February 16th, Thursday.
Imperial Capital, “Destitute Plan” Independent Game Incubation Base.
After the Spring Festival, the incubation base had returned to normal operations, and independent game developers had resumed their game development work.
Before the Spring Festival holiday, the promotional video for the “Destitute Plan” had achieved excellent publicity results. The success of demos for “Office Worker Survival Manual” and “Ink Mist” gave all the independent game developers a shot in the arm, making them feel their dreams of independent game development were closer than ever before.
Wu Zhicheng was clearly the most energetic of them all.
The demo of “Ink Mist” was very successful, and players were supporting it with real money. It was almost certain that as long as they continued to complete the subsequent content for “Ink Mist” step by step, sales would definitely be strong.
Moreover, all the staff at the incubation base were fully supportive. Wu Zhicheng lacked nothing and only needed to focus entirely on game design.
The only slight disappointment was the base’s requirement to guarantee a certain amount of gaming time each week to “collect inspiration,” which gave Wu Zhicheng a headache.
If only he could use that time for game development instead.
Currently, Wu Zhicheng was at his workstation, seriously designing subsequent levels for “Ink Mist.”
Each chapter needed distinctive packaging and gameplay, which was also quite brain-intensive work.
Qiu Hong arrived at the incubation base and looked around, noticing everyone working with intense focus. He was very satisfied.
He couldn’t help but recall his previous experience running a game company as an entrepreneur.
Back then, Qiu Hong was also a boss, but whenever he visited the company, he could tell employees were pretending to work while actually slacking off. Meanwhile, at the incubation base, the independent game developers were genuinely dedicated to designing their games.
Qiu Hong couldn’t help but wonder – was this Mr. Pei’s charisma?
Even though hardly anyone knew about the connection between “Destitute Plan” and Mr. Pei, and all the independent game developers hadn’t received any inspiration from the “Tenda Spirit,” they were still doing the same thing as Tenda employees.
Mr. Pei’s motivational buff could work even without revealing his identity? And could influence all the way from Jingzhou to the Imperial Capital?
Absurd.
Qiu Hong walked to the center of the office area and clapped his hands: “If everyone could pause what they’re doing for a moment, I have two announcements.”
Wu Zhicheng and the other independent game developers all looked up attentively.
Qiu Hong said: “First, I’ll be leaving for a while – I’m not sure how long, maybe one or two months, possibly three to five months, depending on work needs.”
“The independent game incubation base here in the Imperial Capital is already running smoothly. Next, I’ll be going to Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities to establish additional independent game incubation bases there.”
“The preliminary plan is to establish three studios: ‘Destitute Plan’ Northern Studio, Eastern Studio, and Southern Studio.”
“Everyone needs to work hard. Since our Northern Studio was established first, it would be embarrassing if the Eastern and Southern Studios surpass us later.”
“For any work issues, continue to consult Xi Hao – he’ll communicate with me at any time.”
Expressions of surprise appeared on everyone’s faces, but not overly shocked.
This was actually unexpected but reasonable.
The “Destitute Plan” was always aimed at independent game developers nationwide. With Imperial Capital’s developers mostly arranged, it was naturally Shanghai and Guangzhou’s turn.
People just didn’t expect it would happen so soon.
However, since Xi Hao was responsible for the base’s daily operations, Qiu Hong’s departure would have minimal impact – no one was overly concerned.
Qiu Hong paused, then continued: “Second, I’ve arranged Tuoguan Fitness memberships for everyone at the incubation base. You must exercise on schedule.”
“Also, your work meals will switch to fitness meals that complement Tuoguan Fitness, to ensure everyone’s health.”
“After all, game development requires long sitting periods. Extended time can cause neck and back problems. Regular exercise will give everyone more energy for game development.”
Hearing this news, everyone was completely confused.
What?!
Fitness memberships for us?
Wu Zhicheng was equally bewildered. He was already dissatisfied with the “weekly required gaming hours” rule, and now besides allocating time for gaming, he needed to find time for fitness too?
Plus, everyone had been enjoying Slackin’ Takeout’s regular menu items – delicious taste, and while not as healthy as fitness meals, much better than other delivery options. Everyone was quite satisfied.
Now they needed to pair with Tuoguan Fitness and eat fitness meals? Wasn’t this overkill?
