1988 Retro Game Tycoon - Chapter 117



Only Noblemtl

Episode 117 – Simultaneous launch in Korea and Japan

– Finally here! Jemix Mega V!

– GEMIX MEGA V is now faster and more colorful with 512 colors!

– Come together, come together, Jemix Land! To a fun and exciting fantasy land!

– Our friend, Jemix Mega V! You can do !

Jewoo Electronics has launched its Jemix Mega V TV commercial.

Originally, a game like was featured in the Jemix advertisement, but this time, appeared.

However, the content and format of the advertisements did not change much. In fact, the game pocket advertisements we did were quite unique.

The original G-Mix’s successor, the Super V, was a failure, and its successor, the G-Mix Turbo, was also quickly discontinued without receiving any attention.

Encouraged by the success of Gemix V, a clear limitation of Gemix was its reliance on the 8-bit MSX platform.

Just because you succeeded once doesn’t mean that success will continue. What matters is what you learn from success.

I don’t know what would have happened if Jewoo Electronics had opened its eyes to the entire gaming industry through Gemix, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen this time either.

At best, the MSX 2 was slightly upgraded to the MSX 2+.

I had some expectations that Jewoo Electronics would start its own game development studio, inspired by our company’s success.

Jewoo Electronics created Jemix with a thorough manufacturing mindset.

It would be easy to see that the core of the game industry is actually game software. But there were only a few people like that, and most of them were young practitioners.

In the eyes of decision makers who control corporate management, games are still a sub-subculture that is far from becoming a mainstream business.

But this time, we will support 8-bit games for as long as possible for our Gemix users.

I think Jemix will survive longer than before.

“It’s finally here. This is a gift to the 8-bit team.”

I got an early copy of Gemix Mega V with our bundled games and gave them out as gifts to everyone on the 8-bit team.

“Ah…? Are you giving this to all of us? One each?”

“Yes, of course. Of course, we will keep it separately in the company. This is a gift to each member of the 8-bit team. Because you worked hard this time, it was included in the bundle game.”

“iced coffee···.”

“Why are you like that?”

“No. It’s just that I’ve never received anything like this from a company before. It was so unexpected…”

“What if a game I developed myself comes out?”

“Yes, we always bought it with our own money. We were so happy because we could get it at a 20% discount…”

Jeong Byeong-cheol and the 8-bit team members all had excited faces, holding the Gemix Mega V in their hands.

For the 8-bit team, seemed like a game with a very special meaning.

On November 24, the Jemix Mega V began selling at department stores, Jewoo Electronics dealerships, electronics stores, and game shops nationwide.

Modu Electronics also took charge of some of the distribution of Mega V and supplied Mega V to Seun, Yongsan, and other game shops nationwide.

Many shops were selling Mega V with posters of on them.

Despite the high price, quite a few people were seen coming in from the morning to buy the Mega V.

Seeing the happy faces of people holding Mega V made me really happy that I was able to find the 8-bit team in time.

In November 1990, one year later, Nintendo released the Super Famicom.

Computers have already begun the great transition to 16-bit XT computers, but consoles are still about a year away from making the transition to the 16-bit era.

Meanwhile, in Korea, a fierce 8-bit three-way battle will unfold between Hyunmyeong Comboy, Oseong Gyeomboy, and Jewoo Jemix Mega V.

As the 16-bit era approaches, another console will be added, the StarBeat 16-bit console.

And the game console will be the first Korean game console to be exported to the world.

Perhaps when that day comes, Hyunmyeong, Oseong, and Jewoo Electronics will finally realize that the game industry is very different from the manufacturing industry.

On Friday, the Gemix Mega V, which includes as a bundled game, went on sale in Korea, and the following day, Saturday the 25th, the Mega Drive version of went on sale in Japan.

On Saturday morning, everyone from our company gathered at Gimpo Airport instead of the office.

“Okay, captains, check if all your team members are here. And give me the passports.”

“Has anyone lost their passport? If you don’t have one, you’ll have to go back to the office alone.”

