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    ## Chapter 100: Three Heroes Against Lu Bu?

    “Golden Wind…”

    Zhao, the executive, hadn’t even finished his sentence when the conference room erupted in unison.

    Everyone was in agreement.

    Because of their expertise in FPS games –

    No one could match them!

    Their “Survival Road” had revolutionized the genre, launching a “Second-Generation FPS Mode” that was lauded by countless peers and madly imitated and learned from!

    Then, they followed it up with “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds,” igniting the shooting game market and becoming the top seller in all of Asia while simultaneously creating the new FPS gameplay of “Battle Royale”!

    In just a single year!

    Two masterpieces!

    One redefined the foundational mode of shooting games, and the other established a new style of gameplay!

    Such a company, while not necessarily unmatched in the future, was definitely unparalleled in the past!

    Therefore, all the high-ranking executives at ArtTour immediately thought of Golden Wind.

    But the problem was –

    “Their size simply doesn’t meet the production cost requirements of a flagship game,”

    Sun, another executive, pointed out.

    “Usually, flagship games cost anywhere from 700 to 800 million, and exceeding a billion isn’t unheard of either. But Golden Wind…”

    “Even counting the revenue they’ve generated from PUBG,”

    “To have them create a game with a total investment of 800 to 900 million, or even exceeding a billion, before the release of ArtTour X2, would be impossible for them…”

    The problem of size.

    It seemed to have plagued them since the establishment of Golden Wind.

    Now, it was even more pressing.

    “Should we invest in them?”

    As everyone furrowed their brows, Qian, an executive, spoke up with a suggestion:

    “We provide the funding, supplement Golden Wind’s required development funds, and then we both share the profits proportionally.”

    While Qian’s words sounded reasonable, he clearly didn’t consider how much ArtTour would need to invest if they truly did invest.

    After all, he was the head of the development department, surnamed Qian, but he’d always been the one extending his hand to ask for money, lacking any concept of investment amounts.

    “Not a good idea,”

    Zhao, the second in command, quickly shook his head, indicating it was not appropriate.

    “If we really want Golden Wind to develop one of the three flagship games, then at the latest, the project needs to start by the end of next month,”

    “At that time, PUBG’s revenue, even at the most optimistic estimate, won’t exceed 200 million,”

    “Which means we would need to inject 600 to 800 million to support their game development.”

    “The risk is too high.”

    As an investor, their investment amount would approach 80% of the total project cost!

    This was simply ridiculous!

    This wasn’t investment, it was gambling.

    Hundreds of millions of funds.

    Such a large sum, even for ArtTour, was no small feat.

    And!

    Using such a massive amount of funds required approval from the board of directors.

    And Yan Sheng knew those people well.

    As a company specializing in sensory pods and gaming platforms, the board of directors would absolutely not approve them recklessly acting as a game development investment company, pouring hundreds of millions into a small, newly established enterprise.

    If they went against the grain and secretly misappropriated funds, then if they failed, everyone in this room, including Yan Sheng, wouldn’t be able to escape the consequences, and they might even face legal charges.

    So, simply relying on their trust in Golden Wind wouldn’t suffice.

    Without the board’s approval, no one had a solution.

    “Hmm…”

    Mentioning this, everyone pondered, momentarily lost for ideas.

    Seeing everyone looking at him, Yan Sheng sighed: “Let’s do this. For now, consider Golden Wind a backup option. We’ll first contact Zhen Ting Studio about the FPS game.”

    Zhen Ting Studio was also a well-known large-scale game company in China, specializing in FPS games.

    In terms of size, they were on par with Guangyao, one of the five major studios under Xun Teng.

    The two companies were rivals, often competing and occasionally winning or losing against each other.

    Since Guangyao was a direct descendant of Xun Teng, Zhen Ting naturally leaned more towards ArtTour. Their relationship was fairly good, with previous collaborations.

    Yan Sheng ultimately considered the problem of size and placed Golden Wind on the backup list.

    Although he desperately wanted to collaborate with Golden Wind, allocating the last FPS flagship slot to them, with Gu Sheng personally at the helm.

    But unfortunately, you can’t make a meal out of nothing.

    He couldn’t possibly let Golden Wind release a game with a budget of less than 200 million as their flagship, right?

    Wouldn’t that be a laughing stock?

