Blatant, too blatant.
Pokémon was a thorn completely stuck in Nintendo's eye.
Damn it!
Miyamoto Shigeru thought with some frustration—
Did Pokémon have to choose this Time?
...
Blatant, this Aoki Haruhi guy is too blatant!
This afternoon, Aoki Haruhi invited Hattori Hiroyuki to go fishing at the same lake as last Time.
In just half an hour, Aoki Haruhi had already caught several fish.
Although they weren't very big, it was still a full harvest, and two of the grass carp could be used for grilling.
On the other hand, Hattori Hiroyuki had been empty-handed for over two hours.
Hattori Hiroyuki couldn't help but frown deeply, not expecting Aoki Haruhi to be so lucky.
It was really too blatant.
Seeing this, Aoki Haruhi also stopped reeling in his rod.
After a while.
Hattori Hiroyuki couldn't help but ask, "The fish are biting, and you're not reeling in?"
Only then did Aoki Haruhi reluctantly pull it up.
He took a look, wow, it was another big one.
"Alright, tonight's barbecue is settled." Hattori Hiroyuki stood up expressionlessly, no longer wanting to continue fishing.
The two walked to the shore and found a small restaurant to have the owner cook the fish for them.
The fish they caught themselves simply tasted better than those bought at the market.
After two cups of sake, Aoki Haruhi said with a smile, "Then, for this game release, I'll leave it to President Hattori."
As he spoke, he took out the prepared gift and placed it in front of Hattori Hiroyuki.
"This is a gift for the children, chosen by Nao herself. She said children grow fast, so clothes need to be bought more frequently, and it's best to buy one size larger."
Hattori Hiroyuki's mood brightened when he heard Nao Tsuda's name.
He accepted the gift and nodded, "Then, thank you very much."
Generally, these were relatively luxurious children's clothes, but the price wouldn't be too outrageous. Compared to the million-yen golf clubs Aoki Haruhi had given before, it was nothing.
"Isn't New Year coming soon? I might be quite busy then, so let me give the children New Year's money first." Aoki Haruhi pushed a white envelope in front of Hattori Hiroyuki.
The three characters "おNew Year's gift" were written on it.
Japan also has a custom similar to China's, giving New Year's money to children, which they call "おNew Year's gift."
In fact, in ancient Chinese, there was a saying "Qinian Yusu," referring to the youthful years like flowers and jade, which are the most beautiful years of one's life.
Therefore, "Niantama" also has the meaning of wishing children healthy growth and to pass through their years like flowers and jade.
Tracing the origin of Japanese New Year's money, since ancient Times, every household in Japan would make rice cakes together during New Year, place them on the altar, and offer them to the New Year God, praying to pass the New Year without illness or disaster.
These rice cakes, imbued with divine energy, would then be distributed for everyone to taste. In Japanese, the pronunciation of "soul" and "jewel" are similar, and these distributed rice cakes were also called "Niantama."
With the change of Time, these rice cakes transformed into "New Year's gifts" and then became children's New Year's money, and the term "Niantama" gradually evolved into a synonym for New Year's money.
Like China, New Year's money in Japan is given to one's own children or relatives' children, and elders, who have blood relations.
Aoki Haruhi and Hattori Hiroyuki were also good business partners and friends, so giving New Year's money to the children was understandable.
However, they wouldn't give too much. Even if the male protagonist was rich, he wouldn't give a lot; it was just a matter of etiquette.
Even a rich guy like Aoki Haruhi only put 30,000 Japanese yen in the white envelope for New Year's money, just as a token of good wishes.
As a beautiful blessing.
"Ah, how can I accept this?"
"It's just a blessing, please don't be so polite. I hope Tamako's years are like jade."
Hattori Hiroyuki's child is named Hattori Tamako.
Although the pronunciation in Japanese is quite different, the Chinese pronunciation somehow has a special unspoken understanding. Thinking of this, Aoki Haruhi couldn't help but chuckle.
"Then thank you very much. I'll accept it on Tamako's behalf."
Other valuable gifts were nothing. Although the amount of this New Year's money was not much, compared to the things Aoki Haruhi had given, it was almost negligible.
However, for Hattori Hiroyuki, this [Niantama] was more precious than any previous gift.
Mainly because—
It brought the relationship between the two families closer.
After all, giving [Niantama] is something only people with a good relationship would do. Colleagues, superiors and subordinates, ordinary business partners, etc., would not give New Year's money.
There might be a tiny bit of overstepping, but Hattori Hiroyuki felt that Aoki Haruhi's sense of overstepping was just right.
Yabai!
He seemed to be liking this guy more and more.
"It would be great if you two also had a child," Hattori Hiroyuki said with a smile.
"Hmm, let nature take its course," Aoki Haruhi smiled.
"Preferably a boy," Hattori Hiroyuki blinked.
"I'll take that as a good omen," Aoki Haruhi raised his glass.
Aoki Haruhi said it didn't matter, as long as they had a child. Whether it was a son or a daughter, they could be raised as an heir.
It didn't matter if they weren't talented, as long as they lived happily.
After discussing personal matters, Hattori Hiroyuki finally began to discuss the game release with Aoki Haruhi.
