In November, Pokeni Company released several major announcements in succession. For unrelated individuals, it might not matter, or even be completely unimportant. However, for those directly affected by the news, these announcements were like super impure weapons, capable of overturning the world.
Pokeni's official website featured two sections of content: one was a national manga contest, and the other was a light novel contest.
The selection period for the Grand Prize was from December 1, 1996, to May 1 of the following year, and it would be held once every six months.
Numerous authorities invited by the official body would serve as judges, ultimately deciding the Grand Prize winner, who would receive a prize of 10 million Japanese Yen.
The top ten also received substantial prize money, though not as much as the 10 million Yen.
Additionally, the official body would select excellent and promising works for adaptation into game and animation, and potentially even live-action film and television, all depending on the quality of the work.
The official launch of these two activities had two main purposes.
One was to encourage creators to produce more exciting stories, and the second was to promote Pokeni itself.
Pokeni owns numerous popular game works, and many of them have already been adapted into animation or live-action TV series.
The most popular recently, "proposal daisakusen," is a typical example.
Pokeni's operations director, Kazuma Takahashi, even personally came forward to confirm the reliability of the news.
After Pokeni's announcement, the entire manga and light novel industries were shocked.
"Nani?! Pokeni is holding a manga Grand Prize?! And the prize money is as high as 10 million?!"
"Not only does the first place get a high prize, but the top ten also receive rewards, and haven't you seen the official news? It says that the works that ultimately obtain publishing and adaptation rights are not necessarily the champion works.
It just means it's highly likely to be the champion work.
After all, if you can win first place, your quality and creativity need to be recognized."
"I've never seen such a high amount of prize money before."
"It's terrifying, I can't even believe it's real. Pokeni is truly generous when it comes to spending."
"What is Pokeni trying to do?"
"Yes, isn't Pokeni a game company? Why did they think of holding a manga Grand Prize?"
"Look at their official explanation, isn't it clearly written?
The winning work will not only receive a high prize, but also have the opportunity to be adapted into a Pokeni game, or into animation…"
"It's not just manga; light novels are the same."
"Light novels are essentially the soil for manga or game. If light novels can flourish, they will certainly breed a large number of excellent game and animations."
"Pokeni truly has good intentions. I originally thought this was just a company that purely made game, but I didn't expect them to be involved in so many areas."
"Pokeni is benefiting others, and also benefiting itself, I suppose."
Many Authors expressed their excitement:
"Ah, that's great! I was thinking of getting a high-end sound system. Now, if I can win the Grand Prize money, my wish should come true."
"10 million! That's equivalent to 3 to 5 years of an office worker's income."
For office workers in Europe and America, the average monthly salary for males is around 300,000 Japanese Yen, with an annual income of 3 to 5 million. Those with more experience might earn 10 million in a year.
From this perspective, the 10 million Yen prize money is not exaggerated to the point of achieving financial freedom, but it is already a substantial sum.
At least for most people, this money could be used for a luxurious trip, or to purchase some items they've always wanted but found a bit too expensive.
It can slightly improve one's life in a short period.
However, for some young people who view manga or light novel creation as their life, work, and ideal, this money becomes incredibly important.
Especially for those Authors who are determined to develop in this field but are unemployed and impoverished, participating in such a Grand Prize and winning money would at least provide them with financial security, allowing their ideal path to continue.
This is also a large part of the reason Pokeni held the two events.
Europe and America has no shortage of cartoonists and light novel Authors.
However, it also has the greatest shortage of cartoonists and novel Authors.
According to Aoki Haruhi's idea, it is possible that in the long river of history, many talented Authors, forced by life's circumstances, abandoned their dreams and disappeared into history.
Unknown geniuses.
This is what Aoki Haruhi wants to unearth.
And according to his idea, once the internet develops in the future, an online platform should be provided.
Adopting a serialized online payment model.
To provide a certain guarantee fund, on the one hand, it can allow more Authors to participate, and on the other hand, it can also allow people who like light novels and manga to find what they like.
Even the most niche ones will have their own soil.
Doing these things, Pokeni seems to be losing money, with no income.
After all, it's spending money, using money to organize events, and using money to set up platforms.
However, this is the ecosystem.
It is the soil, the soil that can cultivate more and better seeds.
In the future, these seeds may grow into towering trees.
At that time, the works on the platform will be able to feed back into Pokeni.
Excellent soil and environment are extremely important.
Looking to the future, this is Aoki Haruhi's purpose in having Kazuma Takahashi organize the event.
The event attracted a large number of Authors, all eager to give it a try.
...
Pokeni's involvement immediately stirred up the relevant industries.
