1994 was undoubtedly the most intense year for the console wars.
One could say it was a period of warlordism.
Nintendo, primarily with its SFC, currently held the largest share of the game market.
The current Nintendo seemed to be going astray, focusing its efforts on researching the so-called Visual Boy, a virtual game console akin to future VR headsets. Gunpei Yokoi, as the head of the R&D department, was undeniably imaginative, but this also exposed his insufficient foresight regarding the current situation.
Goodness, everyone else was moving towards 32-bit consoles, yet they were secretly dabbling in VR. This technology hadn't made any waves even by 2023, so how could it possibly succeed in 1994?
Then, the most impactful contender currently was Sega's MD-CD. The Sega Saturn, Sega's sixth-generation console, was set to be released this year. It was named saturn because of the number 6 in its generation and because saturn is the sixth planet in the solar system.
It's just that the codename wasn't very pleasant, called SS, which was on par with their previous handheld GG, destined for a tragic demise.
It wasn't because the game's performance wasn't good enough; it just wasn't polished exceptionally well, leading to many bugs. Its release caused Sega's reputation and market to decline. To resolve the game console's performance issues, Sega even recalled some consoles, spending a lot of Time fixing the error.
Due to Sega's misjudgment that 2D game were still mainstream, its support for 3D graphics lagged behind Sony's PlayStation. However, the ultimate trend was the prevalence of 3D graphics.
This was precisely the transitional period for the game industry to enter 3D CG animation production.
The strategy of releasing the highly acclaimed vr fighter on arcades simultaneously with the console earned Sega a good start, selling 1 million units within half a year.
By adding a RAM card to the expansion slot, 2D game production reached its peak.
Then there were NEC's game consoles, SNK's self-developed Neo-Geo CD, the American 3DO console…
Even Apple released a Pippin game console this year, with Kai-Fu Lee as the product manager.
This product eventually went down in history as one of the worst Apple products ever, possibly even surpassing the infamous Hockey Puck mouse and Newton tablet computer.
Apple was ambitious about the game console market, seeing it as a more capable, all-in-one device compared to existing standalone game consoles.
Apple's idea was to create a product that could not only play game but also attract a broader audience eager for a personal computer-like device.
Furthermore, this device could also serve as a communication platform, handle interactive music, and even wear the hat of an educational tool, all while retaining the ability to play game.
In hindsight, this decision ultimately led to a product that was "decent in every aspect, but strong in none." It tried to do everything but ended up doing poorly in every single aspect.
This was essentially an outsider's mentality, stemming from a lack of understanding of the market.
If I make it comprehensive and all-encompassing, won't I be more successful?
In reality, you'll only be slapped in the face.
It's like many new Authors who want everything, want to write about everything; not only reincarnation but also cultivation, opening a harem, adding some Western magic, directly mixing the three realms, humans, gods, ghosts…
The result is a hodgepodge; they want to talk about love and write about their careers, but in the end, they only fail.
…
In short, the current situation was one of warlordism and chaotic battles on all fronts.
The big players were all entering the fray, fighting fiercely.
After all, the game market and its performance were truly eye-catching; anyone involved with the internet and electronic products wanted a piece of the pie.
Moreover, Nintendo's position was no longer so unshakeable; in fact, in the past two years, it had been steadily losing ground to Sega, not only failing in the North American market but also seemingly on the verge of collapse in Japan.
As the saying goes, when Qin loses its deer, the world chases it.
From the historical trajectory—
After this, Sony would establish its kingly position, thereby crushing Nintendo and becoming the new overlord.
Consoles themselves were not profitable; R&D costs were exorbitant, and they also had to engage in price wars. For example, the 3DO game console was indeed powerful, but also ridiculously expensive. But if you lowered the price, you wouldn't even recover your capital.
This kind of thing is actually somewhat similar to later video platforms, which are money-burning machines, potentially facing huge losses every year.
The main reason why so many manufacturers were so enthusiastic about the console wars was not whether the console could make money.
The real money was made by forming a monopoly and then earning through game sales.
