Game Development: Starting with Recreating the Anime Game Style

Chapter 131 Going Out

"The recent global PVE leaderboard event for 'Final Frontier' has sparked widespread discussion among domestic and international media and players. In particular, the fact that Icelandic players once topped the list and that players from China and the United States took turns occupying the top spot has pushed the game's international influence to a new level."

"Was this international attention sparked by in-game mechanics within StarCraft Games' expectations? Or was it the result of StarCraft Games' deliberate strategic maneuvering?"

Hearing this, the inexplicable feeling in Chu Chen's heart gradually became clearer.

In the past, the domestic cultural and propaganda authorities have always attached great importance to and been happy to support successful cases of cultural products going global, especially those that have achieved widespread influence overseas.

For players, there might be a so-called "hierarchy of discrimination."

But for the country, it is not the case.

From the early days of "Three Kingdoms Online," to "Castle Clash" topping the North American Apple bestseller list in 13, then "Clash of Kings" in 14, "Little Ice Legend" in 15, followed by "Genshin Impact" and other domestically produced second-generation games dominating the Japanese charts, and finally "Black Myth" in 24.

Regardless of the game genre.

Whether you prefer strategy games, anime-style games, or single-player games.

As long as you can make money overseas, as long as you can gain influence overseas.

This is something that is highly valued domestically.

Even for typical "pay-to-win" games like "Kings of the Rift" and "Castle Clash," the news they appear in in China, especially official news, is very positive.

This kind of "pragmatism" can directly change the domestic characterization of "Black Myth," a "violent game," and make it easier to obtain licenses for a series of subsequent domestic single-player games.

Back in 16, regardless of whether Final Frontline sold Final Frontline: Origins globally at a bargain price, the fact remains that Final Frontline version 1.1 did indeed generate an impact in Japan and globally that no other domestic game had achieved before.

In particular, the competition among different domestic players on the leaderboard has inadvertently propelled this domestically produced game to a special position.

although
Chu Chen was well aware that the current "Final Front" did not have that much international influence, and the "China and the US competing for first place" on the rankings was just a coincidence.

The total number of American players of "Final Frontier" is less than 100,000, and that Icelandic player was simply a tourist from China.
However, the fact that these coincidences can occur also shows that there is something special about "Final Battlefront".

Chu Chen wasn't stupid; he understood immediately after hearing just a couple of sentences.

This interview is probably not just a report on a successful game; at a deeper level, it may also reflect the higher authorities' concern about how the Chinese game industry can "go global" and make its voice heard on the international stage.

So Chu Chen stopped talking about his experience in game development and instead started talking about how Starry Sky Games established branches in Europe and the United States. He also talked about how to promote "Final Front" overseas and on YouTube.

“Sometimes a single game livestream can reach tens of thousands of people. These players formed our initial player base after we entered the US market.”

Seeing that Chu Chen was so "cooperative"

A hint of approval flashed in Lin Xi's eyes.

"Mr. Chu is absolutely right. Connecting different cultures requires a targeted approach."

"So, in promoting 'Final Frontline' and even more products 'going global' in the future, does StarCraft Games have any longer-term strategic considerations?"

"For example, how can we better utilize games as a medium to send positive messages to the world, or showcase the charm of our local culture?"

The questions were becoming increasingly profound and closer to Chu Chen's earlier guess.

Chu Chen smiled. If he had guessed the exam questions correctly, then answering them would have been easy.

"If our games can bring joy to players while also generating positive perceptions and interest in us, that would be a result we would be very happy to see."

He didn't directly discuss the grand topic of "cultural export," but instead focused on "player appeal" and "positive perception," which made him seem more practical and humble.

The entire interview proceeded rapidly in a rhythm that was almost effortless.

Lin Xi closed her notebook and let out a long sigh. The half-hour interview was tiring, but very rewarding.

"Mr. Chen, the amount of information today is much greater than I expected. In particular, your insights on the overseas expansion of games are very... pragmatic and forward-looking."

She had originally wanted to use the word "profound," but when the words came to her lips, she felt that using that word to describe a young person in their early twenties seemed a bit too much.

But then I thought, should I go through with it?

Absolutely! What Chu Chen just said was watertight and perfectly suited the interview requirements; it didn't sound like something a young entrepreneur would say.

"You're too kind, Reporter Lin. We're also feeling our way across the river, hoping to avoid some detours."

"You are too modest."

While greeting the photographer, Lin Xi tidied up the recorder and several outlines scattered on the table, thinking to herself that this person was definitely not just feeling their way in the dark; he clearly had a plan in mind all along, and a pretty good one at that.

As a journalist, Lin Xi has interviewed many young entrepreneurs. Some talk eloquently about their ideals, but stammer when asked about specifics. Others are too crafty, always talking about business models, which is exhausting to listen to.

The Chu Chen before me is different.

He talks about ideals, yet he puts them into practice; he talks about business, yet he doesn't come across as mercenary.

His calm and unhurried demeanor, coupled with his clear understanding of the industry, made even a reporter like her, who knew little about the gaming industry, find him interesting and easily drew her into his narrative.

This feeling... how should I put it, is that the younger generation is truly formidable?
Thinking of this, Lin Xi paused.

"I feel that this report may touch on something deeper."

These words sounded somewhat cryptic, but Chu Chen understood them.

"It would be our greatest honor to be able to provoke some useful thoughts."

Chu Chen's answer remained appropriate.

Lin Xi stopped what she was doing, looked at Chu Chen, and her eyes became more serious.

"To be honest, Mr. Chu, before I came here, I had some stereotypes about CEOs of game companies, especially such young CEOs."

"Oh? Like what kind of stereotypes?"

"For example... well, it might emphasize technology more, or be more... imaginative?"

"But you give me the impression of being very down-to-earth, and your thinking is frighteningly clear. Your logic is too strong."

So strong that when she goes back to write her manuscript, she probably won't even have to put in much effort to sort out his words.

"Maybe it's because of the fear of failure that I have to think things through carefully every step of the way."

Chu Chen replied half-jokingly, and Lin Xi burst out laughing at his sudden self-deprecation, which immediately lightened the atmosphere considerably.

"Mr. Chen is really joking."

"By the way, Mr. Chu, if it's convenient, let's add each other on WeChat? If I need you to confirm any details for the follow-up article, or if there are any points I'd like to add to the interview, it will be easy for us to contact each other."

That's the truth. With such an interesting interviewee, she would feel she'd be doing herself a disservice if she didn't dig out more information.

Moreover, her intuition told her that Starry Night Games had a promising future.

"President Chu, this report has excellent material. I will try to get it upgraded."

"If all goes well, you should be able to see it on CCTV's website homepage as early as next week."

CCTV.com homepage?
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's heart stirred slightly. This weight was even greater than he had anticipated.

"Thank you so much, Reporter Lin. You've worked so hard."

"It should."

(End of this chapter)