In the KiShin HQ, within Shin's office, a CD cover featuring a 2D drawing of a man with a mustache, top hat, tuxedo, monocle, and cane sits on the table.
Curious, Mira couldn't resist asking, "What is this video game?"
Shin proudly responded, "It's our new PC and KS1 game we recently completed," presenting the Monopoly game he developed with Microsoft.
Mira and Lee Han examined the CD cover, and Lee Han read the name aloud, "Monopoly?"
Shin nodded, expressing nostalgia, "I wanted to share this game with those close to me, so we could play together."
"Play together?" Mira inquired, intrigued.
Upon hearing Shin's desire to play with those close to him, Lee Han felt touched but politely asked, "Mr. Suzuki, am I included?"
Shin, with a chuckle, reassured, "Of course, you're included," patting Lee Han on the shoulder. "I've known you for years, after all."
Lee Han couldn't help but smile at the gesture.
In the KiShin game developers' department at KiShin Rules Headquarters, Shin, Mira, and Lee Han entered a bustling room dedicated to game development.
Upon their arrival, the game developers greeted them politely before returning to their work.
They've grown accustomed to Shin's regular visits to the game department.
"Good morning, Boss Suzuki!" greeted the video game director with a respectful bow.
"Mr. Hajime, my wife, my friend, and I are here to play the recently finished game, Monopoly," Shin announced with a subtle smile.
"Monopoly? That game is awesome!" exclaimed Yuta Hajime, leading Shin, Mira, and Lee Han to the game testing section where computers were lined up, and people were engrossed in 'testing' the game.
Cough...* Yuta Hajime coughed, subtly reminding the testers to focus on their task instead of casual gaming.
The testers, initially treating it as a mere cough, shifted to a serious demeanor upon realizing it was the video game director and Boss Suzuki. They greeted Shin with a bow before diligently 'testing' the game.
Beside Shin, Mira chuckled at the scene. "They seem very serious about their job," she whispered to Shin.
Shin smiled faintly, observing the seriousness, while Lee Han maintained a solemn expression.
"Here, Boss Suzuki and Lady Suzuki," Yuta Hajime led them to unoccupied computers. Shin and the others powered them on and launched the game 'Monopoly.'
A few game developers in the testing section were treated to the sight of their boss, Shin, seated at a computer with his wife and a middle-aged man beside him.
A few game developers who approached closer overheard the boss explaining the game mechanics to his wife and the middle-aged man.
"What's Boss Suzuki doing here?"
"I heard from Director Hajime that the boss is here to play the 'Monopoly' game."
"Really? That game? I didn't know the young boss would give so much attention to such a game..."
"Of course, it's one of the boss's ideas, after all..."
"There are so many good video games with the boss's ideas, but it's the first time I've seen him play a video game with his wife and an executive in the company..."
"Well, that PC game can be played in multiplayer, after all..."
"Yeah, multiplayer makes the game more interesting to play..."
While the game developers discussed among themselves, Shin, in the midst of explaining the game to Mira and Lee Han, opened the 'Monopoly' game through MS-Dos.
Mira and Lee Han did the same, and after opening the game, the Monopoly introduction played out, with the animation unfolding and the catchy soundtrack playing.
Mira nodded to the beat, humming along to the Monopoly game's soundtrack.
Following the animation on the table featuring cards and a paper with the word "Monopoly," the options menu appeared.
Mira inquired about the international options, specifying whether to play with American, British, French, etc., cards.
Shin adjusted her options, with Yuta Hajime guiding Lee Han through the process.
Afterward, Shin clicked "New Game" in the file section and added players based on the names of the computers Mira and Lee Han were using.
With the setup complete, it was finally time to start the game.
Each player received $1,500.
"Watch me bankrupt you, Shin," Mira declared with a faint smile.
"Let's see," Shin replied, rolling the dice. As the car-shaped game token moved on the board, it landed on an unowned property—Connecticut Avenue, priced at $120. The animation of the deserted place played out.
