The KiShin and SamStar negotiations persisted for several more weeks until SamStar ultimately accepted KiShin's terms and conditions.
Han Woon-Sook found it challenging to sway KiShin, a tough nut to crack, leaving him no choice but to agree.
Simultaneously, KiShin and SamStar are set to initiate joint research on semiconductor technology and mobile phone technologies.
Additionally, they will collaborate on IoT and sensor technologies crucial for the future of electronic products.
SamStar holds high hopes for IoT sensor and communication protocol technologies, vital for their electronic products' future, while KiShin aims to gain insights into these electronics technologies.
--
Shin was elated that SamStar finally agreed, anticipating that the partnership would facilitate semiconductor research crucial for game consoles.
The research progress on LCD technologies for the Gameboy Advance would also see improvement.
"Good news... With this joint research, GBA and K64 projects will have a more solid research foundation," Shin said with relief.
Indeed, besides GBA, K64 is another game console they are actively researching.
The K64 differs from the KiShin-Play Station models; it falls between the KS1 and the future KS2 of KiShin. Similar to Nintendo 64 from Shin's previous life, the K64 stands out by using a CD ROM instead of cartridges. This distinction makes the K64 superior to the N64, as it can handle more data and boasts greater memory for CD games, unlike the N64 limited by cartridge constraints.
With the K64, games will closely approach 3D, though it will take more years to fully realize this potential. Currently, KiShin is focused on building a video game library for the KS1, with dozens of games available within a year of its release. The quality of these 2D-rendered games creating a 3D illusion showcases how much the industry has progressed under KiShin's leadership.
Moving into the realm of 3D technologies, NVIDIA, recognizing their potential, is developing Direct3D. Given KiShin's major shareholding and influence, they play a significant role in guiding NVIDIA's advancements in 3D technologies.
This is a graphics application programming interface designed by Microsoft for use on the Windows operating system, enabling developers to create high-performance 3D graphics and multimedia applications.
Direct3D facilitates hardware acceleration and advanced graphics features, including 3D rendering objects.
Developed collaboratively by KiShin and NVIDIA, this application is steadily nearing completion. With Direct3D, KiShin, or Shin's aspiration for the 3D technology path, is gradually coming to fruition.
Furthermore, the NVIDIA GPU designed for computers is set to be finalized next year, featuring a 128-bit architecture. While this GPU appears sufficient for KS2 development, it's worth noting that NVIDIA's GPU is a general-purpose one with a distinct architecture, not specifically tailored to meet the needs of a console.
Although NVIDIA is assisting KiShin in developing a GPU tailored specifically for console needs, like the KS1's GPU developed through their joint research, a 128-bit GPU for the KS2 requires further exploration before completion.
Despite the support from NVIDIA, KiShin faces challenges in console GPU development. NVIDIA, being focused on the PC market, means KiShin must invest significant effort independently. Beyond GPU technologies, KiShin's collaboration with NVIDIA is limited, and further research extends only to GPUs.
This is where the crucial role of joint research with SanStar in semiconductors becomes evident. The collaboration extends beyond GPU development to include CPU, Sound Chips, and various semiconductor technologies. Moreover, SamStar's DRAM, ahead of most companies globally, proves beneficial for KiShin's consoles.
Through joint research, KiShin gains technologies, and with KiShin Research amalgamating insights from collaborations with other companies, KiShin can enhance its own technological prowess.
--
Meanwhile, in the USA, the KiShin World Championships have finally commenced.
The Oakland Coliseum buzzed with activity. Before the main event, the stage was set for the Tetris Blast showdown, with rows of competitors, each equipped with customized consoles, displaying focused expressions.
Excitement filled the air as video game fans observed the spectacle. As the first tetriminos fell, the competition ignited. The commentator exclaimed, "And Anya from Moscow is on fire! Those double T-spins are stacking up like skyscrapers!"
Anya, a woman from Moscow, stood before the KiShin console, playing Tetris with unwavering concentration.
Her hands moved like lightning, pressing the controller buttons rapidly. When the camera captured her swift movements, those watching on the LED screen were left in awe. Viewers at home were equally impressed.
As Anya prepared for a combo, the scene shifted to a young man with dyed blonde hair. The commentator exclaimed, "But wait, here comes Kai, the streetwise wonderkid, with a Tetris cascade that's pure pixelated poetry!"
Kai, also a professional player, showcased impressive skills, captivating both the onsite audience and viewers at home as combos flew in the Tetris game.
The scene transitioned to another handsome young man, a competitor in the Tetris Blast showdown, prompting the commentator to exclaim, "The tension is thicker than a six-block line! Can anyone stop the unstoppable Akira, the Tetris samurai?"
"Woah!"
"Ohh!!!"
"The young man is already ahead of the other competitors!"
"I think he'll win!"
The onsite audience couldn't help but exclaim and engage in discussions, while viewers at home watched, enjoying popcorn and sipping on coke.
The KiShin World Championship kicked off with the Tetris Blast Showdown competition. Notable participants included Anya from Moscow, Kai from the USA, and Akira from Japan.