Whether it's your own game or collecting royalties, when your console platform becomes dominant, these will become huge profits.
This is the truth of the console war.
Although Japan is a capitalist country, it is not as thorough as the United States in anti-trust, which is why giants like Nintendo, who act as both player and referee, were born.
At the same Time, it also gave rise to unicorns like Sony, which directly cross multiple tracks, involving fields such as music, film and television, game, entertainment products, electronic products…
If this were in the United States, Sony would have to be split into several companies at least.
…
Aoki Haruhi knew this period of history like the back of his hand, but whether the timeline after his rebirth would follow this trajectory was uncertain.
He was even still completely in the dark about what role his own company played in the console world war and what kind of impact it could have.
Time has changed.
However, one thing was very clear: major console manufacturers, in order to make their game consoles stand out and even emerge as the new overlords in this battle, began various power struggles.
The most obvious was that they were trying to win over major game development companies, hoping they would join their camp.
And Pokeni was an important member they were trying to win over.
How fortunate!
Aoki Haruhi couldn't help but exclaim, if this were a year or two ago, who would even bother with you?
Their status and importance were earned through Pokeni's series of hit game, fought out with real strength.
However, Aoki Haruhi didn't think he was important enough to influence the course of the war.
In this situation, not putting all your eggs in one basket seemed to be the wisest choice.
You think I'm Lu Bu, but in reality, I'm the Zhuge family.
The eldest goes to Eastern Wu, the second goes to Western Shu…
Hmm, it's decided then.
…
Aoki Haruhi was very glad that he had not joined this console war.
One reason was that it was too expensive.
Although Pokeni now had a bit of money, around 60 to 70 billion, once they entered the console war, this money would probably not be enough to burn.
The other reason was that the waters were too deep.
Aoki Haruhi hadn't reached the level of being well-connected enough to have heart-to-heart talks and be close friends with all the bigwigs in the game industry; he simply couldn't control the situation.
Once things went wrong, it would be very easy to capsize.
So, it was better to be an outsider.
Not only to be an outsider, but also to be a master of balancing acts.
Thus, in this situation, Aoki Haruhi dined with every company and promised to develop game for each, but he couldn't guarantee specific timelines.
He gave a very sufficient reason:
After all, Pokeni's manpower was limited right now, and the development cycle for one game could take one or two years, making it impossible to meet the demands of all the big players in a short period of Time.
But, since he promised, he would definitely do it.
Please look forward to it.
Moreover, from the historical process, it is estimated that results will emerge in the next one or two years, and by then, many game consoles will quietly withdraw. In that case, Pokeni's inability to fulfill its promises cannot be blamed on Aoki Haruhi for being unethical.
Whose fault is it that your consoles weren't strong enough to survive?
Aoki Haruhi knew the historical process, but these bigwigs didn't, so getting his promise made them all extremely pleased.
And according to Aoki Haruhi's own thoughts, while Pokeni was appealing, it certainly wasn't the only appealing one; he suspected they had also invited other game companies behind the scenes.
…
In fact, Aoki Haruhi's judgment was correct, because Pokeni was not the only one being courted.
For example, Square was constantly visited by Ken Kutaragi of Sony, who tirelessly hoped they could develop a new game for the PS platform.
You know, Square and Nintendo had a father-son like relationship now. It's really hard for me when you come to invite me like this.
But they truly couldn't afford to offend the big boss Sony, so Miyamoto Masafumi, the President of Square, could only reluctantly agree out of desperation.
To some extent, his idea coincided with Aoki Haruhi's.
Anyway, you guys fight your battles, I'll invest in each one. In short, no matter who wins, I won't lose.
…
"President, is this really okay?" Ayase Akane placed the brewed coffee heavily on Aoki Haruhi's desk, then stood beside him, holding a tray.
"Isn't it a bit unethical?" HR-chan complained, "Didn't we always firmly support Sega? Why are you agreeing to everyone now?"
"And where do we get all that Time?"
Aoki Haruhi looked up in surprise and glanced at her.