Seeing this, Mira chuckled, "You want to buy that? I'll offer you $20. What do you think?"
"$20? You're such a cruel capitalist, honey," Shin smiled at the offer.
"Look who's talking? I heard you bought an internet service provider company in the States," Mira joked.
"Now, now, you're getting personal," Shin sighed, then turned to Lee Han, saying, "Han, I'll give this property to you for $300. What do you think?"
Lee Han, with narrowed eyes, responded, "300? That's too much for such a deserted property... what about $50?"
Shin smiled, "Oh right, you're also quite skilled in negotiations, Mr. Han..." then added, "150."
"55," Lee Han stood firm.
"149."
"70."
"140, final offer."
"Alright..."
After reaching an agreement, Shin took action on the computer to transfer the property to Lee Han.
Observing this, Mira snorted.
Meanwhile, the game developers and testers watching their higher-ups play the Monopoly game found it quite interesting.
As Shin and the others delved deeper into the Monopoly game, their absorption was such that they failed to notice the many game developers observing their play.
Adding to the intrigue, Shin found himself increasingly frustrated by the realization that he was losing; bankruptcy was looming.
On the other hand, Lee Han's exceptional skills in the game brought a smile to the middle-aged man's face as he played with remarkable proficiency.
'Hey... Don't tell me Lee Han is addicted to this game now?' Shin couldn't help but ponder as he observed Lee Han's serious and engrossed demeanor in the gameplay.
Shin introduced Monopoly to his employees, who swiftly added it to their list of leisure activities. Within days, the game gained immense popularity in the company.
Walking through the building hall, Shin overheard employees discussing the game.
"After our shift, shall we play Monopoly?" suggested a male employee to his colleagues.
"Absolutely!"
"Since the game is only on the company computers, looks like we'll be staying late. I hope I don't get in trouble at home..."
"Yeah, my wife gets suspicious when I come home late," a man confessed, scratching the back of his head.
The group chuckled at his predicament.
"Don't worry; I'm sure others are in the same boat," reassured another employee.
"Honestly, if we could live here, I'd move my family and never leave the building..."
"Same here."
Listening outside the workplace through the wall, Shin couldn't help but smile at the employees' enjoyment.
"They seem to be having a blast with the game you introduced, Mr. Suzuki," remarked Lee Han, appearing behind Shin.
"Oh, Han," Shin greeted with a nod. "What's your take on the game so far, Mr. Han?"
Upon hearing the question, Lee Han smiled and replied, "I won't deceive you, Mr. Suzuki. Playing that game made me feel a strong connection, like I had returned to the past playing games with my father."
Shin smiled in response, nodding. "I see. It seems the game has resonated well with the people at KiShin."
Lee Han nodded with a smile before inquiring, "Mr. Suzuki, I've been meaning to ask – when is Monopoly going to be released? I'd like to introduce it to my family in South Korea."
Shin, upon hearing this, responded, "Your family, eh? The CD production is still underway; it might take about a week before it's released in Japan and the USA."
Lee Han nodded, saying, "I see."
As they walked down the hall, Shin suggested, "Why not bring your family to Japan? They can be entertained here at the headquarters, and you all can play during your free time."
"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Suzuki, but they're not keen on visiting Japan," Lee Han replied, pausing before adding, "Managing the family business keeps them quite occupied, and I'm not even sure if they'd agree to visit."
Surprised, Shin asked, "Your family owns a business?"
Lee Han chuckled and nodded, saying, "You're quite familiar with them, Mr. Suzuki."
"Really?" Shin said, wearing a puzzled expression. "What's the name of your family's business?"
With a smile, Lee Han replied, "It was the SamStar Group, Mr. Suzuki..."
Shin was visibly astonished. "Your family owned that!?"
Lee Han nodded, explaining, "Indeed, though I'm just the son of the founder's brother, so they don't quite treat me as family."
