Rebirth of America, this is my era

Chapter 221: Haters also have their day
When Ethan took the latest newspaper from Ballmer, the bold font that The New York Times liked to use immediately caught his eye. The NYS PBA logo was so big that it could even overflow the page, and the text inside was more like being directly wrapped in angry flames, jumping wildly on the paper.

The president of the New York Police Association said that the game "Jack the Ripper" is not only an insult to their police group, but also an insult to the public they serve. It is a mockery and provocation to the police and the rule of law, and will deal a serious blow to the morale and image of the police. They ask all businesses with conscience to refuse to buy this game and all people with conscience to refuse to play this game.

At the same time, he also gave his own reasons to prove Paramount's sinister intentions.

He said that although Jack the Ripper was one of the famous unsolved cases in John Bull's criminal history, the murderer's methods of crime were also very cruel. He killed at least five women and used extremely crazy methods to dismember the victims' bodies after strangling them. However, he never provoked the police. He was indeed a devil, but when the police were chasing him, he hid in the sewer like a rat.

When these historical materials can be clearly verified, Paramount actually made "Jack the Ripper" into a game that directly confronts the police? This is unacceptable to them!
"What we find most difficult to believe is Paramount's malicious adaptation of the Jack the Ripper case! Under Paramount's portrayal, Jack the Ripper actually took the initiative to shoot at the police!"

"This is an act that is not in line with history! It is even more crazy!"

"I don't know what kind of mentality Paramount had in designing this game! But I know that Paramount is using its influence to instill an idea in the American people that the police are just an ordinary profession and can be attacked by criminals at will!"

"Paramount's actions are emboldening criminals!"

"Paramount's actions put our safety at the top of their agenda!"

"This is something we cannot tolerate! I believe our peers cannot accept it either!"

"Now we hope that the California police can investigate this matter as soon as possible! Protect our brothers and sisters to prevent them from suffering further harm!"

"At the same time, we also hope that the Federal Market Supervision Commission can investigate Paramount! Stop the sale of "Jack the Ripper"! Recall the electronic arcade machines that have already entered the market!"

…………

When Ethan finished reading the lengthy article consisting of thousands of words, a smile of emotion suddenly appeared on his face, because he had seen this scene many times in his previous life.

The release of "Give Him Love" has caused major police departments in the United States to go crazy, saying that this game will induce players to imitate the violence and criminal behavior in it, and is a representative of social instability;
The continuous release of "Mortal Kombat" also made them furious, criticizing Warner for bringing dead games back to the world and promoting a culture of blood and violence to people;
They even want to ban the sale of "CS:GO", saying that the game is a threat and challenge to national security and public order, and is the culprit for the increase in gun violence crimes in the Americas.

When Ethan saw all this, he kept laughing.

When there are nearly 400 million guns in circulation in a country with a population that remains constant at 200 million, are the so-called gun crimes and bloody violence caused by video games?
This is just bullshit!
Art comes from life!
The designer just used local materials!
And now, when he saw Paramount being attacked, the smile on his face became even bigger, because Paramount, this unlucky kid, met a group of idiots.

"So...how many products has Paramount released recently?" Ethan put down the newspaper and asked curiously.

"According to the information we received, Paramount has sold 8,000 video arcade machines in the past week." Ballmer reported the data decisively.

At the same time, he added one more sentence.

"However, we don't know the exact shipment volume of the two games."

"Hmm..." This number made Ethan nod slightly.

Eight thousand video arcade machines, with a revenue of 16 million.

For a company that is new to the video game industry, this is a very good result.

But unfortunately, this is not their limit.

"If nothing unexpected happens, Paramount's arcade shipments will skyrocket after this critical report comes out." Ethan leaned back in his boss's chair and said, "Not to mention a lot, 20,000 units should be a good sell."

"Star Trek sold 8,000 units, Jack the Ripper sold 12,000 units."

“This is still a case of lowering expectations.”

"According to normal trends, the game Jack the Ripper alone might be able to sell 20,000 units. Their revenue from video games this year will be at least 40 million."

