Chapter 78: That Sounds Familiar
In Nebula Games' office.
During the lunch break, Jane and Lisa were reclining in massage chairs, while others, like Eric and his companions, were bickering with the claw machine.
"The company's profits are getting better and better!" Lisa said cheerfully, a cup of milk tea in her hand.
"It's mainly because the company's capital has grown and there are more and more new colleagues. It takes a bit of getting used to. Now we're considered a big team, right?" Jane lamented.
Looking back, it still feels a little surreal. This time last year, she was still drawing at home.
"It's not a big team yet, more like a small to medium-sized one," Lisa said.
"By the way, Lisa, I heard we're going to the Gameplay Expo next time?" Jane asked.
"Yes, Lynn mentioned it, and didn't Alex go to see the exhibition before?" Lisa asked.
"I've been there before, but only as a spectator. Now we can be the hosts!" Jane said excitedly.
Meanwhile, Eric and the others, who had finally given up their struggle with the claw machine, also approached.
"We're also going to the expo, but it's only about two months away. Will Alex have a new project?" Eric said with anticipation.
A new project is something all Nebula Games employees look forward to. From a psychological and spiritual perspective, creating a new project and seeing the diverse player feedback generates a profound sense accomplishment.
And from a material perspective, each successful new project promises a great reward! Just like the successful Outlast project before the winter holidays and Overcooked after the winter holidays, Alex gave them generous bonuses.
"It feels a bit tight for time, doesn't it?" a new employee said.
"Yeah, two months might be a bit tight, but it's probably just a trade show, not a full release." The new employees also discussed the matter.
"You're too young! Once we start the project, you'll understand why Alex is so successful!" Eric said with a smile.
"Exactly!" The veterans nearby looked enthusiastic.
The consecutive releases of Outlast and Overcooked demonstrated a unique game development experience, with almost flawless efficiency and exceptional team management. It can be said that the veterans who had experienced it all were practically becoming Alex's fans at Nebula Games.
Everyone was still chatting, when suddenly Lisa's voice resonated with surprise.
"Check the work group! We have a meeting this afternoon to discuss new projects!" Lisa waved her phone.
"Is it for this video game fair?"
"What kind of new project is it?"
"Will it be multiplayer? Did they discuss the company's direction in the previous meeting?"
"Who knows? Just follow Alex's lead. We'll find out this afternoon."
Upon opening the work group and seeing Alex's announcement, everyone instantly burst with excitement. They speculated about the upcoming project.
In the afternoon, employees began to clock in. Alex, also with his laptop, gathered everyone in the conference room for the meeting.
"You must already know the news. We will also participate in the GameSpot Expo in May, as headliners in Zone 6."
The exhibition area of approximately 500 square meters, while not as large as that of major video game companies, is large enough for medium-sized video game companies. This is largely due to the official participation in the To the Moon tournament, followed by the release of two very popular games.
Hearing Alex's words, everyone nodded, their faces lit up with excitement. Alex smiled and then three folders appeared on the large screen. Each was labeled with the numbers 1, 2, and 3.
"We're bringing something new to the event, but the schedule might be tight." Alex looked at the crowd. "This time, we're developing two games back-to-back, and meanwhile, we're also rushing to create a promotional animation for a true blockbuster."
"Ah!"
Lisa, Jane, Eric, and other veteran Nebula Games employees were stunned. Even the new employees, who had just joined Nebula Games after the winter holidays, looked at them with a "You've got to be kidding me!" expression.
Two months to produce two games, and then a promotional animation for a major title. Everyone understood that a promotional animation for a major title was different from development, and that it could be excluded from the scope of work, probably simply by designing simple scenes and finding a computer animation company to produce them.
But the key was two games in two months. How was that possible? Not even the most naive in the production team could produce it! Veteran employees like Jane, Lisa, and Eric, who were well aware of Alex's work efficiency, were also skeptical.
If it were just a demo for a fair, perhaps it would be possible. But Alex's tone gave the impression that he planned to develop all the game content directly. Was it even possible?
Everyone listened with doubts as Alex explained the two new games they were about to develop.
"First, the first one, Three Kingdoms Tactics, is a card battle strategy game. I've already defined the main rules and gameplay mechanics. You can take a look."
As Alex spoke, the rules of Three Kingdoms Tactics appeared on the big screen, along with brief sketches of generals and cards. The game is divided into four different factions: Lord, Rebel, Loyal, and Traitor.
Players can freely choose the corresponding Three Kingdoms generals, each with specific abilities. There are also three types of cards: Basic, Equipment, and Treasure.
Alex briefly explained the basic rules and content of Three Kingdoms Tactics, helping everyone better understand the game. Due to lack of time, Alex did not go into much detail. But none of those present were completely ignorant.
Jane, among them, had participated in several projects since last year and had taken some time to refresh herself. With the help of the design draft, they had a rough understanding of the game. They quickly mentally outlined the gameplay, although they still had no idea what the experience would be like.
But one thing they did know was that it wouldn't require much effort. The most time-consuming aspects were voice acting and the production of artistic resources. These could be outsourced. If one subcontractor couldn't deliver, two would suffice.
The development of Three Kingdoms Tactics was practically effortless, so the key lay in the other game and the aforementioned blockbuster.
Everyone looked at Alex, waiting for him to reveal his next project.
Alex smiled as he looked at them. "The next game will be a relaxing experience for players, bringing them unmatched joy. It's a harmonious and loving experience."
If the world were a comic, Jane, Lisa, Eric, and the others would have a row of black question marks on their foreheads.
'Why does that sound so familiar to them?'
- - - - - -
Thanks for reading!
If you enjoyed this chapter, I have great news. On my Patreon, I have over 150 advanced chapters ready for you to read.
Plus, subscribers get 5 daily chapters of all my novels. It's a great way to catch up and support my projects!