"Eh? This Time, are there two games directly?"
"Yes." Aoki Haruhi nodded seriously, "The sequels to pokémon 3d world, Moons Dark Side and sun myth, are like twin games. The two games can be said to be similar yet opposite, like a mirror image relationship.
In terms of setting, one is based on the moon, and the other on the sun."
You guys don't stop all year round, do you?
Aoki Haruhi said, this is just the beginning. We initially planned five Pokémon products. You're already overwhelmed after only two releases?
President Hattori, are you perhaps not up to it?
"Is it like CL and LL last Time?" Hattori Hiroyuki asked.
"Not really." Aoki Haruhi shook his head, "We hope to release both games simultaneously this Time."
"Eh?"
Hattori Hiroyuki was greatly surprised, seemingly not expecting Aoki Haruhi to adopt such a strategy.
"But wouldn't that affect each other's sales?"
Hattori Hiroyuki asked in confusion.
After all, if two games are released simultaneously, advertising resources might seem to be halved, but there's also a possibility of competition between them, leading to one of the games not selling well.
After all, players' attention is limited.
Their money is also limited.
"Pokémon game is different from other games," Aoki Haruhi said with a smile.
The goal was precisely the effect of releasing two games simultaneously. On one hand, Aoki Haruhi was full of confidence in their game; there would definitely be no problems, just release them.
On the other hand, this twin structure was different from CL and LL.
Although CL and LL also formed a mirror relationship, in terms of plot construction and description, they strictly followed a sequential order.
The experience of players playing CL first and then LL, and playing LL first and then CL, was completely different.
The story of CL itself has a strong appeal. Just its tragic ending, the death of the wife and daughter, was enough to create a huge impact.
And LL was used to make up for regrets; its essence was healing.
So one is destruction, and one is healing, and of course, the destructive one must be placed first.
In psychology, there is a very famous effect called the Peak-End Rule.
It means that a person's impression of something is critically influenced by the moment they last experience it.
For example, if you go to a supermarket, and your overall shopping experience is mediocre, but when you reach the checkout and exit, there's free ice cream available, then you'll feel that this shopping trip was very pleasant.
This is also why Aoki Haruhi wanted to release LL after CL.
At least when players stayed with LL, their hearts were healed, and it made up for the regrets in CL.
Players thus achieved a sense of completeness.
However, the two new Pokémon games are different. Moons Dark Side and sun myth are independent stories. They have a mirror relationship in terms of setting, not in terms of experience.
In the game, players can get an independent and complete experience, and both are happy, regardless of which game they play.
Then, releasing two such games together will not only avoid conflict but will also create a strong chemical reaction due to their mirror relationship.
In a sense, simultaneously releasing "Moons Dark Side" and "sun myth" is more in line with the Pokémon tradition.
Because Pokémon always releases two different versions when it launches, the purpose is to create differences in the Pokémon that players acquire, thereby promoting their social behavior.
Although there are a few slight differences, in terms of form, it's actually something players are more familiar with and accept.
"Okay, I understand."
Hattori Hiroyuki nodded seriously.
"Then I'll take 200,000 copies of each."
...
After dinner, Hattori Hiroyuki got into his car.
He threw both game discs into the trash can.
Check-in complete.
...
During the period that followed, it was all promotional advertisements for the new Pokémon game.
Ever since the news spread that Totoro would be joining Pokémon, it was like a fuse had been lit.
Following closely, advertisements for the two games flooded everywhere, instantly raising the hype.
The already eye-catching Pokémon became even more so.
Nintendo's Miyamoto Shigeru never dreamed that Pokeni would pull such a stunt so close to New Year's Eve.
They played their trump card!
Darn Pokémon.
Nintendo's super mario 3d adventure had just managed to achieve good results, who would have thought that Pokémon would step in right after, and with two games simultaneously!
"But wouldn't that be a bit too wasteful?"
Perhaps if the two games were released separately, each could achieve millions in sales, but if released together, there might be a discount.
After all, players' money is limited.
Time and energy are also limited.
...
Surprise!
The two Pokémon games unleashed endless surprises.
Not only had Hattori Hiroyuki never seen such a surprise, but players had never seen such a surprise either.
"It's almost New Year, and I didn't expect Pokémon to pull off such a big surprise."
"It's quite a surprise."
"This Time, Pokémon's promotion is completely unconventional; previously, Pokeni's games were mostly released and promoted one at a Time, with a focus on a single title after a period.
But this Time, Pokémon went straight for a double-yolk egg."
"I've never seen two similar games released at the same Time."
"It can't be because Pokeni made too much content, and then split one game into two to sell, right?"
"Then it should be sold sequentially, right?"
"Who cares, at least we won't have to worry about not having games to play during New Year."
"Yeah, I'm actually really looking forward to it. pokémon 3d world left such a good impression on me. To be able to make such a game, Pokeni is truly amazing."
"To this day, Pokémon 3D is still the game I use to break the ice with new friends."
"Forget new friends, we often organize to play Pokémon with familiar friends on weekends, and it's always full of joy.
Especially since it supports 4 players."
