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"And it even triggered a naval conflict between Russia and Japan! I heard that in the end, Russia even deployed four Tu-95 strategic bombers—the ones equipped with nuclear warheads!"
"When this game is released, I have to play it! A game that almost led to the destruction of Japan? Not playing it would be an insult to myself!"
...
Seeing the online discussions and comments, Mavi felt relieved. After all, such a massive uproar had occurred, involving the Russian Air Force, Navy, aircraft carrier battle group, and nuclear submarines.
If the game didn't sell well after all that, President Putin would definitely shake his head at Mavi, thinking, "What's going on, little brother? I set up such a grand stage for you, and you still can't make it big? Do I really have to drop a Tsar Bomba to flatten Japan for it to work?"
Thanks to the explosive popularity of the promotional video for Counter-Strike: PUBG, Mavi quickly took advantage of the momentum. He instructed Ubisoft, a subsidiary of Blizzard Entertainment, to prepare 8 million pre-sale CD keys and set up the necessary ordering webpage within a week.
The CDK was priced at $49 each, making the total revenue from 8 million copies $392 million. Initially, Mavi planned to set the price at $39 for 5 million copies. However, after the Russia-Japan naval confrontation became worldwide news, he figured that a higher price and a larger quantity would be a fitting tribute to the Russian Air Force, Navy, and the strong support from President Putin.
One week later, the Counter-Strike: PUBG pre-sale website went live on Blizzard and Ubisoft's official platforms. In just the first day, an astounding 1.5 million copies were sold! Within a week, the entire batch of 8 million CD keys was completely sold out, with gamers around the world scrambling to grab them.
This terrifying money-making speed left other gaming companies in the dust. They could do nothing but watch in envy and jealousy…
"Chairman Mavi! I have great news for you! Our Counter-Strike: PUBG pre-sale has completely sold out—all 8 million CD keys! We've generated a total of $392 million in revenue!"
Ubisoft's president, Adams, who was in charge of the game's development, excitedly called to report the success. After witnessing the incident in Japanese waters firsthand, Adams had been thoroughly impressed by Mavi's boldness.
After all, from a certain perspective, it was because of Mavi that Russia mobilized its entire Pacific Fleet, the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier battle group, attack nuclear submarines, and Tu-95 strategic bombers against Japan.
This guy… compared to being a mere gaming company chairman, Mavi was more like a terrifying force of nature.
"Excellent. I've already instructed Blizzard to send you the core game mechanics and data from Counter-Strike. Make sure you develop the game properly," Mavi said as he was on his way to the Russian Navy Headquarters.
As a token of appreciation for the Russian Navy, he naturally had to make a donation to help alleviate their financial difficulties.
Although Russia had won the confrontation against the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the key to victory lay in the timely arrival of the Kuznetsov carrier battle group and the overwhelming threat posed by the Tu-95 strategic bombers.
As for the ambush by the attack submarines, it was a one-time tactical surprise. If they tried it again, Japan would definitely be prepared—deploying more submarines, using sonar arrays, P-3C anti-submarine aircraft, and other detection methods…
"Understood, Chairman Mavi! Our Ubisoft development team will give our best effort to ensure this game is made to perfection!" President Adams vowed over the phone. To him, Mavi had given them a golden opportunity to rise again, and they had to be grateful and work hard.
"Alright, keep me updated if anything comes up." With that, Mavi ended the call. The Counter-Strike: PUBG project was now settled. Next, he had to figure out how to strengthen the Russian Navy.
Arriving at the Russian Navy Headquarters in a military jeep, Mavi was welcomed by Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nikolayev.
This time, the meeting location was upgraded to an even more prestigious banquet hall. Aside from Admiral Nikolayev, nearly all the commanding officers who participated in the recent military exercise near Japan were in attendance.
"Mr. Mavi, allow me to introduce you. This is Captain Pavikel, who played a decisive role in the operation. He was the one who ordered the Varyag cruiser to open fire on the Japanese destroyer."
By now, Mavi was already considered a familiar face among the Russian Navy, so Admiral Nikolayev enthusiastically introduced him to the officers as they entered the banquet hall.
"Mr. Mavi, this is Captain Kukov of the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. And next to him is Vice Admiral Toporov, captain of the Oscar-class cruise missile submarine…"
As Admiral Nikolayev introduced each officer, Mavi greeted them with a smile and extended his right hand.
"Nice to meet you, Captain Pavikel. Nice to meet you, Captain Kukov. Nice to meet you, Captain Toporov…"
Facing the heroes of this battle, Mavi naturally showed his respect.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Mavi!" The officers responded politely, though there was an unmistakable sense of admiration in their eyes.
Though they were considered heroes of the battle, in terms of influence, they couldn't compare to Mavi. The impact of his actions carried a weight beyond military achievements…
After the initial pleasantries, Mavi didn't waste time beating around the bush. He looked at the gathered officers and spoke calmly, "Admiral Nikolayev, Captain Pavikel, Captain Kukov, Captain Toporov—I believe you already know why I'm here."
"As a token of appreciation for your fleet's assistance near Japan, the Mikoyan family is willing to donate four Sovremenny-class destroyers to the Russian Navy. Additionally, we will cover their annual maintenance and upkeep costs."
The moment he finished speaking, Admiral Nikolayev and the surrounding officers, including Captains Pavikel, Kukov, and Toporov, all lit up with excitement. It was clear they were deeply grateful for Mavi's generosity.
Four Sovremenny-class destroyers had an export price of over $3 billion! Even at the estimated cost price of $65 million per unit, this was still a massive sum. Not to mention the ongoing maintenance expenses…
"Mr. Mavi, we cannot thank you enough! On behalf of the Russian Navy, I extend our utmost gratitude!" Admiral Nikolayev enthusiastically shook Mavi's hands in appreciation.
(End of Chapter)