    With this in mind, Yan Sheng also picked up his phone, preparing to call the person in charge of Zhen Ting Studio, to sound them out, and see if they had any interest in collaborating.

    However!

    Before he could find Zhen Ting Studio’s contact information!

    Ding-dong!

    Suddenly, his phone buzzed!

    A push notification from Tian Tian You Bao appeared at the top of the screen –

    “Breaking News! Xun Teng Announces Collaboration with Zhen Ting Studio!”

    What? Me?

    Yan Sheng froze instantly, rereading the news three times!

    Then, he raised his phone and flipped it over to check.

    He suspected he was being monitored!

    I was just about to say I wanted to collaborate with Zhen Ting, and the next second you tell me Zhen Ting has “defected”?

    How do I feel like I’m being manipulated by some mysterious force?

    Yan Sheng felt a bit numb, opening the notification and seeing it read:

    …It’s understood that this collaboration between the two parties is primarily in preparation for the upcoming release of “Polar Bear 3rd Generation” sensory pod in the first half of next year.

    Zhen Ting Studio will then collaborate with Xun Teng’s two flagship shooting game studios, Guangyao and Tian Lang, to launch three FPS-style flagship games.

    At the same time, Polar Bear 3rd Generation will become the first and only sensory pod to choose three games of the same genre to provide support for its launch.

    This is enough to show Xun Teng Games’ determination to win the FPS market…

    Hiss——!!!

    Putting down his phone, Yan Sheng involuntarily gasped, his brows furrowing into a knot.

    He knew that in the first half of next year, Xun Teng Technology’s new generation of sensory pods, “Polar Bear 3rd Generation,” would coincide with the launch of their ArtTour X2.

    Of course, it wasn’t just coincidence. It was more like Xun Teng Technology was “sniping” them.

    The reason was simple –

    By the second quarter of this year, the domestic market share of ArtTour X1 had increased from 17% to 20%, a 3% increase year-on-year.

    As one rose, the other fell, with Polar Bear 2nd Generation’s market share dropping from 28% to 25%, a 3% decline.

    The gap between the two had narrowed from 11% to 5%.

    Xun Teng, of course, couldn’t sit still, because if this continued, their position as the leading domestic sensory pod manufacturer was likely to be replaced.

    Xun Teng’s sniping was expected by Yan Sheng.

    But what he didn’t expect!

    This time, Xun Teng’s offensive was incredibly fierce!

    They had found three major domestic shooting game studios, simultaneously launching three FPS games as flagship titles to build hype for their new generation of sensory pods!

    It was evident!

    Xun Teng was determined, aiming to grab a large piece of the increasingly popular shooting game market!

    They were willing to pay any price!

    They proactively contacted Zhen Ting, who had previously had a strained relationship with them, offering a hefty sum to bring them under their wing, essentially monopolizing the resources of China’s top-tier shooting game developers!

    【This time, you, ArtTour, won’t get even a bite of the shooting game pie!】

    Xun Teng’s message was clear.

    Yan Sheng couldn’t help but laugh wryly after half a minute of silence, forwarding the news to the executive WeChat group:

    “Alright, I won’t call Zhen Ting anymore. Let’s find another way…”

    Hearing this, all the executives picked up their phones.

    After checking, they were all stunned!

    What the hell?

    President Yan’s words had come true?

    As soon as he said he wanted to collaborate with Zhen Ting, Zhen Ting defected?

    Of course!

    Saying “defection” wasn’t quite accurate.

    There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.

    As an independent game studio, Zhen Ting had neither signed an exclusive agreement with ArtTour nor was a deep partner. It was perfectly reasonable for them to choose Xun Teng, who offered a higher price and approached them earlier.

    It’s just that now…

    “What do we do?”

    Deputy Manager Lao Zhao scratched his head:

    “This is just… they left us hanging, didn’t they?”

    “There aren’t many established first-tier studios in China that focus on shooting games. After all, the market has always been dominated by Xun Teng.”

    “The top three FPS studios, two of them are under Xun Teng.”

    “Now it’s even better, three of them are under their control.”

    “We… this is just…”

    Lao Zhao’s expression was complex.

    Not anger, simply a disbelief at the absurdity of the situation.

    Three FPS flagship games?!

    Is this even human?

    Who in their right mind would choose three games of the same genre to support their sensory pod?

    This… is this raising fighting crickets in a jar?