Wu Zhicheng quickly raised his hand: “Mr. Qiu, the fitness gym isn’t necessary, right? We’re all young people with good health…”
Qiu Hong’s expression turned serious: “Good health? Do you even believe that yourself?”
“Before coming to the incubation base, when you were developing indie games at your homes, your sleep schedules were all messed up, eating irregularly. While you might not have serious illnesses due to youth, who doesn’t have minor health problems?”
“Perfect timing that Tuoguan Fitness has expanded to the Imperial Capital. I hear the fitness results are excellent, so I’ve arranged for everyone. No one can skip! Xi Hao, you need to supervise everyone and ensure they exercise regularly. If anyone doesn’t go, I’ll hold you responsible!”
Xi Hao froze at his workstation, momentarily unsure how to react.
Though Qiu Hong spoke firmly, he actually felt uncertain inside.
In reality, these requirements all came from Mr. Pei – he was just the messenger.
After learning that Slackin’ Internet Café, Slackin’ Takeout, and Tuoguan Fitness had expanded to Imperial Capital, Shanghai and other cities, Pei Qian had been contemplating ways to counteract and slow down their progress.
He suddenly realized he had quite a few businesses in Imperial Capital too!
There was the independent game incubation base and Cold Noodle Girl – he could arrange Tuoguan Fitness for all of them. This would create some losses while disrupting everyone’s work pace. Why not?
But the relationship between the incubation base and Tenda Group couldn’t be publicized, so Qiu Hong had to continue being a tool.
Wu Zhicheng and other developers stood up, trying to negotiate with Qiu Hong.
The fitness gym was completely unnecessary!
Why couldn’t they just focus on making games?
But Qiu Hong had no intention of bargaining. He firmly stated “it’s decided” and left.
Wu Zhicheng and the others had misunderstood – since Qiu Hong couldn’t make this decision either, weren’t they approaching the wrong person for negotiations?
Watching Qiu Hong’s departing figure, Wu Zhicheng and the other developers exchanged glances, all seeing bewilderment in each other’s eyes.
Yet somehow, there was a familiar feeling stirring…
…
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, at Dragon Yu Group.
In the conference room, Eric looked at the latest report with a very satisfied smile on his face.
Zhao Xuming sat across from Eric, trying to minimize his presence and leaving the stage to Eric.
Since the implementation of “Eric’s New Policy,” nearly a week had passed, and already some clues could be seen from ioi’s data.
Eric was so pleased because the data completely matched his expectations – even better than he’d imagined!
Revenue decline was certain since all heroes were now free and skin prices slashed to 30% of original prices. With ioi’s player base not exploding short-term while average spending per player decreased, revenue naturally dropped.
But the revenue decline was much more optimistic than Eric expected!
Data showed that despite lower prices, many veteran players, getting compensation, bought many skins they hadn’t planned to purchase before.
Though each skin earned less money, more were sold, achieving a volume-over-price effect.
For example, veteran players who originally planned to spend 80 yuan on a skin now found they could buy two, and still spent the full amount rather than saving 40 yuan.
After the sudden skin price drop reaching historic lows, most players felt skins wouldn’t get cheaper for a long time, so stopped waiting for sales and purchased immediately.
Moreover, this big price cut created good buzz. Data like concurrent players and average playtime improved notably for both domestic and international servers.
Many players bought several skins at once, naturally playing more games to appreciate and experience their new purchases.
In short, Eric was very satisfied with the report data, naturally proud and even somewhat inflated.
Eric looked around: “The new version’s data has also satisfied Dayak Group’s executives, completely meeting our expectations.”
“So next, we’ll press our advantage and address a major weakness in ioi.”
“Mobile version!”
“GOG’s success owes much to its mobile version. Whether promoting domestically or globally, GOG’s mobile game played a crucial role.”
“Previously, we were too arrogant, thinking mobile versions were useless, and lost the initiative. Seeing GOG achieve such tremendous success in mobile markets made us recognize our error.”
“So Finger Company is now developing ioi’s mobile version, with cross-platform play like GOG.”
“After addressing this weakness, ioi’s gap with GOG will further narrow. Combined with our price war, we’ll definitely recapture the market GOG took from us!”