The first thing Aoki Haruhi saw when he saw the new game developed by Condor was—
Isn't this Torchlight?
But upon closer inspection, he found that there were still significant differences. The background worldview of Torchlight was more sci-fi, while Condor's game was a game filled with a strong dark magic style.
To be precise, it was still the Dungeons and Dragons set, with magic, medieval knights, hunters, and so on…
It was just that the art style used American cartoon style, which gave Aoki Haruhi a Torchlight feel.
The color scheme was actually a relatively vibrant dark style.
Some places even showed influences from Marvel and DC.
“What is the setting of this game?” Aoki Haruhi asked.
Brevik chuckled, full of confidence, “The setting of this game is in a magic world where humans have unearthed and inherited power from the deep abyss beneath the earth. However, excessive use of this power will turn them into people enslaved by dark magic, thereby losing their souls.
In the game, we call these monsters Ash Bringers.”
Hiss…
Ash Bringers?
Why does that name sound so familiar?
This story shouldn't be written by you; it should be written by the Warcraft team.
“The protagonist group, or rather, the protagonist himself, also experienced a golden age and then sold his soul to the Ash Abyss. After experiencing everything, the protagonist is now on a path to rediscover his soul.”
Brevik said, “That’s roughly the story, but overall, it’s a game where you constantly fight monsters to get equipment.”
“Oh? This worldview is interesting.” Aoki Haruhi stroked his chin.
Goodness, although history has changed, your grandpa is still your grandpa. These guys, even without Diablo, still managed to come up with such a game.
Just listening to the introduction, Aoki Haruhi already had an urge to experience the game.
There was indeed a shadow of Diablo in it, but it was also different from Diablo.
Absolutely amazing.
Aoki Haruhi originally had a tiny bit of psychological burden, feeling that he had snatched other people's game and opportunities, but now it seems that even if these guys didn't create Diablo, it didn't matter, because with their intelligence and strength, they would always blossom in different ways.
Overall, it was pretty good. The only thing that surprised Aoki Haruhi was—
This game called 【Eternal Ashes】 was actually a turn-based game.
Should one say that history is full of amazing coincidences?
“Why don’t you make this game real-Time?” Aoki Haruhi asked, “I feel like you could totally make it like Diablo.”
“Really?”
Hearing Aoki Haruhi’s words, a flash of astonishment crossed the faces of Brevik and the Skaff brothers. Who would have thought that the President of Pokeni Company would be so generous, not minding others copying their game at all, and even suggesting that others make it similar?
“Hmm…”
The few people looked at each other, then replied, “Actually, we originally designed the game framework when we were playing tabletop role-playing games, so you can also see that in the game, there are many situations where you need to roll dice to advance the game and combat.
However, halfway through, we discovered a game called Diablo on the market.
After experiencing it, we all deeply sighed—
This is the game in our hearts.”
Brevik smiled, “It’s quite shameful to say, but we actually wanted to make it like Diablo, but we had no experience at all in how to make it real-Time, and we didn’t know how to implement it programmatically.”
“Wait. You’re going to make this game a dice-rolling turn-based game?” Aoki Haruhi was baffled.
Pure DND mode?
Or self-designed combat rules?
“Hmm.”
Brevik nodded, then operated the mouse.
Oh, by the way, this game was developed on the PC platform.
“All character actions, including combat, require judgment. For example, when fighting monsters, both sides determine the amount of damage and healing by the difference in the numbers rolled on the dice.
The stronger the skill, the larger the random number that can be rolled.
Correspondingly, the greater the difference in the numbers, the higher the damage.”
Hiss…
Aoki Haruhi couldn’t help but gasp.
This combat mode sounds quite interesting.
“Monster drops are the same. Some equipment affixes are specifically used to maximize points, but the skill mechanisms released by different characters through points are not quite the same.
Sometimes, smaller points are actually advantageous.
For example, with this 【Bloodthirsty Frenzy】 we designed, when the points are small, the character will take damage, but it can strengthen the next attack, meaning negative returns are positively leveraged.
