Chen Xu returned to the company.
Although it was not a working day, except for the employees on duty, Yang Xin, Ruan Ningxue, and Qin Yi were all present.
Everyone rushed up to look at the trophy that was transported to the company.
"President Chen is awesome!"
"Sure enough, it's more exciting to see these trophies in person than on the screen!"
"Are these trophies silver-plated?"
"What are you thinking? How could they be silver? Okay, help me put the trophy in the display cabinet. If everyone is free today, I'll treat you all to a good meal." Chen Xu said with a smile.
The crowd cheered in response.
That evening, everyone gathered at the restaurant that Chen Xu had reserved.
There weren't many people since Chen Xu had not notified the workgroup.
After all, this wasn't a company team-building event. It was a dinner.
Since Neon Games was established, aside from the celebration banquet, no other events like this had been held.
Since it was a weekend, not a weekday, most employees would come, but there were likely some who didn't want to but still attended out of fear of leaving a bad impression on the boss.
Thus, Chen Xu called Yang Xin, Ruan Ningxue, and Qin Yi.
At the dinner table, the corporate tradition of Neon Games was still upheld—no alcohol.
The drinks served were either boiled water, cola, herbal tea, fruit juice, or corn juice.
"The Star God on Net Dragon is in a bad state, we should properly support them!" Qin Yi couldn't help but sigh at the table.
"Yeah, they didn't even get a consolation prize," someone from the accompanying staff added.
"Mr. Meng is also a very sympathetic person privately, so let's avoid talking about this." Chen Xu said, trying to change the topic.
"Sister Xin, what are you looking at so intently?" Ruan Ningxue asked curiously when she noticed Yang Xin staring at her phone and frowning.
Putting down her phone, Yang Xin said, "I'm reading the news! One of the most ridiculous stories today is about a couple who went to collect their marriage certificate in the morning, only for one of them to regret it within half a day."
"Isn't that too much?" Ruan Ningxue scratched her head.
"Marriage is no small matter! Impulsive marriages are unwise. The divorce rate in our country is rising every year because many people don't consider it thoroughly before getting married. Marriage represents not just love, but also responsibility," Qin Yi said, speaking with emotion.
"Brother Qin, let's go of this, you're still a single guy giving relationship advice!" Lin Tao, sitting next to Qin Yi, teased.
"Although he's single, what Qin Yi said is quite right. And this also ties into our next game. Qin Yi's insight is impressive!" Chen Xu said, putting down his chopsticks with a smile.
"Eh!"
"The next game is related!?"
Instantly, everyone's eyes turned to Chen Xu, filled with surprise.
Does it have something to do with marriage?
"Okay, I'll talk more about it tomorrow in the meeting. Let's eat first." Chen Xu smiled, signaling to drop the topic.
The conversation moved on, and they continued chatting about other interesting things.
Although everyone was still curious about the new game, they would learn more at work tomorrow.
The next day at Neon Games...
In the conference room, Yang Xin, Ruan Ningxue, Qin Yi, and the others gathered, eagerly awaiting Chen Xu to outline the next stage of the development plan.
They were especially curious about how the new game relates to marriage.
A simple design concept draft appeared on the big screen—Divide.
Seeing the name of the concept draft, everyone was a little stunned.
From the name, it seemed like this was a two-player cooperative mode. There were doubts in their hearts, but no one spoke immediately. They continued to watch.
The first page of the concept draft featured an art-style concept for a game with two cartoon dolls, one made of clay and the other a puppet. The group began discussing.
"A two-player cooperative game?"
"The art style is more cartoonish, a bit like last year's Overcooked!"
Chen Xu interrupted and explained, "That's right, as everyone guessed, this game will be a two-player cooperative game, and the art is in the same cartoon style as what you're seeing."
"As for the gameplay, let me give you a brief overview. This is an action-adventure game with two-player cooperation and puzzle-solving. When you think of a two-player mode, you might also think of Overcooked which we developed last year, but divide is different."
"This will be a cinematic two-player game, and the plot experience will be a more significant part of the game than level design. It will be larger than Overcooked."
"In the game, players can experience a variety of different content, including FPS, platform jumping, etc."
"Of course, because of time constraints, the main focus this year will be on creating the art materials for the game. The development of the core content will start after the year. Do you have any questions?" Chen Xu asked as he finished speaking.
"It sounds interesting, but it feels completely different from Overcooked!" Yang Xin looked at the conceptual design draft on the big screen.
"A cinematic two-player game? I don't think it will be a big hit," Qin Yi said, scratching his head.
"Before the finished game is completed, all speculations about sales are meaningless. While the two-player game itself is considered niche, it's naturally impossible to compare it with JellyMan or Dark Souls. However, there are many players who enjoy this type of game, and if we do it well, we can still make significant sales."
"Additionally, the goal is to surprise fans and players. After the challenge of Dark Souls, Divide will be a delightful contrast. The only downside is that we might miss next year's Valentine's Day. The game's development won't be ready until the QIXI Festival."
"Otherwise, there could be players greatly moved by the game, and that might lead to something special!" Chen Xu said with some regret.
But after saying this, he noticed Qin Yi, Yang Xin, Ruan Ningxue, and the others looking at him with strange expressions.
They didn't speak, but he could feel the meaning: Do you believe this?
It seemed like the same rhetoric that was used for overcooked earlier this year.
Now, there was talk of Divide and the theme was marriage.
To be honest, Qin Yi and the others were worried that the divide might end up increasing the divorce in the country.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Chen Xu shook his head, speechless. He said, "The meeting is over. Yang Xin and Ruan Ningxue haven't left the art team yet, so let me explain the different themes for this scene and the related art requirements."
"When the game comes out, you will understand what it's like."
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[Irrelevant info]
Qixi festival is in August end.