Oh, HR-chan is quite righteous.
"This is called win-win cooperation, do you understand win-win cooperation? It means everyone can make money." Aoki Haruhi leaned back, turning his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, and leisurely looked at the young girl in front of him.
"I didn't say I was betraying Sega, did I? Aren't new game still being released on Sega?
It's just that Sony also has a good relationship with us, so we're developing game on Sony.
All the other game manufacturers have sent invitations, so it wouldn't be good to disrespect them, would it?"
Aoki Haruhi said, "As long as we can make money, it's good for everyone. Isn't peaceful coexistence good? Isn't building a business together good?"
Ayase Akane was left speechless.
Hmph!
Scumbag!
HR-chan let out a cold snort, then opened the door and walked out.
Leaving only a bewildered Aoki Haruhi.
Oh, when did this guy become so righteous?
…
However, Aoki Haruhi didn't pay too much attention to these details.
He turned his chair back, opened his computer, and organized the content of future development plans.
Regardless of whether those game consoles could survive or whether Pokeni's promises could be fulfilled, even as a game company, game planning still had to be done.
After a simple tidy, there were several game currently under development at Pokeni:
1. diablo ii. The nominal Director is Aoki Haruhi himself, but Shinji Mikami was brought back by Aoki Haruhi to serve as Producer again after completing patema inverted.
2. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. This is currently being handled by Lisa Asano, so there are no major issues.
Both of these game are expected to be released by the end of the year.
Pokemon Gold and Silver was released at the beginning of this year and achieved quite good results, selling over 3 million copies to date, which is quite impressive.
Pokémon is indeed a divine IP; just the profits from subsequent Derivatives are enough to support the entire Pokeni Company.
Of course, Aoki Haruhi's dream wouldn't be so narrow; he still wanted to actively explore and advance.
Moreover, Miyazaki Hidetaka was added to the diablo ii project team. Aoki Haruhi had high hopes for him, hoping he could grow rapidly under Shinji Mikami's leadership.
Once Miyazaki Hidetaka possessed the appropriate strength, Aoki Haruhi planned to open two more projects.
Otherwise, the company's Producers were completely insufficient right now.
3. pokémon 3d world. This is currently led by Aoki Haruhi himself, as no one knows better than him how this game should be developed.
4 and 5. CL and LL. The Producers for both of these game are Furuhara Tsubaki, the executive chief planner is Ishino Mika, the scriptwriter is Maeda Jun, and the animation Director is Hayao Miyazaki.
It's simply a divine lineup.
If progress is ideal, it might even be released next month.
…
What else needs to be developed?
Aoki Haruhi tapped on the desk, silently typing and organizing.
He made a list, but then frowned again.
There were many game he wanted to make, but Pokeni's development capabilities were indeed limited, especially the lack of Producers, which prevented them from starting more game projects.
Ah ~ so uncomfortable, so uncomfortable.
Aoki Haruhi felt very uncomfortable. Although he had grand ambitions, he lacked the manpower to realize them.
How annoying.
Moreover, Aoki Haruhi himself was already pushing his limits; just the few projects he was serving as Producer for kept him busy day and night. How could he handle any more?
Forget it, forget it, we'll talk about it later.
Aoki Haruhi closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, indeed feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Shouldn't he be enjoying life after rebirth?
Why did he make himself so tired?
Ah… thinking back, it all started with onmyoji.
No, it should be the legend of sword and fairy.
Right, how is the legend of sword and fairy doing?
As soon as he thought of this, Aoki Haruhi suddenly woke up with a start.
"When was the legend of sword and fairy 1 developed?" Aoki Haruhi silently recalled, it seemed like it was in the last year or two, right?
Wait.
If I have already made onmyoji, and completely used the plot of the legend of sword and fairy, just changing the packaging…
Then will Yao Zhuangxian still make the legend of sword and fairy?
Or will the the legend of sword and fairy series cease to exist from now on?!
…
Holy crap!
Aoki Haruhi's eyes suddenly widened.
His heart skipped a beat.
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