Chapter 140: New Game Ideas and Annual Game Events
The news of Nebula Games' acquisition of Galaxy Intelligent Technology did not cause much of a stir in the gaming community. For the average player, it went largely unnoticed. After all, acquiring a company was not the same as launching a new game.
As for the gaming industry, they were more impressed by Nebula Games' magnanimity. Acquiring studios or other companies was not uncommon. Furthermore, although Galaxy Intelligent Technology itself had a certain reputation, it was still largely unknown outside the AI research community.
Therefore, the biggest reaction to this acquisition came from Nebula Games' own employees. During the lunch break, employees from all departments chatted in awe. Everyone was stunned by the company's move.
'Had they really acquired a company? Their size had suddenly grown!'
People like Lisa and Jane knew about the big move, as Alex had previously hinted at it. However, at that moment they were unaware that it involved the massive acquisition of an entire company.
Eric and many members of the development team were visibly excited. It was evident that they were already fantasizing about the in-game AI performance in the future. In the world of video games, technological advances could undoubtedly offer players a better experience.
"If we incorporate artificial intelligence into Dark Souls, combined with the random mode, I wonder what it would be like!" Eric asked, sitting on the sofa, looking at the Dark Souls graphics on the screen next to him, filled with anticipation.
"Be a human being!" Jane, who was nearby, grumbled at Eric's words.
Dark Souls was already difficult enough, and with the introduction of the random mode, even many non-gamers believed it was even more difficult than normal Dark Souls. Everything was unpredictable.
'Add artificial intelligence? Wouldn't that make players vulnerable?'
"Is Alex acquiring this company to prepare for a future Dark Souls sequel?" Lisa speculated, chin in hand.
It wasn't just her speculation; it was also shared by many Dark Souls players.
But the next instant, a voice answered her question: "Don't overthink it. It's just a plan for the future. Nebula Games' future projects will inevitably be diverse, and we also need to accumulate technology."
With a cup of coffee in his hand, Alex found a place to sit. Lisa, Jane, and the others nodded as he listened.
"But, Alex, what are his plans for the next period?" Eric asked Alex.
Hearing Eric's words, Alex shook his head. "Of course I have plans for new projects, but I definitely won't be able to make it in time. This year's annual game event is coming up soon and I have to attend in a few days."
Unlike his previous life, the Game of the Year awards ceremony was held at both a local and international level. However, in this parallel world, Alex was invited to the Game Department's event, which was more official.
Additionally, compared to previous years, this year's Game of the Year ceremony was slightly different. While in previous years awards ceremonies were also held, this one had a greater impact on the industry. It did not have the same impact on players as the more commercial awards ceremonies.
Last year, Alex's work was also selected. For example, Undertale won the Best Indie Game award and To the Moon also won the Best Music award.
This year, however, things are different. The Game Department has revamped the awards ceremony, seeking to attract more players and expand its influence. The attention it has received is significantly different from previous years, as evidenced by the various tour events of the last two years.
This is one of the reasons why NetDragon and Aether Games suddenly launched two major virtual reality titles this year, clashing head-on.
On the other hand, David Yang, director of the city's Game Department, privately informed Alex that the annual event would also include certificates for designers who were promoted to senior titles this year.
Therefore, Alex could not refuse to attend.
This meant that Alex was incredibly busy during this period; at least before the end of the year, he had not had much time to develop new games.
After hearing Alex's words, Eric, Lisa, Jane, and others were very excited. They clearly understood the importance of this year's annual video game event.
"Alex, do we have a chance to win an award?"
"Yeah! We have quite a few titles this year, right? Overcooked, Fall Guys, Three Kingdoms Tactics, as well as Valiant Hearts: The Great War and Dark Souls!"
Everyone looked forward to it.
"Valiant Hearts: The Great War will undoubtedly win an award, and the others are a thing of the past," Alex said with a smile.
It was almost a tacit rule; after all, Valiant Hearts: The Great War had already won first place in this year's anti-war crusade. The Game Department could not refuse to give us any awards, even if they were consolation prizes.
"Also, regarding new projects, I have an idea. Dark Souls was a real hassle for players, and I've been criticized a lot online. So, for my next project, I've decided to create a more intuitive game. I'll discuss it in detail in a meeting after I finish the Game Department event," Alex said with a smile.
'Intuitive again?' Hearing Alex's words, Jane, Lisa, and Eric's expressions became subtle.
