The news of Neon Games acquiring Galaxy Smart Technology didn't cause much of a stir in the gaming industry.
For regular players, acquisitions like these are hardly noticeable. After all, buying a company isn't the same as launching a new game.
Within the industry, the move was seen as a typical example of Neon Games' bold strategy. Studio acquisitions, though significant, aren't entirely uncommon.
Galaxy Smart Technology, while somewhat known within AI research circles, remains unfamiliar to most outside that niche. Thus, the ones most affected by this acquisition were Neon Games' employees.
During the lunch break, employees across various departments at Neon Games were abuzz with surprise. Many chatted excitedly about the company's unexpected decision.
"We really bought a company? Our team just expanded again?"
Yang Xin and Ruan Ningxue, aware of the broader plan thanks to Chen Xu's earlier hints, were still taken aback by the magnitude of the acquisition. They hadn't anticipated it would involve buying a whole company.
Meanwhile, Qin Yi and the development team couldn't hide their enthusiasm. Ideas about incorporating AI into future projects were already brewing needing just a headup from the boss.
"If we integrate AI into Dark Soul, paired with the random mode, imagine the possibilities!" Qin Yi, seated on the sofa, glanced at the Dark Soul gameplay footage on a nearby screen, already brimming with excitement.
Ruan Ningxue, however, rolled her eyes. "Be reasonable," she said, her tone laced with exasperation.
The inherent difficulty of Dark Soul was already a challenge for most players. The random mode, often perceived as harder than the base game, added layers of unpredictability. Introducing AI to this mix? It might just push players to their limits.
"Is this acquisition preparing for a Dark Soul sequel?" Yang Xin wondered aloud, resting her chin on her hand.
Her question mirrored the speculations of many fans. However, Chen Xu soon addressed this curiosity.
"Don't overthink it," he said, setting his coffee mug down as he joined the conversation. "This move is part of a broader strategy. Neon Games' future projects need diversity, and accumulating technological expertise is essential."
Both Yang Xin and Ruan Ningxue nodded in understanding, appreciating the forward-thinking approach.
Curious about upcoming plans, Qin Yi asked, "Do you have any specific projects lined up for now?"
Chen Xu shook his head slightly. "There are plans for new projects, but they won't be ready immediately. With the Spring Festival arriving earlier this year, the focus will shift for now. In a few days, I'll also be attending the annual events hosted by the game department."
Unlike in the past, the annual game awards now involve both domestic and international events. This year, Chen Xu has been invited to participate, adding another significant milestone to Neon Games' growing reputation.
It is official.
Compared to previous years, this year's annual game event has introduced some notable changes. Although it remains an awards ceremony, the impact on the industry has grown significantly.
On the player level, there are fewer commercially-driven awards that hold limited influence. Instead, the focus has shifted towards meaningful recognition.
Last year, Chen Xu's works gained considerable attention. For instance, Under the Legend won the Best Independent Game award, and To the Moon secured the Best Music award.
This year, however, the awards activities have been reformed to encourage greater player participation and expand the event's influence. The level of attention it has received is unprecedented. This shift can be attributed to the various expedition activities launched over the past two years.
This reform is one reason why NetDragon and Tenghua released two VR masterpieces this year, directly challenging each other in a competitive manner.
Meanwhile, Yang Chen, head of the game department in the Capital City, privately informed Chen Xu that during this year's event, certificates would be issued to designers promoted to senior titles. This left Chen Xu with no choice but to attend.
As a result, Chen Xu has been extremely busy, with little time for new projects in recent months.
After hearing Chen Xu's update, Qin Yi, Yang Xin, and Ruan Ningxue were visibly excited. They understood the significance of this year's event.
"Mr. Chen, do we have a chance to win an award?" Qin Yi asked eagerly.
"Absolutely! We've released several titles this year, haven't we? Overcooked, JellyMan, Three Kingdoms, Braveheart: World War, and Dark Souls," Yang Xin added with enthusiasm.
Chen Xu smiled. "I think Braveheart: World War will definitely win something. As for the others, we'll have to see."
It was almost a given. Braveheart: World War had earned first place in this year's anti-war expedition. The game department would be hard-pressed not to acknowledge it, even if only with a consolation award.
"In addition, I've already brainstormed a new project idea. Dark Souls has been tough on players, and they've voiced plenty of complaints about me online. So, I've decided the next game will be more player-friendly. Once this event wraps up, I'll hold a meeting to discuss it in detail," Chen Xu explained with a grin.
