As time progresses. The popularity of the random mode in Dark Souls sustains and remains remarkably high. The freshness this kind of gameplay offers-- continues to captivate players.
In the gaming industry. The spotlight has shifted to the release of two VR masterpieces launched by Tenghua and Net Dragon.
Net Dragon's Star God, unveiled at a previous gameplay exhibition, led the charge. Its plot and setting follow a traditional path: gods once roamed the world but vanished for unknown reasons, giving rise to countless monsters. Humanity, struggling to survive, embarks on adventurous journeys.
While the storyline offers nothing groundbreaking, its formula is a safe bet for any action RPG. Net Dragon likely opted for this approach to mitigate risks. Though not revolutionary, it avoids major flaws. With the added appeal of VR and aggressive marketing by Net Dragon, Star God has skyrocketed in popularity.
Meanwhile, Chen Xu remains unconcerned with Tenghua and Net Dragon's rivalry. Two months after the launch of Dark Souls, overseas sales have matched domestic numbers. Whatever moves Tenghua and Net Dragon make, Neon Games' position remains secure.
Currently, Chen Xu is overseeing operations at Galaxy Intelligent Technology, an AI-focused research company in Shenzhen, which he recently acquired for 320 million yuan. The acquisition process was handled seamlessly by the consultant service the personnel in the company hired.
Zhong Yue cautiously presented the company's current progress and their substantial database.
The staff seemed anxious, and uncertain about the future under new management.
Chen Xu addressed their concerns directly. "I believe you're aware of Neon Games' focus. The company's research will now center on integrating AI with gaming applications," he announced.
To ease apprehensions, he added, "An additional 120 million yuan will be allocated in phases to support this direction."
Hearing this, the employees' worries dissipated. For them, a stable company and continuous research funding were all that mattered.
Chen Xu reviewed the company's patents, ongoing projects, and contractual safeguards to ensure everything was in order. Satisfied with the arrangements, he departed.
Back at Neon Games' office, Chen Xu opened the system's backpack interface. The item card he had drawn earlier was now ready to use.
"That's it?"
Looking at the scene where it burst into a golden hue after which it dissipated in air, Chen Xu muttered internally.
At that moment, a small progress bar appeared under the system lottery interface. Below the bar, a set of constantly changing numbers was displayed:
31536000, 31535999...
A countdown?
31536000 seconds?
A year...
Pausing to think, it became clear what the progress bar and numbers represented. Just like in a simulation game where advancing a technology tree or constructing a building requires waiting, this system seemed to work the same way.
After some research, nothing significant came to light, so the matter was temporarily set aside. Whatever the outcome, it would only be revealed when the countdown ended—a day far in the future.
For now, the golden item's effect was put on hold as attention shifted back to the current points.
Following the overseas release of Dark Souls and the addition of a new game mode, the points skyrocketed like a rocket launch. The accumulated total now allows for 200 draws.
Previously, self-restraint had held back the urge to draw, with plans to save up even more. But this number? It is like a green light to splurge.
The hand moved, and the decision was made. The lottery began immediately.
Unlike before, there was no ritual. Experience had shown that such acts were mere illusions. Now I am enlightened toward the ways of gambling.
[Common Occupation Skill Book], [Ordinary Occupation Skill Book], [Common Occupation Skill Book]... Then, finally: [Rare Occupation Skill Book], [Memory Capsule]...
After 30 consecutive draws, the sight of the props that appeared brought mixed emotions. The golden special effects looked dazzling, but opening the boxes felt like filtering through white clouds with only the occasional blue sky. Was this lottery experience perhaps too realistic!
[Where is some of my plot armor]
Still, the abundance of memory capsules wasn't unwelcome. These had proven invaluable during the development of Dark Souls.
With a sigh, the draws continued.
[Professional Skills Book: Psychological Knowledge (Elementary)]
[Professional Skills Book: Knowledge of Cinematic Lenses (Elementary)]
"Finally! A new skill book?"
Excitement surged at the sight of the two new skill books. However, the addition of elementary dampened my fiery spirit.
While the items were of rare quality, the beginner label evoked a sense of mediocrity. Yet after using the books, the reason became apparent: the extensive scope of their content warranted their classification as introductory.
For game development, these two aspects—psychology and cinematic lenses—were deeply intertwined.
Psychology's play role in games beyond malicious traps, like those in Dark Souls. Positive reward mechanisms also came into play. Designing the pacing, arranging rewards after defeating a boss, and creating a rhythm to excite players were all deeply rooted in psychology.
As for cinematic, its importance is inevitable as iconic games like God of War, The Last of Us, and Metal Gear Solid incorporate cinematic techniques extensively.
From the seamless one-shot perspective in God of War to the long takes in Metal Gear Solid, such methods elevated storytelling to a cinematic level.
In the end, 200 consecutive draws yielded mostly ordinary skill books, with a few rare ones sprinkled in. The haul included memory capsules, which significantly bolstered their stockpile.
Among the professional skill books obtained were four on psychology (elementary), six on cinematic lenses (elementary), three on architecture (elementary), and five on martial arts (elementary).
While there were no golden-quality items this time, the collection proved highly practical for current needs.
Overall, the results were satisfying.