    Hearing Lao Zhao’s bewilderment, Li, the manager in charge of market operations, shook his head: “It’s not raising fighting crickets. Xun Teng wants to fully dominate the FPS market, and they want to knock us out completely…”

    Upon hearing this, Yan Sheng raised an eyebrow and waved his hand: “Tell me more?”

    Li nodded:

    “First, Xun Teng isn’t stupid, I believe everyone knows this.”

    “Historically, no sensory pod has ever selected all its flagship games to be the same genre when they were released.”

    “Xun Teng must also know this, so I guess…”

    “Their tactic this time is ‘Attack from all sides, then combine forces.'”

    Li was smart, or perhaps cunning.

    After all, he specialized in the market, with every hair on his head filled with nothing but empty space.

    He immediately understood that Xun Teng’s move was a wolf in sheep’s clothing!

    “Tian Lang, Guangyao, Zhen Ting,”

    Li said, counting on his fingers.

    “These three developers, while all FPS studios, have different focuses.”

    “Tian Lang specializes in traditional competitive combat, originating from first-generation FPS, and they were the core development team for “Crossfire” in its early stages.”

    “Guangyao specializes in sensory pod blockbusters, focusing on second-generation FPS, and they’re very good at understanding market trends.”

    “As for Zhen Ting, they’ve always focused on the single-player game market. Their story-telling and visuals have received positive reviews from the market.”

    After listening to Li’s analysis, everyone couldn’t help but gasp.

    Li’s message was clear –

    Tian Lang focuses on traditional combat, securing the base.

    Guangyao releases second-generation FPS with Battle Royale, dividing and conquering.

    Zhen Ting releases single-player titles, closing in from all sides.

    Three strikes, each strike targeting ArtTour’s throat, aiming to take over the shooting game market in one fell swoop!

    Even Yan Sheng, as a competitor, couldn’t help but sigh internally at the force of the offensive!

    Money for money, people for people!

    The three strikes, though seemingly crude and forceful, utilized sheer power to overcome all opposition. With such massive force, even ArtTour would have difficulty resisting!

    Clearly!

    A direct confrontation would not be a good choice for ArtTour!

    So, after a moment of silence, Deputy Manager Zhao spoke: “If that’s the case, President Yan, perhaps we should avoid the conflict.”

    Yan Sheng understood Zhao’s meaning.

    The three strikes were powerful, and they had little chance of resisting them.

    If that’s the case, why resist?

    After all, there were more than just FPS games for sensory pods!

    Since Xun Teng was determined to win the FPS market, they should avoid them, shifting the focus of their flagship games to sports and racing.

    Play to their strengths, that’s the benefit of having three legs to stand on.

    Although they might lose some of the shooting game market, they could compensate and even surpass their competitors through the other two tracks.

    Why not?

    “Do you mean we give up on FPS altogether?”

    Yan Sheng pondered for a moment:

    “But ArtTour X2’s full-sense auxiliary technology performs best with the FPS genre…”

    “We don’t have to completely give up,”

    Deputy Manager Zhao chuckled:

    “Regarding the choice of shooting game studios… don’t we have a backup option?”

    Golden Wind!

    Zhao continued:

    “We can’t completely abandon the shooting game sector, otherwise the advantages of full-sense auxiliary won’t be evident.”

    “But if we go head-to-head with the three strikes, it would be a losing proposition for us.”

    “So let Golden Wind take the stage.”

    “It’s like Tian Ji’s horse race,”

    “Use an inferior horse in terms of cost to symbolically counter Xun Teng’s three strikes.”

    “Then we increase our efforts, striving to make the other two tracks seize this opportunity and achieve a comeback.”

    “Because…”

    Speaking of which, Lao Zhao felt a little embarrassed, knowing this move was a bit underhanded, but it was indeed the best solution.

    “After all, Golden Wind… should be used to fighting these types of underdog battles.”

    “And even though Golden Wind is an inferior horse in terms of cost, I believe with Director Gu’s performance…”

    “Uh…”

    “Hmm…”

    “It should… be alright?”

    In the end, Lao Zhao himself didn’t believe it.

    He couldn’t make up a single lie anymore.

    How much did Golden Wind invest?

    100 million? 200 million?

    How much did the three strikes invest?

    3 billion? 4 billion?

    Any one of them could crush Golden Wind to the ground!

    In a one-on-one scenario, there was a tenfold cost difference!

    Moreover, this time, they planned to have Golden Wind fight three at once!