However, whether it can achieve a sufficiently strong effect depends on the players' build. If the skills and equipment are well-constructed, then the more variations that can be achieved.
We actually designed the combat mode entirely around dice rolls.
By continuously strengthening and acquiring equipment, you can even turn monsters into your own skills.”
Nani?!
Upon hearing this, Aoki Haruhi fell into deep silence.
This game…
Is it necessary to change it to real-Time?
Brevik is simply a genius designer.
“Wait a minute, if that’s the case,” Aoki Haruhi quickly corrected himself, “Please forgive my misjudgment. It was truly foolish of me to abruptly suggest making it real-Time without understanding your game’s gameplay.
In my opinion, this game mode, which revolves around dice roll variations, is quite excellent.”
“Really?” Brevik and the two brothers looked at Aoki Haruhi with some disbelief.
They had received so much criticism from players at the electronics exhibition these past two days. Aoki Haruhi was the first person to give them such strong affirmation.
Moreover, Aoki Haruhi was their idol.
The Producer of Diablo—Aoki Haruhi, was a well-deserved genius of real-Time game.
At least, that's what a few people thought.
And now, this famous Producer actually said that their game design was quite excellent.
Skaff and his brother exchanged glances, a relieved smile appearing on their faces.
“Qing, you don’t know how much we admire and like you. To hear such affirming praise from you is truly encouraging and moving,” Brevik said with a smile.
From his fluctuating chest, it was evident that he was truly excited.
However, in Aoki Haruhi's view, as a plagiarist, he had nothing to be proud of.
Moreover, I actually copied your game.
“You are truly geniuses. Excellent game designers will not be buried by Time.” Aoki Haruhi sighed.
The few people were even more moved.
What kind of pure and kind soul is this? As a famous Producer, he can still be so humble and give praise to others…
It made everyone feel a surge of confidence.
However, the next second, Brevik said with some difficulty, “But it’s too bad, Qing, we might go bankrupt. The money invested in game development is too much, much more than we imagined.
We are participating in the electronics exhibition now just to see if there are any interested buyers willing to take this game.
It would be this game’s luck to be bought, but it probably has nothing to do with us.”
The few founders looked at each other, their expressions revealing a hint of sadness. It seemed to be true.
“The greatest possibility is that no one will be interested. It seems that people in the Europe and America region are not very interested in DND mode turn-based game. Such game may eventually just become dust in history.
A game without funds for development may not even have a name in game history.”
Huh?!
Aoki Haruhi was completely stunned.
There's actually such a good thing under the heavens?!
“Um…” Aoki Haruhi hesitated, then asked, “Mr. Brevik, I really appreciate your game, but I like your team even more.
How about this?
I’ll provide the money.”
Upon hearing Aoki Haruhi's words, a look of astonishment flashed across their faces, followed by immense joy that was clearly evident.
Brevik exchanged glances with his two brothers, then said with a sigh, “It would be great if Pokeni Company bought this game.”
“Mhm, mhm.” The Skaff brothers nodded in agreement, “Just from hearing your words, Qing, we know that you are someone who truly understands and loves game. If ‘Eternal Ashes’ can be handed over to Pokeni Company for development, it should be the luck of this game and ours.
We believe your company can develop this game even better.”
“No, no,” Aoki Haruhi waved his hands repeatedly, smiling, “That’s not what I mean.”
“What I mean is—”
He raised his palm, making an inviting gesture to the few people.
“I hope to buy your company.”
Huh?!
All of them were shocked, and this included Aoki Haruhi’s own operations director, Kazuma Takahashi.
What the hell…
After meeting and talking for less than half an hour, the President wants to buy the other company.
Is the President crazy?!
This company looks insignificant no matter how you look at it.
It makes sense, a well-run company wouldn’t be on the verge of bankruptcy. Perhaps what these few people said is true: people in the Europe and America region are just not interested in DND dice-rolling game gameplay?
