With this doubt in mind, Fang Cheng's thoughts shifted, and the next moment he appeared above the planet.
This planet had been officially named "Star of the Forest," a reference to its corresponding game "The Forest's Second Son."
At this time, there were already a million players active on this planet, and because the players had discovered that everyone was in the same "server," they began to constantly search for other people, either forming alliances or making enemies.
They had already started to build large bases, and the relics of the planet's former civilization had been marked, but the guards were too strong. They still needed to continue collecting materials and synthesizing items to deal with the relics and the civilization here.
After that, they would be able to utilize the technology within the relics, as well as their own provided Refinement system, to repair the relics before embarking on the journey to the Starry Sea.
Of course, the whole process might take decades, enough to turn this game into a family heirloom, passed down to grandchildren to continue playing.
Hiding his presence and floating above the planet, Fang Cheng looked down at the excited players collecting resources below, still not understanding what was fun about this game.
Recalling a previous top-rated comment, Fang Cheng felt there might be some truth to it.
"This game is full of mystery and various unknowns. Its exquisite setup fills the game with infinite possibilities, making every entrance into the game full of anticipation."
Originally, he thought realism was the greatest standard of fun, but now it seemed that mystery, unknowns, and a sense of anticipation were also measures of a game's enjoyment.
Nodding slightly, Fang Cheng felt as if he had realized something.
For the next game, he would try to incorporate this element of unknowns.
After confirming his thoughts, Fang Cheng stopped paying attention to this place and returned directly to his dormitory to study what exactly this "unknown" was.
While others were busy making games, he had already graduated early.
Seven days later.
The graduation ceremony ended, and the principal of Tianxiong Training Academy delivered a heartfelt speech. The completed trainees bade each other farewell, and Fang Cheng, who had been dragged into taking photos all day, saw his portrait collection produced and sold for the high price of five hundred yuan on the same day.
Under Mr. Shen's arrangement, Fang Cheng brought "The Forest's Second Son" to Tianyi, and Tianyi also expressed a desire to cooperate, hoping Fang Cheng would hand over the adaptation rights of "The Forest's Second Son" to Tianyi for further development and maintenance.
The person in charge of the liaison was a producer from a working group under Tianyi, named KongKong.
The other party was a short and chubby little fellow with a kindly smile, but his beady eyes were always darting around, and his tone of voice had a sharp edge when he spoke.
After asking Fang Cheng to sit down in the office, he got straight to the point and said, "I think 'The Forest's Second Son' is no good."
Fang Cheng excitedly lifted his head, feeling he had found a kindred spirit.
After all, this thing wasn't really a game; it was just a haphazardly packaged entrance to a planet, and heaven knows why those players thought it was enjoyable.
And KongKong, unremarkable in appearance, somewhat sleazy in character, dishonest, and even suffering from hemorrhoids, seemed to have quite a good eye.
Therefore, Fang Cheng eagerly asked, "So, what's not good about it?"
"Paying, you intend for this game to be a one-time purchase, right?"
"I don't want to charge a fee, after all, it's just a few hours..."
"Stop right there."
KongKong rudely interrupted Fang Cheng: "I've seen too many young people. Your way of thinking is too dangerous. Many people only have a momentary spark of genius, creating something that surpasses the times, but then they can't produce anything afterwards. What you need to do now is to cash in on this game until you reach financial freedom, forget about everything else."
"But is that fun?"
"Making games isn't fun, but making money is. Who wouldn't be happy with an income of several hundred thousand a month? Listen to me, this game needs to change. The payment system has to keep up, initially use paid posters to hype it up, split the servers into hundreds, and open a new one periodically to continuously attract rich players."
"There have to be opening events, a first charge bonus, monthly cards, and even a leaderboard for the wealthy. First, get a few large guilds involved, then invite the rich to become deputy leaders of the guilds, send in a few shills to stir up animosity, and use AI to create trouble when necessary."
A series of combination punches left Fang Cheng reeling in confusion.
After mentally calculating KongKong's plan, Fang Cheng instantly envisioned what the changed game would look like, with two words hidden in every corner: "Spend money."
"Hurry up and spend money!"
Not only was the changed game no fun to play, but it also gave off an impression of being mercenary and scheming, which made Fang Cheng feel that the game was not only unenjoyable but also somewhat disgusting.
So, he nodded slightly, "I don't think it's necessary. This isn't fun at all."
"Huh, think it over. Tianyi is very powerful, and partnering with Tianyi is the best choice. You need money first to promote the game and let more people see it."
"No need, goodbye."
He left Tianyi without ever looking back.
His Taoist Heart should be focused on "fun," and for things that weren't enjoyable, he didn't want to give them even a backward glance.
Watching Fang Cheng's departing figure, KongKong sneered coldly.
Very idealistic.
But in the end, it will still be him crying.
Right after leaving Tianyi, Fang Cheng received a call from Mr. Shen.
Upon answering, Fang Cheng heard Mr. Shen's voice, "You rejected KongKong, why?"
"Too many payments required, it feels a bit disgusting," Fang Cheng said bluntly, "Our paths don't align, so we cannot plot together."
"... You," a wry laugh came from the other end of the phone, "I figured as much, someone as straightforward as you couldn't possibly agree."
Straightforwardness is almost everyone's appraisal of Fang Cheng.
He seems not to know how to compromise, always resolute in action, appearing as if he could never be persuaded.
Knowing Fang Cheng's reason for refusal, Mr. Shen asked, "What's next then?"
"Don't know. But I've got a new idea, I want to create a new game."
"Hiss..."
Mr. Shen inhaled sharply, thinking this kid might be a bit of a genius!
If it were him, he would be considering monetizing "The Forest's Second Son," not already thinking about the next game.
It must be said, this is what genius is, a constant stream of inspiration in their mind, as if there will never be a day it dries up.
At first, Mr. Shen wanted to ease the relationship between Tianyi and Fang Cheng. But now, he couldn't care less about mediating.
Don't anyone stop me from playing the new game!
Therefore, his tone became more relaxed, kindly saying, "Alright, do you have enough funding?"
"Enough, it's a small-scale game, could be done in a few days."
"That's good then, what's the theme?"
"A horror game," Fang Cheng said confidently.