"Nevertheless, you're still part of a wealthy family, and you're family," Shin remarked, patting Lee Han on the shoulder.
"I suppose so..." Lee Han nodded slightly. As they entered the elevator, Lee Han began to share his story with Shin.
It turned out that Lee Han's father had been deemed unsuccessful by the SamStar Group's founder. Consequently, the founder's sons harbored disdain for Lee Han's father. During family reunions, Lee Han's grandparents would compare his father to the SamStar Group's founder. Even Lee Han himself was compared to his cousins, who were considered successful due to their father's position as the chairman of the SamStar Group at the time.
That's why, every year during the reunion, Lee Han would sense his cousins' arrogance towards him, and they treated him as if he wasn't part of the family at all.
"Unlike you, Mr. Suzuki, the young masters in South Korea were arrogant enough to proudly claim their father's success as their own..." Lee Han remarked, injecting a bit of humor.
"I had no idea about your backstory, and I'm only learning it now after five years of knowing each other," Shin admitted.
"Well, it's just my story, and everyone has a tale to share in their life. But I understand that people often don't pay much attention to others' stories. They're too busy with their own lives, after all..." Lee Han said with a simple smile.
"Well, I certainly care about your story, Mr. Han..." Shin smiled, offering comfort to Lee Han.
"Thank you. I hope the game is released soon. The family reunion is approaching, and I want to introduce the game to my family, especially my daughter and son..." Lee Han bowed as he spoke.
"Your family reunion? You still participate in such gatherings?" Shin asked, a hint of surprise in his tone.
"My father worked as a president in a SamStar subsidiary. That's why we were invited to the family reunion in the past. It wasn't just about comparing successes but also discussing business direction with the family. Now, my daughter works in the SamStar Group. Despite the discrimination we faced in the past, the Han Family prioritizes family ties over outsiders," Lee Han explained with a smile.
"Does the family reunion also include business discussions?" Shin couldn't help but think of the Suzuki family gatherings, which often involved business talks.
At every reunion Shin attended, business discussions were inevitable. Moreover, business figures who weren't part of the family were often invited to engage in talks during the gathering.
"Yes," Lee Han nodded. "The family knows I work in KiShin, and they're interested in meeting you. They even asked me to invite you to the reunion."
"Really?" Shin responded thoughtfully.
"Those cousins I disliked in the past are surprisingly kind when asking during phone call. They act differently when they see a use for someone. If you don't want to meet them, I understand—"
"Well, I'll consider it," Shin interrupted, stroking his chin as he headed to his office, leaving Lee Han slightly surprised but nodding nonetheless.
In addition to the production and manufacturing of the Monopoly CD Game by KiShin and Microsoft, KiShin Merchandise also manufactures the physical game box unit, containing cardboard, cards, dice, money, Chance and Community Chest cards, essential for playing the Monopoly game.
The 3D animation advertisement for Monopoly has already been showcased in Tokyo and the United States. The ad features a humorous transition from the animated world to real people engaging in a Monopoly game on a tabletop.
The animation, with its amusing portrayal, captures the essence of Monopoly, and as it transitions to people playing on the cardboard table, the narrator exclaims, "Monopoly! A delightful, ruthless pursuit of wealth every day!"
This advertisement is particularly appealing to the U.S. audience, given the popularity of cardboard games during this time. The catchy image of the Monopoly mustache man, adorned with a top hat, monocle, and cane, adds to the catchy appeal to the people who saw the logo.
Apart from playing the game physically, one can also enjoy it on PC and KS1 by purchasing it from the KiShin Store.
The long-time followers of KiShin were intrigued when they discovered that a cardboard-based game had been adapted for PC and KS1 gaming. Within a few days, the Monopoly CD game for PC and KS1 experienced a surge in sales.