Among the eight contestants in the Tetris Blast Showdown, the spotlight shone on the top players—Anya, Kai, and Akira. As the competition unfolded, the remaining five participants struggled against the prowess of these skilled gamers.
Akira, hailing from Japan, demonstrated intense focus, strategically stacking tetriminos and executing impressive combos to gain an edge over the competition.
While the commentator exclaimed, "Anya's constructing a tetrimino skyscraper! Can she maintain control?" Akira remained unfazed, determined not to let the awe-inducing commentary distract him from his gameplay.
After a while, the commentator exclaimed once again, "Kai's immersed in a game of his own, with blocks defying gravity as they disappear and reappear!"
Anya, Kai, and Akira played with an intensity that seemed life-or-death, leaving the other five players trailing in their wake.
"Oh? What's Sir Bob up to? Did he truly come here to compete?" the commentator questioned as the focus shifted to a nonchalant man playing Tetris Blast.
"Stupid commentator..." Bob muttered, unfazed, realizing he was up against three formidable opponents.
"Akira's on a rampage! Lines vanish faster than a ninja in the night!" the commentator exclaimed, capturing the Tetris Blast competition's escalating intensity.
The scene shifted to Akira rapidly executing combos on the Tetris game screen. Anya and Kai, reacting to the commentator's remarks, swiftly followed suit.
With every cleared line, combo, or near-miss, the stands erupted in gasps and thunderous roars. The Oakland Coliseum pulsed with the rhythmic heartbeat of the game, uniting the audience in a shared passion for Tetris.
"Fortunately, I joined you all here to witness the competition in person! It's genuinely exciting to observe the competitors up close!" a young man in the audience remarked to his friends.
"Absolutely!"
"I told you it would be more enjoyable to experience the tournament firsthand!"
"Absolutely! It's like watching wrestling, but with video games, hehe..."
The young man nodded in agreement. Along with the audience, he could feel the hype and excitement, and personally watching the competitors' expressions on the LED screen made it even more worthwhile.
--
In Shinro Suzuki's household.
Shin, watching the KiShin World Championship on a cable channel with Mira, remarked, "Even just the casual Tetris Blast Showdown is already exciting. I wonder how thrilling the main events will be..."
"Hmm," Mira nodded, then turned to Shin, "I've noticed you've been quite busy lately, and I hear you're heading to the KiShin subsidiaries' animation studios. I wonder what you're planning." She asked, clinging to Shin.
Shin smiled, replying, "You know, I've been occupied with an anime project that will gain popularity among female audiences. It revolves around female protagonists."
"An anime project for females?" Mira appeared quite surprised. She continued, "Wait, didn't I bring you the report about the anime fan base? Most of the base is male, and female-oriented anime lacks sufficient support. Yet, you're creating an anime for females?"
Mira found it truly astonishing, considering the existing lack of support for animes targeted at females.
It was evident that animes aimed at a female audience had been unprofitable, leaving Mira perplexed about Shin's decision to produce one.
Shin just smiled, drawing closer to Mira, and said, "Hehe, don't worry. This anime project I have in mind will be profitable enough..."
Mira, with furrowed brows, questioned, "Profitable?" She paused and continued, "Why do you personally need to lead an anime project? Considering our company already holds IPs of the most famous and successful anime franchises produced in the early days of our business, why embark on another anime project yourself?" After a moment, she added, "With the growth of our KiShin companies, aren't there other businesses that require our attention?"
Shin, in response, shook his head and said, "You're right. We have a portfolio of successful anime franchises, and with One Piece animation already underway, we've established a solid foundation in the anime industry. However..." He paused, locking eyes with Mira, and continued, "While I should be focusing on other business aspects, this anime project our studios will produce is special to me. I want the world to experience the unique feeling of watching the anime I have in mind."
When Mira heard that, she couldn't help but smile, saying, "Oh? Is it akin to anime like Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Yu-Gi-Oh, and EarthBound?"
"Trust me, it's different. I'm sure you'll like it," Shin replied with a smile.
"Oh, I can't wait," Mira said, smiling as she snuggled her face against Shin.
--
In a certain high school, a group of friends discussed.
"I can't wait for the One Piece anime! It was just announced that it will soon air on TV Asahi!"
"Yeah, I've been eagerly anticipating this! Besides Dragon Ball, Naruto, and the new manga called Slum Dunk, One Piece is one of my favorites!"
"It's being made by KiShin, so I'm not worried about the animation being bad, haha."
"That's true..."
At this moment, most anime fans were closely following the upcoming release of the One Piece anime.
One Piece was gaining more fans not only in Japan but also in the United States and other parts of the world.
This was due to KiShin Bookstore being the distributor for mangas like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece outside Japan. With Amazon gaining attention, these mangas became bestsellers on the site, and besides Dragon Ball, One Piece manga was one of the top sellers.
With its comical art style, captivating story, and a mix of comedic elements, it provided entertaining content for people around the world.