Traveling through the Tokyo bubble era

Chapter 891 Welcome to the 3D gaming era!

When everyone saw Hideki Hanyu appear on the main booth, they guessed that the product that Elf Entertainment was going to launch today would definitely be the most important next-generation console.

But when this console really appeared in front of everyone after Hideki Hanyu's introduction, the people at the scene could not hide their various complicated emotions.

The media at the scene were of course extremely excited, knowing that they had big news to report again.

And those dealers and representatives of game developers, whether they attended the internal meeting or not, all showed happy expressions.

Although the first generation of PS consoles was good, its sales have been stagnant. After all, nearly 70 million units have been sold worldwide in the few years since its release, and there is not much room for growth.

Although they can still make money by selling games relying on mature platforms, this is in no way comparable to the terrifying profits that can be brought about by the emergence of a new platform.

Moreover, those who attended the internal meeting were well aware that the significance of Elf Entertainment's PS2 console to the existing gaming industry was absolutely subversive.

It can be said that once PS2 is launched, video games will enter the next era.

By that time, all 2D game consoles on the market, including the first-generation PS console from Elf Entertainment, will become outdated products.

By then, a new gaming ecosystem will be born.

Just thinking about how much benefit will be created around this new ecosystem makes them excited.

As for the largest group of players under the main booth, their mood at this moment was much simpler. They were overjoyed, cheering, and in short, they were just happy.

Although the introduction of this PS2 console has not yet begun, just looking at the beautiful shape of the console and the highly technological handle, it is worth looking forward to.

What’s interesting is that the calmest group at the scene at this time were those manufacturers who wanted to overthrow the dominant position of Elf Entertainment.

Even though they were also surprised, especially after seeing the shape of the PS2 console and the handle, they were even more curious.

But before Hideki Hanyu officially introduced the performance and parameters of the PS2 console, they each held their own cards in their hands and were not willing to reveal too much emotion immediately.

At the main booth, amid the cheers from the audience, Hideki Hanyu glanced at the various expressions of the people below the stage, and the smile on his face seemed to have a hint of satisfaction.

As the cheers died down, his voice rang out again.

"I think everyone must be very curious about this PS2 console at this moment, so next, I would like to invite President Iwata to show you this PS2 console and introduce its detailed configuration to you."

As for the boring task of introducing the host configuration, Hanyu Hideki naturally left it to Iwata Satoshi to do.

Satoru Iwata, who was already prepared, first picked up the console and the controller, walked to the front of the main booth, and showed the specific appearance of the PS2 console to the media cameras that were constantly filming and all the audience in the venue.

At the same time, an enlarged image of the PS2 console was played on the projection screen on the main booth.

As everyone got a clear look at the console and became more curious, Iwata began his introduction.

"Everyone, this is the next-generation console PS2 that Elf Entertainment has spent three years developing. For Elf Entertainment and the entire electronic game market, its appearance is epoch-making.

First, we installed a 2-bit processor in the PS30 console, which has a computing speed of MIPS...

In addition, the PS2 console is also equipped with a graphics processing chip tailor-made by Shenling Vision, and its performance...

There is also an audio processor jointly developed with QSC of America, which gives the PS2 perfect sound output and unprecedented stereo effects.

......"

Iwata patiently introduced various parameters. Although it sounded a bit boring, everyone in the audience listened very carefully.

The media recorded the data and prepared it as news material.

Partners are secretly calculating, what will be the final price of Elf Entertainment after putting these accessories together?
Although many players did not understand, according to Satoru Iwata's description after he introduced the configuration, they only needed to know that the PS2 console was very powerful and was the world's first -bit console.

As for what such a powerful configuration will be used for, they are still waiting.

However, ordinary audiences cannot understand it, but some manufacturers know it very well.

And as Iwata introduced, their faces became uglier.

At first, they thought that Iwata was exaggerating when he said that Elf Entertainment had spent three years honing its skills and finally came up with this PS2 console. However, judging from the hardware configuration, it was obvious that Iwata was not exaggerating.

In terms of configuration alone, every aspect of the PS2 console produced by Elf Entertainment is better than that of their products. It would be absolutely impossible to put all these configurations together without a long period of integration and debugging.

What's more, most of these hardware are not universal accessories, but are specially developed by Elf Entertainment in collaboration with other manufacturers.

There are better accessories on the market.

But the problem is that developing a host is not just about piling together a bunch of high-performance accessories to get a high-performance host.

