Traveling through the Tokyo bubble era

Chapter 896: Hanyu Hideki is planning to poach another employee

For Hideki Hanyu, the appearance of Cindy Crawford on the main booth was just a fun surprise.

After all, he has played the "BIG 5" supermodel in the s.

Recalling the performances of Lady Snow Flower and Sister Yi Wan, Hideki Hanyu can only say that these supermodels are just pleasing to the eye, but they are just like that in actual combat.

However, these beauties who were models all have one thing in common.

That means being able to let go, have fun, have outstanding business skills, and not be clingy afterwards, without any worries.

They are all very good opponents for friendly matches.

But if you think about the modeling industry and certain rules that have become the norm in that industry, you can understand why these supermodels are so "highly qualified".

After all, for those who have stayed in that circle and have made a name for themselves, many things have probably become commonplace.

As for the time he met Cindy Crawford in New York last year, it was at the "Love Ball" fashion charity dinner sponsored by Ayi International.

As AIYI International grew, it often sponsored similar events to increase its influence in the fashion world and deepen its relationships with industry veterans.

After all, in the fashion circle, to put it bluntly, it’s all about people promoting each other.

They compete with each other, yet they are also interdependent.

The dinner was hosted by Iman Bowie, the famous black American model.

Although she announced her retirement from modeling last year to focus on the acting industry, her connections in the modeling and fashion circles are still there.

Plus, she had a rock star boyfriend, and future husband, David Bowie, so she still had a great personal influence.

In addition, the other party was also interested in developing a personal brand career in the fashion industry, so after contacting Ayi International, the two sides hit it off immediately, and then the "The Love Ball" fashion charity dinner was facilitated.

There were many industry insiders and supermodels at the party that night. Cindy Crawford, who had just become famous for posing for the cover of Playboy, was just an ordinary member among them.

Hideki Hanyu made a quick appearance and presented a brooch he designed himself as a charity auction item.

Hideki Hanyu originally wanted to stay at the scene for a while longer, but he was annoyed because too many people were trying to establish connections with him.

In addition, his trip to New York was to prepare for the bursting of the neon economic bubble, so he left shortly after he appeared.

It was when he was leaving that Hideki Hanyu happened to see Cindy Crawford sitting on a guest's lap, smiling and flattering.

That person happened to be a partner of AIYI International.

Seeing that Hanyu Hideki was about to leave, the other party stood up anxiously and wanted to say hello, but accidentally almost knocked Cindy Crawford to the ground.

It was because of this scene that Hideki Hanyu was deeply impressed by this woman.

The so-called supermodels are nothing more than selling their smiles.

(Picture)
Turning his mind away from Cindy Crawford, Hideki Hanyu continued his conversation with EA President Trip Hawkins.

Soon, Hideki Hanyu understood the meaning of Tripp Hawkins' words.

In this time and space, EA did not choose to go public on NASDAQ in 89 because of its investment and the emergence of Genie Entertainment.

But obviously, this is only a temporary change.

After Trip Hawkins met a friend on Wall Street, he was introduced to how the financial market works and how quickly money is made.

Unconsciously, I came to the idea that instead of making games honestly, it would be better to take the company public, then transform into a capital company, hype concepts, and then make money in the stock market, which would be more convenient and quicker.

According to Trip Hawkins, even if Hideki Hanyu did not come to him this time, he would go to Hideki Hanyu after the E3 exhibition to discuss with him about the listing of EA.

After all, Hideki Hanyu's Hope Angel Investment holds 45% of EA's shares, so it cannot avoid going public.

After hearing the end, Hideki Hanyu realized that he could not change Tripp Hawkins's mind, so he simply spoke to Tripp Hawkins directly.

"I will arrange for Dante Kane to contact you on this matter to discuss the specific listing plan and track the entire listing process."

It is obvious that Hideki Hanyu is going to directly intervene in EA's listing.

Tripp Hawkins was surprised to hear this and asked, "Sir, do you not trust my friend on Wall Street?"

Hanyu Hideki smiled and asked, "Haha, should I trust him?"

After saying this, he continued on his own without waiting for Tripp Hawkins to answer.