"No way?" Ethan's words surprised Ballmer. "Can they sell so many?"

"Of course." Ethan nodded with a smile, "Because this is a good advertisement."

He pointed to the newspaper on the table.

If the influence of "Jack the Ripper" among the public was fifty before the statement report appeared, then now it has soared to at least eighty.

Percentage system.

Because after the New York Police Association criticized the game so loudly, people who had no interest in the game would definitely go to major entertainment venues to check it out.

Find out why this game caught the attention of police.

And when the number of players suddenly surges, those businesses doing gaming business will definitely take advantage of the situation and make purchases.

The New York Police Association may think that its statement can influence people to take the right path, but in fact such a ban will only arouse public rebellion.

As for how Ethan knew this?

Very simple!
In his previous life, the sales of the "Give Him Love" series expanded in this way.

"Give Him Love" is indeed awesome, but the various bans are the reason why it became popular.

Just as Ethan was feeling unlucky and cursing the New York Police Association for being such a fool in his heart, he suddenly received a call on the afternoon when the New York Times published their statement.

"Boss, Paramount called."

Steve Ballmer came to report.

"What?"

Ethan suspected that he had heard it wrongly, "Who?"

"Paramount President, Michael Eisner."

Steve Ballmer said the other person's name.

This situation made Ethan very strange, because he didn't understand why Paramount contacted him at this time, but since they had already called, it wouldn't take much time to listen.

"Come in."

"Ok."

After a series of transfers, the phone on Ethan's desk suddenly rang. He picked it up and exchanged a few words. Michael Eisner also stated the purpose of his visit.

"Mr. Jones, I regret that we didn't reach a consensus on cooperation before, because we at Paramount really need the video game business, so when Philips approached us, we agreed."

"I'm sorry that this choice may cause you some trouble, but I also want to say that we at Paramount have never meant to be your enemy."

"So, regarding today's matter, I would like to trouble you to do me a small favor and not accept any interviews from the outside world."

To be honest, Ethan could understand every word Michael Eisner said, but when Eisner strung those words together into a sentence, Ethan was suddenly confused.

Because he didn't understand what Michael Eisner meant by help.

After he savored it for a few seconds, he suddenly realized that Paramount seemed to hope that he would not express his opinion on the New York Police Association's criticism of "Jack the Ripper"?

When this thought entered his mind, Ethan asked tentatively, "Jack the Ripper?"

"Yeah~" Michael Eisner on the other end of the phone quickly said yes.

"Oh—" Ethan laughed.

He responded, "Are you worried that I will say something that is detrimental to your game?"

"Oh - Mr. Eisner! Is that the kind of person I am in your mind? Huh?"

The suddenly raised voice was transmitted through the telephone signal to Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, causing Michael Eisner in the Paramount president's office to smile bitterly.

He raised his head and glanced at Barry Diller, who was leaning over to listen.

The chairman and CEO of Paramount also heard Ethan's words.

He shook his head helplessly.

That's right. When Ethan felt that the New York Police Association had given Paramount a good assist, Paramount executives were uneasy. This was not only because their game encountered regional boycotts, but also because their colleague, a senior in the field of electronic games, Ethan Jones, had a foul mouth.

Ever since Ethan Jones officially started his business, he has criticized all his competitors!
When Atari and Milova tried to sneak up on Ethan and take over, Ethan exposed their past and started cursing Warner Communications and Philips.
Later, when Warner Communications wanted to ban him in Hollywood, Ethan did not indulge Steve Ross. He openly made his ban public and cried in front of the public.
Later, when MGM was showing off its achievements, Ethan even unreasonably showed off his overseas sales, directly suppressing the public opinion of MGM;
Later, when the guys in the computer industry attacked Ethan Jones, they heard that... Ethan called Alan Bradley directly and criticized him profusely. If they hadn't paid 10 million to buy peace of mind, Ethan would probably have made a big fuss.

When Ethan ignored the rules of the game and started to attack his opponent madly, his act of rolling up his sleeves and personally making things happen really made the old hand who had been in business for many years feel helpless.