Not to mention how cumbersome hardware debugging and integration is, and how troublesome compatibility between hardware is, just the current game development also requires the coordination of game hardware.

In another time and space, Sega's Saturn console's dual CPU configuration, which caused headaches for game developers, is a typical example.

Simply put, it is the gaming effects that can be run on a single CPU.

However, due to hardware reasons, it must be designed to run separately on two CPUs in order to give full play to the advantages of dual CPUs.

So even if they now know that their products are lagging behind in configuration, they can’t think of changing them in the short term.

It may even be difficult to adjust for a long time.

After all, the small problem of SFC being compatible with FC games made Nintendo embarrassed.

What’s more, this is a major problem that almost requires the host to be redesigned from the beginning.

What's more, Elf Entertainment also has an "Elf Scepter" system for game development, which is a platform system that Elf Entertainment has been using specifically for game development since its establishment.

This system developed by Elf Entertainment over many years will definitely be updated and adapted synchronously with the launch of the PS2 console.

The advantages created for Elf Entertainment by the accumulation of time and experience of this system alone are not easily caught up by its competitors.

Therefore, although Ken Kutaragi, Minoru Arakawa, Hayao Nakayama and others looked unhappy, they had no choice but to reluctantly admit that their products were lagging behind.

At this time, Satoru Iwata's introduction to the console on the stage had come to an end.

He first opened the disc compartment cover of the PS2 console, then took out a CD box from his pocket and showed it to everyone present.

"The biggest difference between the PS2 and the first generation PS is the innovation in game storage media. In order to show players more game content and more exciting game graphics, we use CDs as game storage disks."

As Iwata said this, he had already opened the CD case in his hand and took out a disc with a special shape and the cover of Mario Kart printed on it.

"To this end, Elf Entertainment has developed a new storage format for game CDs specifically for the PS2 console, which we call EMD discs.

Not only does it have a storage limit of 1GB, but when combined with Elf Entertainment's self-developed optical drive, it has a read and write speed that far exceeds similar optical drives on the market.

We have also designed a special protective shell for it, which can greatly extend its service life.

Moreover, in terms of protecting genuine content, the dedicated storage format combined with double anti-counterfeiting verification can guarantee the rights and interests of genuine game consumers to the greatest extent.

In terms of game archives, we have designed a dedicated game flash card that can be used with game CDs to store games, so users don't need to worry about game archive issues.

......"

While Satoru Iwata was proudly introducing game discs and game archives, the face of Ken Kutaragi, president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, was visibly ugly.

Originally working for Sony Electronics, he knew very well that Sony had licensed the CD patent to Genie Entertainment.

However, he did not expect at that time that the original patent authorization would become a bullet shot at Sony itself under the research and development of Genie Entertainment.

At this point, the research and development of Genie Entertainment has been completed, and it is too late for Sony to regret even if it wants to.

What's more, the senior executives of Sony Group who are bent on promoting CDs would never regret the CD licensing for the sake of Sony Interactive Entertainment.

After all, for Sony's top management, how could Sony Interactive Entertainment, which has not yet demonstrated profitability, be more important than promoting the CD patent?

So now, even though Ken Kutaragi is annoyed that the group is causing trouble, he can only rage helplessly and watch Elf Entertainment use Sony's CD patent to develop products that are better than their own.

During the cooperation between Sony and Nintendo, Ken Kutaragi also thought about developing a dedicated game CD, but due to time and other reasons, he finally had to give up.

Now that Elf Entertainment's dedicated game CD has appeared, Ken Kutaragi feels that he must start the research and development of the dedicated CD again.

It is not too late.

Since you can't be a leader, then be an imitator and a follower.

While Kutaragi Ken was thinking about it, Iwata Satoru's introduction on the stage was coming to an end.

Soon, Hideki Hanyu's voice was heard again on the main booth.

"After listening to President Iwata for so long, everyone should have understood the excellence of the PS2 console.

Moreover, if it is just an upgrade in configuration, it is definitely not disruptive for a host.

What does the excellent performance of the PS2 console support, and what is it that really subverts?"

When Hanyu Hideki said this, he pointed to the projection screen behind him.

At this time, after introducing the console, Satoru Iwata had arranged for the staff to connect the PS2 console and controller, as well as the power cord and data cable, put in the Mario Kart game disc for demonstration, and started the game.

The titles of Elf Entertainment, PlayStation, Mythology Studios, and Mario Kart immediately appeared on the projection screen.

Just the opening was enough to make the media, partners, and all the audience at the scene exclaim in amazement.

how so?