Hearing this, Ruan Ningxue, Yang Xin, and Qin Yi exchanged subtle expressions. A friendly game again?
A few days later...
On the day of the annual game selection event, the weather was pleasant.
This year's event stood out for its prestige and level of attention. Dedicated live-streaming channels on major platforms broadcasted the entire event, drawing countless viewers.
As a result, all invited game designers—regardless of whether they were likely to win—attended the event. On the one hand, it was essential to give face to the game department, and on the other, it was an opportunity to maintain visibility within the industry.
It was akin to the GOscars. Even for those playing minor roles, walking the red carpet was an opportunity not to be missed.
The event was held in the exhibition hall of the Convention Center, with hotel accommodations thoughtfully arranged in advance by the organizers.
Unlike previous years, this year's event eliminated lectures and industry exchanges. The focus was solely on players.
After all, normal players care more about what awards their favorite games win than about industry-related discussions. Lectures about experience often fail to resonate with players, making them irrelevant to the event's theme.
Every game designer holds a blend of mature ideas and fresh perspectives on game design.
However, who would be foolish enough to openly share these ideas directly?
This is why some of the previous lectures felt repetitive. For ordinary game designers, these lectures may have been helpful. But for those invited to participate—especially the top designers and backbones of the industry—these insights lacked depth and value. They were little more than walkthroughs.
Acknowledging this, the game department decided to cancel such sessions and retain only the awards ceremony—the highlight players eagerly awaited.
Before the event began, Chen Xu entered through the main door with a pass. Inside, many designers had already gathered, naturally divided into groups.
There were factions from Tenghua and NetDragon, alongside designers from second- and third-tier studios and some independent creators. Unlike the tense rivalry between Tenghua and NetDragon, the relationships among smaller studios and independent designers felt much simpler.
___________
"This year's Best Game of the Year... who's going to win?" someone asked.
"I think NetDragon's Star God has a good chance."
"Not so fast! Tenghua's Sin City is performing really well too!"
"What about Dark Souls? I think it's top-tier material," another chimed in.
"Uh, let's not discuss that. I haven't even cleared the underground prison yet," someone said sheepishly, causing laughter.
"Dark Souls is outstanding, but the platform limits its chances. If it were on VR instead of PC, it would probably be a clear favorite. But as it stands, PC still struggles in such awards."
"True. Oh, wait—is that Chen Xu?"
"Yes, it's him!"
"Let's go say hi."
___________
In a corner of the hall, a group of independent designers and others from second- and third-tier companies discussed the event. Many had interacted with Chen Xu during the previous game show held by the department and had since joined the same discussion group.
This time, only a few members had received invitations. When Chen Xu walked in, someone called out to him.
____________
Turning around, he saw familiar faces. "Everyone's here?" Chen greeted them with a smile.
"Just lucky to be invited and see the big leagues," one replied with a grin.
"Mr. Chen, Dark Souls really made waves this year!"
"Exactly! And last year's Under the Legend wasn't any less impactful. You've stunned everyone with your innovations," another chimed in.
"Alright, alright," Chen chuckled. "Let's find a quieter spot to chat so we're not in the way."
____________
The group moved toward a quieter area, continuing their conversation.
Meanwhile, other designers noticed Chen Xu's presence, approached him, exchanged contact details, and greeted him warmly.
As the night progressed, the event's highlight—the awards ceremony—approached. Media outlets from across the gaming industry were present, covering the event live.
In the live chat, players waiting eagerly at home filled the barrage with comments:
____________
"Why hasn't it started yet?!"
"The game department has been more active than ever in recent years!"
"Vote for Star God! It's the clear winner!"
"Sin City isn't a pushover either!"
"Does Dark Souls have any chance of winning?"
"Forget the games—where's Chen Xu? I didn't catch a glimpse!"
"+1. I need to remember his face. Dark Souls tormented me so badly!"
____________
Amid the humor and excitement, Chen Xu and the other designers entered the main venue.
"Mr. Chen, what a coincidence!" a voice greeted him as he took his assigned seat.
Turning, Chen saw a familiar face. "Mr. Meng! Good to see you again," he responded with a warm smile.
Mr. Meng's enthusiasm was evident, though a hint of nervousness crept in. Every time I meet Chen Xu, something unexpected happens, he thought to himself.
Before Meng could dwell on this, the ceremony began as game designers and media settled into their seats. The stage was set for the highly anticipated awards announcement.