After launch, Fall Guys' popularity continued climbing steadily, quickly reaching the top of various streaming platforms.
Of course, Ichin knew it was impossible to keep that level of hype forever. After all, Fall Guys was fundamentally different from traditional competitive games. At the beginning, everyone would be highly invested, but later most players would just log in for a round or two daily, or grind when new skins and maps dropped—nothing more.
His goal for this game was to keep popularity at its peak for the first year. Afterward, it could gradually decline, but as long as the average online player base stabilized around fifty thousand, that would already be a huge success.
But the game had just launched—not even a month yet—so it was far too early to seriously think about those things. For now, everything was just projections.
When Ichin returned from the Fall Guys dev team, he saw Utaha in the office, completely engrossed in grinding the game.
It had only been about ten days since launch, yet Utaha had already unlocked seventeen skins.
According to the data Ichin saw from the backend, that already put her in the top bracket of players. The one with the most skins had unlocked twenty-four.
Players with over fifteen skins were all heavy grinders who spent at least five hours daily, and who also won frequently to pull it off.
And right now, Fall Guys was harder than Ichin remembered—especially the final rounds. Winning required not just skill but also a fair bit of luck.
Still, the game's popularity was unquestionable. Even streamers who didn't main Fall Guys would often warm up their streams with a few matches before moving on to new releases or their usual MOBAs and FPS games.
Ichin sat down next to Utaha, who had just entered the final round—a familiar Hex-a-Gone stage.
She carefully hopped from tile to tile. Only three players remained competing with her for first place, and by their movement it was obvious they were veterans.
Ichin stayed silent so as not to disturb her focus.
After a tense minute and a half, Utaha's superior pathing forced the others to fall one by one. She claimed first place and secured the win.
Seeing the victory screen, Utaha happily waved her controller.
"Another win! That means I can exchange for my next skin!"
After switching into a new costume, she looked at Ichin with a smile.
"Not bad, right, Ichin?"
Ichin chuckled and nodded.
"Yeah, really impressive. You're already better at this than me."
He wasn't particularly skilled at Fall Guys himself. Since launch, his wins had been few, and he'd only managed to trade crowns for three skins total. Most of the time, he just played for relaxation, not to chase victories.
He gently pinched Utaha's cheek, took the controller from her, and said,
"Alright, you've played long enough. Time to rest."
"Yeah, I am a little tired."
She shut off the game, stretched, then leaned on Ichin's shoulder.
"Fall Guys is really popular, huh? Are the next updates already planned?"
"Of course," Ichin replied. "Early August, we'll push an update. Besides the crossover skins and maps with GARO, there'll also be three new stages and five new skins. As for Season One's ranked mode and team mode, those will officially start by the end of August."
Seasonal ranked play, exclusive season skins—those would roll out gradually. On top of that, the new team-based mode was lined up for release too.
Ichin was determined never to let players feel bored with the gameplay.
Hearing that team mode would arrive by late August, Utaha nodded in satisfaction.
"Perfect. Then we can play with Eriri and Yukino at that time."
Both Eriri and Yukino had recently become hooked on Fall Guys, spending their free time grinding matches.
"By the way, Ichin, when are we going back to visit your uncle and aunt? I talked to your mom the other day, and she told me she's already making the final selection for Haruno-san's blind dates!"
"So soon?"
Ichin blinked in surprise at Utaha.
"And you're only telling me now?"
Utaha narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Your mom said to keep it a secret! Right now I'm the only one who knows. She even showed me the profiles and photos of the candidates. They all seemed decent, but I don't know which one she'll finally pick—or whether he'll fit Haruno-san's taste."
"Well, that's anyone's guess. No one can truly predict Haruno's preferences—not even her mom. Certainly not us."
After thinking it over, Ichin said,
"Tonight when we're home, I'll call Mom to check. I'll also ask Haruno-san how much free time she has in August. Then we'll book tickets back."
Returning in the summer meant enduring the heat, but fruits back home were cheap—eating chilled watermelon to cool off without worrying about the cost.
Even now, with more money coming in, Ichin still thought buying watermelons in Tokyo was outrageously expensive.
That night after dinner, Utaha went to bathe while Ichin video-called his mom.
She quickly answered, her face appearing on the screen.
"Mom, have you eaten?"
"Yes, yes," she smiled at her son. "Where's Utaha?"
"She's taking a bath."
After replying, Ichin asked about Haruno.
"Mom, how's the selection for Haruno's blind dates going? When would be a good time for us to come back?"
His mom thought for a moment.
"Utaha told you, right? You two can come back anytime. I've almost finished shortlisting. Do you want to take a look at the candidates I've chosen?"
Ichin quickly waved his hand.
"No need. You can just arrange it for Haruno directly. Since anytime works, I'll ask her about her schedule, then we'll book tickets together."
"Alright, just let me know a day ahead. I'll prepare a big feast for you!"
It was clear she was excited about making the final choice, so Ichin didn't dampen her mood. After ending the call, he dialed Haruno's number.
***
Guys, please give it a try to the new fic: "DxD: The Transfer Student of the Demonic High School"
Don't forget to add it to your library!!
***
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