Let them argue with Ethan? Not to mention that they couldn't bring themselves to do so, even if they were willing to lower their status, they couldn't use dirty words as wantonly as Ethan, who graduated from high school; if they didn't argue with him, it would be like handing over the high ground of public opinion to others and watching Ethan curse them.

If they said Ethan was being unreasonable, they could still refute it, but now, when Paramount really released a violent game and indeed made up history and stories...

Hanging up the white flag of no war is the best thing to do.

As for whether it is shameful to communicate in a humble manner?
Compared to money, what is face?
"Mr. Jones...we have always thought you were very kind..."

After receiving the "continue" instruction from his boss, Michael Eisner smiled and said, "It is precisely because we know you are easy to get along with that we called to communicate with you."

"We don't have any conflicts, right?"

"There's a long gap between the release of our Paramount game and your Destiny game's new product launch."

"We have never commented on or attacked your games in the media."

"So, in my opinion, we should have a relationship of harmonious competition and mutual progress?"

"…" Ethan pursed his lips. "Hahahaha——" His face twitched and he laughed like a pig in his heart.

He never imagined that sweet words could have such benefits?
wrong!

Biting your opponent will indeed scare others!
When Paramount encountered external boycotts, their first reaction was not to hold a press conference to deny it all, but to hope that they would not add fuel to the fire?

Oh--

This is really——

Thai pants are hot!
Although Ethan did not intend to attack Paramount, because he did not want to increase Paramount's popularity, but since Paramount came to him, don't blame him for ripping him off.

He pursed his lips and a plan came to his mind.

“Ahem.” Ethan cleared his throat to indicate that he was still there. “Mr. Eisner, you are right. I am a very kind person and I am very happy to communicate with others.”

"Since you have said that we have a harmonious competitive relationship, how could I possibly accept an interview with the media and lend a helping hand to the New York Police Association?"

"After all, I'm not familiar with them."

When these words came out, Michael Eisner immediately nodded to his boss Barry Diller beside him. Having heard the content clearly, he looked relaxed and made a "Thank you" with his mouth.

"Oh - that's great!" Michael Eisner responded immediately, "Ethan, can I call you that? Thank you, thank you so much!"

Although the two of them didn't understand why Ethan was in such a good temper today, their biggest gain was that his foul mouth would no longer make comments in public.

However, just when they thought that today's matter would end like this, Ethan said again: "Since we are in a harmonious competitive relationship, can I ask you a few questions?"

'Here it comes. ' Michael Eisner and Barry Diller looked at each other.

They both knew that this might be the condition for Ethan to shut up.

"Mr. Jones, go ahead." Michael Eisner said casually.

"I want to know, when is your ally, Disney, going to release the game?"

The question caused Michael Eisner and Barry Diller to blink.

The next second, they both smiled knowingly.

"As far as I know, their game has been completed, but it cannot be released due to our prior agreement. Their release date should be December 1st. If nothing unexpected happens, they will be available all over the world before December 15th."

Michael Eisner told the information he knew without hesitation.

At the same time, he also explained why Disney chose that time. "Mr. Jones, you should know that under Philips's regulation, MGM got the summer with the most students, and we at Paramount had the worst autumn. Disney got the winter, and the best time in winter is Christmas, so Disney wanted to distribute the products before Christmas, so that when Christmas comes, all the children can play the games."

"Although this kind of thing can't help them make money from the children, but..."

"The more machines they sell, the more money they make, right?"

Such words made Ethan glance at the calendar on the table.

If Warner does not change the release date, they will release "Superman" on December 19th.

This time is very close to Disney's distribution time, so...

"Are you sure?" Ethan asked.

"Of course." Michael Eisner answered without hesitation.

"Oh - then you should know why I ask this, right?" Ethan said, "I like Roy Disney very much. I think Disney can only rise again under his leadership."

Although the rise of peers is not a good thing for Paramount, at this moment, Michael Eisner and Barry Diller covered their mouths almost at the same time!

They forced themselves not to laugh out loud!

