Losing Money to Be a Tycoon c1-883

by Inebriation-seeking Blue Shirt, 青衫取醉

  It was not the new year yet but the four-man team was as happy as though new year had started.

  Qiu Hong had also rushed over. He could not hide the smile on his face.

  The excitement on Jiang Fan’s face was overflowing. “Boss Qiu! The success of this game was all thanks to your investment. If not for this sum of money, our game would not have been so successful and the development would not have been so smooth. The Destitution Plan was a timely help!”

  Qiu Hong smiled and waved his hand. “You’re too kind. I’m just investing in an independent game according to the boss’ requirements. If you meet the requirements, I’ll invest. Actually, I couldn’t tell if your game would succeed or not previously.”

  “To be honest, I did not expect the Survival Guide for Working Adults to achieve such good sales and results. I thought it would be a small hit at most, but it was a huge hit!”

  “I have to thank all of you. Initially, there was no representative work for the Destitution Plan. Even though my boss did not hold me accountable, it is indeed a little difficult for me to show such a result. I am also proud now that there is an explosive game!”

  The chief designer, Yang Liang, smiled and said, “Actually, the success of our game also has a lot of luck.”

  “There are so many ‘social animals’ these days. Everyone is a working adult. They can empathize with the workplace’s internal strife and forced overtime. They hate it deeply.”

  “It’s also the end of the year now. News of the various big companies’ end-of-year bonuses and annual meetings has spread throughout the internet. Everyone is busy being sour. It’s a natural topic.”

  “On the other hand, the Survival Guide for Working Adults displayed the social status of the social animals very well. It resonated with everyone and spread immediately. That was how it became a hit!”

  Qiu Hong smiled. “The reason why the game is so popular is indeed related to the environment. However, your design and perseverance are the main reasons for the success of the game!”

  “An independent game is a tough job. Very few people can persevere. The four of you either quit your jobs to start a business or lower your salaries to join us. That spirit is the key to your success.”

  “Alright, don’t look at the figures anymore. We have to celebrate. Let’s go out and eat barbecue. My treat!”

  Jiang Fan quickly said, “How can that do? I will be the one to treat.”

  Qiu Hong raised his hand. “Don’t argue with me. It’s my treat since I said so. Everyone, quickly pack up. We’ll set off now!”

  Qiu Hong was as happy as Jiang Fan and the others.

  On one hand, he was genuinely pleased to see that the independent game design team had succeeded. On the other hand, he was happy that a representative game had finally appeared in the Destitution Plan project.

  Boss Pei had high hopes for the Destitution Plan but no successful game had been released so far. Qiu Hong had been feeling embarrassed.

  Qiu Hong took the money according to how much he invested. Whether these games succeeded or not did not affect his income. However, if there were no results, Qiu Hong would feel terrible.

  Cherry Workspace’s success was a pleasant surprise to Qiu Hong.

  That was because Qiu Hong’s focus had been on the incubation base recently. However, the games at the incubation base were still a distance away from being officially released.

  On the other hand, Qiu Hong had not paid attention to Cherry Workspace ever since he invested in it. How could he not be happy when he found out that their game had been released and became popular?

  Cherry Workspace was not included in the incubation base.

  That was because the incubation base was targeted at game designers who were fighting alone and did not have any supporting services. Cherry Workspace was a team of four. There was an office and a clear division of roles. It might have been small but it had everything. There was no need to include them into the incubation base.

  The only thing Cherry Workspace lacked was funds. After Qiu Hong filled up the biggest gap in funds, the art resources of the game were quickly in place. They no longer had to worry about their workload and their working conditions were greatly improved. Naturally, the Survival Guide for Working Adults was completed as scheduled!

  It was released before Chinese New Year, and it happened to be a hot topic in the workplace: annual meetings, year-end bonuses, resignation trends, and so on. It resonated widely online.

  As a representative work of domestically-produced standalone games and independent games, it was naturally popular among gamers. The UP Masters of several games on Aili Island had all done a video program, and the good effect of the program had attracted more gamers.SDFSDF

  Qiu Hong waited for the others to pack up and go for lunch. As he waited, he swiped his cell phone to check the comments online.

  It could be said to be highly praised!

  This was an independent game and even though there were bound to be some flaws in the gameplay, system, and art, the theme was relatively novel and resonated with players. Therefore, tolerant gamers ignored these flaws and gave it a high rating.

  Cherry Workspace only had to modify the flaws in the game to improve the game’s completion rate. Then, it would have a higher rating.

  Compared to the bitter period of development previously, the subsequent modifications were very simple.

  After all, the game was now profitable. Cherry Workspace would not have to worry about money for the next few months. The game would be recognized by gamers, and work would be more motivating.

  “Wait, does that mean I have something to do?”

  Qiu Hong suddenly realized this problem.

  Before this, he had always felt a little lost about his job and did not know what to do.

