The concept of internet cafes is actually highly localized and closely related to social structure.
Places like the America don't actually have the widespread internet cafe culture that East Asia has.
However, if we really want to trace the origins of this culture, it is actually the United States of this era.
What was the prototype of an internet cafe?
They're just computer labs and public information terminals in universities and colleges.
Before the internet connected the entire world, many universities set up a "central server".
Multiple terminals can connect to this central server to enable multiple users to share the server.
Many teenage hackers have embarked on the path of cybersecurity in this era, relying on these rudimentary conditions.
In a sense, this is actually one of the earliest concepts of "internet cafe".
"Thinking about it this way, we've actually played with similar concepts before."
Thinking of this, Lin Lixin chuckled and teased Sam beside him.
Back when he was studying at University of Southern California, he often went to the library to use the terminals. "Huh? Wow! You mean the terminals in the engineering library? Now that I think about it, it really makes sense..."
Sam slapped his forehead, clearly realizing what had happened.
In the University of Southern California's engineering library, there is a whole row of terminals installed on one side of the inner wall.
Those CRT televisions couldn't even display the most basic graphics.
Its only use is to run some basic command-line tasks on the Unix system mentioned above.
This is sufficient for these science and engineering students.
After all, if someone majoring in science and engineering doesn't even have this much ability, coming to the library is just for fun.
Although it was very primitive, it can indeed be seen as a prototype of a public computer.
"Yes, that's it, but it's still a bit too rudimentary..."
Lin Lixin nodded.
"I hope it will solve the problem of low home PC and internet penetration rates, rather than addressing students' lack of productivity tools."
As he spoke, he stepped up behind the person the store manager had mentioned who had been working tirelessly for several days. The person seemed completely absorbed in the television in front of him, unaware that someone was standing behind him watching.
Even from behind, the thick, dark beard covering the man's face was clearly visible.
His hair was greasy and stuck to his scalp, with a few strands of loose hair clinging to his shoulders and caught on his clothes.
The store manager was clearly not lying; this guy had indeed been working hard for quite some time.
A typical Sanhe God (a term referring to a group of people from Sanhe who are considered "great gods" in China).
He's playing Diablo.
It's easy to imagine that while Need for Speed is amazing, playing it for so many days straight would eventually get boring and require a change of pace.
I reckon only a game like Diablo could keep someone playing it for so many days straight.
He examined each rune in his warehouse one by one, then bent down and rummaged through a notebook he'd somehow acquired.
The paper was all crumpled and torn from being turned over so many times.
"20#lem...18#ko..."
He mumbled in a cryptic tone, his finger hovering over the third rune. It was completely obscured by a blob of something that looked like oil or cola, making the writing illegible.
He slammed his fist on the table in frustration, making the already fragile plywood Table wobble.
"Golden Armor? If you're aiming for the Fortune rune set, the third one is 03#tir."
A voice sounded from behind him.
He nodded thoughtfully and tried to insert the number 3 rune from the warehouse into the last slot on the three-slot armor plate.
"Bite"
The Runeword for Fortune worked.
A whopping 300% extra gold coin gain and a 100% increase in drop rate.
Compared to these two stats, the meager 15% defense and 10 agility feel like a free bonus.
"Ha! I've got it!"
The Golden Armor is said to grant rapid wealth; according to the community, it's practically an essential piece of equipment.
Although it requires using one No. 20 and one No. 18, making it slightly expensive in terms of cost, it's all worth it!
Just as he was about to put on the equipment, he suddenly paused, then turned around to look behind him.
Lin Lixin was no longer there.
"What... is going on?"
He assumed it was a divine revelation, that the coconut tree or something had spoken to him just now.
The group arrived at an employee break room in the arcade, which had been temporarily partitioned off to serve as a reception area.
"Aside from the slightly lacking hardware, everything else is surprisingly good."
Lin Lixin commented.
He just took a walk around and even touched the machines himself.
In addition to Diablo and Quake, players can choose to rent game floppy disks or CDs at the front desk.
Some of the more expensive computers are equipped with a 4MB version of the Nova Aradeon 9000 graphics card and a Sony high-definition TV. Most other computers come standard with at least a 1MB version of the Nova Aradeon 9000 graphics card.
It's powerful enough to play almost all PC games currently on the market.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the computer hardware is bad, the problem lies in the infrastructure."
Lin Lixin recalled everything that had just happened and patiently explained,
"Besides providing PC usage opportunities, we can also try offering services here. Isn't the service itself part of the consumption?"
