Started as a comics editor

Chapter 294 Awards
November.

A cold wave from the polar continental air mass, like an uninvited guest, swept rudely across the steel jungle of the north and finally arrived in the southern city. Affected by this, the city's carefully manicured green belts presented a peculiar transitional beauty in the absence of snow—evergreen trees remained verdant, while deciduous trees had long since lost their splendor, leaving only stubborn branches piercing the gray sky, possessing both the desolate aftertaste of autumn and the prelude to the coming of winter.

Following the magical phenomenon of spring, summer, and autumn coexisting in the South, another strange sight has appeared... winter has inexplicably arrived.

Yesterday it was still slightly cool, but today the wind is biting cold, and winter feels like it's hitting your face directly.

And it was also in early November, when a cold wave suddenly struck... that Outlast also suddenly landed on the world's two major console platforms, Mercury Station and PONG, just like a surprise attack.

Yes.

These are the two major console platforms in this world. When Tang Yao first heard their names, she really wanted to complain...

After learning about their experiences... I felt even more compelled to complain.

The former looks like a son born from Sega's Edo Tensei and its union with Sony, while the latter... is even more outrageous. Ping-Pong? Atari, is it?

What do you mean by the convergence of parallel world timelines?!
However, after staying in this world for a while, she got used to it, despite her complaints.

The names of these two companies even sound catchy...

Closer to home.

Although Tang Yao thought the names of the two console platforms were a bit strange, the players here obviously didn't think so... and her thoughts couldn't affect the popularity of Outlast on these two platforms.

Choosing a release date for a single-player game is actually a very troublesome matter... It requires a comprehensive consideration of market strategy, development cycle, and competitive environment.

For example, the year-end peak season is a battleground for top AAA games to compete for the year-end consumer market, and small and medium-sized works are easily overshadowed, so it is best to avoid it.

With the spring release window approaching, players' demand will pick up again after they've finished playing games at the end of the year, leading to the release of some mid-tier blockbusters.

The summer season is actually the time when competition is less intense and it's more suitable to test the waters with innovative IPs.

Because there are indeed very few major productions during this release window.

Of course, this is just a general guideline for player spending; the actual timeframe will depend on factors such as game completion, marketing pace, and platform sales patterns.

But no doubt.

The end of the year is indeed a time when a large number of AAA games are released.

Among these, "Outlast" is relatively unknown.

There are also games for the Lunar New Year here.

just.

Even so, even though Avalon chose this release window.

Outlast still stands out...

Despite being bombarded with various shooting, racing, and sports games, North American players still noticed this 'small-scale game'.

While countless players huddled in their warm living rooms, trying to dispel the chill outside with a new game, they stumbled into Outlast, a mental hospital even more biting than the dead of winter.

The immersive experience brought by the top-notch graphics reaches its peak with the support of the large screen. The shaking of the night vision camera, the heavy breathing, the twisted shadows that suddenly approach in the darkness... made countless players break out in a cold sweat in the warm home. Screams and the dull thud of the controller hitting the sofa became the prelude to the festival in many family living rooms.

And on the sales charts.

The name "Outlast" is like a tenacious vine, firmly clinging to the top of the best-selling charts in both Mercury and PONG regions. Although it has failed to shake the giants of annual releases, it has steadily secured its place, leaving many mid-tier titles behind.

As for its reputation... it's absolutely fantastic!

For the first time, the name Avalon appeared so clearly and undeniably in the sight of single-player gamers worldwide.

And the review media finally took notice of Avalon.

It's not because of public opinion, but because of the game's quality.

Editors who were used to facing gunfire, magical effects, and open worlds at the end of the year all experienced the purest fear for the first time in a long time when they put on their headphones and played Outlast in the office or at home late at night.

The game's smooth yet oppressive pace, the pervasive sense of urgency, the ultimate portrayal of helplessness as the core element of horror, and the benchmark-level atmosphere and sound design have given players accustomed to a powerful protagonist experience an unprecedented shock.

It's really scary.

But it was truly stunning.

Most media editors who played the game gave it positive reviews, even praising it as a "dark horse in the horror game genre," "unforgettable and fun," "excellent," and "a mortal's escape; Avalon redefines the horror game genre."

