Chapter 81: Pre-Exhibition Preparations
Everyone looked at the cardboard box that Alex and Lynn had brought with curiosity. It was quite large, almost half the height of a person, and from the outside it was impossible to distinguish what it contained.
"Alex, what's in here?" Jane asked curiously.
"Is it a custom-made sculpture for the exhibition? But wasn't it already sent?" Eric asked.
It was evident that everyone was curious about the large box. And since Alex and Lynn had moved it themselves, it was clear that it shouldn't weigh too much.
"Cosplay costumes for our promoters," Alex said with a smile.
"Cosplay costumes?!"
Eric's and the other employees' eyes lit up instantly. They thought of the original drawings of the female characters from the game Three Kingdoms Tactics.
However, when Alex cut the seal of the box with scissors, everyone's expressions turned inquisitive. The box did not contain the cosplay costumes they had imagined. Instead, it contained a colorful set of dolls.
Hmm... the Fall Guys costume. It looks so fluffy and quite substantial.
'So, this is what they call trying something different?'
"Fall Guys is our calling card at this expo. As for Three Kingdoms Tactics, its popularity is not as high as Fall Guys."
"Besides, other companies have female cosplayers, and players will inevitably get a little tired. Without a doubt, we stand out in this case," Alex said with a smile.
This was something he had in mind two months ago, when he decided to create Fall Guys. Female cosplayers are, undoubtedly, very tempting, but it's obviously difficult to attract players just for that. Furthermore, with seven exhibition areas featuring countless video game companies, large and small, and practically all with female cosplayers, it's easy for players to get tired.
Fall Guys, however, is different. It relies on a fun and comical style, which perfectly suits the game's characteristics. Alex is confident that, when it comes to attracting attention, they will live up to expectations.
Of course, there's a key point. The problem is that Nebula Games currently has no characters suitable for female cosplayers. His most powerful weapon, Mirror, cannot appear on a trade show stage due to its powerful effect on relationships, so they will have to find another way.
Hearing Alex's words and observing the various Fall Guys costumes, everyone had to admit: at a video game fair, they seemed quite striking. Especially with Overcooked, where most of the characters were basically in costume. Imagine other video game companies with long white legs, while theirs look like a playground. It's impossible not to attract attention!
Of course, all of these are tricks; the important thing is the game. After all, Fall Guys can attract players' attention for a while, but it cannot retain it forever.
As the saying goes, men are divided into perverts and chronic perverts. A toy figure and long legs: although momentary curiosity may attract a toy figure, the gaze will eventually return to the long legs.
But games are different.
'Long legs? What are those things? Stop interrupting my game!'
So, in preparation for this exhibition, during the development phase, Alex developed Three Kingdoms Tactics and Fall Guys for PC and mobile platforms, ensuring that players could experience the game's charm.
As the days passed, the games entered the final testing phase.
Alex, who worked at Nebula Games, also communicated with the exhibition team and began to prepare in advance. Over time, things also progressed.
Players in the gaming world have also started talking about this fair.
"It seems there hasn't been much news about new games lately!" they comment.
"The Gameplay Expo is coming soon. Based on previous years, all manufacturers are probably holding back and preparing to announce news at the fair."
"Is anyone planning to go to the fair this year?" they ask.
"I don't think it will be that interesting. It will probably be another two-person play from NetDragon or Aether Games."
"In fact, as for best-selling games, I think only these two companies are worth considering. Even if other manufacturers have some, they will probably find it difficult to launch them at the fair. After all, they can't capture attention."
"Don't always focus on best-selling games. Although best-selling games are fun, only a few are released throughout the year. I think everyone should pay attention to indie games."
"Speaking of indie games, I think Alex. He should have been the biggest surprise in the industry last year, right?"
"Brother, I think surprise and joy are different things."
"That's right. I still remember his phrase 'Love Warrior.' I had never seen such a shameless person!"
"I saw that Alex's official Twitter account also announced his attendance. I wonder if Alex will bring any special games to this exhibition!"
"Impossible, right?! It's only been two months since Overcooked. What will he come up with?"
"New players, huh? Alex creates games super fast. Look at To the Moon, Outlast, and now Overcooked. It hasn't been that long, and I've heard that Alex's company has even expanded."
"Yes, and it doesn't have to be online to be considered a new game. They could release some playable demos. Isn't it the same with other video game companies?"
"That's right. I hope there are surprises then."
"Don't be surprised. Overcooked and Outlast gave me a lot of 'surprises'."
While players discussed...
The city, the center of the game exhibition hall. Alex had already arrived with Jane, Lisa, and Eric, and began to prepare the venue. They were located in Hall 6. It was a good spot, right in the center.
This time, Alex planned to divide his exhibition area into three main sections. One would be reserved for his established games, such as To the Moon, Undertale, and Overcooked. The other two areas were dedicated to Three Kingdoms Tactics and Fall Guys.
Rehearsals for Nebula Games' presentation were also underway. There were men and women among them. But upon seeing the various dolls in the large box backstage, everyone was bewildered. The cosplayers were especially bewildered.
Before receiving the contract with Nebula Games, they probably thought that the video game company would use sex appeal to attract attention, which is why the prices were much higher than other companies.
'But now? Damn it!, they were overthinking it too much.'
The custom-made doll heads didn't even show their eyes.
"Everyone can act comically and exaggeratedly, but, of course, keep your safety in mind."
"We will rotate positions, so please make yourselves comfortable. There will be iced water and other supplies available backstage. If you don't feel well, please let us know in advance." Alex also explained the necessary precautions to his booth staff.
After all, safety must be taken seriously; if something goes wrong, it's a serious problem.
After briefly talking about this, Alex found a stool to sit on and rest. There, the cosplayer and Nebula Games' marketing director were discussing how to attract players.
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