    A thirty to fortyfold cost difference!

    What kind of divine game could possibly allow Golden Wind to turn the tables with such a massive disadvantage?

    Lao Zhao couldn’t imagine it.

    Because it simply didn’t exist!

    This move was essentially bringing Golden Wind in as a sacrificial lamb!

    Even the Three Heroes Against Lu Bu had Lu Bu’s exceptional combat prowess!

    But these two from Golden Wind were what?

    Their names would make you jump.

    This was practically three Lu Bus ganging up on the General of Lingling.

    Lao Zhao even doubted if he could only set up a memorial for Golden Wind in the end –

    The ashes of Golden Wind would be blown away by those three.

    Yan Sheng was torn.

    On the one hand, Lao Zhao’s move was so underhanded, this kind of Tian Ji horse race was like sending an elementary school kid into a boxing ring to fight three Mike Tysons.

    On the other hand, Lao Zhao’s solution was truly the best option available.

    A dilemma!

    After some deliberation!

    Yan Sheng made up his mind!

    “Let’s do this. In two days, the first week’s sales for PUBG will be out.”

    “It seems they should have no problem recouping their costs in the first week.”

    “While Little Shen is still excited, I’ll make a trip to Binjiang.”

    “On the one hand, I’ll congratulate Little Shen. On the other hand, I’ll take the opportunity to explain our thoughts.”

    “This way, she’ll probably be more receptive…”

    I can’t accept it.

    I absolutely can’t accept it!!!

    Ahhhh!!!

    Two days later!

    Golden Wind President’s Office.

    Shen Miao Miao clutched the gilded wooden certificate in her hand, her teeth clenched, her eyes wide with fury, nearly breaking the certificate in half!

    On the table, there was a fax from the Asian eSports Association, sent specifically to her, displaying PUBG’s first week sales results!

    Other games didn’t receive this treatment!

    Because!

    As of last night!

    “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” had broken the Asian eSports Association’s historical record for highest single-week sales, creating history!

    Single-week sales of 566,894 copies! Total revenue of 55,555,561.2 yuan!

    After deducting 10% commission, it perfectly achieved a net profit return in the first week, even exceeding 50 yuan!

    The certificate in Shen Miao Miao’s hand was the record-breaking award plaque certificate presented by the Asian eSports Association, entrusted to Huayu Digital to deliver.

    I…

    Shen Miao Miao was about to explode.

    Making money isn’t scary, the point is that I put those byds into this game!

    Ten million!

    That was what I got for my Super Guaranteed Card!

    That precious, irreplaceable card, only obtainable by unlocking achievements, offered a hundredfold return!

    Only one card! Missed it, and you’ll never get another chance!

    I’ve been busting my butt for half a year for this thing, creating “Survival Road” – lost 100,000 and turned it into ten million.

    I hadn’t even gotten a good grip on it before it was used to fund the company, thinking about laying eggs, eggs hatching into chickens, then chickens laying more eggs, a limitless cycle, everything looked great.

    As a result!

    Half a year!

    The eggs did hatch into chickens, but the damn chickens ran away!!!

    Shen Miao Miao was heartbroken.

    She even felt a illusion egg pain…

    Thump.

    After holding back a breath, Shen Miao Miao slumped onto the table, a teardrop of sadness rolling down her cheek.

    Bitter.

    It was too bitter.

    Especially after hearing the employees outside excitedly sharing the good news, congratulating each other, praising with every breath, “Director Gu, you truly are a god!”

    The bitterness reached its peak.

    Is there any justice in this world?

    Is there any law?

    Isn’t this bullying an honest person?

    Me!

    If I endure for a while, the winds will settle. If I take a step back, the more I think about it, the angrier I get!

    Bang!

    Shen Miao Miao sprang up from her seat, lifting the award plaque certificate ready to slam it against her knee!

    But just then!

    Knock-knock-knock – click.

    Chu Qingzhou knocked on the door, peering in: “President Shen, you…? What are you doing?”

    But she saw!

    At this moment, Shen Miao Miao, with both hands raised high, holding the award plaque certificate, looked up, like an old ape carrying Simba.

    “I…”

    Shen Miao Miao opened her mouth:

    “Ah – Zkenya – Mama Mia Gilla-Walla – ”

    PS: Bonus chapter content! I’m burning the midnight oil! Updating!

    (End of chapter)

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