Of course, there was no criticism, only praise. Some reviews pointed out that the game's flow was relatively linear, with little replay value, or that it was too depressing for some players to stick with.

But these criticisms, in the face of overwhelming praise and market performance, seem more like indirect confirmation of the success of its core horror experience—it has indeed managed to leave players with lingering fears.

In short, because of this game, players and some media editors who were unfamiliar with the company have developed a strong interest in Avalon, the company that suddenly appeared out of nowhere and made Outlast.

They began to delve deeper into this mysterious company.

Then they discovered... the company wasn't mysterious at all.

They had only noticed the games before, but not the developers behind them.

Avalon's past works were quickly unearthed, and many players were surprised to find that... Avalon has actually made quite a few good games!
They are not just a fleeting independent workshop, nor are they lucky individuals who succeeded by chance.

But it's something special!
Especially after... the TGA, which is the annual game awards, officially announced its nominees.

They became even more convinced.

Because Avalon has two games nominated!

The best indie game is Undertale.

And then there's the Game of the Year – Hearthstone.

Although the latter is obviously just there to make up the numbers... it was only included because of its large player base, its popularity in the recently emerging live streaming field, and its excellent quality.

These two games, along with Outlast, which missed out on the Game of the Year award but was still a dark horse, certainly made Avalon known to many players.

foreseeable.

After this year... Avalon will no longer remain unknown when announcing new games overseas!

……

"so fast……"

Avalon.

Tang Yao gripped the mouse, staring at the list on the computer screen, and muttered to herself, "Does the TGA here announce the nomination list so early?"

"Hmm? Is there a problem?"

Li Xue overheard Tang Yao's rambling, glanced at the list of nominees for the annual game awards on the screen, and asked a question out of curiosity.

"without……"

Tang Yao snapped out of her reverie and looked at Li Xue's pretty face: "I was just curious... By the way, this TGA shouldn't have been started by media people, right?"

"Huh? No, this is..."

"I understand." Tang Yao smiled, dispelling the image of that award from her past life from her mind.

Although they are both called TGA (The Game Awards), they are not the same thing.

Li Xue, holding the documents, glanced at Tang Yao, who suddenly seemed relieved, and looked somewhat puzzled.

But she didn't continue the topic, instead asking, "Um... are you going to the event?"

Although it was nominated for two awards.

But anyone with eyes can see that.

Hearthstone was just a supporting player...

As for Undertale... it probably has a chance, but it's not certain, since the subject matter has certain limitations.

But regardless of whether they are just running for the prize or not... once they are nominated, game companies usually send a representative to attend in order to avoid missing out on a possible chance to win.

only……

"I dont go."

Tang Yao shook her head directly: "It's too far, I don't really want to go, and there's a high probability that I won't win... Why don't you ask your colleagues in the operations department to go? You don't need too many people, just enough to participate. The chances this year are still very slim, there's no need to have too high hopes."

Even if I win, I'll probably get criticized, so I might as well just be a runner-up.

If we really have to go... then I hope that even if our game doesn't win an award, it will still be the uncrowned king in the hearts of the players.

Li Xue looked at the barely perceptible look of pride on Tang Yao's face, but was not surprised. She simply nodded.

She certainly understood what Tang Yao meant. Given Avalon's current size and experience, it was already an unexpected surprise that Hearthstone could squeeze into the most prestigious "Game of the Year" nomination. It was probably because the game was indeed of high quality, had a large player base, and the rise of live streaming was also an undeniable factor.

Therefore, the organizers of TGA here simply cannot ignore it.

But winning an award? To be honest, it's completely impossible.

Although the TGA here wasn't initiated by media people, it's ultimately about distributing the spoils...

So Avalon at this moment is more like an intruder who was accidentally swept into the spotlight. He'll definitely get a lot of attention, but winning an award is unlikely.

Undertale does have a chance to compete for "Best Indie Game," but as Tang Yao said, the subject matter is unique but also relatively niche, and the judges' tastes are hard to predict. The probability of winning can only be said to be 50/50, or even lower.

"understood."

