Game Market 1983

Chapter 234: Tokyo Game Show

"There isn't always a strict path to learning.

In other words, it doesn't mean graduating from middle and high school and then getting into college is the only way to secure a good job. I naturally agree with that sentiment.

However, with the extreme economic downturn persisting, fewer students who graduate from high school are immediately jumping into the job market.

The Japanese government kept saying that the economy would recover if we just waited a bit longer, but it's been repeating for six years now... The situation was becoming increasingly severe.

In the early '90s, some major and small companies went bankrupt due to debt collection, leading to numerous layoffs, yet there were no companies willing to take them in.

As a result, most of the unemployed ended up in temporary jobs and part-time work, and as income decreased, consumption naturally declined.

Meanwhile, companies that reduced their workforce wanted individuals who could immediately contribute to their operations with the skills and education necessary for the job. This raised the bar for employment, and young people began knocking on the doors of universities for stable job opportunities.

Universities, institutions primarily meant for academic pursuit, seemed to have gradually transformed into a part of the job-seeking process, perhaps starting from this era.

Yet, the number of universities in Japan isn't enough for all students, and for the youth aiming to build their qualifications quickly for employment, 'specialized academies' emerged.

Unlike regular universities, these 'specialized academies,' with their two-year graduation programs, rigorously taught all the skills required for practical work. They strongly emphasized being institutions solely focused on employment, utilizing nine hours a day from Monday to Friday, unlike the flexible schedules of regular universities.

The place where I am currently, the 'Japan Electronic Specialized Academy,' was one of these specialized educational institutions.

This institution, resembling one vast 'Computer Science Department,' divided various skills using PCs into different departments, teaching courses in gaming, practical programming, design industries, and more.

Among them, this place was notably famous for providing specialized skills in 'game development' among its graduates, many of whom were employed in various gaming companies, including Pentagon, upon graduation.

I leaned against the window, watching kids hurriedly munching on bread with a sense of sadness.

"Are you guys skipping lunch by any chance?"

"No, we've all had our meals."

A boy, with cream on his lips, wiped his glasses and smiled at me.

Well, at 18, you're always hungry no matter how much you eat...

But it's not like someone's snatching it away. Quite aggressive in mealtime manners...

At that moment, Suzuko, one of the few female students in the club, approached me and offered a piece of bread.

"Aren't you eating, sir?"

"I had something on the way here, so don't worry, I'm fine."

"Alright then, please have it."

Still, as a girl, I'm grateful for her thoughtfulness.

She smiled softly at me with cheeks puffed, taking a bite of the cream bread.

In fact, the students here belonged to the top tier among the numerous gaming departments within the specialized academy.

The Japan Electronic Specialized Academy categorized departments within the vast realm of 'game development' into four sections: game planning, game programming, character design, and a newly established 3D graphics department last year.

In May, after the seminar about the gaming industry in the academy's main hall, upon students' request and my persuasion as the supervising professor, I started conducting a 'secret' special class for the most talented students.

The total number of students in my class was 20. Among them, some worked part-time to pay their tuition fees, so the team fluctuated to just 10 students working on days like today, aside from regular classes.

This club, composed of the top 5 students from each department, was the project team preparing for the Tokyo Game Show within the academy.

At the Tokyo Game Show, apart from game companies, educational institutions also applied for booths to nurture new talents. They could exhibit games for play if they developed one.

As an educational institution teaching practical skills, most department faculty consisted of professionals from the industry, making the students fairly proficient.

"How's the progress on the project?"

Suzuko, with bread stuffed in her mouth, replied to my question.

"There are still some bugs here and there, but it seems pretty decent overall."

"Is that so? Should I take a look for a moment?"

As I said that, students at the back, clearing away the empty bread wrappers, looked at me and exclaimed.

"No, it's alright! We want to solve it ourselves till the end."

Stubborn bunch... Whoever taught them did a good job.

The reason I took charge of this club was partly because everything I did here wouldn't be exposed to the outside world.

Recently, in the industry, everyone seemed solely focused on game sales, leading even major companies to concentrate only on existing series instead of creating new IPs. This lack of freshness extended to indie games as well, with everyone rushing to grab the major companies' attention...

"But mark my words, things might change once the show begins."

Without realizing it, I looked back at the students immersed in their work, feeling content.