At the Gimpo Airport waiting room, Manager Park and Manager Song took care of people and collected their passports, and a travel agent who had been waiting early helped issue tickets.

“I got ready at dawn and came out, but I’m still hungry.”

A few of the waiting employees sat down on chairs and took out kimbap and boiled eggs from their bags and started eating them.

No, it’s not even a train ride, and I’m having boiled eggs…

I thought something was strange, but I also got an egg and ate it.

Strangely enough, it tasted sweet even though I clearly ate breakfast.

“There are so many people, I’ll probably eat everything before I even get on the plane. Do they sell boiled eggs on the plane?”

“Not for sale.”

“Huh? Really? Then what about kimbap?”

“We don’t even sell kimbap.”

“No, you don’t sell that either. What do you do? What about cider? Surely you sell that?”

“If you ask for a drink like cider, they’ll just give it to you. They also have orange juice.”

“Huh? You’re just giving us cider? Liar! Sir, are you lying and saying that this is our first time on an airplane?”

Most of the employees didn’t believe me, perhaps because it was their first time riding an airplane, let alone traveling abroad.

“That’s right. The CEO is actually joking. But, in heaven, the price is doubled. That’s because there’s a lot of tax. So even if you want to drink it, hold back.”

“Ah, as expected!”

Captain Ko would casually tell lies that would be quickly exposed as soon as he got on the plane and then giggled to himself.

“Huh? Mr. Hyunji, what is that behind your ear?”

“Oh, this is a little scary. I’m worried I might get motion sickness on a plane. I get motion sickness pretty badly. When I ride rides, my eyes start spinning. I like it so much that I’ve been on rides a few times and even fainted for a bit. But you can’t do that on a plane.”

“Ah···, if you do that on a plane, you’ll be in big trouble. You won’t be able to get off. Good job.”

Oh Hyun-ji, who appears quiet on the outside but is actually the strangest person in our company, showed up wearing motion sickness medication.

“Okay, let’s move now.”

We safely boarded the plane under the guidance of a travel agent who was very nervous about whether or not there would be any disruption to the schedule.

I’ve been to and from Japan several times so far, but it feels different flying with a group of people from work.

Is it because of the noisy feeling?

Even though I was going there for work, I felt like I was going out to have fun because so many people were flocking there.

With hearts full of excitement, we finally headed to Japan.

“Wow, look at that!”

As the plane took off, people crowded around the windows and watched the ground getting further away and the clouds passing by.

Come to think of it, most of these people are in their 20s at most.

There are still a lot of people who haven’t even graduated from college.

A time when the world is still new, everything is exciting, there is a lot to learn, and it is a time filled with dreams and passion.

They discovered what they liked earlier than others and jumped into game development early. As a result, they exported the games they made with their own hands and are now going to see them, so how excited must they be.

Thanks to being with such pure people, I too can live my life diligently pursuing my dreams and passion.

The plane arrived in Japan shortly.

We took a car prepared by the travel agency and headed straight to Sega headquarters.

Since we left early in the morning and it wasn’t yet time to check in at the hotel, we decided to leave our luggage at the Sega conference room and head to Akihabara.

Managing Director Nishikawa and the marketing and sales people came out and greeted us warmly.

Managing Director Nishikawa gave a brief briefing on the launch status in the conference room.

“From Hokkaido to Kyushu, we’ve distributed without fail all across Japan. Most game shops open at 10 a.m., so sales should have started by now.”

“Just hearing it makes my heart race. The game we made is advancing into Japan. It’s a huge deal for the Korean gaming industry.”

“We are the same. We have tried so hard to increase third parties but have not seen much results, so who would have thought that Starbeat would come out of nowhere and fill the void?”

“It’s all thanks to the hard work of the manager.”

“Not at all. Not at all. If it weren’t for the outstanding abilities of CEO Seo and Starbeat, how much effort would have been of any use?”

“What was the reaction like after being featured in the magazine?”

“After being introduced, it’s almost half and half. Some people are excited about how great it is that it’s a Korean game and even changed the cover, while others think it’s overdone. However, I think that once the game comes out, the evaluation will change. Because I believe in the power of this game more than anyone else.”