"What is Pokeni trying to do? A game company, without a single publishing house under its belt, they also want to get involved?"
"Is Pokeni game Company going to enter the publishing industry?"
"Why is a game company joining in on the fun? A company that doesn't even have its own magazine, holding such a competition is a complete waste."
"10 million is not a small sum. Who would offer such a high prize?"
"Exactly."
For publishing groups with manga magazines, light novel magazines, and various publications, prize money is essentially a gimmick; the real profit comes from sales after publication.
Some highly popular manga serialized in magazines hope to achieve independent publication, printed as complete manga collections, similar to the sales model of game discs.
Another hope is to get animated. After being broadcast on television, not only do they receive royalties, but the Author's fame also rises.
Then the next work will naturally see its value increase.
For example, the old thief Togashi, because his manga sales were too good and his popularity too high, plus he found a rich woman, he simply didn't care about being urged to submit manuscripts. A manga, he draws it for as long as he wants, whenever he wants.
To some extent, manga Authors are more like celebrities; once their value increases, they can lie down and earn money, being chased and fed.
Publishing houses will, of course, make concessions to try and retain such famous Authors.
It is precisely because the main profit comes from "publishing" and "sales" that publishers, even when holding grand competitions, do not offer excessively high prize money.
Around 500,000 to 1 million Yen, enough to buy a decent set of golf clubs or replace an old computer, that's about it.
Who would offer as much as 10 million?
Pokeni's current move seems particularly strange.
Because you don't have your own magazines or publications, how can you ensure participating Authors receive greater rights?
This is something many established publishing groups find difficult to understand.
However, the prize money is indeed very high.
It has certainly attracted many Authors, which gives them quite a headache.
To follow or not to follow.
Aside from publishing groups that have been cultivating for many years, such as Kadokawa Shoten, Shogakukan, Otowa Group (centered around Kodansha), Kadokawa Group (centered around Kadokawa Shoten), and Shinchosha.
In the game industry, Enix Corporation's President, Yasuhiro Fukushima, was also completely bewildered.
"What is Pokeni trying to do?"
Pokeni is completely treating money like dirt; 10 million is not a small sum.
He felt a deep sense of fear.
Mainly because Enix is the one that has been holding manga grand prizes in the game industry, so as a competitor in the same industry, Pokeni's move is clearly aimed at them.
Even if it's not aimed at them, Enix will still be the first game company to be affected and severely impacted.
No matter what, players will compare Enix to Pokeni.
Who told you to hold a manga Grand Prize before?
However, Enix also did this based on the idea of talent selection.
They never expected this trick to be learned by Aoki Haruhi, that shameless scoundrel.
Giving a high prize of 10 million all at once, and perhaps continuing to increase it in the future.
Enix is not as wealthy as Pokeni.
Should I follow or not?
For Yasuhiro Fukushima, this was an incredibly vexing question.
...
Just as a huge uproar was stirred up in the relevant publishing industry, as well as the manga and light novel circles, the instigator of this matter—
Mr. Aoki Haruhi, as if nothing had happened, was driving along the coast with his newlywed wife.
The car they were driving today was a bit unusual; it was a sports car Nao Tsuda had just asked someone to bring back from Europe and America—
Lamborghini, Diablo.
3.8 million US dollars per car.
Equivalent to over 350 million Japanese Yen.
A particularly terrifying number.
The Lamborghini Diablo, born in '92, with a 12-cylinder engine, capable of producing a maximum of 370 horsepower, and a top speed exceeding 280KM/H.
In 1996, this speed was still somewhat unimaginable.
Especially when combined with its streamlined, futuristic design, it felt like driving a future spaceship on the road.
The push-back feeling was particularly strong.
Of course, on the streets of Europe and America, you definitely can't reach this speed. You can only feel it slightly when Nao Tsuda steps on the accelerator.
The noise from both sides was very loud, making one's ears buzz.
On the streets, it certainly attracted a lot of attention, with even passing traffic police occasionally looking back.
The cars behind them maintained a certain distance, fearing they might scratch or collide with the fighting bull in front.
According to typical novel plots, a Lamborghini is usually driven for showing off.
However, for people of Aoki Haruhi and Nao Tsuda's wealth, owning such a sports car was probably just to match their status.
If he hadn't been freeloading off Nao-chan's car, Aoki Haruhi wouldn't have bought it himself.
Anyway, he wasn't going to drive it himself even if he bought it.
A sports car with only two seats, it wasn't comfortable to sit in, and he couldn't drive it at its top speed on the streets of Europe and America, so why bother?
"What kind of movie are you filming that requires such a luxurious car?" Aoki Haruhi asked, sitting in the passenger seat, feeling a bit incredulous.
