The good news of nearly two million MD units sold in the first month was like a strong stimulant, injecting vigor into every corner of Sega.
The entire company was filled with a palpable joy and an even greater anticipation for a more brilliant future.
In the corridors, employees walked briskly, and their conversations were always accompanied by laughter.
Managing Director Takuya Nakayama's name was repeatedly mentioned amidst these reports of success, and his prestige within the company reached an unprecedented height.
A few days later, on the top floor of Sega Headquarters, in the boardroom symbolizing the company's highest authority.
This was the first board meeting held since the MD's release.
President Hayao Nakayama sat at the head of the table, his weathered eyes scanning each director present, finally resting on his son.
The meeting began without unnecessary pleasantries, his deep, powerful voice directly commencing the first agenda item.
"Before we begin today's regular agenda, I have an announcement to make."
Everyone's gaze instantly focused on him.
"On behalf of the entire board of directors, I formally commend Managing Director Takuya for the extraordinary talent he has demonstrated in the MD console's research and development, the construction of its launch game lineup, and its market promotion strategy."
There was a hint of imperceptible pride in his voice.
"From the core concept of the console to the construction of the launch game lineup, and then to the groundbreaking market promotion strategy, Takuya-kun's contribution is the fundamental reason why the MD was able to achieve initial success."
"In view of Managing Director Takuya Nakayama's outstanding contributions to the MD project, after deliberation by the board of directors, it has been decided that, effective immediately,"
"Managing Director Takuya Nakayama's authority will be enhanced. He will be more deeply involved in the discussion and formulation of the company's overall strategic planning."
Hayao Nakayama paused, every word ringing with authority.
"Managing Director Takuya Nakayama will be more deeply involved in the discussion and formulation of the company's overall strategic planning, and will have the power to propose independently at board meetings."
A slight stir rippled through the boardroom, immediately replaced by a deeper silence.
This was not merely an increase in authority, but an official recognition of status.
Takuya, whose name was called, rose from his seat.
He did not look around to catch those complex glances, but simply bowed deeply to his father at the head of the table, and to all the directors.
These old foxes, seasoned in the business world for many years, looked at Takuya with a new sense of genuine scrutiny and solemnity.
Someone started it, applauding Takuya, and soon the entire boardroom was filled with enthusiastic applause.
As the applause subsided, Takuya began to speak unhurriedly, his voice clear and humble.
"Thank you for your recognition. I dare not claim this credit alone."
"The success of the MD is the result of the tireless and concerted efforts of the Hardware Development Department, Game Development Department, Marketing Department, Production Department, and all colleagues throughout the company, and the result of the unreserved trust and support given to me by my father and all the directors."
"I merely did some insignificant work at the right time."
He bowed again, attributing all credit to the collective.
The expressions of several senior directors present, which had been somewhat subtle, softened, and they looked at Takuya with a new sense of genuine approval.
This young man not only had capability but also a composure and demeanor far beyond his years.
He scanned the room, his gaze briefly meeting with each director, and calmly analyzed: "I believe that the key to our winning the first battle was that we seized an opportunity at the right time, an opportunity created jointly by technological iteration and market demand. We grasped the players' needs, provided functionality far superior to competitors, and offered players what they truly desired but could not get elsewhere. And with an unprecedented open stance, we united a large number of third-party developers. This proves that our path is correct."
He concisely analyzed several key points of the MD's success, from the choice of chips to the strategy of openness to third parties, and the type matching of the launch lineup.
His logic was clear, his insight keen, and the youthful sharpness emanating from his composure made many of the older directors present nod in approval.
The commendation session seemed to be nearing its end, and the atmosphere in the boardroom also relaxed a bit.
However, Takuya showed no intention of sitting down.
"The MD's start is indeed good, but this is only the beginning."
Just as everyone thought his modest remarks were about to conclude, Takuya changed the subject, proactively moving into a new topic,
"President, Directors."
