The discussion on content direction stirred waves, but when the topic shifted to market launch, Takuya Nakayama dropped another bombshell.
Director Yoshikawa, still musing, said, "Such a stunning product demands an equally stunning debut—a launch that ignites the market."
Takuya's eyes gleamed, seizing the moment with unshakable confidence. "I propose we build on the success of Sega's first esports tournament."
He scanned the room, voice clear and resolute. "Sega and Sony should jointly host the 'Second Esports Tournament and *Dance Dancer Revolution* Global City Showdown'!"
His words hit like a thunderbolt, rippling through the room.
Yoshikawa snapped to attention. Sega's early esports venture, though nascent, had exceeded expectations, earning immense prestige.
"Global City Showdown!" he blurted, eyes alight with excitement. "With DDR as the centerpiece, it'll captivate every young player's gaze!"
Sony's executives—Chuta Mitsui and Shigeo Maruyama—after a moment's shock, quickly grasped the proposal's colossal potential.
Maruyama clapped enthusiastically. "Brilliant! It'll skyrocket DDR's fame and showcase Sony's hardware edge—Trinitron TVs, pro-grade audio—and our music content to players worldwide!"
Chuta Mitsui nodded repeatedly, already sketching the event's blueprint, mentally assigning Sony's divisions to join the fray. "City qualifiers, national rounds, global finals—a layered spectacle with unmatched buzz. We could add exhibition matches, like inviting Sony Music's artists, as Nakayama-san suggested—idol groups or *Pokémon* mascots for mid-event performances."
He was already in operational mode.
"Sony Music's resources," Takuya interjected, his smile layered with meaning.
Maruyama caught it, laughing heartily. "Exactly! Their stage is our stage!"
The executives clicked instantly.
"Form a joint organizing committee now!" Yoshikawa declared, his gaze locking with Mitsui's.
Mitsui responded decisively. "Sony's all in—elite teams from marketing, tech support, legal, the works!"
The meeting room transformed into a buzzing strategy hub.
From tournament structure, city selection criteria, referee training, and marketing plans to the global finals' venue, a framework took shape amid the clash of industry titans' ideas.
Some even whispered about crafting a tournament theme song.
A global dance storm was brewing.
The lab's atmosphere shifted from awe and ecstasy to boundless anticipation and grounded planning.
Sega and Sony's tech and marketing teams huddled, rank forgotten, diving into DDR's tech optimizations, content update schedules, and initial marketing tactics.
Young staff, once mere spectators, crowded in, eyes sparkling with the thrill of shaping history, eager to dive in.
LaVelle Smith Jr. was mobbed by Sony Music and Sega's dev teams. Smiling broadly, he patiently fielded questions, occasionally demonstrating dance moves to explain terms, drawing gasps of admiration.
He expressed eagerness to dive deeper into choreography creation, dancer training, and global promotion, even offering to recruit renowned international dancers for performances or judging.
This world-class dancer was clearly captivated by DDR's allure, recognizing its rare chance for social elevation.
As the meeting wound down, no one showed fatigue—only electrified energy, as if fueled by the strongest espresso.
Yoshikawa and Mitsui, representing Sega and Sony, lauded the prototype demo's triumph and the deep partnership forged, their firm handshakes sealing mutual satisfaction.
Takuya's eyes met Ken Kutaragi's again. This time, both burned with unwavering faith in DDR and anticipation for broader future collaborations.
As Sega's delegation left Sony's headquarters, warmly—if reluctantly—seen off by Sony's team, night had fallen, Tokyo's neon lights painting the sleepless city.
In the car back to Sega, the mood remained electric. Yoshikawa, barely containing himself, clapped Takuya's shoulder, voice thick with emotion.
"Takuya, you've put Sega ahead of the curve again! I'm at a loss for words! You know, Maruyama pulled me aside and said Sony struck gold. I told him, no—Sega's the one with the treasure!"
Takuya offered his trademark humble smile, tinged with youthful pride. "You're too kind, Yoshikawa-san. This is the whole team's effort—Sony's included. Without their tech and content, our ideas would be castles in the air."
He paused, gazing at Tokyo's fleeting nightscape, his tone sharpening. "Sony's strength in audiovisual tech and content is key to our success. So, Sega must ride this Sony tailwind to push DDR—and ourselves—to new heights. And," he added with a sly glint, "this tailwind isn't free—they'll need to show their sincerity, too, right?"
Yoshikawa blinked, then roared with laughter, the car brimming with joviality. This Takuya Nakayama—visionary, shrewd beyond his years—was truly Sega's prodigy.