In the KiShin Electronics Headquarters in Toshima Ward, and in the workspace of the employees, most of them were working seriously, but some of them were secretly reading the professional review of the "Silent Hill" in a magazine.
Okazaki Masanori, reading the magazine, couldn't help but smile. He has been one of the team members who worked on the video game "Silent Hill".
Although he is just one of the many programmers of the game, it felt like it also gave Masanori a sense of achievement.
At the same time, while he was working on the "Silent Hill" project, he was fortunate enough to meet the man of miracle, Shinro Suzuki.
Masanori really admired the man. Although he is just as old as Shinro Suzuki, he was not jealous, but maybe a bit envious, but he never thought badly of the Chairman.
Shinro Suzuki was the miracle man of the video game industry, and Masanori, who became a fan of video games, admired Shinro Suzuki for quite a long time.
Although there is a little doubt in his mind whether Shinro Suzuki was really the man Masanori thought him to be, that doubt disappeared after Masanori met the man himself during the production of the video game "Silent Hill".
During the production of the video game "Silent Hill," the developers encountered a challenge with pre-rendered backgrounds. The buildings and structures were not loading quickly during testing.
However, Shinro Suzuki stepped in to address the issue, and Masanori witnessed the solution. Suzuki suggested adding a foggy effect to the pre-rendered background, resolving the problem of slow loading without much deliberation.
The game developers agreed with Chairman Shinro, and after implementing the fog effect, the pre-rendered background ceased to be a significant issue. As a result, players immersed themselves in the illusion that the in-game character explored surroundings surrounded by buildings and structures—an effect achieved through perception.
Moreover, the foggy effect heightened the game's spookiness, enhancing the horror experience in this horror video game.
Due to the illusion of buildings and structures in the pre-rendered background of the video game "Silent Hill," many magazine reviews praised the graphics. They overlooked the foggy effect responsible for this illusion, instead commending the added touch of horror it brought to gamers playing "Silent Hill."
The gameplay of "Silent Hill" also garnered high praise, and Masanori felt acknowledged for his contribution as a programmer.
In fact, Masanori wasn't the only one secretly reading magazine reviews of the video games they had programmed; some other programmers also indulged during their free time.
--
The "Silent Hill" video game received acclaim, as did the game "Religion of Nightmares" from Tora-Suzuki. Although Tora-Suzuki still trailed behind, they were gradually trying to catch up.
Some fans of Tora and Suzuki missed the days when the two companies competed in the video game industry.
The two competitions, seemingly in a ring, exchanging blows with funny commercials making fun of each other, were dearly missed by Tora and Suzuki fans.
Although Tora and Suzuki still used funny commercials to mock their competitor, the focus shifted. The gun was no longer aimed at each other; instead, they formed an alliance, directing their humor towards KiShin in their commercials.
However, with KiShin's evident dominance in the video games industry, the rivalry wasn't as enjoyable for Tora and Suzuki fans, given their clear disadvantage.
Regardless, many gamers found amusement in the spectacle of two large corporations attacking a smaller one, yet still unable to secure victory.
--
Meanwhile, Tora-Suzuki and other video game entertainment companies analyzed games like "Metal Gear Solid I" and "Silent Hill" and noticed the innovative use of AI in these video games.
While the use of simple AI in video games began in the 1960s, as seen in arcade games like Pong and others,
Pong, an early video game, employed this early AI and played a significant role in steering the computer industry toward AI research.
During the period of 1990-1995, video games extensively integrated simple AI, particularly in aspects like enemy finding and pathfinding. Early AI primarily focused on basic enemy behavior, such as patrolling maze-like levels or chasing the player in simple patterns. Games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders from KiShin utilized these techniques to create challenging and dynamic enemy interactions.
Additionally, AI played a crucial role in the adaptive difficulty of video games. Some games utilized AI to adjust difficulty according to player performance, making enemies faster or more aggressive as the player progressed, providing a sense of learning and challenge.
The majority of video games, whether designed for consoles or computers, incorporated AI.
It's evident how pivotal AI technologies are in the video games industry, and more broadly, in almost every sector relying on computers and related technologies.
The AI techniques employed in the latest KiShin video games greatly impressed other video game entertainment companies, showcasing KiShin's innovations in the video game industry.
--
While other companies marveled at the AI in the latest KiShin video games, Shin pondered deeply while playing chess on his office computer.
As of 1995, the chess AI was not as advanced as in his previous life, yet Shin was aware that, in terms of AI development, IBM currently held the leading position.
During this period, IBM possessed a technology called "Deep Blue," initially known as "Deep Thoughts." In 1995, the Deep Blue prototype participated in the eighth World Computer Chess Championship. In just about a year or so, Deep Blue would go on to challenge various chess professionals, including the world champion, Garry Kasparov.
Meanwhile, in Japan and the USA, the KiShin latest video game, Quake, and Civilization were released for quite a while.