He slightly raised his voice, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Regarding the future of the company, I have a somewhat immature strategic concept that I hope to present to you here."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.
Including Tatsuo Nakayama, his eyebrows subtly twitched.
The relaxed atmosphere in the boardroom instantly became serious again.
Takuya took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and then he uttered a word with firm resolve.
"I call it — the ACGN Comprehensive Layout Strategy."
ACGN?
This was a completely unfamiliar combination of letters.
The directors looked at each other, their faces filled with confusion.
Takuya did not rush to explain, but first threw out a lead they could not ignore.
"I assume, directors, you have all pre-browsed the draft of the 1987 fiscal year report, especially the data regarding the pokémon series."
The expressions of many directors began to turn serious; they had indeed seen that astonishing data.
"The profits generated by a game IP's animation licensing, comic publishing, and peripheral toys, in a short period, have already far exceeded the profits from the game itself, and will continue to generate profits for us for a long time to come."
"This tells us that the value of a successful IP is far more than just the game itself; it can be extended to many other areas."
The boardroom was silent, only Takuya's clear and powerful voice reverberating.
"A, stands for Anime, animation."
"C, stands for Comic, manga."
"G, stands for Game, games."
"N, stands for Novel, novels."
Each word was like a nail, heavily driven into the hearts of everyone present.
"These are currently the most popular cultural content carriers among young people in Japan. And these content carriers are rapidly expanding their influence globally with the economic and cultural exchanges between East and West. This is Japan's unique advantage."
"Therefore, my vision is that Sega cannot merely be content with being a first-class game developer and hardware manufacturer."
"We should strive to master, and even create, more original IPs with high added value."
He paused, giving everyone time to think, and then clearly broke down those four words.
"And around these IPs, conduct parallel development and deep operation of multiple industries such as Animation, Comic, Game, and Novel."
He clearly broke down the meanings of the four letters ACGN, each word like a nail, driven into the hearts of everyone present.
"This will not only open up countless new profit growth points for the company but also, like pokémon, build an indestructible brand moat for us, greatly enhancing our ability to resist any market risks."
He paused, allowing everyone time to digest this groundbreaking concept.
Immediately after, he broadened his vision to a wider scope.
"As the Cold War situation gradually eases, economic and cultural exchanges between Japan and Europe and America will only become more frequent and convenient."
"This is an unprecedented golden age."
"This is an excellent opportunity for us to lay out global IP investment and operation. Our vision must not be limited to just our local market."
Takuya's proposal, like a clap of thunder, resounded in the silent boardroom. The strategic vision and business acumen he displayed far exceeded everyone's imagination for an Managing Director.
For a moment, you could hear a pin drop in the boardroom.
On the faces of the directors, surprise, contemplation, shock, and even a hint of disbelief intertwined.
Hayao Nakayama quietly listened to his son's entire presentation.
No emotion could be discerned on his dignified face.
After a long while, he slowly spoke, breaking the solidified silence.
"Takuya's ACGN strategy is very insightful and very bold."
He first gave his affirmation, a stance that set an undeniable tone for the entire proposal.
But then, he changed his tone.
"However, this strategy involves too many aspects and will have immeasurable and profound impacts on the company's future resource allocation and development direction. We must be extremely cautious."
His gaze became particularly serious, sweeping across the room.
"I propose that this strategy not be put to a vote at this meeting for now."
"It will be listed as a top-level important agenda item, to be fully discussed and deliberated at the first board meeting after the official release of the 1987 financial report."
He looked at Takuya, his eyes deep.
"During this period, all content regarding Takuya-kun's ACGN strategy must be kept strictly confidential."
"No information shall be disseminated outside the scope of the board of directors in any form, to avoid unnecessary market speculation or being preempted by competitors."
"You all should also use this time to gather relevant information to evaluate whether the direction of this strategy is correct and how feasible it is."
Hayao Nakayama's words were both the prudence of a president and the protection of a father.
Regarding this proposal, none of the directors present raised any objections; they unanimously agreed.