Because the picture presented to everyone at this time is no longer the pixel blocks seen in previous console games, but delicate and exquisite animations.

Moreover, the sound produced by the live audio system is no longer the monotonous 8-bit electronic music, but real stereo sound.

As the saying goes, no matter how much you say, it is not as good as seeing and hearing it with your own eyes.

At this moment, when the picture and sound appeared, everyone understood the changes brought about by the excellent configuration of the PS2 console and the large-capacity storage of game CDs.

But that alone is not enough.

When the opening credits end and the game screen appears.

Watching the dragon kidnap the princess, the Mario brothers drove their cars, chasing the dragon on various fantastically designed tracks, defeating the villains one by one and rescuing the princess.

Watching the car crash into a box with a flashing question mark, then obtaining a turtle shell that can block the opponent's vision and slow down, or being hit by a banana peel, the game screen appears. The scene was first eerily quiet...

But before long, this oppressive silence erupted like a volcano, causing the scene to completely boil over.

However, Hanyu Hideki, who was at the center of the frenzy, just smiled and made an inviting gesture to everyone.

Then he spoke slowly.

"Welcome to the 3D gaming era!"

……

"3D game...it is indeed a 3D game...

Even we thought of it. How could Elf Entertainment not have thought of it after preparing for so many years?

I knew that when they approached Sony to collaborate on the System G system, it was to prepare for 3D gaming.”

Outside the main booth, Ken Kutaragi was muttering to himself in a trance.

At this time, the media conference of Elf Entertainment has ended.

At this time, around Ken Kutaragi were people who, like him, had just finished attending the media conference and were leaving.

In the crowd, whether it was the media, representatives of partners, or those players who watched the entire process, they were all excitedly discussing the press conference.

When Hideki Hanyu announced the arrival of the 3D gaming era, Hanyu and Satoru Iwata demonstrated several games together amid everyone's excited cheers.

There are Mario Kart 3D for racing, Contra 3D for shooting, and Tekken for fighting...

Of course, in addition to 3D games, Hideki Hanyu also tried out 2D games developed based on the PS2 console platform.

Looking at the animation effects that are as exquisite as the top-level animations, everyone will understand that the PS2 console not only supports 3D games, but also has powerful 2D game effects.

At the same time, Hanyu Hideki also introduced the PS2 dedicated controller that Iwata Satoru deliberately ignored when introducing the console. The addition of the joystick caused cheers from the audience.

This also made Nintendo of North America President Minoru Arakawa look at Ken Kutaragi with a rather "resentful" look.

Because in the cooperation between Sony and Nintendo, Nintendo strongly suggested adding a joystick to the handle of the new product.

However, this proposal was rejected by Ken Kutaragi.

The reason why Ken Kutaragi vetoed it was that he wanted to imitate the mature products of Elf Entertainment.

However, what Kutaragi Ken did not expect was that the company he imitated, Elf Entertainment, used the joystick settings he opposed on the PS2 console's controller.

But at this moment, Kutaragi Ken no longer cared about Arakawa Minoru.

Because apart from the PS2 console's actual demonstration of 3D game effects, the only thing left in his mind was the scene of Hideki Hanyu's last words before he stepped down from the stage.

"Now that everyone knows everything about the PS2 console, the thing they are most interested in is probably its retail price."

When Hanyu Hideki said this, the images on the projection screen disappeared, and a number appeared immediately afterwards.

($299!)
After showing this number, Hideki Hanyu said nothing.

Then, he walked off the stage in a cool and clean manner amid thunderous cheers from the audience.

But for Ken Kutaragi, the head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the fact that the PS2 console retails for $299 is far more alarming than the powerful performance of the PS2 console.

Because this price collides with the pricing of Sony Interactive Entertainment's new products.

After watching the media conference of Elf Entertainment just now, no matter how arrogant Ken Kutaragi is, he would not dare to say that their products are better than the PS2 console.

When the product performance is not comparable, it is obviously beyond one's ability to compete with Elf Entertainment at the same price.

Lowering the price became the only option for Ken Kutaragi.

But the problem is that lowering prices is easier said than done.

What should I do with the profit distribution that has been agreed upon with dealers?
Should the determined purchase price be lowered? If not, the profit has been squeezed to the limit and you may even end up losing money.

The most important thing is that although Ken Kutaragi is the president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, this matter is not something he can decide alone.

Ken Kutaragi is not Hideki Hanyu.

As the boss of Elf Entertainment, even if Hideki Hanyu lets a product sell at a loss, his subordinates can only complain, but they still have to carry out their orders obediently.

