Started as a comics editor

Chapter 278 Courage
Li Xue listened quietly to Tang Yao's explanation, then looked at the latter's profile.

His fair profile, illuminated by the screen light, appeared exceptionally serious and determined.

"so……"

Li Xue spoke softly, her voice much gentler: "You personally tested 'Outlast' not only to ensure its quality, but also to personally experience whether it, as a seed game, can truly take root and sprout in the ecological soil, verifying what you call its inclusiveness and nurturing ability?"

"Ah."

"You didn't mean to scare me?"

"Huh? Of course not."

"Oh……"

Don't look like you don't believe me.

Hearing Li Xue drawl, Tang Yao couldn't help but chuckle and said, "The weather is so hot right now, this is a good way to cool things down."

Upon hearing this, Li Xue rolled her eyes at Tang Yao, then gently bumped her long, shapely legs against Tang Yao's: "The weather is so hot, yet I don't see you wearing a skirt?"

"Hey! Li Xue, are you never going to stop?"

"Kaoru told me that you wore this at home..."

"...Can't you be a little more serious about your work?"

"Okay, I don't think you just want to create a distribution channel for PC and mobile games."

Li Xue rolled her eyes at Tang Yao again, but didn't steer the conversation in another direction. Instead, she smoothed her hair and replied, "At the same time, it doesn't seem like you're solely focused on the Avalon ecosystem. You seem to have other motives?"

"Hmm...you could say that."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yao turned her head and carefully examined Li Xue. Then, she blinked her beautiful eyes and smiled, "The game industry can't just consist of commercial games. Although it's not appropriate for me to say this from my perspective, I do think that if there are only commercial games on the market, it would be too boring. Because in order to ensure profits, commercial games tend to reuse proven, mature, and stable game frameworks and models. They may make some minor innovations, but it's almost impossible for them to create disruptive games."

"Isn't Avalon considered good in this regard?"

Upon hearing this, Li Xue paused for a moment, then recalled the games her company had released and asked curiously, "Although they are commercial games, I feel that none of our company's games reuse proven, mature, and stable game frameworks and models."

"Yes, even this game, Outlast, can be considered innovative."

"That……"

“But I proposed these games and I have the decision-making power. For the industry as a whole, and even for other staff at Avalon, they are more inclined to imitate successful cases rather than take risks and innovate.”

Tang Yao pointed to herself with her fair finger and then explained, "Think about it, besides me, which other producer in the company has ever suggested focusing on the creator's personality and creative expression in a game?"

Upon hearing this, Li Xue seemed to be deep in thought.

"And that goes without saying, from the outside."

Tang Yao continued with a smile: "Now, whether it's Jiuxiao or Yiyou, the games they've recently released are either mobile versions of existing PC games or imitations of Avalon's commercial games."

Li Xue seemed to understand: "So..."

"Well, so I want to change this situation a little."

Tang Yao turned to look at the game screen: "I want to make sure that this game, 'Outlast,' and the two new games that follow, are extreme enough, unique enough, and shocking enough. Only when they are excellent enough can they become the most powerful stepping stone to open the hearts of those hesitant manufacturers and creators, and let them see the infinite possibilities of our platform."

They need to understand that innovative game ideas and unique art styles, providing players with a personalized experience different from commercial games, can also lead to success.

"Independent developers, in particular, usually have a high degree of creative freedom and are able to experiment with new game mechanics and design concepts more flexibly. This innovation pushes the boundaries of game design, enabling the game industry to continue to progress and develop."

"Even if the big companies can't turn around and can't cooperate with us, attracting a large number of independent creators is still beneficial."

"After all, independent game development usually requires less funding. As long as there is a stable sales channel, the cost for small teams and individuals to enter the game development field will be much lower, and their chances of realizing their game dreams will be much greater. Such opportunities can not only promote the growth of talent, but also inject new blood and creativity into the entire game industry."

"This is also a good thing for Avalon. As long as the Avalon Game Assistant channel can be established, there will definitely be no shortage of souls who truly love games and are willing to take risks for innovation."

"Right now, we at Avalon can't launch too many random projects because the trend hasn't taken shape yet. Even if I were willing to approve a new game with unknown commercial value, the development staff would be apprehensive... But if one day, Avalon Game Assistant becomes the channel I envision."

Then I reckon the situation will be completely different… By then, Avalon will become a hotbed of game innovation, where every developer can find opportunities to realize their ideas!

"..."

Li Xue listened quietly, staring at Tang Yao without moving. Looking at the young leader in front of her, whose eyes were burning with anticipation and whose beautiful face was full of longing, her beautiful eyes were full of surprise.

Tang Yao noticed Li Xue's intense gaze and asked somewhat embarrassedly, "What? Is it strange?"

"No, it's just..."

