Chapter 56 Competition Preparation
"Technically, we've pushed the current arcade platform to its limits," Suzuki Yu said, his voice showing little emotion but carrying an undeniable certainty.
He looked at his team members, these young people who had dedicated countless nights to simulating the roar of a Ferrari engine and optimizing every frame of the graphics.
"The smoothness of the visuals, the quality of the music, the interactive experience—we are more than a step ahead."
This confidence was based on solid technical breakthroughs and positive player feedback.
"However," he changed the subject, picking up an entertainment newspaper from the table, which prominently featured a monster guide for dragon quest, "the market doesn't just look at technical specifications."
"The current trend out there is 'heroes fighting demon kings,' it's 'finding the armor of Loto.'"
"Our Ferrari, for now, can't outrun their heroes and the Slimes hopping around everywhere."
His words carried a hint of helplessness, along with the dry humor characteristic of technical professionals.
The conference room fell silent for a moment, then someone chuckled softly, and the atmosphere lightened.
"But it doesn't matter," Suzuki Yu put down the newspaper, his gaze sweeping over everyone, becoming sharp and resolute once more.
"Arcade halls are our main battlefield, our foundation."
"What we need to do is continuously provide an overwhelming sensory shock that you absolutely cannot experience on a small TV at home."
"Let players walk into the arcade hall and feel the generational gap in technology, feel the strength of Sega."
"Out Run has proven that our technical direction is correct, and that's enough."
"Maintain our reputation, keep it running long-term, and it will become a long-term trump card in our hands."
"As for the current 'Hero craze' in the market…" He paused.
"Things always come full circle; there will be a time when the wind dies down."
"We just need to do our own thing, build better machines, develop stronger games, and wait for the next opportunity."
"Out Run is just the beginning; our journey is still long."
"It's just that the market's enthusiasm… is indeed different from fatal fury."
The AM2 team leader, who was sitting across from him, had a relaxed smile on his face.
He picked up his teacup and gently blew on the hot liquid.
"Suzuki-san, this is precisely the value of our collaboration with Sega on Out Run."
"It proves that Sega can not only create fighting games that explode in the market, but also actively absorb external technology and produce racing games that represent the industry's top technical prowess."
"fatal fury attracts passionate teenagers and fighting game enthusiasts, while Out Run expands our user base, attracting players who seek novelty and value experience, and even couples."
He put down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over the development team members and AM2 elites present.
"We cannot walk on one leg alone. fatal fury is a highlight, while works like Out Run are solidifying our technological barrier and showcasing Sega's diversified strength."
"Moreover, Suzuki-san, the technological accumulation you achieved with Out Run, such as high-speed scrolling and large-scale moving cabinets… I believe me, they will soon play an unimaginable role on a broader stage."
Suzuki Yu nodded thoughtfully; he recalled the non-disclosure agreement he had recently signed with the Hardware Development Department, seemingly realizing something.
The deputy leader of Development Team Two also added in a timely manner.
"That's right, in the arcade halls now, fatal fury and Out Run have formed an excellent complement, attracting different players to stay, and the overall revenue is very healthy."
The atmosphere in the conference room relaxed.
As July began, the heat of midsummer started to spread.
Just as the popularity of dragon quest began to cool slightly, and players started discussing their second playthroughs or looking for new entertainment, Sega reignited the previous craze.
In all partner Sega arcade halls nationwide, the most prominent locations displayed a strikingly designed poster.
The poster's background featured a classic battle scene from fatal fury, with the three main characters—Terry, Andy, and Joe—striking their iconic fighting poses, their eyes sharp.
In the center of the poster, written in fiery, flame-like letters, was—
"The First Sega fatal fury E-sports Tournament!"
"City Representative Qualifiers, Mid-to-Late July, Starting Soon!"
Below were detailed rules, registration methods, and the preliminary schedules for each city.
At the same time, during prime-time animated programming, the commercials aired also became trailers for the e-sports tournament.
The rousing music, coupled with thrilling special move sequences from the game, and the slogan "Become the King of South Town, Win Rich Prizes," instantly ignited the competitive fire dormant within the player community.
The fatal fury arcade area, which had been quiet for some time, seemed to be injected with new energy, boiling over once again.
"Hey! Did you see the poster? There's going to be a tournament!"
"Really? A national tournament?"
"I heard the national champion gets 5 million yen!"
In the arcade hall, the clamor resumed, and the core of the discussion shifted from "how to defeat Geese" to "how to defeat other players."
Those masters who had emerged during the previous craze now had a different look in their eyes.
They were no longer casually inserting coins for entertainment; instead, they began systematic practice.
In a corner of an arcade hall in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
A teenager in a high school uniform was intently staring at the screen, his fingers rapidly tapping on the joystick and buttons.
Next to him lay an open notebook, densely filled with records of different characters' move frames, recovery frames, and even analyses of the attack habits of several local masters.
On the other side, several young people gathered around a machine, discussing animatedly.
The air was filled with a tense and excited atmosphere, and the sound of coins being inserted into machines was more frequent than usual.
For honor, for prizes, and even more, to prove that he was the man standing at the pinnacle of fatal fury.
Countless players entered a state of intense preparation.
Sega Headquarters, Market Department conference room.
Takuya Nakayama was finalizing the last execution details for the city qualifiers with the head of the Market Department and core members.
"Fairness of the competition is paramount; all machines used for the competition must undergo strict calibration to ensure consistent joystick and button status," Takuya emphasized, tapping his finger on the table.
"Secondly, showmanship. During the preliminary stage, we should try to arrange simple live announcers in key competition areas to introduce players and liven up the atmosphere."
"Announcers?"
The executive committee member of the preparatory committee hesitated; this concept was too new.
"Yes, they don't need to be overly professional, just able to briefly explain the situation and stir up the audience's emotions," Takuya explained.
"More importantly, we need to uncover the stories of 'grassroots heroes.' Those masters who emerge from ordinary players—their experiences themselves are the best promotional material."
"We want everyone to know that if you're strong enough, you can shine on this stage."
He further elaborated on his philosophy.
"By the national finals stage, we can even consider setting up a simple commentary desk, inviting well-known eliminated players or development team members to provide commentary, increasing the professionalism and entertainment value of the competition."
"We also need to set up audience interaction segments, such as predicting winners or live raffles, to allow those who didn't participate to get involved."
The conference room was silent; many on the preparatory committee were stunned by the organizational plan Takuya presented.
This had already gone beyond the scope of traditional gaming competitions, resembling more a meticulously planned 'show' that integrated competition, entertainment, and celebrity appeal.
"Our goal is not just to host a competition."
Takuya Nakayama stood up, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone.
"Rather, it is to use this grand tournament to push the popularity of fatal fury to new heights, to embed the concept of e-sports into people's hearts, and to further expand the influence of the Sega brand among young people."
"This will be another equally important front line that we open up outside the home console market."
His words were resonant and filled with undeniable confidence.