"It just so happens that I know a lot of people on Wall Street. I am familiar with the senior executives of major investment banks, funds, and securities companies. If he wants to win my trust, he can come and convince me directly."

After hearing what Hideki Hanyu said, Trip Hawkins' first reaction was that Hideki Hanyu was showing off to him.

But then he suddenly realized that the person sitting next to him was not some small figure, but the world's richest man who had just become famous last month.

Hideki Hanyu's business covers all walks of life, and investment is one of them.

It is really a common thing for Hideki Hanyu to have such connections on Wall Street.

The most important thing is that Trip Hawkins felt a chill on his back at this moment.

As EA's business continued to grow, he inevitably became more inflated.

Even when considering EA's listing, Hideki Hanyu's investment company was directly thrown aside.

They completely forgot that a large part of EA's current success is due to the fact that it obtained the sports event authorization from Elf Entertainment through Hideki Hanyu's investment.

Even EA's success itself is based on the platform built by Elf Entertainment.

Even the several 3D games that are being introduced to the media and audience at the main booth are mainly released on the PS2 console.

Although EA initially made its fortune by relying on PC gaming business.

But in this day and age, due to the limitations of PC performance and popularity, the sales of games on PC are far from comparable to those on console platforms.

If a PC game sells tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of copies, it can be considered a big hit.

However, with this sales volume, it can only be considered a flop on Elf Entertainment's PS console platform.

Take "NBA 1988" produced and published by EA for example. After this game was released on the PS console platform, it sold copies on the first day of its release in North America alone.

This shows how much EA relies on Elf Entertainment today.

Under such circumstances, EA actually dared to leave out Hideki Hanyu when it went public.

It can be said that Tripp Hawkins has become so confused that he can no longer distinguish between the big king and the small king.

I'm afraid that if Hideki Hanyu is unhappy, he will ask Elf Entertainment to issue an announcement to revoke the authorization of several popular game copyrights, and EA's dream of going public will be shattered.

"Sorry, I didn't think well."

As a mature businessman, after realizing his mistake, Tripp Hawkins decisively admitted his mistake and apologized.

Upon hearing this, Hanyu Hideki pretended to be confused and asked, "Why are you apologizing all of a sudden? If you want to go public, I support your decision. We are old friends, aren't we?"

Trip Hawkins looked at the smile that suddenly appeared on Hanyu Hideki's face when he finished speaking, but his mood didn't feel any better at all.

He could only continue to state, "This time EA's listing will definitely follow the arrangements of Hope Angel Investment."

"Don't be so nervous. Just discuss any ideas with Dent Kane."

Hanyu Hideki's expression relaxed, and his demeanor became amiable.

For EA, a little knocking is enough.

He didn't want to completely fall out with this American troublemaker.

Besides, it would be easier for him to control EA after it went public.

Moreover, according to his plan, there will be a lot of "dirty work" in the future, and someone needs to stand in front of the stage to take the blame. After thinking about it, he feels that EA is the most suitable.

For example, some games can make money through charging methods, but it will affect the reputation of the game, so let EA produce it.

For example, some game studios produce games that have a good reputation but low sales. If they need to be canceled directly, they will be sold to EA and disbanded.

Anyway, in another time and space, EA has done this kind of thing a lot, and Hideki Hanyu can be said to have made the best use of it.

Tripp Hawkins also keenly noticed the change in Hideki Hanyu's attitude, and his heart was finally at ease for the time being.

Having achieved his goal, Hideki Hanyu did not mention the topic of EA's listing anymore, and instead discussed with Trip Hawkins several games released by EA on the PS2 console.

When the beach volleyball game appeared, Hideki Hanyu looked at the bikini beauties on the stage and gave Tripp Hawkins a lot of suggestions in one breath.

For example, you can directly invite famous models to be the spokespersons, and then make them into game characters, or even insert real-life close-up shots into the game.

For example, when smashing, the lineup screen is switched directly.

The beach, the beauties, the long legs, the bikinis, the swaying, it’s so “shocking”.

“Since CDs are used as game storage, which greatly increases the content space, it is natural to use them reasonably.

Right now, CG technology is not mature enough to produce realistic images, so we just use real people to shoot.”