  That was because being in charge of the Destitution Plan, he was only investing in independent game studios and game designers. He could not interfere with the specific game design. Thus, he often felt that he had power but could not use it.

  Seeing that the sales of both games were not good and the other games could not be released this month, Qiu Hong felt that his work did not have much results. He was anxious but there was no good solution.

  However, now that the Survival Guide for Working Adults had succeeded, he could do something!

  With the popularity of this game, Qiu Hong planned to spread the concept of ‘Destitution Plan’ to gamers.

  Before this, not many people would have paid attention to the game even if it had been forcibly instilled with the concept of a ‘destitution plan’. However, now that there was a successful game, the situation was completely different!

  Qiu Hong’s goal was to let gamers think of ‘Destitution Plan’ once they see outstanding domestically-produced standalone games.

  This was a very important part. be it for other independent game designers or for Qiu Hong’s entire Destitution Plan.

  “Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll use the Survival Guide for Working Adults to publicize the Destitution Plan.”

  “At the same time, take out the DEMO and promotional video that has already been completed for Black Ink and Clouds, and start pre-sales!”

  Qiu Hong suddenly felt that he had found a direction to work in. He was filled with motivation!

  …

  At the same time, Pei Qian also searched for information about the Survival Guide for Working Adults online. However, he did not look as elated or relieved as Qiu Hong. Instead, he looked confused and lost.

  Destitution Plan had been losing money as planned, where did this lousy game come from?

  What’s more, how could this game become popular?

  What was there to be popular about a game that restored social life?

  Pei Qian casually browsed the internet and quickly found a highly praised gamer comment, expressing the gamers’ love for the game.

  “To be honest, this game is not outstanding in terms of gameplay, graphics, or details.
In fact, it can be said to be average. However, the biggest thing about it is that the theme is good. It is very realistic and resonates strongly with people.”

  “For example:”

  “The company that joined is called ‘Struggle Co., Ltd.’;

  “The explanation for the lack of difficulty level in the game is’ there is no difficulty level to choose from in the workplace because everyone is facing HARD+mode ‘;”

  “If you can’t fulfill the Boss’ expectations, the Boss’ satisfaction level will decrease. The chances of applying for a promotion and a raise will decrease. However, if you work hard to fulfill the Boss’ expectations, you will be given more difficult missions. The increase in satisfaction level will become slower and slower…”

  “There are many points that people can resonate with in the game. We can see from that point that the designer of the game knows the hardships of society.”

  “At the same time, this game has many hidden meanings. If you jump out of the game and look at the options as a bystander, you would feel like you are living a helpless life. You would also feel bitter while being amused by dark humor.”

  “All in all, it has completely exceeded my expectations as an independent game.”

  “Many people think that burning hundreds of millions of yuan into a huge production means it would be a good game. There are no good games in the country because they can’t bear to burn money. Obviously, that’s not the case.”

  “A truly good game depends on whether the designer has a heart that truly loves games. Thank you, Cherry Workspace. I will continue to support you in the future!”

  “In the end, most of the endings of this game are a little bitter. Things like the overwork ending, the mental breakdown ending, the mediocre ending, the mid-life crisis ending… they are all too tragic!”

  “I strongly suggest adding a ‘Tengda Option’ so that we can fantasize about the beauty of the workplace!”

  Chapter 837 - Live Commerce With The Smart Bickering Machine

  “What the f*ck is this Tengda Option? I’ve already deliberately cut ties with the Road to Poor plan. How can it be linked back to me?”

  Pei Qian had nowhere to vent his anger.

  It could only be said that Pei Qian was the same as Qiu Hong. He had focused all his attention on the incubation base and neglected the independent game studios that had not been included in the incubation base. Then he had been stabbed mercilessly!

  The more Pei Qian read, the more frustrated he became. The Survival Guide for Working Adults seemed to have exploded in both reputation and sales. If the studio really updated and produced some interesting downloadable content, it would not be a problem to sell the game for a year or so.

  The Destitution Plan would be able to get a share of the profits even if they did not earn a single cent. That would be unbearable!

  The only good news was that there were only a few days left until settlement. Most of the profits would be delayed until next month. It was considered a blessing in disguise.

  Pei Qian sighed silently and continued to study the sudden spending plan.

  …

  At night, it was time to knock off.

  Pei Qian arrived at the nearby Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. He opened Old Ma’s live-stream on his cell phone and waited for him to do the reverse of Live commerce for the Fully-Automated Smart Bickering Machine.

  Pei Qian trusted Old Ma very much.

  Since he had already told Old Ma to be strict with the Fully-Automated Bickering Machine, be stingy with the details, and speak truthfully of the problems, Old Ma would definitely follow his instructions very seriously.

  Chen Yufeng was a tool who was completely obedient to Old Ma. He had always been conscientious and hardworking. There should not be any major problems.