The weather was good on the day of the annual game selection event. Compared to previous years, this year's Game of the Year awards were more prestigious and attracted more attention than ever. The main live streaming platforms now have dedicated channels to stream the entire event.
For this reason, invited game designers from all over the industry, regardless of their motives, attended the event anyway, even knowing it was just a formality. On the one hand, it was to show respect to the game department and, on the other, it was simply a good way to make their presence felt.
Just like at the Oscars, even with a minor appearance, being able to walk the red carpet is still a pleasure.
The event was held at the city's Convention Center. The video game department also arranged for hotel accommodation in advance.
Unlike previous years, there were industry conferences and exchange activities. This year, they were all canceled, mainly because the event was aimed at players. Ordinary players care more about the awards their favorite games have won. And industry exchanges? They don't care at all!
Not to mention they are called industry exchanges, but can the experiences shared at conferences really be called experiences? Every game designer has his own well-established philosophies and perspectives on game design. But who would be so foolish as to share them directly with others?
Therefore, previous conferences were mostly mere formalities. While they might be useful to the average game designer, the direct guests, who are at least the core of the industry, if not the best, lack meaningful insights. They become a mere formality.
Therefore, the game department simply canceled this section, keeping only the awards ceremony, which is what players look forward to most.
Before the event, Alex entered the venue with his pass. There were many designers present, but they were generally divided into several factions. There were designers from Aether Games, NetDragon... as well as some tier-two and tier-three game companies, and some well-known game designers.
Compared to the conflicting factions of designers from Aether Games and NetDragon, the relationships between average game designers were relatively more direct.
"I wonder who will win Game of the Year this year!"
"I think NetDragon's 'Star God' has a good chance."
"Not necessarily. Aether Games' 'Sin City' is also doing well!"
"By the way, did no one mention 'Dark Souls'? I think Dark Souls is absolutely exceptional."
"Ahem, I haven't studied it enough to comment on it."
"That's right. I haven't even finished Prison Underground."
"Although it's excellent, I feel that the platform is at a disadvantage. If Dark Souls were a VR game, I think it would be a clear favorite. But compared to VR, especially in awards like this, the PC platform is still at a disadvantage."
"Yes, hello... is that Alex?"
"It seems so!"
"Let's go say hello to him."
In a corner of the conference room, a group of indie game designers, along with acquaintances from tier-two and tier-three game developers, gathered to discuss this event.
Several of them had met Alex at a previous game exhibition organized by the video game department. Later, Alex joined one of their designer discussion groups. However, this time only a few people were invited.
Alex had just entered the venue, barely taking in the situation, when someone shouted from behind. Upon turning around, he saw that they were all familiar faces.
"Is everyone here?" Alex greeted them with a smile.
"It's an honor to be invited. I'm here to see the world," one of them said with a smile.
"Alex, your Dark Souls this year is a true lesson for industry designers!"
"Look what he's saying. Didn't Alex get a lesson last year? How many people were captivated by Undertale?"
Everyone began to show off.
"Alright, alright, let's find a seat and chat. Don't cause trouble," Alex said cheerfully, looking at the crowd.
Several people walked in, chatting. They found a place to continue the conversation. Other game designers saw Alex and approached to exchange contact information and say hello.
It quickly turned to evening. The event's climax was approaching. Almost all video game industry media had already arrived, streaming the event live simultaneously.
In the live stream comments, many players, glued to their computers, discussed animatedly.
"Why hasn't it started yet?"
"The video game sector seems to be having more action than ever in recent years!"
"Vote for Game of the Year, 'Star God'!"
"You're overthinking it! 'Sin City' is no piece of cake!"
"I wonder if 'Dark Souls' will have a chance."
"Enough of that. By the way, where is Alex? I don't see him!"
"+1, I need to memorize Alex's face. This Dark Souls is killing me!"
The players on the live stream joked. Meanwhile, Alex and other game designers were entering the venue one after another.
"Alex, what a coincidence!"
The seats had been assigned in advance. The game designers in the front row were usually the nominees. Alex found his seat when a familiar voice called out to him from the side.
"Mark, we meet again." Seeing his face brought back memories for Alex. After all, he still remembered his enthusiastic performance at the video game exhibition.
"Yes!" Mark had a smile, but at that moment, he couldn't help but feel a little panic.
'Every time he saw Alex, a small accident seemed to happen!'
Mark didn't have much time to worry. After the entry of all the video game designers, the awards ceremony began.
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