When it comes to RPGs, many modern gamers would likely give the same answer to the three IPs that come to mind first.
The three most popular RPGs in Japan: The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest.
But in the era before Larian was founded, and before Baldur's Gate and Divinity: Original Sin and other CRPGs were even born, Europe and America had their own three major RPG giants.
Joe Van Caneghem was picking up the last slice of pizza from the box while typing on the keyboard with his other hand.
The doorbell rang suddenly.
This situation is quite rare.
Although their company NWC has been established for over a year, it has spent most of its time outsourcing development to earn working capital.
It's rare to see someone come to visit like this today.
He quickly wiped the oil off his hands on his jeans and hurriedly opened the door.
Lin Lixin looked at the standard young white male developer with a side-parted hairstyle, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
This JVC guy... why is the panel not what I expected??
[Jon Van Caneghem]
[Overall Evaluation]: A (Talent in all senses)
[Programming Development]: 97 (Growth Value: A+)
[Scriptwriting]: 65 (Growth Value: B+)
[Graphic Design]: 71 (Growth Value: B+)
[Music Composition]: 52 (Growth Value: B-)
[Medical Technology]: 99 (Growth Value: A+)
[Administration & Finance]: 22 (Growth Value: E)
No, how can there be such advanced medicine?
Lin Lixin scratched his head in confusion, his gaze sweeping past JVC into the room, immediately landing on the medical PhD hanging on the wall.
A medical doctor switching careers to computers? California truly is a place of outstanding people and resources.
Hello, sir?
Caneghem's voice interrupted Lin Lixin's thoughts, and he came back to his senses, taking out his business card.
"Hello, Mr. Caneghem, I am Lin Lixin, the owner of GAMENOVA."
"Puff!"
A mouthful of saliva mixed with not-yet-fully-chewed sausage, Bacon, and cheese almost smeared Lin Lixin's face.
Caneghem's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he stared intently at the business card in his hand, then looked up at Lin Lixin, his voice trembling.
"Is it really you, bro?! I'm your biggest fan!"
For Caneghem, today is absolutely a significant day where dreams come true.
The reason NWC was founded last year was because I was moved by two great predecessors in the RPG industry and had an endless love for video games.
For any RPG enthusiast, the Legend of Zelda is an absolute must-see masterpiece.
Although that game was far removed from his understanding of RPGs, it gave him an equally unforgettable experience.
In Caneghem's mind, GAMENOVA is definitely an industry leader worthy of respect and a senior figure.
Then the leader of GAMNOVA stood right in front of him!
Just like that!
Lin Lixin was taken aback, but then he understood.
It's 1985 now. Let alone the later legendary Heroes of Might and Magic, even Might and Magic, one of the three Legend RPGs in Europe and America, hadn't been born yet.
This future "JVC veteran" is currently a complete newbie.
Oh wow, I've snagged another bargain.
"Mr. Caneghem, I heard you're currently preparing to develop an RPG game?"
Caneghem could clearly hear his own strong, powerful heartbeat.
What's going on? Why are you asking yourself this?
Could it be that...?
Oh wow, am I going to snag a bargain?
"Ahem." He composed himself, trying to appear more composed. "Yes, Mr. Lin, I named it ' The Might and Magic '."
"If it's alright, may I take a look?"
"Sure!"
Caneghem agreed without hesitation.
Ultimately, a large company like Gamenova has no need to copy the work of such a nobody.
Even if it's meant to be a reference, that thing is still just a rudimentary project, barely even begun.
He led Lin Lixin into the house, which he called the company, but was actually his and his friend Mark Caldwell's residence.
"Mr. Lin, I've been independently developing this project for almost two years. If everything goes smoothly, it should be completed next year."
"You developed this all by yourself?" Lin Lixin looked at the pile of design drafts scattered all over the table in surprise.
This includes everything from scripts and concept art to project proposals, and even sheet music.
If JVC did all of this themselves, then this person is truly an all-around talent.
Lin Lixin walked to the table and looked at the magnificent map.
The Might and Magic series created one of the most famous Western fantasy worlds in history— the Continent of Enroth.
Although it is far less well-known than world-class IPs like Azeroth or Middle-earth in later generations, it was the most captivating world during the golden age of Western RPGs.
"That's amazing."
Lin Lixin exclaimed in genuine amazement.
In this era, it's no wonder he succeeded, having developed a work entirely by himself over three years using assembly language.
With such a mindset, you will succeed in whatever you do.
In fact, Western RPGs chose the open-world path earlier than Japan. Dungeon exploration, first-person perspective, and open world became the hallmarks of Western RPGs, a legacy of this golden age.
"Mr. Lin, you flatter me..."
Caneghem scratched his head sheepishly, opened the Apple II computer on the table, and displayed a simple turn-based combat interface.
"I was inspired by several predecessors to decide to develop this game."
Lin Lixin naturally knew who the senior he was referring to was, as he was going to meet with them later.
He looked at the Apple II and recalled that Carmack had also had a lot of connections with this computer.
This is understandable, as the Apple II was the most widely used personal computer of its time, and was the undisputed champion in terms of market share.
As for the C64, it was more often regarded as a dual-purpose game console.
"Mr. Caneghem... have you ever considered developing games for real game consoles?"
Caneghem paused for a moment.
The moment he saw Lin Lixin, he already had a guess in his mind.
But when he actually heard Lin Lixin ask those questions in person, he still couldn't contain his excitement.
"I do! Mr. Lin! Please let me join GAMENOVA!"
Lin Lixin almost choked on his words when Caneghem interrupted him.
"Um... actually, I wanted to ask if you have any plans to become a contracted third-party studio with GAMENOVA?"
He quickly took out the documents he had prepared beforehand from his bag.
While JVC is indeed a tech giant, its financial background reveals that it is not particularly adept at business operations.
This mountain of contracts and drafts was enough to make his scalp tingle.
He signed the document hastily without even confirming whether there were any hidden clauses.
The two of them, sharing the same feeling of having "found a great bargain," reluctantly parted ways.
Before leaving, Caneghem looked at Lin Lixin with such intense longing that his eyes were practically bulging with tears, and asked:
"Mr. Lin, may I ask why you chose me as your partner instead of Ultima?"
"Huh? Who said I'm not going to see them? I'm going to Texas in a bit."