"Hmm, a rich person's movie."
Nao-chan replied while driving.
Her attention was entirely focused on driving.
"A rich young lady always dating other men in luxury cars, that's roughly the story."
The movie was summarized in one sentence, yet it had to be performed for over two hours.
What kind of game is this?
Aoki Haruhi clicked his tongue, "I didn't expect audiences today to have such high demands?"
"That's right, do you think movies are easy to make? The tastes of audiences are constantly changing, and we have to adapt to them."
"But couldn't you just use a prop, why a real car?"
"We are professionals."
"Geez~"
Aoki Haruhi frowned.
He involuntarily glanced at the seat next to him.
It's over, he didn't want to sit in this car anymore.
As soon as he thought about what intense things might have happened in the car, he immediately felt a bit uncomfortable.
"Not in the car."
As if seeing through Aoki Haruhi's thoughts, Nao-chan said, squinting, "On the car hood. The space inside the car is too small, there's no room to maneuver, and we also need to add the camera."
"Besides, this car wasn't bought, it was rented, and we have to return it after use. Don't keep thinking about strange things."
"It's not what I was thinking..."
Aoki Haruhi rolled his eyes.
"Since that's the case, it would be a waste not to enjoy it properly," Aoki Haruhi said.
It was hard to get, and if he didn't experience it, he would really be letting this car down.
And he had to experience it before Nao took it for filming; after the movie was shot, Aoki Haruhi didn't want to experience it anymore.
"However, a left-hand drive car is really a bit unaccustomed," Nao-chan said after driving for a while.
"Let me do it."
I'm familiar with left-hand drive cars!
In my previous life, I drove left-hand drive cars in China.
After transmigrating to Europe and America, Aoki Haruhi was initially unaccustomed to right-hand drive, and often felt like he was about to crash the next second.
Now, he was slowly getting used to it.
However, Aoki Haruhi had never tried driving a left-hand drive car on the left-hand traffic lanes of Europe and America.
Aoki Haruhi got out of the car and swapped positions with Nao-chan.
It has to be said, the push-back feeling of this Lamborghini car was truly strong; after getting on the road, Aoki Haruhi felt like he was the coolest guy on the street.
Nao-chan sat next to him, occasionally giving him a roll of her eyes.
Probably saying—
Tsk.
Men.
They just like cars, guns, balls, excavators, mechs, stars, and the sea, right?
Aoki Haruhi gave her a look.
Wrong!
We also like women.
Especially beautiful women like you.
I don't believe it.
Nao-chan rolled her eyes.
"By the way, Nao-chan, can I borrow this car for half a day later? I'll drive it back tonight."
"Then don't break it, we have to return it," Nao-chan instructed.
"No problem."
...
When Ken Kutaragi left work in the evening, he had just walked out of the office building when he saw a yellow Lamborghini parked in the most eye-catching spot at the company's entrance.
He was still wondering whose car it was, but the car owner was already calling him.
"Mr. Ken Kutaragi, get in the car quickly."
Opening the car door was like raising a small wing.
"Eh?"
Ken Kutaragi froze for a moment, but still obediently got into the passenger seat.
"President Aoki, have you changed cars?"
Before, Aoki Haruhi drove a Honda himself, not because he wanted to, but mainly because as the President Aoki of the Pokeni Company, he always had some social engagements and needed a car.
European cars prioritize practicality, especially family models, with low fuel consumption and large space, and the trunk can hold a lot of things.
Since he couldn't drive fast, there was no need to buy a sports car or anything.
So, it was Ken Kutaragi's first time seeing him drive a sports car.
"I'm taking you to see something," Aoki Haruhi said happily.
"Okay, okay."
Ken Kutaragi looked bewildered.
I've already been kidnapped onto this 'thief's car', what can I say?
However, it was also his first time sitting in such a sports car, and it felt quite novel.
The car started and then began to move out.
"What's this car called?" Ken Kutaragi asked curiously.
"Lamborghini's Diablo," Aoki Haruhi smiled, "The same name as the game we made."
"You've partnered with them?" Ken Kutaragi exclaimed in shock.
Pokeni Company wants to make a racing game?!
"No, just a coincidence," Aoki Haruhi smiled very happily.
"Lamborghini's Diablo is named after a fighting bull.
And our Diablo is from a mythological story."
"Oh, I see," Ken Kutaragi was startled.
However, he also felt a tiny bit of disappointment.
How good would it be if Pokeni Company really partnered with Lamborghini and developed a car game?
Wouldn't Sony PS's sales in Europe and America increase by another notch?
Just as Ken Kutaragi was still immersed in thought, Aoki Haruhi stepped on the accelerator.