Hideki Hanyu said this to Tripp Hawkins. In fact, this approach has been used in many games. The most familiar one for domestic players is the live-action cutscenes in the Red Alert game.

Tripp Hawkins, who was standing next to him, was astounded for a moment after hearing all the suggestions from Hideki Hanyu, and understood the strength of a god-level game producer.

Looking back at the games they released at this time, and thinking about the results if he had followed Hanyu Hideki's advice, he immediately expressed regret.

"I should have listened to the gentleman's advice earlier!"

"It's not too late to hear it now. It can be added to the second generation of works. After all, after the PS2 console is launched, it will definitely be sold in the market for many years. As long as the sales of the game are good enough, there will be plenty of time to release subsequent versions."

When Hanyu Hideki said this, he turned his gaze away from the main booth, looking disinterested.

Tripp Hawkins saw this and turned around to see that the promotional performance on the stage had ended and the group of sexy and beautiful models were walking down the stage.

In an instant, he seemed to understand something.

Then he immediately said to Hanyu Hideki, "Sir, after the EA press conference is over, can we talk somewhere else?
I would like to hear more suggestions from you regarding game development."

As if afraid that Hanyu Hideki would not agree, Trip Hawkins emphasized, "This also includes the arrangements for EA's listing. I also need your advice."

At first, Hideki Hanyu didn't want to accept Trip Hawkins' invitation.

However, when he heard the other party mention the listing, considering the importance of EA in the future and fearing that the other party would do something weird again, he finally accepted the invitation.

Just like that, after the EA press conference ended, Hideki Hanyu waited for Tripp Hawkins to arrange his work and then left with him.

In the place arranged by Trip Hawkins, Hideki Hanyu gave a series of suggestions on EA's game development and post-listing development plans based on his experience from later generations.

For Hideki Hanyu, EA is the most special developer on the Elf Entertainment platform.

Before Hideki Hanyu invested in EA, EA had already achieved considerable success with sports games and a strong North American sales network.

EA's sales network not only sells its own games, but also helps other game companies sell their games.

It can be said that EA at that time was not just a game developer, but more like a publishing company in the gaming industry.

However, EA had a serious problem at the time: all its attention was focused on personal PC games.

As a result, in another time and space, Nintendo rose strongly relying on the FC console and completely activated the TV console game market that had collapsed due to Atari.

Seeing that TV console games are becoming a trend, PC games are gradually declining, and the annual sales of console games are hundreds of miles ahead of PC games, EA has to start paying attention to console games.

It’s just that in another time and space, EA finally chose to cooperate with Sega.

At this time and space, the revival of North American console games was triggered by Elf Entertainment, and the sports game copyrights that EA relied on most were all bought by the wealthy Elf Entertainment at a huge price.

EA was very aggressive towards Sega. After all, Sega was not strong enough, and if it wanted to defeat the FC console in North America, it could only cooperate with a local giant like EA.

However, facing the powerful Elf Entertainment, EA could not become stronger at all. Finally, in order to adapt to the development of the times, it had to accept the investment from Hideki Hanyu.

After joining the "big family" of Elf Entertainment, why is EA said to be the most special one?

That is EA, which has its own sales network and is one of the few game companies in the elf system that has independent sales rights.

Elf Entertainment even agreed to let other game companies entrust EA to sell their games, and sometimes even placed orders directly with EA.

Therefore, for Elf Entertainment, it is better to say that EA is a "partner" rather than a third-party developer on the platform.

This is also why EA was able to go public independently among so many game developers.

And why does Hideki Hanyu attach so much importance to EA?

After all, even if he wants EA to do the dirty work, EA should at least have the ability to do so.

The two chatted for several hours.

Throughout the whole process, Tripp Hawkins and Hideki Hanyu became more and more shocked and more and more impressed as they talked.

Hideki Hanyu's creativity in gaming is beyond imagination.

There are also views on the future gaming market and extraordinary foresight in company management.

All of this made Tripp Hawkins feel like he had gotten to know Hanyu Hideki again, and he also regretted very much why he had not been able to have such an in-depth communication with Hanyu Hideki earlier.

If before, he was still a little dissatisfied because Hanyu Hideki suspected his Wall Street friend.