Li Xue gently shook her head, then carefully chose her words: "I just didn't expect you to think so far ahead..."

"Actually, it's not that far. The main thing is that I ushered in the new era of mobile games."

Tang Yao smiled softly, then seemed to remember something and whispered, "...We can't just go through the same thing again now that we're here."

She knew all too well... how things would unfold next.

If nothing major goes wrong.

With the widespread adoption of mobile devices and the rise of mobile games, PC gamers will inevitably begin to migrate to mobile games.

Especially with the technological innovation of personal mobile devices, online multiplayer real-time battle games on mobile devices will attract a large number of gamers. Mobile phones are cheaper than PCs, more practical, and can be played anytime, anywhere. With these advantages, mobile games will develop rapidly.

Correspondingly, in order to make a name for themselves in the mobile game market, major online game companies have started to port their PC games.

Rather, it's starting now.

For these ported games, game developers need to make money to maintain operations, so they have to design various clever monetization points, and players can only get a better gaming experience by spending money.

One goes down and the other goes up.

The development of indie games will be particularly bleak... not to mention AAA single-player games.

They do not receive widespread attention from the market, and publishers also lack interest in them.

At the same time, industry professionals generally believe that there is an irreconcilable conflict between independent game developers and commercial publishers.

This situation will last for a long time.

until.

Mobile games have reached a certain extreme.

until.

The market entry barrier has increased and players are placing greater emphasis on creativity, art style, and storyline.

This will give rise to a batch of excellent indie games.

However, critical acclaim without commercial success remains a common problem in the indie game market. Due to strong inertia, the maturation of the market environment and the development of users' willingness to pay will continue to be issues.

As for truly large-scale single-player games, they require extremely long development cycles, huge capital investment, top-notch technical support, and... a market environment willing to wait for miracles to happen.

Tang Yao was still cheering for Black Myth before she left.

But that will be in 2024.

2024 years.

and so.

As a pioneer who ushered in the mobile game era in this world... Tang Yao does indeed want to add some 'variables' to the market at this critical juncture of drastic changes in the entire gaming environment.

However, the three new games that Avalon is about to release are the variable.

Even... Avalon's internal engine division is now subject to change.

As for why he did it, it was partly out of obsession and partly because he just happened to have the opportunity.

Tang Yao felt that if the mobile game era she had personally started eventually became a noose that stifled creativity and diversity, those talented souls would have to compromise with commerce due to the pressure of survival, repeating unoriginal patterns.

That would be boring.

Finally, it's also for the sake of Avalon's own development.

Avalon's dependence on her as his boss for everything is definitely not a good sign.

She initially founded Avalon simply to make her life easier, but as the business expanded, she couldn't let go of it.

After all, Avalon's life now involves more than just whether she has an easy time or not.

"..."

the other side.

Li Xue was unaware of the specific future scenarios that flashed through Tang Yao's mind. She stared at Tang Yao without moving, the surprise in her beautiful eyes long since subsided, replaced by a deeper sense of inquiry and a feeling of the softest corner of her heart being gently touched.

"what?"

Tang Yao turned her head to meet her gaze and chuckled, "Is it strange that you suddenly realize I'm an idealist? Actually, I'm not that noble. The main reason is for Avalon. I'm a capitalist, after all..."

"You really can't lie."

The words are not finished yet.

Li Xue suddenly leaned closer.

The two were already very close, and now their noses were touching.

Her warm breath brushed against Tang Yao's skin, carrying a mischievous smile. She gently nuzzled Tang Yao's delicate nose, the movement natural and intimate: "And you even lied to me?" Tang Yao was startled by her sudden closeness, then quickly pulled away, her pretty face slightly flushed. She glared at her: "Hey, hey, hey, just talk, you're practically kissing..."

"It's not like it hasn't happened before..."

A faint blush appeared on Li Xuerou's beautiful face, as if she had been infected by Tang Yao's reaction. She tried to cover it up by smoothing the strands of hair that were falling down her temples.

Then, she looked up at Tang Yao again, her beautiful eyes filled with pure, almost overflowing admiration, shining brightly: "You're really amazing."

She now fully understood what Tang Yao wanted to do.

And that was her truest thought at that moment.

Really great.

Although she didn't have a deep emotional connection to the game.

but……

It's so wonderful that I got to know Tang Yao, so wonderful that I can work with her, and it's so wonderful that the girl in front of me can still be like the first time we met, even after all this.

of course.

This also has its drawbacks.

Her charm is almost at its maximum... It's really hard for her to control it.

Tang Yao felt a little embarrassed by her gaze and looked away: "Since you think it's amazing, then come and help."

Speaking of which.

She paused, looking at the movie "Outlast" on the screen: "For example, give some good advice."

"no problem."

