"This person's game is interesting. Go ask him if he would like to sign a five-year contract and stay in Yogagame for five years," Fujifuro, the general manager of Yogame's game platform, stated in the conference room.
In Yogame's conference room, General Manager Fujifuro scrutinized the download data of the latest game platform. The download volume of this game called "Digging the Ground for Ascension" increased rapidly. It took only three days to climb from obscurity to the number one position on the hot list.
The first day: Only Brother Po Fang Yin.
The next two days: Followers among fans played the game with intense focus.
By the third day: The entire live broadcast platform, regardless of whether it was a game anchor or not, was encouraged by fans to start playing this game.
Then came the moment when everyone's hearts sank.
With simple entry-level operation using only a mouse, this game offered the most extreme, high-pressure enjoyment. Unlike the popular games currently on the market, which focus on ease and relaxation, this game's mechanics caused players' hearts, lungs, and spleens to ache from the challenge.
The current market is saturated with "pay-to-win" games, where players can achieve full-level talents, obtain magical items, and become stronger by simply paying money. However, this game, which was particularly challenging to play, emerged from the crowd of easy games.
"Finally, discuss the buyout contract for this game with him. It's a waste to have this game in his hands. Buying the game for 10 yuan and playing it forever? That's a waste of this game's greatest value!" Teng Feng observed the anchors relentlessly pounding their keyboards.
Even netizens commented sharply under various edited videos: "The game designer must have a keyboard factory at home."
According to careful netizen statistics, the sales of keyboards on a certain online marketplace have increased significantly recently.
Customer service representatives at various online stores also received numerous unusual inquiries:
"Is this keyboard of good quality? Can it withstand a few more hits?"
"Does it have a stress test? Is it waterproof?"
"Can you reduce the price? I want to buy a few more; I won't feel bad if they break."
Fujifeng snorted. If he were running this game, he would definitely introduce a few features: charging money for a chance of resurrection, charging money to change the appearance of some characters, charging money for special abilities, etc. Of course, each feature would have limited use, and VIP players could enjoy them a few more times.
Looking at the game designer's profile, he couldn't help but sigh. As expected of a student still in school, the designer didn't understand business at all. Children at this stage play games purely for enjoyment, without considering the financial aspect.
"Find a designer and arrange an interview. If possible, consider hiring him permanently. His talent is exceptional and worth nurturing," Fujifeng instructed, closing the designer's profile.
The matter of contacting Ye Feng would be recorded and handled by a dedicated staff member.
The screen in the conference room changed to display the TGA annual awards, which would take place at the end of the year. It was only March, but preparations were already underway.
"Yogame is not only a game platform; we also create games. This time, we're aiming for the Best Independent Game award," Fujifeng announced solemnly.
Established more than ten years ago, the annual Best Independent Game award aims to recognize outstanding works that may not have had a large investment in research and development or promotion but are innovative and fun to play.
"Yes!" Everyone in the conference room nodded, though their enthusiasm was somewhat muted.
It was a familiar routine, year after year.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Ye Feng received a message from Yogame.
"Job invitation? And a game buyout offer? Two million yuan for the game copyright buyout?" Song Shan, standing beside Ye Feng, grew breathless as he read over Ye Feng's shoulder.
He looked at the email with envy in his eyes. "This is fantastic! You're going to be rich!" Song Shan exclaimed.
"This is the advantage of becoming famous as a student. Many big companies will send you job invitations. You just need to say yes, and you'll get a high salary," Song Shan explained.
Ye Feng glanced at the email, his expression unchanged. Without much hesitation, he replied directly.
"Sorry, thank you for the job offer. However, it conflicts with my career plans, so I won't consider it for now."
Song Shan didn't even have time to react before Ye Feng sent the email.
"What are you doing? This is a rare opportunity!" Song Shan tried to grab the mouse to help retract the email, but it was too late; the recipient had already opened it, and it couldn't be recalled.
Seeing Song Shan's reaction, Ye Feng couldn't help but smile.
Knowing the original owner's memories, Ye Feng understood that Song Shan had the closest relationship with him in this world. If it weren't for his knowledge from another world, accepting this job offer would have been the greatest accomplishment of his university career.
Song Shan was genuinely concerned about the original owner's well-being.
"I've sent you the weapon information; you start building the model," Ye Feng instructed, handing over a file.
"Do you even realize who you just rejected?" Song Shan was speechless, astounded by his friend's decision.
Although there's a saying about looking out for one's brother, this seemed too extreme. However, Song Shan truly wished for Ye Feng's success and a bright future.
"I know. You start building the model, and I'll treat you to a ride in the Land Rover in the future," Ye Feng said with a smile.
Song Shan stared at him incredulously. Was he serious?
"Not making much from 'Digging the Ground'... this time, let's invest in a new game," Ye Feng said, turning to face Song Shan.
"You call two million 'not much'?" Song Shan was astonished. Was Ye Feng joking?
"How much do you plan to invest in this new game?"
"Of course—" Ye Feng began.
"Stud!" Ye Feng interrupted, handing Song Shan the planning book.
"Dead Cells"
Song Shan flipped through the planning book, which contained everything from level design to weapons, monsters, and ability attributes. It seemed that Ye Feng was serious about starting their own studio.
"Starting your own studio? That's quite ambitious..." Song Shan muttered, slightly overwhelmed.
"That's why I need you to help me. Otherwise, I'll be lost," Ye Feng said with a smile.
"Okay, since you're going all out, I'm in. But remember, you owe me meals!" Song Shan said, returning to his computer desk with a smile. He clicked on the email Ye Feng had just sent.
"My goal isn't grand. I just want everyone to give me a 'super difficult'!"