"You guys aren't doing anything weird, are you? You'd better be talking about playing Pokémon!"
"Thanks to Pokémon 3D, I've successfully dated several girls. Every Time they come over to play, we end up rolling into bed!"
"Ah~ Nani?! Where did this normie come from? It's really making me green with envy."
"To the guy above who dates girls, I think, you can lie to your bros, but don't lie to yourself."
"Hahahaha... Self-deception, huh? Suddenly, I can picture it."
...
After school in the afternoon, a few children gathered together.
"Hey, hey, have you heard? Pokémon is releasing a new game!"
Satō Reiko rubbed her small hands, her cheeks a little red from the cold, looking especially cute with her round face.
"Mm-hmm, that's great! I saw the Pokémon ad!" Skinny Monkey danced with joy.
"Mm-hmm, it seems like the holidays are coming soon too," Uesugi Noboru said.
A puff of mist escaped his mouth as he spoke.
It was December, but the weather had already turned cold, and everyone was bundled up more thickly.
His eyes were fixed on Reiko; it seemed like he was truly freezing.
"Whose house should we go to this Time?" Fat Bear asked.
"Little Noboru's house?" Reiko said with a smile.
Uesugi Noboru thought, he didn't expect a girl to be so enthusiastic about games.
But he didn't refuse, "Sure, if it's the holidays, Mom should let us play for a few more days. Just remember to tell your families, otherwise Mom definitely won't agree."
Last Time they played games at Uesugi Noboru's house, Uesugi's mother was already worried sick. If they came again, he wondered if she would get angry.
But, mainly because he had his friends with him, his mother wouldn't be too temperamental out of consideration for them.
Just thinking of his mother's devilish face, Uesugi Noboru involuntarily shivered.
"Little Noboru, are you very cold?" Reiko pulled out a pair of fuzzy gloves from her pocket and handed them to him, "You wear mine."
"Eh? You're not wearing them yourself, is it really okay to give them to me?"
"It's fine, I'm not cold at all." Reiko smiled happily, radiating sunshine.
"Yay! Then we can play Pokémon together again!"
"I saw that Moons Dark Side and sun myth will both release new Pokémon. I wonder what they are."
"Sun and Moon, I'm more curious about the Moon."
"I prefer the Sun. Don't you think the Sun is more mysterious? With such high temperatures, Pokémon would be roasted if they went up there, right?"
"Hehehe..."
The children covered their bellies and giggled.
Just thinking about Pokémon being roasted made everyone burst into laughter.
"If Pikachu were roasted, would it taste good?"
"Hehehe..."
"You guys are too cruel! Pikachu is so cute, why would you eat it?" Reiko herself couldn't stop laughing, but she still objected out of pity.
"But, aren't you overlooking a very, very important question?!" Skinny Monkey reminded from the side.
"What is it?"
"One Pokémon Moons Dark Side costs 6900 yen, plus a sun myth..."
He started counting on his fingers.
"It'll be 13800 yen." Reiko immediately gave the answer.
Among the children, Satō Reiko was the best student, which was why their mothers all liked Reiko and hoped their sons would spend more Time with Reiko.
It was so that Reiko could lead them on the right path.
But they never expected that this little girl's gaming addiction was even greater than that of the other boys.
"Ah! It's actually that much?!"
Uesugi Noboru and Fat Bear were greatly surprised.
The four children fell silent at the same Time.
"Can we pool our money?" Reiko said.
"I saw that the game's release date seems to be January 1st, New Year's Day. We'll get a lot of New Year's money then."
Regarding New Year's money, for children in Japan, there's a generally accepted 'fee standard'.
It's calculated based on age.
Older children receive more New Year's money.
For students like them in 4th grade of elementary school, their own parents usually give 5000 yen as New Year's money.
Relatives would give around 3000 yen.
Friends also give in the range of 3000 to 5000 yen.
If it's a high school student, then it would increase to 10000 yen.
University students...
Generally, after entering university, they rarely receive New Year's money anymore.
Moreover, in Japan, giving New Year's money is truly equivalent to giving children pocket money, which they can use to buy gifts and whatever they want.
For children, New Year is also a rare way to 'get rich'.
"If I'm lucky, I might get 20,000 or 30,000 yen in New Year's money," Skinny Monkey said.
"Mm-hmm, then we'll all be about the same."
"In that case, we'll pool our money and give it to Uesugi, entrusting him to make the purchase."
Satō Reiko happily raised her right hand.
"Okay, on January 1st, at 12 PM, we'll meet at Uesugi's doorstep!"
...
Time flew by, and in a flash, it was the day before New Year's Eve. After work ended on this day, the holidays would begin.
At Nintendo Co., Ltd.:
"Happy New Year!"
"Well then, we'll be going now."
The employees packed up their things, stood up, and bid farewell to Director Miyamoto Shigeru.
"See you next year."
"Happy New Year!" Miyamoto Shigeru responded.
At the same Time, he packed up his things, ready to go home.
Just then, he suddenly trembled.
"Nani?!"
Terrifying!
He suddenly remembered a very critical problem—
It's New Year!!!
No wonder Aoki Haruhi wanted to release both Pokémon games at this Time point!!!
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