  All in all, he hoped that the “live commerce” live-stream would dissuade consumers who were still watching from the sidelines. He hoped that the smart bickering machines would sell less, suppress more goods, and earn less money.

  Soon, it was time.

  Ma Yang officially started the live-stream amidst the numerous bullet screen comments.

  Old Ma’s live-stream also had a fixed audience after such a long period of accumulation, with the money being distributed on Weibo and the live commerce live-streams.

  Some people watched Old Ma’s live-stream to avoid the pitfalls. They would avoid any products that were of poor quality. Some were purely watching for fun.

  At the same time, Ma Yang’s team was busy.

  After a whole day of work, the script that had been revised several times had been completely finalized. The various sections of the live-stream review had been arranged, including the dismantling of the machine and the various functions of the test. They had also been pre-planned to ensure that nothing went wrong.

  What’s more, Ma Yang was not the only one who appeared in the live-stream anymore. Occasionally, Chen Yufeng would appear as an assistant to help Old Ma with some technical work.

  Ma Yang scanned the comments, his long face filled with pride.

  Look at the number of bullet screen comments and the popularity. I’ve helped Brother Qian build his empire!

  On the bullet screen, netizens were guessing what they would bring today.

  “Let me see which ‘lucky product’ was selected today?”

  “Take it down! Apologize! Take it down!”

  “The various manufacturers are probably trembling in fear, waiting for justice to be carried out!”

  “Boss Ma, stop wasting time. Let’s start. I can’t wait!”

  Most of the viewers in the live-stream were old-timers. There was no need to be polite. Ma Yang briefly reviewed his script before entering the official segment.

  “Today, I’ll introduce a few speakers to everyone. These are the ones in front of me.”

  The camera zoomed out a little, showing the products on the table: there was a stereo system, an echo wall, some were just a long bar, or just a cylinder, and some were in a set with different shapes.

  Among the many sound products, the Fully-Automated Smart Bickering Machine was so outstanding that everyone’s attention was attracted in a second.

  The other sound systems might have certain designs to them but nothing could be compared to the Fully-Automated Smart Bickering Machine.

  This squarish black box, together with the metal rod at the top, looked like a postmodern art piece. It did not look like a technological product at all. It was obviously different from the sound system.

  A bunch of question marks appeared on the bullet screen.

  “Huh? Boss Ma, isn’t this Tengda’s own product?”

  “Why, is Boss Ma going to put justice before family this time? He won’t even let Boss Chang off?”

  “Ask if you don’t understand. Boss Ma and Boss Chang, who hold the higher position in Tengda?”

  “Boss Ma has to be higher. Boss Ma is second only to Boss Pei in Tengda. What are you talking about?”

  “Boss Ma wouldn’t be advertising for Boss Chang out of friendship, right? Don’t, the live-stream would be different! Tengda’s products might be good but there’s no need for Boss Ma to advertise for them personally!”

  “Boss Ma, you’re a little late with this live commerce. I’ve already bought the smart bickering machine!”

  The audience was confused.

  Ma Yang was completely unmoved. He continued to follow the written introduction.

  After all, he had done so many live-streams and evaluated so many things. He had seen all sorts of storms. The only difference was that this time, he had one of his own products.

  “The few speakers that I am going to introduce today are all items that can be purchased based on your economic conditions. You wouldn’t be scammed too much even if you were scammed.”

  “The first one is an imported echo wall that costs 5,500 yuan. Its specifications is… the second one…”

  “As for the Bickering Machine, while it sells f
or more than two thousand yuan, its various specifications are about the same as a two thousand yuan locally produced sound system…”

  Ma Yang followed the proposal that Chen Yufeng had written and introduced all the speakers.

  Ma Yang’s live-stream style was to set the tone for this product from his opening speech: those products that did not meet the standards of quality and environmental protection would be “introduction to a few products that must not be bought”. On the other hand, if they were products that were of quality, cost-effective ratio, and relatively popular, the opening line would be “purchase based on economic conditions”.

  However, no matter what kind of opening speech it was, he would introduce the detailed parameters of the product in every aspect, including its strengths and weaknesses.

  What’s more, there would definitely not be words like ‘strongly recommended to purchase’. It did not matter whether the audience bought it or not since it had nothing to do with Ma Yang.

  There were not many people in the audience who really understood the parameters of the sound systems. They could compare numbers at the very most. Therefore, most people were just listening in for this segment.

  However, he could not miss out on this segment. If he did, he would look unprofessional.

  After introducing the parameters, the audience had a simple impression. Basically, they would get what they paid for. Many foreign brands were three to five thousand yuan more expensive than domestic brands. The money was definitely not wasted, at least in terms of the parameters.

  Of course, foreign brands had higher premiums as well.

  What surprised many viewers was that Boss Ma did not praise the Fully-Automated Intelligent Bickering Machine. Instead, he spoke harshly about its shortcomings, such as its price-quality ratio.