Mr. Nishikawa said with confidence.

“Then shall we go and explore Akihabara with you? How about taking a different route today, by taking the train? You’ll be able to experience Tokyo more vividly.”

“Is that so?”

At Director Nishikawa’s suggestion, we took the train to Akihabara Station.

The subway system in Tokyo, Japan was much more complicated than that in Seoul.

Because there were so many people in the group, it was easy to get left behind if you got a little distracted.

We took care of each other as we boarded the train. Even though we were just riding an ordinary train, our hearts were pounding and we felt good.

Rattle rattle.

Even the ordinary train that shook regularly felt emotional.

“I’ve arrived. Hurry up, hurry up~.”

As soon as the train arrived at Akihabara Station, we quickly got off the train.

And the moment you step out of the subway platform.

“Wow···!”

We all had no choice but to stand still.

Inside the Akihabara subway station, every visible billboard was plastered with advertisements for the Mega Drive movie .

Wherever I turned my head, there was .

I think I know why Director Nishikawa suddenly suggested we take the crowded train.

I wanted to give you a taste of that thrilling moment when you get off the subway and arrive at the station.

Keep it a secret from me too.

“Sir, this is···.”

“How is it? It’s a nice view, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s really great. Akihabara Station is covered in Korean game advertisements.”

“Akihabara Station is a place where many people come to buy electronics or games, but it also has a lot of regular users. It is an important transfer point with hundreds of thousands of people using it every day. Anyone who uses this station cannot avoid seeing our advertisement.”

Managing Director Nishikawa explained with a satisfied expression.

Kim Han-sol took diligent photos of the inside of the station and the billboards with the camera he brought, and AD Choi Han-il filmed our surprised expressions and Akihabara Station with a video camera.

It seemed like no one would believe this fact unless they brought evidence.

“Okay, then please continue following me.”

We followed Director Nishikawa out to the west exit of Akihabara Station.

Just a short walk down the road, you will find the first Sega Game Center.

On the striking red exterior of the building, a large Kim Do-kwon wearing a bowler hat and a striped suit was radiating sharp eyes.

A Korean game set in Gyeongseong in the 1930s has a large advertisement displayed in the middle of Tokyo, Japan in the 1980s.

It’s not a game made out of patriotism, but I couldn’t help but feel my heart pounding.

“We plan to place at least two copies of in each Sega game center during the promotional period until the end of the year. The original Korean version is also available in this first store.”

Over the past month, while preparing for the Japanese release of , I had many conversations with Managing Director Nishikawa over the phone.

One of the things I suggested was that Sega lease the arcade version of Fist of Jongno and place it in Sega game centers.

Sega accepted my argument that if they somehow made one more time and let more people know about it, the Mega Drive version would sell well.

Director Nishikawa probably played a big role in the middle. Thanks to him, was able to enter Sega Game Center, which was unusual.

“This is the Sega Game Center···.”

Employees who visited the Sega Game Center for the first time were unable to hide their surprise at its scale.

It’s amazing that there’s an entire building filled with Sega games, and there are only a few places like that in Akihabara.

And as I opened the door to the symbolic first store and entered, I saw in the most visible spot.

– There’s still one room left!

As soon as I entered, the original Korean version of Kim Do-kwon’s signature line, which was not translated into Japanese, stuck in my ears.

Since it was Saturday, many people were visiting the game center, and many people were gathered in front of as if they were curious about Korean games.

“Is that all you can do?”

“Fight! Fight!”

Two students who looked like friends were playing diligently. The onlookers were quietly fiddling with coins, their mouths watering.

“Real Japanese people are playing our game.”

“Isn’t this some kind of play, sir? Isn’t Sega deliberately using people to show us something?”

Employees suspected that there might be a hidden camera as they watched Japanese gamers playing “Fist of Jongno” at the Sega arcade.

It was hard to believe that the sight I had only imagined was unfolding before my eyes.

“Okay, next let’s go to the game shop that’s having a promotion.”

After looking around the game center, we headed to the largest game shop in Akihabara.