But Ken Kutaragi is just a professional manager of Sony.

Anything involving profits must be decided by the group’s board of directors, especially decisions that involve an entire chain of interests.

But the problem was that Nintendo's media conference was to be held in the afternoon, and Ken Kutaragi, who was far away in America, had no time to discuss with the Japanese executives.

You have to know that it is already late at night in neon time.

But now at this critical moment, he can't just sit back and watch, and confront Elf Entertainment head-on.

After considering for a long time, Ken Kutaragi finally made up his mind.

He instructed the secretary beside him in a serious tone, "Call all the senior executives participating in the exhibition, and help me contact Mr. Morita and invite him to an emergency conference call."

……

Backstage at the Elf Entertainment booth.

The top executives of Elf Entertainment, who had just completed the media conference, were celebrating wildly.

After all, they witnessed the entire sensation caused by this media conference.

The enthusiastic response from the audience made them feel that the success of the PS2 console was just around the corner.

Hideki Hanyu was naturally the center of attention, enjoying everyone's congratulations and compliments.

After waiting for everyone to calm down a little, Hanyu Hideki spoke to everyone.

“The feedback from the media conference proves that our three years of hard work have not been in vain.

However, for the PS2 console, a successful media conference is far from enough.

Today is both the result of three years of hard work and the beginning of another three years of hard work.

The PS2 exhibition area will be unlocked in the afternoon. Proper reception of the media, players and tourists is our first important task.

At the same time, global promotion for the PS2 console will officially begin.

The cooperation of various regions and partners, the implementation of the new royalty system, the release of new games, every task must be carried out according to plan.

A good reputation of a host does not mean success.

The sales of PS2 consoles and platform games will be the only criterion for testing success.

So, for the success of the PS2 console, for Elf Entertainment, and for your dividends and bonuses.

Please redouble your efforts!"

Taking advantage of the success of the media conference, Hideki Hanyu immediately drank a bowl of chicken blood. Seeing that the senior executives of Elf Entertainment were in high spirits, he took the opportunity to quietly leave.

In addition to his entourage and two beauties, those who went with him included Satoru Iwata, Eri Kitahara, and Michael Katz.

It happened to be lunch time, so they found a restaurant to eat and chat.

When the food was served, Kitahara Eri curiously asked Hanyu Hideki, "Hanyu-san, what do you think the retail price of Sony's products will be at the media conference this afternoon?"

"You'll know when you go and have a look in the afternoon."

Hanyu Hideki answered absentmindedly, because at this moment two beauties were vying to help him cut meat and pick up vegetables, and the scumbag was enjoying the service of the beauties comfortably.

It can be seen that Hideki Hanyu's heroic presence at the main booth in the morning made the two beauties feel excited. Even at this moment, the eyes of the two beauties looking at the scumbag were still full of admiration and infatuation.

"I think their prices will definitely be lower than ours. After all, their faces were not looking good during the press conference."

The person who spoke was Satoru Iwata.

When Hanyu Hideki heard this, a sly smile flashed across his face.

"I care more about the price of another company's product than the retail price of Sony's product."

Iwata seemed to remember something and asked quickly, "Are you talking about Sega? I saw President Nakayama Hayao in the audience this morning."

Hanyu Hideki replied, "Yes, Nakayama Hayao will be at the E3 exhibition in person, so Sega must have prepared some blockbuster products."

Kitahara Eri noticed the fleeting smirk on Hanyu Hideki's face and immediately said, "Hanyu-san is smiling so wickedly, he must be plotting against someone again?"

"Don't accuse me, Kitahara-san. I didn't scheme against anyone. I just asked Game Base Publishing to put Sega's press conference after Nintendo's."

Hideki Hanyu's feigned innocence was not convincing at all.

Because everyone present knew that in the battle for the North American console market, Sega had used pricing to stab Nintendo in the back.

Now that Nintendo is declining and its competitor has become Sony, what will Sega do?

What did you say?

When being chased by a tiger, you don't actually have to run faster than the tiger, you just need to run faster than your companion.

After all, even in the European and American markets dominated by the first generation of PS consoles, Elf Entertainment's market share is not 100%, and is even less than 90%.

Now, the PS2 console from Elf Entertainment has dropped from the sky.

If Nintendo and Sega are unable to win, they will have to consider defeating other opponents.

Thinking of this, Hanyu Hideki smiled amusedly.

"Next, we just need to watch the fun."

(End of this chapter)