Ken Kutaragi quickly gripped the handrail.
His entire body was firmly pressed against the seat.
His nerves were taut.
Goodness, when this car stepped on the accelerator, it shot out like a fighting bull released from its pen.
"How's this push-back feeling?" Aoki Haruhi asked with a smile.
"Very strong!"
Ken Kutaragi gave him a thumbs up.
...
After about 5 minutes of driving, Aoki Haruhi stopped the car.
"Eh?"
Ken Kutaragi was a bit confused.
Goodness, so you just brought me from Sony to Pokeni Company?
The two companies weren't too far apart, just across one street.
"Come on, what I'm showing you is even better than a Lamborghini."
"Really?"
Ken Kutaragi carried his briefcase and followed behind Aoki Haruhi, half-believingly getting into the elevator.
All the way to the Pokeni, Aoki Haruhi had Sakata Taiji, who had been waiting at the company, turn on the game console.
"Mr. Ken Kutaragi, please take a look at this new game we developed; we've encountered a small problem."
"Okay, okay."
Ken Kutaragi put his briefcase aside and sat in front of the TV to watch.
After the game started, it loaded for a long time, about 10 minutes.
Ken Kutaragi thought to himself—
There must be something wrong.
After loading was complete, a 3D model of a girl appeared on the screen.
It was the 2B Miss that Aoki Haruhi had previously asked Sakata Taiji and his team to "make as detailed as possible."
With just one glance, Ken Kutaragi was amazed by her.
This character was truly outstanding.
She wore a long black dress, an S-shaped graceful curve, plus well-rounded, three-dimensional thighs, a pure and beautiful two-dimensional face, possessing enough charm to attract men.
Her figure was indeed very realistic, as if a character from a manga had been pulled into reality, and her whole being exuded an arrogant and cold demeanor.
What a beautiful Miss.
That was Ken Kutaragi's first impression.
As a man, his heart would race at first sight.
Pokeni Company's art was too strong, and the person who could design such a character was even more remarkable.
Just by looking at her, Ken Kutaragi knew that this designer definitely understood men very well.
Especially understanding the aesthetics of male players.
So beautiful, if a game could be made to this extent, just releasing the visuals would cause a sensation.
Countless players, just by seeing her appearance, would be deeply attracted, and no matter what, they would definitely want to experience the game at least once.
But just as Ken Kutaragi was immersed in the beauty of 2B Miss, the screen suddenly froze, then after two seconds, the program crashed, and the TV screen went dark.
"This is the problem we encountered; the character model we made simply can't run," Aoki Haruhi said, standing next to him, with his arms crossed and a mischievous smile.
"Your models have so many polygons, they definitely can't run."
Ken Kutaragi indicated that they were teasing him; the capabilities of Sony PS were like this, and it wasn't yet time to support such high polygon counts.
"Currently, if you want to develop such models with such high polygon counts and high precision, they definitely cannot run."
"I suggest you trim down the polygon count of the model, at least control it within 500 polygons, so it can run smoothly."
Ken Kutaragi, who was originally earnestly helping to "solve the problem," froze when he turned his head and saw the mischievous smile on Aoki Haruhi's face.
He instantly understood that President Aoki was not a fool.
He had participated in the design of the 3D console module with Sony, so how could he not know such a simple truth?
Damn President Aoki.
You're deliberately playing such jokes, aren't you?
Aoki Haruhi raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Mr. Ken Kutaragi, I certainly know that this model's precision definitely can't run, but didn't you think this Miss was very beautiful?"
"Hmm..." Ken Kutaragi frowned, "She is very beautiful."
"As long as it can be made, it will definitely amaze the whole world, right?"
"Mm."
Ken Kutaragi nodded seriously, "But, it's not supported now, your polygon count definitely can't run."
"So," Aoki Haruhi said seriously, "I beg you, please have Sony develop Sony PS2 as soon as possible, so we can make this game, this model, as quickly as possible, and let the whole world see Sony's strength.
Pokeni Company will push Sony's game console to the altar all the way!"
Ah, this...
Aoki Haruhi, are you a devil?
Ken Kutaragi felt exceptionally pained.
Sony PS was originally planned to be in service until after 2000, perhaps even until 2002, and the company's top management had no sufficient desire to develop a new game console.
Unless Nintendo's newly released N64 could crush us.
But now, he had encountered an unreasonable guy like Aoki Haruhi, who directly shoved the game and the desired effects into his face.
Seeing such a Miss, as a game console developer, Ken Kutaragi very much hoped to make her move.
He was completely reined in.
Pokeni Company truly lived up to its reputation as the engine of the game industry.
This push-back feeling was too strong.
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