Sega held a demonstration of “Fist of Jongno” with eight Mega Drives there.

This wasn’t your typical game demo. It was a technology demo that showed off how four people could play simultaneously using a Mega Drive.

Sega planned several peripherals from the early stages of Mega Drive development, one of which was a modem for communications.

Although not yet commercialized, Sega’s ‘Mega Modem’ already allowed for communication play using telephone lines.

Sega wanted to show multiple people playing a game simultaneously via modem, and since Fist of Jongno can be played by up to four people, it was perfect for showing that.

When Mr. Nishikawa asked me if I could modify the game a bit to allow network play, I readily agreed.

There was no reason to turn down this opportunity to demonstrate the strengths of and our technological prowess.

Mega Modem was an innovative model that went beyond network play using phone lines and planned services similar to Internet gaming platforms, such as accessing game libraries and downloading and playing new games.

However, it was difficult to provide services like the Internet due to the slow speed of telephone lines and high communication costs, and it was not successful because it was too ahead of its time in a situation where the communication environment did not support it.

However, for the limited purpose of demonstrating a 4-player game in a game shop, it was useful enough.

Although there were some unstable parts because the Mega Modem was still under development, it wasn’t that difficult for me because network play was a basic feature since the first time I developed a game in my previous life.

The game shop has set up eight Mega Drives, paired up in pairs and connected via Mega Modem, so that four players can play.

“Oh, look at that. There are four people playing a game?”

“It’s a Mega Drive, right? Is that possible?”

“I don’t know. What game is that?”

“This is my first time seeing this game, too.”

It was a novel idea to make four-player play possible by utilizing the Mega Modem.

It was a chance for Sega to show off the Mega Modem, which they hadn’t shown anything about yet, and we were able to show off very intuitively that there were four selectable characters in Fist of Jongno.

Many people stopped in their tracks and flocked to the game shop at the sight they saw for the first time.

We watched the scene with proud hearts.

Now the die is cast.

By drawing aggro, they made the game known to the Japanese people through a lot of advertisements.

What remains to be seen is how quickly the game gains popularity in Japan.

If we succeed here, we can easily advance into Japan and even the United States through our strong partner, Sega.

On the other hand, if we fail, Sega will cut ties with us, and we will have to struggle to find a market in the wilderness on our own.

It all depended on the game.

As always.

***

Capcom’s game development department manager, Hashimoto, was walking around Akihabara.

We looked into the response to the newly installed at Capcom’s game center, ‘Plaza Capcom’, and also visited several game centers in Akihabara where has been installed.

Releasing a game and touring game centers is always a nerve-racking yet exciting experience.

was a fun but pretty difficult game. I was a little worried about whether people would adapt well to it.

Hashimoto, who had been walking around Akihabara since morning, passed by the first Sega Game Center near the station. However, the large advertisement hanging on the wall of the first store looked quite familiar.

“Where have I seen that?”

Hashimoto, who was deep in thought, remembered .

“Huh, they’re even advertising Mega Drive in arcades now. They really must be in a hurry.”

Hashimoto clicked his tongue and went into the first store with the intention of taking a look around since he was already there.

But unexpectedly, on the first floor there was the game he had seen in the magazine.

“What? It was definitely a Mega Drive game? An arcade port?”

Hashimoto approached and watched the game for a while.

I had forgotten about it, thinking it would be nothing special, but the graphics are not outdated at all.

Rather, it seemed deeper than , which dealt with a colorful, flashy, and ruthless crime city.

“Hey, no way···.”

He waited for his turn for a moment and then put a coin into the .

He swallowed with a gulp, the sound of a coin being eaten.

Strangely, my hands were sweaty and the tension did not go away.

Not long after I started playing the game, an article I thought was exaggerated flashed through my mind.

His anxiety became reality.

“Why? Why now of all times···?”

After leaving the arcade, he immediately ran to a nearby game store and bought . He planned to go back to work right away and dig into the game.

Hashimoto couldn’t shake off the ominous feeling that “Fist of Jongro” would become a strong rival to “Final Fight.”