Aoki Haruhi gave him a look.
Is this an ordinary DND gameplay?
If this game gameplay is further explored, and the game script is well-made, with a strong experience, it will be a groundbreaking game product!
Moreover, Aoki Haruhi stated that he wanted more than just a game.
More importantly, it was this team.
With Northern Blizzard, oh no, with this subsidiary Condor, Pokeni Company would have a foothold in pokeni America.
A base.
It can spread like wildfire in the future.
Aoki Haruhi's mind had already begun planning pokeni America's game empire, but he hadn't been able to find a suitable agent before.
Just like Sega used Kalinske in pokeni America, Aoki Haruhi's ideal candidate had always been an American who had management talent, could make game, loved game, and understood game.
Someone who understands local rules, acts conveniently, and also understands pokeni American culture…
Such a president for the pokeni American branch company is truly rare.
But he didn't expect that today he was really lucky to meet Condor.
If he could acquire this company, it would be equivalent to saving the process of building a new one and could be put into use immediately.
Moreover, in Aoki Haruhi's view, this “Eternal Ashes” is really a good game.
…
This instantly shocked everyone speechless.
The main reason was that the amount of information was simply too massive and too sudden. If an ordinary person were to come over and say they wanted to buy the company like Aoki Haruhi, Brevik and the others would probably think this person was definitely a liar.
But this was the Chicago Electronics Exhibition.
Aoki Haruhi was the real Aoki Haruhi, the President of Japan Pokeni Company.
His words still carried considerable weight.
What was even more fatal was—
They stared at Aoki Haruhi for a long Time and couldn't tell if he was joking.
Very serious.
Too serious.
But it was this seriousness that made people feel scared.
“Buy our company?” Brevik asked doubtfully, “Just for a game?”
“No, it’s for the people who make game.” Aoki Haruhi smiled.
“You are the ones who give value to the game. Behind a good game, there must be a powerful team. If I buy the game but not the team, it means I have no foresight.”
Aoki Haruhi said earnestly, “Let Condor become a part of Pokeni Company. I promise, I will never interfere with the game you want to develop. The game will still be yours, and all research and development costs will be borne by the parent company.
As long as you can make good game, that's all that matters.”
Nani?!
Kazuma Takahashi was stunned.
He’s gone mad, he’s gone mad.
The President has completely lost it!
Buying a company just for one game is unheard of. President, where did you see their potential?
Could this company become the next Square?
Without market validation, the quality of a product cannot be determined. In such a situation, buying the other company and promising them autonomy is like playing a gashapon machine.
No.
It’s not even as good as a gashapon machine.
At least gashapon machines specify the type and have a guaranteed minimum, so even if you don't get the gashapon you want, you won't lose money.
In the future, you can even exchange them with other enthusiasts.
But for such a major matter as buying a company, what if Condor fails in the future? After failure, it's unlikely you can exchange it with others.
In other words—
Once Condor is acquired, it can only succeed, otherwise, it's a huge loss, President!
…
But Aoki Haruhi ignored the worry conveyed by Kazuma Takahashi, only gazing at the Condor team.
Brevik and the Skaff brothers fell silent.
It has to be said that Aoki Haruhi is truly bold.
And…
This kind of thing, logically speaking, should be at a negotiation table, or a dinner party, at least a slightly more formal occasion, not like now, with players walking around, the scene noisy and full of various sounds.
But in such an atmosphere, a few people inexplicably felt a stir in their hearts.
“We need to go back and discuss this with our colleagues.” Brevik did not give an immediate answer, “Although personally, I would be very happy to become a member of the Pokeni Company family.
But all major decisions in our company are made by collective vote, so I apologize.”
“Understood. Then I look forward to your response.”
If they agreed too quickly, it might put a burden on both sides, right?
Aoki Haruhi handed over his business card with Pokeni Company's address and phone number in Japan.
However, seeing the expressions on their faces, Aoki Haruhi knew that he was determined to acquire Condor Company.