"I want to tell you all something before you start working."

As I spoke, all the students turned their heads towards me.

"You do know that this project will substitute as your graduation piece, right?"

"Yes, we're aware."

"Well then, my assumption is that once this game is exhibited at the Tokyo Game Show, job offers will come flooding in from various places."

"Wow... Does that include Pentagon?"

One student asked, and I slightly raised the corner of my mouth and shook my head.

"Sorry to disappoint, but not a single one of you will be hired by Pentagon."

"Whaat!?"

The students in the classroom were all taken aback by my statement.

It might have been a very natural reaction since almost all of them had chosen Pentagon as their first choice for employment when they introduced themselves initially.

Observing the students, almost on the verge of tears, I chuckled and continued.

"I'm planning to take you all and create a small game development company."

"Really!?"

"Of course. While the company's scale won't compare to Pentagon, the salary and benefits will be on par."

"Professor, can we ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Isn't the teacher on the board at Pentagon? So, most of the games we make would belong to Pentagon, right? Why take up such tiring work?"

I smoothed my lips for a moment, considering the student's question before replying.

"Because it's fun."

"Huh?"

"Exactly. If we confine ourselves to just one platform, we might churn out games at a decent level in a stable environment. But for Iron Fist or Capcom's Street Fire, they don't settle for one platform; they release their games across a wide range. While doing so, they get calls from Sony or NEGA, and it's the same for us at Pentagon. I hope you grow by gaining attention in diverse environments. To achieve that, creating outstanding games that elevate your own worth would be fantastic. I firmly believe this game show will mark a significant turning point in your lives. You all have the capability, and you've worked hard."

"Ah, I see..."

"Shall we begin the final phase of work then?"

"Yes!"

My advice seemed to have some impact as the students dove into their work with a different energy.

Truth be told, it's something I've been pondering for a long time.

The games I create naturally get distributed through Pentagon's devices. And undoubtedly, the next installment of Kawaguchi's Final Frontier series will be released as Complete Laon.

Because Pentagon has transitioned from merely having a history to becoming a first-party company that produces consoles...

Recently, with Kawaguchi and the former sub-director of numerous Final Frontier series, Nomura, taking charge of the new Final Frontier series, the seventh installment was heralding an unprecedented "great upheaval" in the gaming industry.

The first RPG game utilizing 3D polygons, "Final Frontier 7," was originally famous for putting an end to the battle between Gear Station and NEGA Saturn, from what I know of history.

However...

Now that Complete Laon has been released, Final Frontier 7, upon completion, was unquestionably slated to be released for their own console.

But not witnessing that thrilling console war feels like a great disservice to gamers of this era. Yet, it sparked an interesting thought in me.

"When one ember fades, another must ignite."

---

December 1995, first weekend.

"Wowww!"

A multitude gathered outside the Big Sight building in Odaiba, Japan.

This place, comprised of four pyramidal structures, boasted ten exhibition halls and a free observation deck, frequently serving as an international comprehensive exhibition center.

Amid the nervous anticipation before the event's opening, I momentarily stepped away from the Pentagon booth towards the 'Japanese Electronics Academy' booth.

"Teacher!"

Compared to Pentagon or other companies, the booth assigned to the academy was minuscule. However, the children seemed unaffected by it. Interestingly placed adjacent to NEGA's booth, I attracted some cold glances from their side, but it didn't bother me.

"Are you ready?"

Susuko, seated at her PC, responded with a thumbs-up and a bright smile.

"Don't worry."

"Okay, then come by during the conference presentation."

That's when it happened.

"Hah! Hyaaah! Haat! Uraaraa!"

...Wait, this isn't a fighting ring, and yet these shouts of martial arts without any boards...?

Turning my head towards NEGA Saturn's booth, I spotted a man in a karate outfit practicing shouts on the stage.

"Whoa... That person is..."

"Wow! Amazing!"

"Negata Sanshiro!"

The model for the famous NEGA Saturn ad, born from a wordplay, had become the face of NEGA Saturn. Not just because of his name...

He's also the protagonist of Japan's beloved tokusatsu show, Masked Rider 1.

"Even if NEGA lacks in business acumen, they must realize the importance of this Tokyo Game Show for them."

The console wars ahead will be games, but marketing will hold significant importance...

>

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