internet as quickly as possible.

However, when it comes to such complex technology, it's a classic case of "haste makes waste."

"Let me think... Oh right, what about that batch of Vorbis Codec chips from before?"

"We used a little bit in ' Patapon,' and so far the market feedback seems to be fine."

Vivian shrugged.

The output from Micron's idle wafer fabs, even just starting up once, is enough to keep the market busy for a while.

Currently, only Patapon in the entire world uses this enhancement chip, so naturally there is a large stockpile of it.

"That's good."

Lin Lixin nodded.

MP3 players will have to be made sooner or later, but at least at this stage, it's not wise to get involved in that.

Let Sony keep messing around with their physical media Walkmans.

However, although GAMENOVA no longer plans to make MP3s, these chips still have other uses.

For example, arcade games.

Lin Lixin looked at the batch of telephone lines and quickly calculated the bandwidth in his mind.

"If we could maximize the bandwidth of a telephone line—ideally, it could reach a speed of about 512KB/s. That's simply not enough for downloading videos, music, or games."

Is that right?

Without lossy compression algorithms like Vorbis and MP3, this might indeed be the case.

A single song can sometimes require the entire capacity of a CD.

Hundreds of MB are common.

The problems caused by this were already quite evident during the "Rocksmith" era.

To play the latest tracks, you need to rely on various expansion packs to load them.

In other words, each new batch of tracks requires a new CD to carry it.

This is neither elegant nor convenient.

The "Rocksmith" model is no longer keeping up with the times in the face of increasingly flexible and growing demands.

Players are desperately needing a completely new way to enjoy all sorts of unique tracks.

Yes, the CD format is far too bloated for video games.

However, with Vorbis, this size can be compressed to only a few MB.

This size might actually be perfectly capable of handling new communication service specifications.

When that time comes, playing new tracks won't be difficult at all.

With a simple click of your finger, a whole song can be downloaded to your device in a matter of seconds to a minute or two.

No more need to specifically choose the corresponding disc for what you want to play.

The store manager no longer needs to purchase new song packs in batches.

Of course, the most important point is----

Through this game, GAMENOVA can begin training players in advance, familiarizing them with the process of downloading songs from the internet.

When the time comes to fight Sony in the future, it will be the most powerful blow.

The next question is, what game should we play?

In this regard, Lin Lixin actually has a pretty good option.

Japan Shinagawa Ward, Japan, Sega Business Headquarters.

Hayao Nakayama, fast asleep, received a call from his assistant and immediately jumped out of bed.

"Yes, Mr. Lin. What are your instructions? --- Okay, I understand. I'll arrange it immediately."

The following morning.

Sega AM2.

A transfer order was personally handed to the person in charge of AM2 by Hayao Nakayama.

[transfer order]

[Minister Yu Suzuki]

[I. Location of Assignment]

[GAMENOVA Inc., California United States]

It was my turn.

Yu Suzuki frowned as he looked at the transfer order.

It's finally here.

Ever since that kid Yuji Naka got a great opportunity from Mr. Hayashi, his status within Sega has skyrocketed.

Today, the AM8 has become a new powerhouse with overall strength comparable to the AM2.

They were even given the nickname "SONICTEAM".

With an IP like Sonic the Hedgehog, these people could live off it for a lifetime.

And then there's Section Chief Sato, who's currently a key figure in Sega's North America.

It's safe to say that whoever gets chosen by President Lin is already on the fast track to success.

But this opportunity just never came his way.

Yu Suzuki didn't understand why.

They were clearly the true number one at Sega.

He was the one who developed most of the arcade games, including the globally popular Outrun and those motion-sensing motorcycles.

From any perspective, I am the one in Sega who deserves the most guidance.

But Lin Lixin seemed to completely ignore him; despite coming so many times, he never once called out to him.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't frustrated.

He even felt a touch of inexplicable annoyance.

Only at this moment did these shadows finally dissipate.

Can--

"What about the R360?"

Yu Suzuki looked at a strange-looking, large arcade machine cabinet in the studio.

This is AM2, or rather, Sega's most important project this year.

A final weapon that thoroughly embodies Yu Suzuki's personal philosophy.

Unlike other developers, Yu Suzuki has always adhered to the belief that games should not just be played with your eyes.

Instead, the body should also be involved.

It was precisely because of this that he invented motion-sensing motorcycles like Hang-On and AfterBurner.

That would cause the airplane cockpit to sway from side to side.

Although it was completely outclassed in quality by Gamenova's Ace Combat, Sega's motion-sensing arcade games have always been the strongest outside of Gamenova.

The R360 was Yu Suzuki's next-generation gift to Sega for the 1990s.