Li Xue breathed a sigh of relief, then thought for a moment and replied, "I think Chu Yuxin and Si Jinliang seem quite excited. Let them go, and bring two colleagues in charge of overseas affairs along, so they can get a feel for the atmosphere... just treat it as a publicly funded trip."

"Don't you want to go?"

Tang Yao had no objection to this, but looked at Li Xue with curiosity.

Li Xue immediately shook her head: "No, I'm not interested. Even if I were, I wouldn't go. I'd rather be with you... unless you go too."

"..."

Tang Yao blinked her beautiful eyes, but didn't say anything.

"Let's get back to the topic we were just discussing."

Li Xue changed the subject and asked, "When you said that a game can become the uncrowned king in the hearts of players even if it doesn't win an award, are you referring to Left 4 Dead?"

"Hmm... not quite. Although this game is excellent, it still feels a little lacking."

"It doesn't count... but the staff seemed to be having a lot of fun."

Li Xue was somewhat surprised upon hearing this, and at the same time looked towards the office door.

this time.

In addition to inviting some players to test the game externally, Left 4 Dead also launched an internal test.

Yesterday, Kang Ming, Si Jinliang, and others reportedly stayed out until 1 a.m.... and didn't even go home.

"Cooperative survival... This exhilarating feeling of shooting together with friends is definitely good and fun."

Tang Yao chuckled, "It's a pity you don't want to play..."

Upon hearing this, Li Xue immediately gave Tang Yao a resentful look.

Nothing was said.

But the meaning is already quite clear.

Is this how you behave? It's one thing to drag your girlfriend/best friend to play horror games, but now you're playing zombie games too.

of course.

This minor emotional outburst didn't escalate for long.

Li Xue quickly dispelled the urges, composed herself, and asked curiously, "Then why did you say it was a little lacking? Although I haven't played it, the feedback from the game's internal testing was very positive, right? Everyone generally felt that the core gameplay was very enjoyable, and the chemistry between four players was also great. They all lost track of time while playing..."

Li Xue always felt that Tang Yao's evaluation criteria for games were both harsh and unique.

Tang Yao lifted her shapely, rounded legs and gently spun her office chair, casually replying, "Left 4 Dead is certainly great, Ms. Li. It almost perfectly achieved our goals, creating a tense, exciting, fast-paced, and highly replayable zombie apocalypse survival shooter."

It will give players a lot of fun and immersion, even making them forget to go home, just like Kang Ming and his friends. Its fun factor is undeniable.

"But the term 'uncrowned king' carries a lot of weight in my mind. It refers to more than just being fun, which is certainly the most important point, but beyond that... it refers to works that can leave a deep impression on players, spark widespread discussion, and even subtly influence the direction of the industry."

What it needs is a quality or depth that transcends the gameplay itself…

Tang Yao gently swayed her dangling leg, the toe of her shoe tracing circles: "As for the specifics... it's difficult for me to describe them to you precisely in words."

"..."

Li Xue looked at Tang Yao, who was sitting in an office chair, looking up at the ceiling with a longing expression on her face. The office chair turned slightly, and her beautifully rounded legs, encased in slim-fit jeans, naturally lifted up and casually rested on the edge of the chair, outlining a smooth and vibrant arc.

The casual demeanor of this young girl contrasted wonderfully with the almost obsessive pursuit of gaming in her words.

She couldn't help but smile again before asking, "So... can we do it now?"

"Not for now."

Tang Yao shook her head and replied, "You have to eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time. We still have too little experience. I just hope that one day Avalon can make a game like that ourselves."

"so?"

"So... Left 4 Dead is the best first step we can come up with right now."

Tang Yao smiled charmingly: "It is focused, pure, and polished to a high level... It has taken the core experience of cooperative survival shooting to the extreme, allowing players to have fun, get hooked, and even not want to go home like Kang Ming and the others."

The most important thing now is to launch this game. It will help us build a player base, establish a reputation, prove that we are capable of creating a top-notch, market-accepted gaming experience, and increase the confidence and experience of our staff.

Let's take this first step well.

"Let's start the hype. I bet players are pretty shocked that two of our games have been nominated for Game of the Year awards. Let's take advantage of this buzz to promote our new games!"

(End of this chapter)