Li Xue also looked at the screen and took a deep breath, probably because she was inspired by Tang Yao's ideals.

She briefly overcame her instinct for terror and retorted, "For Avalon! For you, this terrifying touchstone! I'll play through the game with you!"

Tang Yao's eyes lit up when she heard this: "Okay! You said it! It's a deal!"

Say it.

They immediately resumed the game.

then……

It lasted for less than five minutes.

"Don't move! Tang Yao! Don't go any further! Stop! No!!"

Li Xue clung tightly to Tang Yao's arm, watching the screen nervously.

On the screen, the night vision mode's signature, unsettling pale green filled the field of vision.

The protagonist, Miles, is in an extremely narrow ventilation duct filled with grime and an unknown slime.

The field of vision is limited to the narrow area framed by the DV lens, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression.

Outside the pipe, heavy, dragging footsteps could be faintly heard, accompanied by a sickening metallic scraping sound, as if some huge monster dragging heavy iron objects was lurking outside.

"Where did your courage go...?"

Tang Yao was also very nervous because her arms were being held, making it difficult for her to move around smoothly.

She grumbled at Li Xue while struggling to control Miles as he crawled extremely slowly forward through the pipe. Every tiny movement was accompanied by the rustling sound of the fabric rubbing against the pipe wall, amplified infinitely in the deathly silence.

to be frank.

That's kind of scary.

"I don't have the courage!"

Hearing the rustling sound of the fabric against the pipe wall, Li Xue instinctively held her breath, leaning against Tang Yao, completely devoid of her usual elegance and beauty: "I take it back!!! I take back what I said before!!!"

"You are not allowed to take it back!"

"I……"

suddenly!

Bang! ! !

A deafening metallic clang erupted outside the duct! It sounded like something heavy had slammed against the duct wall! The entire screen shook violently! At the same time, a grotesquely twisted, blood-stained, and crazed eye suddenly pressed against the ventilation duct's grille! The murky eyeball darted around wildly, seemingly searching for something!
"what……"

See this scene.

Li Xue couldn't continue speaking for a moment. She jumped up from the chair and pulled Tang Yao up as well. Then she hugged the bewildered Tang Yao tightly.

The two women's shapely figures pressed together.

Li Xue buried her face in Tang Yao's neck, curled up in her arms, and trembled as she said, "Yao... let's not play anymore, okay? I'll do anything with you, just let's not play anymore..."

Tang Yao was also terrified by the sudden, terrifying sound effects and vibrations, and almost dropped the controller.

But the next second, she was pulled up... she was hugged and felt Li Xue's soft and warm body, and she instantly calmed down.

"Okay, no more playing."

I don’t know if it’s an illusion.

Tang Yao could almost feel Li Xue's rapid heartbeat pounding against her chest through the thin fabric of her clothes. That unreserved dependence and the way she sought protection made Tang Yao's heart melt completely.

At this moment, game testing, channel strategies, and indie game dreams all seemed distant and unimportant.

but.

This emotional thought didn't last long.

Because the game is still running.

The terrifying sound effect drifted in, instantly ruining the atmosphere.

Tang Yao hugged Li Xue and turned to look at the screen.

Well.

Think about it from another perspective.

It was a bit scary.

But it's not necessarily a bad thing.

At least... players should really like it.

……

at the same time.

Nine Heavens.

While Tang Yao and Li Xue were joking around, the storm of the new version of FGO had already taken shape.

This is clearly another blow to Jiuxiao.

"Ecology..."

Shen Lun stared at the screen, his lips moving silently as he uttered those two cold and heavy words.

He finally understood the terrifying nature of Tang Yao, or rather, Avalon.

They are not making a game or a platform.

They are building a closed-loop, self-reinforcing entertainment empire ecosystem!
FGO, Hearthstone, and DNF offer top-tier content and a massive user base. ANF serves as the core community, facilitating user interaction, content creation, and emotional connection. Game Assistant acts as a tool and link connecting the game and the community.

Now, live streaming has become the latest element in this ecosystem for real-time interaction, content consumption, and user engagement!
Every successful product provides funding, attracts customers, and strengthens barriers to entry for other components!
The power of this system is already beginning to show.

FGO...

As Shen Lun pondered this, he looked at the overwhelming amount of promotional content for the new version of FGO on the Avalon game assistant.

A chill ran down his spine and up to the back of his head.

now.

What he felt was not anger, not jealousy, but a deep-seated...despair.

No, how do you fight this?
Very abrupt.

He even had an absurd idea—wouldn't it be better to log his own mobile game into Avalon Game Assistant than to partner with mobile phone manufacturers' app stores?

but.

Before the idea could fully take shape, it was interrupted by a knock on the door.

The secretary came in: "Mr. Shen, Mr. Ji from Lanhe Technology is contacting you."

(End of this chapter)