Although many Japanese were also quite thrilled to play the latest PC video games of KiShin, it is not as enthusiastic as in the USA.
In the USA, around 10-15% of American households owned a computer, and it was about 26 to 39 million or so households.
It can be seen that it even surpassed the owned video game consoles by households in the USA, as currently, SKES over the years was owned by 20-25 million households, and the KS1 that was owned by about 10-15 million households.
KS1 sales in just a year were quite outstanding; even the other companies who estimated KS1 sales were astonished, though they knew that KiShin was actually losing quite a bit of money by selling KS1 at such a low price. KiShin gained gradual profits with video games, and with the fact that most video game companies in Japan and the USA were using VG Engine, the royalty fees received by KiShin alone were already enough to fill KiShin's belly.
Although many companies using VG Engine didn't mind using KiShin software because of its usefulness, some companies were planning to build similar software as KiShin, but most of them found out that it was too time-consuming. Just by agreeing to the terms and conditions of KiShin to use their advanced VG Software was much more practical and realistic.
Although the licensing options for KiShin were quite limited, allowing only well-established companies to afford its use, it was still a reasonable deal since KiShin supported them to increase sales and contribute to the growth of the video game library for the consoles.
--
Elon recently founded a company named Zip2 with his brother and friends. It's a city guide software company where they worked tirelessly in a small rented office in Palo Alto, with Elon personally coding the website.
At the age of 24, he saw the potential of the internet to revolutionize the world and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. Despite having the entrepreneurial spirit, he still had a hobby – playing video games.
Having developed a video game and sold it at old arcades when he was young, this small achievement influenced his current entrepreneurial spirit, and right now, he also saw the potential of the internet and websites. He even dropped out of college to pursue the boundless potential of the web.
And also, the fact that a young man just a year older than him, the Japanese Shinro Suzuki, was featured in magazines, especially in Forbes. In some magazine information, Shinro Suzuki seemed to be investing a lot of money towards internet development with the acquisition of WorldCom, and the KiShin Foundation was spreading awareness of the internet. Elon knew that he was not the only one who could see the boundless potential of the internet and the wealth they could make.
Elon had a bit of admiration towards Shinro, especially considering Shinro's achievement as the youngest billionaire according to Fortune's data statistics.
However, Elon was not impatient to reach the top. In fact, he had already planned to donate 1 million to some charity if he became a millionaire, whenever that might happen. Elon trusted the process.
Currently, the Zip2 company had just been founded on November 6, and it would probably take a while before he became a millionaire. Elon, at this moment, was heading towards a video game store.
Why would he want to go to such a store? To buy video games, of course, but wouldn't it be a waste of time?
Well, Elon has invested a significant amount of time laying the foundation for his future. Playing video games is his hobby, and during his free time, he spends some moments immersed in "The Legend of Zelda" and the leveling video game "Pokémon" on his Gameboy.
Currently, he is on his way to "GameStop," a video game distributor in partnership with other distributors. Elon intends to buy the latest video games like "Quake" and "Civilization I."
The "Quake" video game has been a topic of discussion on the KiShin website forum. It's said to be the 3D first-person shooter that will bring an end to the domination of the "Doom" series in the FPS genre.
The "Doom" FPS genre truly reigns supreme, and when 2.5D or 3D graphics are mentioned in PC video games, the first thing that comes to mind is "Doom." It's even exaggerated to the point that many gamers refer to other 2.5D PC video games as "Doom clones" or something similar.
But with the advent of the PC video game "Quake," the dominance of the "Doom" video game among many gamers in the USA diminished, as the graphics and gameplay of "Quake" were superior overall.
Upon Elon's arrival at the "GameStop" store, he promptly headed to the PC video games section and purchased "Quake," "Civilization," and "Monopoly."
Leaving the store with a faint smile, Elon thought, "With this, I can calm the demons in my mind..."
Indeed, though Elon was just starting by founding the Zip2 company with a demanding workload, he gradually accumulated mental stress and pressure. Playing video games became a means for him to escape this mental stress and find temporary relief from the "demons" in his mind.
And those "demons" were anxiety and doubts, whether dropping out of college to pursue his goal and explore the potential of the internet was the right decision or not.
"Civilization seems like a fun game to play..." Elon muttered as he gazed at the CD cover of "Civilization I."
Elon had read about this video game in a video game magazine before.
Even before the release of "Civilization I" and with just its announcement, there were reports that even Will Gates became a bit addicted to the game.
Of course, Elon knew that the report could have been exaggerated, but since the news sources were from KiShin Power magazine itself, the report might have been reliable at some point, given KiShin's current alliance with Microsoft.
Perhaps due to KiShin Power's claims, the video game "Civilization I" attracted some people who admired Will Gates to buy and play the game for themselves.
The claims of KiShin Power magazine, stating that Will Gates became a bit addicted to the video game "Civilization I," even attracted the attention of media outlets.