Because now the whole Hollywood knows! Roy Disney, the Grand Duke of the Mickey Mouse Kingdom, wants to overthrow his brother-in-law's Mickey Mouse Kingdom!
Roy Disney has never concealed his search for foreign help!
Not only that, before, in a private meeting, Michael Eisner also used this matter to annoy the current chairman of Disney Group, Dwayne Tatum!

When all the information came out, Michael Eisner immediately smiled and said, "Oh - Mr. Jones - I certainly know that Roy Disney is a better fit for Disney than Ron Miller."

"Moreover, we at Paramount have always had a firm stance. When the Paramount Act becomes history, we will never let Paramount fall into the trap of monopoly like the previous managers did, nor will we bully the weak by relying on our leading advantage in the industry."

"especially……"

"cinema."

Ethan smiled at the sensible answer.

After a brief communication, he hung up the phone with satisfaction.

As the busy tone appeared, Michael Eisner put down the receiver and looked at his boss Barry Diller with surprise, "Oh! Sxxt! They really joined forces!"

Although his words were vulgar, Michael Eisner was very excited at the moment.

"Ethan Jones wants to intervene in the Disney family's internal fighting?"

"Wow—this is really big news!"

"Yes, this decision is beyond our expectations." Paramount Chairman Barry Diller also nodded with a smile and said with emotion: "Because we always thought that Roy Disney and Ethan Jones' contact would not lead to any results, right?"

"Who made Ethan have so many enemies in Hollywood?" Michael Eisner shrugged.

"That's right. He has so many enemies." Barry Diller nodded in agreement. "Steve Ross is not so easy to deal with. We thought he would be entangled with Steve Ross for a long time, but unexpectedly... Disney? Wow - he is really crazy!"

Barry Diller didn't understand why Ethan Jones wanted to offend so many people at the same time, but Michael Eisner thought it was normal, "He's the first generation of rich people..."

"He must know that if he wants to succeed, he has to step on everyone to get to the top."

"In this case, there is no difference between killing one person and killing a group of people."

Michael Eisner raised his eyebrows and played with the pen on the table.

But after a few seconds, he smiled and shook his head, "No, there is still a difference."

"Because the feeling of fear is exponential, the more people he kills at the same time, the more people outside will be afraid of him, just like now."

Michael Eisner pointed to the phone in front of him.

The unabashed statement made Barry Diller nod with emotion.

To be honest, they didn't want to make this call today.

But there was no choice, they knew they had to fight.

Because they don't want to be targeted by crazy people.

"Forget it, this matter has nothing to do with us, just watch the fun."

After a moment's silence, Barry Diller prepared to leave.

As he was walking out, Michael Eisner asked again, "Should we call MGM? And ask them to just watch from the sidelines?"

The proposal gave Barry Diller pause.

After thinking it over, he said, "Okay, let's just do the parent company a favor."

"Even though Sega doesn't like us."

Such words made Michael Eisner smile and nod, "But we like it, don't we?"

The second-generation rich man smiled and said, "If we do well this time, will the parent company be able to allocate Sega to us?"

“Before, they might have thought we didn’t understand the game.”

“Even wanting to work with Ethan Jones for the game.”

"But now——"

"We succeeded."

Barry Diller did not respond to the topic, waved his hand and walked away.

As he left, Michael Eisner picked up the phone.

At the same time, in the game of fate in Palo Alto, Ethan Jones also called Roy Disney, "Roy, what do you think about it?"

"If you haven't thought it through, then I'm afraid our cooperation won't be able to continue."

"because--"

"I just reached an agreement with Michael Eisner."

Note: ① As I wrote before, all Hollywood companies make games. Except for the acquisitions of Warner and Columbia, before the collapse of Atari, Sega and Paramount had always been "one company". They were subsidiaries of Gulf and Western Industries. Gulf and Western Industries acquired Paramount in 1966 and Sega in 1969. When the market for video games surpassed Hollywood, Western Industries wanted to merge them. In reality, they did not reach a cooperation because Barry Diller, chairman and CEO of Paramount, wanted to dominate. He wanted to control Sega like Steve Ross controlled Atari, but he did not succeed.

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(End of this chapter)