"For example, we already have cleaning staff and tellers responsible for game rentals."
The store manager nodded thoughtfully.
Faced with a completely unfamiliar new field, he did indeed have some ideas that were not clear enough.
"If you have the chance, you can learn from our partners in Las Vegas. Mr. Wynn is much more professional in this area than I am."
Lin Lixin smiled.
If we're talking about how to keep someone here so they don't want to leave, then the other party is definitely the expert.
"For example... besides the computers, they'll also provide a full-service bar, coffee, drinks, alcohol... yes, and some snacks and light meals too." "Oh... indeed, I should have thought of that."
The store manager nodded in approval.
This is indeed a good direction.
While this will significantly increase the pressure of cleaning, it will also make it easier for players to solve various problems on the spot.
"However, if it's fast food, there's a fast food restaurant right across from our store."
This area is a commercial plaza where various complementary businesses have gathered.
Besides this arcade and the fast food restaurant across the street, there are video rental shops, bookstores, and digital product stores everywhere.
Consumers looking for some leisure time can choose a relaxed day, drive their pickup truck to the parking lot, and park there.
Then begin your day of revelry.
"Indeed, this is a unique advantage for you, but you haven't learned how to use it yet."
Lin Lixin smiled and shook his head.
"What we need is a more user-friendly and flexible approach. How about incorporating some communication and internet technologies?" "For example?"
"For example... we'll customize a management system for you later, so that every computer can operate directly in the software and report its needs to the front desk staff, whether it's renting game discs or buying food."
Lin Lixin recalled the more modern management system he remembered.
"You could also talk to that fast food restaurant across the street and integrate their online ordering system into it. Then, you could assign one or two people to handle deliveries. As for billing, you can record the transactions using the table number and the customer's information, and settle the payment upon departure. Alternatively, you could simply carry some change with you and handle it in real-time. It's up to you."
"... Mr. Lin, do you mean... that keeping consumers seated will solve all their needs?"
"Yes, except when they need to use the toilet. Hmm... if they have diapers..."
"This... is really a bit too much."
The store manager murmured.
Just imagining that scene is astonishing.
"For players, the most important thing is a smooth and relaxing experience. They come here to play games and relax. It's a bit too 'healthy' for them to have to go all the way to get food back."
Lin Lixin gestured,
"If staying here is even more comfortable than lying on the sofa at home playing games, then people will naturally be more willing to come and spend money here." "Treat them like emperors sitting on a throne?"
That's exactly right.
Sam listened silently from the side, then interjected, picking up where the two were going:
"And another thing, I wanted to say this last time I came: it lacks a gaming atmosphere! It's too rigid and academic; this isn't a library!"
"Okay...?"
The store manager turned to look at Sam, adopting a posture that suggested he was eager to hear more.
"Events! Competitions! Rewards! Give them free time, give them vouchers that can only be used in the store! Hold more events to liven up the atmosphere, like speedrun and high-score competitions for Wolfenstein 3D, or even rewards for good items in Diablo."
Sam's mouth was like a machine gun, he seemed to have been holding it in for a long time, and he rattled off a whole bunch of plans in one go.
These are things Gamenova has long since grown tired of.
Only by mobilizing players' initiative can we cultivate the best level of player engagement.
Even if a better-equipped internet cafe opens closer to their homes in the future, these people will still habitually come here to spend their money.
More importantly... the social economy! If a player likes this place, he'll want to bring his friends, with whom he usually plays the game, along.
Friends will have their own friends, and so will friends of friends.
When everyone is willing to come and spend money, and when the topic of playing online games comes up, they no longer go home to make a phone call but instead hitch a ride with a friend to come here, then the store has already succeeded.
" Sam is right, we really need to get this going as soon as possible. Trust me, after our new Christmas release this year, you'll be glad you chose this option earlier than everyone else."
Lin Lixin nodded, giving Sam a look of considerable appreciation.
Sam has always been a pro at this kind of thing.
"By the way, I suggest you don't make the whole venue like this, but rather have private rooms, such as rooms for five people, rooms for two people, and rooms for one person, atomizing them into different sizes."
"This kind of environment is more suitable for players who are relatively introverted, or who just want to have fun with their friends."
"If you have any construction needs in this area, Sam can give you his number later. Our Umbrella Corporation is very good at undertaking these kinds of jobs."
"Oh, and of course, don't forget to leave your Nexus number; high-speed internet is also a very important factor."
"You can discuss the detailed operational strategy with Sam. We are also looking for a more modern computer room operation plan."