However, gamers had varying opinions about the game. Some were dissatisfied with the limited AI or computer opponents, finding them too predictable and lacking in strategy. Nevertheless, players had the option to engage in matchmaking through the KP Software, though the process was time-consuming due to the recent release and a growing player base.
Certain PC gamers, accustomed to the immersive online features of games like Warcraft, patiently awaited the Monopoly game's expansion in player numbers before diving in. The KP Software's utility attracted thousands of Warcraft players, leading to a steady increase in PC online players and a substantial reduction in matchmaking wait times.
Beyond Warcraft, other non-KiShin PC games also embraced the services of KP Software to integrate matchmaking, facilitating the growth of online gaming possibilities.
However, to utilize the KP Software's services, video game companies must accept its terms and conditions. In return, KP Software recommends online-playable games to its users, and for this service, video game companies incur charges. These fees are willingly paid due to the noticeable growth in sales and player engagement, fueled by the enticing online multiplayer features.
KiShin extends its support by featuring non-KiShin video games on the KiShin forums, enhancing engagement for titles from other video game companies. With these services and promotional efforts, video game companies find the KP Software terms and conditions agreeable.
KiShin not only profits from CD sales but also benefits from agreements with video game companies. However, Shin recognizes that this marks just the initial phase of KP Software development.
In mid-August 1995, the groundbreaking 3D animated film Toy Story was set to premiere in New York. Through the collaborative marketing efforts of Disney and KiShin, the film attracted a substantial audience, particularly capturing the attention of Disney's young fanbase.
Disney fans held high expectations for the upcoming animated film, especially with the notable voice talent of Tom Hanks, a renowned actor.
The premiere buzzed with activity as directors, writers, and the Pixar team made appearances. The excitement reached its peak when Tom Hanks graced the premiere, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Following the festivities, the audience entered the theater, and the screening commenced. The introduction featuring Walt Disney, KiShin Pictures, and Pixar set the stage.
What catched people's attention was Pixar's simple yet memorable intro, featuring a jumping lamp replacing the 'I'.
After that, the animation film unfolded with a boy engrossed in playing with toys, eliciting chuckles from the audience with his funny dialogue and imagination. As the child interacted with a cowboy toy named Woody, a musical piece accompanied the scene.
It became evident that it was the boy's birthday as he engaged in a conversation with his mother. Subsequently, the boy left Woody on his room's bed, opting to bring a blonde baby toy along.
In a surprising turn, Woody, initially lifeless, began to move, followed by the other toys in the room.
The audience witnessed the toys engaging in conversation, capturing their interest, particularly in the scene where the female toy named 'Bo Peep' flirted with Woody.
Woody, appearing as the group's leader, displayed apparent concern about the upcoming birthday, revealing the toys' fear of being replaced by the boy named Andy's friends' presents.
Gradually, the audience became engrossed in the film, finding the animation quality surpassing expectations. In contrast to behind-the-scenes commercials on Toy Story seen on television, the animation was top-notch. Some film critics in the audience sensed that this style of animation might become a trend, with Pixar likely leading the way.
Unbeknownst to them, KiShin had gained significant experience and data through collaboration with the Pixar team. The KiShin Unreal Engine animation and special effects, beneficial for filmmaking, positioned KiShin alongside Pixar in the current landscape of 3D animation production.
As the film progressed, the introduction of Buzz Light-year heightened Woody's insecurities, leading him to attempt embarrassing Buzz. Doubting Buzz's ability to fly, Woody's plans went awry when Buzz actually soared around the room by coincidence.
Amid Woody's efforts to reclaim the spotlight, a mishap occurred, and both toys ended up in the possession of a peculiar child.
A pivotal scene unfolded as Buzz discovered his lack of uniqueness when a KiShin advertisement aired, revealing countless Buzz Light-year units with the caption, "Not a flying toy." This revelation shattered Buzz's perception, leaving him disheartened.
The film continued, captivating the audience with its unfolding story. Even the adults, initially accompanying their children, found themselves engrossed in the animated narrative.