Leading to several media outlets reporting KiShin Power's claims and even wanting to interview Will Gates themselves. However, the Microsoft CEO has no interest in answering the media outlets' inquiries.
--
In the Microsoft headquarters, in the CEO's office.
Will Gates has just been quite annoyed with KiShin for reporting his fascination with playing the video game "Civilization I."
And now, almost everyone in the company thinks he is becoming a video game addict, being complacent, and not handling the company as much anymore.
Some investors with representative directors and voting power on the board are even calling to confirm the news, and a board meeting took place, although it's not a meeting time yet.
After some explaining and with Paul Allen, Will Gates' friend's support, they were able to clarify that KiShin's claims were just to attract people to their video games.
And that it's just a marketing strategy to boost video game sales. Although some directors were doubtful, after examining the estimated sales report of their latest video games, they saw a significant surge following KiShin's claim that Will Gates was becoming addicted to the video game "Civilization I." With this proof, the board members praised CEO Will Gates for thinking ahead and even sacrificing his image to increase video game sales.
Despite Will Gates being unaware of such a marketing strategy, except for KiShin, he could only nod as he received praise from some board members. Deep inside, however, Will Gates planned to call Shinro to provide an explanation.
After the board meeting shifted from Will Gates' explanation to a discussion of the business portfolio plan, Will Gates went to his office and called Shinro Suzuki.
--
It was night in Japan, and in Shinro Suzuki's residence in Minato Ward.
Shin had just fallen asleep with Mira in his arms. Unaware, Shin and Mira didn't notice Shin's phone ringing, likely due to exhaustion.
As time passed and morning arrived, Shin went to grab his phone first thing in the morning. Upon turning on the KRS phone, he noticed on the small screen that someone had just missed a call.
This is why Shin grabs his phone first thing in the morning — to check for messages or calls.
Shin glanced at the name of the person who had missed his call and realized it was Will Gates.
He tapped the soft keypad of his phone and saw that Will Gates had messaged him.
Microsoft Gates: 'We need to talk.'
Microsoft Gates: 'I need an explanation...'
Upon seeing this, Shin's brows furrowed in confusion before realization set in.
"Oh! Is it because of that?" Shin remembered instructing the marketing manager at KiShin to spread news about Will Gates being fascinated with the video game "Civilization I," hoping to attract people and boost sales.
Given that "Will Gates" held considerable influence in the USA, having cemented himself as the world's richest man with a net worth of almost 13 billion, it was evident how effective KiShin's marketing strategy would be by using Will Gates' name.
The thought of reminding Will Gates about it crossed Shin's mind.
Well, Shin just shrugged, sat up in bed, and then stood, walking to the restroom to wash his face and brush his teeth before having a shower.
Although outwardly Japanese, he didn't fully embrace Japanese habits, so he didn't have the inclination to bathe every few hours like some locals. After his shower, he dressed and proceeded to the study.
He then dialed Will Gates with his phone, and after a considerable wait, the call was finally answered.
--
Will Gates was leisurely relaxing in his mansion in Beverly Hills when his phone rang.
He turned on his phone to check the caller's identity and noticed it was someone named "Suzuki." Without hesitation, Will answered the call.
Soon, Shin's voice resonated through the phone, "Hey, Gates. What's up? I didn't notice your call last night— well, it was night here in Japan when you called..."
"Suzuki... I believe you already know why I called, right?"
"Apologies, Mr. Gates. However, I'm not entirely certain if your intention to call aligns with what I have in mind. Is it about the news regarding your newfound passion for a video game?"
"That's correct. Why did you feature me in your latest magazine issue without permission? Not to mention, it was a report that could slightly impact my reputation..."
"Well, it's just a piece highlighting your enjoyment of playing the video game 'Civilization I.' I don't think it could harm you in any way."
"Well, it does cause me quite a bit of trouble..."
"Well, I apologize, Mr. Gates. I had initially intended to ask for your permission, but I momentarily forgot."
"..." Will Gates fell momentarily silent.
Then, Shin's voice resounded once more.
"Moreover, in the KiShin Power magazine, it didn't present that news as true, and wasn't the marketing quite effective?"
Will Gates couldn't refute that and simply said, "Well, I guess you're right... But next time, remember to ask for my permission..."
--
After the phone call ended, Shin faintly smiled.
Will Gates couldn't complain too much, given that over time, KiShin had formed an alliance with Microsoft, gradually acquiring shares of the company.
KiShin had managed to gather at least 4 percent of Microsoft shares, and they were gradually aiming for more.
That 4 percent amounted to about 1.3 billion.
Although Will Gates might desire to reciprocate with a similar investment in KiShin, unfortunately, KiShin is not a public company like Microsoft.
So, for now, Will Gates could only let Shin and KiShin's actions slide... Well, he really couldn't do much about it...
Given that the KiShin representative director on the board was also aiding Will Gates in the company, coupled with the undeniable utility of the Unreal Engine to Microsoft, he genuinely couldn't afford to offend KiShin or Shinro.