Now, those thoughts have long since vanished.

Compared with each other, the gap between the two sides is indeed too huge.

"Okay, I've said everything I need to say. From now on, matters concerning the listing will be handed over to Dante Kane. I should also go back as I have other things to do tomorrow morning."

Seeing that it was getting dark outside, Hideki Hanyu stood up and prepared to say goodbye and leave.

As for what he was going to do tomorrow morning, he was actually going to take a plane to Arkansas.

Carl Map would travel from Washington at the same time and meet him in Arkansas, and together they would talk to the people in Arkansas.

But just as Hanyu Hideki stood up, he heard Tripp Hawkins say to him, "EA has specially arranged a celebration banquet to celebrate the successful holding of the media conference. It happens to be dinner time. How about you enjoy dinner before leaving?"

"Forget it. That's too much trouble." Hanyu Hideki was about to refuse.

Tripp Hawkins said, "No problem, the celebration party will be at this hotel."

Huh?
Only then did Hideki Hanyu realize that it was no wonder that Tripp Hawkins brought him here just now. It turned out that he had prepared a set of combos for him.

It was hard to refuse such a kind invitation, and since he had no other plans for the evening, Hanyu Hideki thought for a moment and followed Tripp Hawkins to the banquet hall where the celebration banquet was held.

As soon as he entered the door, Hideki Hanyu saw EA hosting the media conference at the main booth today. He is also the person who will lead EA to the top in the future.

Larry Probst.

The other party is currently the vice president of sales at EA.

It was precisely because of the other party's suggestion that EA decided to develop game sales business in addition to game development.

According to the original historical development, in order to get a share of the console market, Trip Hawkins would resign as president of EA two years later and join forces with Panasonic, America Telephone, Time Warner, Universal Pictures and other companies to establish the game company "3DO".

The company then developed its own eponymous thirty-two-bit console, the "3DO".

The famous racing game "Need for Speed" was developed by EA specifically for this console.

Unfortunately, facing competition from many powerful rivals, 3DO ultimately failed.

After Trip Hawkins left EA, the person who took over his management position was Larry Probst.

The other party firmly implemented Hawkins' multi-platform strategy and sports strategy, and ultimately helped EA become the largest console game publisher in Europe and the United States through a series of aggressive mergers and acquisitions integration strategies.

But, those were all things that happened in another time and space.

In today's time and space, EA is under pressure from Elf Entertainment.

It is not certain whether Trip Hawkins still has the courage to found 3DO, and it is even more of a question whether Larry Probst can take charge of EA.

But this is a good thing for Hideki Hanyu.

If Trip Hawkins did not choose to leave EA to start his own business after EA went public as in another time and space, then he would have to find a way to poach Larry Probst to Genie Entertainment.

Michael Katz, COE of Elf Entertainment's North American region, has always been dissatisfied with the ability of Elf Entertainment's European region managers.

And considering Michael Katz's age, Hideki Hanyu must also consider finding a successor for him.

Larry Probst has the ability, the finesse, and the ability to execute.

It seems perfect to recruit this person to Elf Entertainment, then send him to Europe for hosting work, and then transfer him back directly to take over Michael Katz's job after a year or two.

It was with these in mind that Hideki Hanyu kept talking to Larry Probst after entering the banquet hall.

But his behavior made Tripp Hawkins next to him very anxious.

After all, the reason he arranged this celebration banquet tonight was to please Mr. Hanyu.

He had already prepared everything, and he never expected that Hideki Hanyu would chat with Larry Probst all the time.

Seeing this, Trip Hawkins walked directly to a nearby place.

There stood a tall blond beauty, holding a glass of wine and chatting with her companions. It seemed to be Cindy Crawford.

"Miss Cindy, I have already created the conditions for you. Now it all depends on your performance."

Tripp Hawkins said this to Cindy Crawford, then looked towards where Hideki Hanyu was.

"Just leave it to me."

After Cindy Crawford finished speaking, she walked towards Hideki Hanyu with a confident look on her face, striding her long legs.

I worked overtime too late, so I just sent it now. I’m so tired, I’ll wash my face and go to work.



(End of this chapter)