Just like its name suggests, it's a 360-degree motion-sensing arcade machine!

It's no longer just about swaying or vibrating, but a real tumbling motion.

The dual-axis servo system allows for free pitch and roll.

Imagine using this system in Air Combat game!

That's something even Gamenova has never done.

Yu Suzuki has already begun preparing a corresponding game for it.

G-LOC Air Battle

According to AM2's internal estimates, the final actual cost of this arcade machine could be close to $70,000 to $100,000!

A true transcendence of Gamenova!

Perhaps it was because Lin Zongping had never taken his AM2 seriously that Yu Suzuki had been holding his breath, determined to prove himself.

The research and development had already consumed a lot of AM2's resources and time, Yu Suzuki really didn't want any more changes to occur during the process.

Once other arcade manufacturers release something similar, AM2 will be finished.

It's like a gleaming sword of Damocles.

As the backbone of Sega, Yu Suzuki also carried enormous pressure on his shoulders.

Unlike his eldest apprentice, Yuji Naka, who had Lin Lixin backing him up.

"R360----"

Hayao Nakayama also looked at the frame.

To be honest, he also had high hopes for this thing.

Although GAMENOVA has also made significant achievements in the arcade industry, it has indeed rarely produced such large-scale motion-sensing arcade machines.

"You need to do Mr. Lin's job well, learn from him, and then—tell Mr. Lin about any problems you encounter. I think he won't mind giving us some guidance."

"I see."

Yu Suzuki took a deep breath and nodded.

"Pack your things quickly, let's leave today."

Hayao Nakayama pressed the transfer order firmly into his hand.

Regardless of the circumstances, Yu Suzuki was a major contributor to Sega and a trusted confidant with many years of experience.

Putting aside the internal struggle between home console and arcade game proponents, both Yuji Naka and Yu Suzuki represent the future of Sega.

"President Lin can't keep dragging Sega forever; that would only turn them into non-performing assets on Gamenova's books."

"By the way, remember to communicate more with Lockheed's engineers. G-LOC AirBattle needs them, and we can learn from Ace Combat's success."

"I will."

"Um."

Hayao Nakayama nodded, his gaze returning to the still unfinished R360.

Mr. Lin seemed quite wary of Sony.

I also need to work hard on my own side.

Because Sega also had a major concern that worried them: Nova Arcade.

If you don't work hard, you'll really run into big problems.

When Yu Suzuki traveled all the way to America and saw the legendary pilgrimage site for gamers, GAMENOVA, he stood there stunned for a long time.

"This is where miracles are born—"

He stared blankly at the distinctively modern building.

This place is completely different from Japan.

Silicon Valley is a young place.

GAMENOVA is one of the youngest companies among them.

"Mr. Suzuki? Come in. Mr. Lin is still busy. Shall I show you around? I heard you've been doing a lot of research on arcade games. Why don't you take a look at our equipment?"

Yu Suzuki followed Sam inside, and his attention was immediately drawn to the dazzling array of arcade machines on the first floor.

This place is like a museum belonging to the gaming world.

Before he could even catch his breath and admire these stunning works of art, Frenzy melody poured down from upstairs without any attempt to conceal it.

The deep, resonant low frequencies made the entire building vibrate.

"Uh-- what is this?"

"Didn't I tell you? Lin, you're busy right now. But if you're interested, we can go up and take a look now."

look."

"Alright, I brought some gifts for Mr. Lin."

Yu Suzuki nodded, deciding to go and pray to the gods first.

As the two drew closer, the raging music grew louder and louder, making his head buzz.

Upon reaching the second floor, Yu Suzuki stood there dumbfounded after taking one look.

"Keanu, turn your amplifier up a bit more! I've gone out of my way to write such a clear baseline for you. Zimmer, you too, metal needs to be a bit louder with three beats!"

Lin Lixin shouted loudly, while casually adjusting the MIDI key in front of him.

Beside him, a young John Depp stood shyly, carrying a three-cylinder electric guitar.

Keanu Reeves, on the other side, was carrying a bass guitar that looked expensive.

As for Hans Zimmer, he played the drum machine.

A few people actually formed a rock band here.

Keyboard, guitar, bass, drums—everything you need is here.

Is this... the kind of game company that should produce good results??

Yu Suzuki has spent most of his life at Sega, and although he is no longer young, he considers himself not a conservative.

He and his wife are working hard to turn AM2 into a modern arcade studio.

He hadn't missed hearing from the producers involved in the Sonic the Hedgehog project talk about Lin Lixin's unconventional style of doing things.

But this scene—it was truly the first time I'd ever witnessed such a thing.

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