America: The Godfather of Game Development

Chapter 340 What do you mean by "you want to acquire DC"?

"not bad."

Lin Lixin nodded.

As expected of the lead artist for Sonic, with just a little guidance, he was able to bring out the blue hedgehog according to his vision.

Although there are still some details that need polishing, such as the iconic red sneaker that has not yet been produced.

However, for now, these are all minor issues that can be easily resolved.

Lin Lixin wrote down the word "Hedgehog" in his notebook and continued looking at everyone.

Even though he had already gotten the answer he wanted, in accordance with the principle of sticking to his persona, he still needed to put on a show and hold a voting event.

With this start, everyone's enthusiasm seemed to be suddenly aroused.

There was a great deal of discussion, with everyone offering their own opinions on the two points: speed and crouching.

Including various images such as the wild monkey and the porcupine, after a discussion, they actually wrote down more than ten ideas.

This also includes the blue dog that Yuji Nakamoto has been longing for.

Yuji Naka clenched his fists nervously, staring intently at the ticket box in Lin Lixin's hand.

The next round of ticket sales will determine your life!

Lin Lixin took out a ticket from the box and slowly said, "Hedgehog, one vote."

Then came the second one, "Hedgehog, two votes."

"Hedgehog, three votes."

"Dog, one vote."

The voting results are in: the handsome blue hedgehog, which looks like it can run very fast, undoubtedly won the most votes.

Yuji Naka was heartbroken, but he couldn't openly defy everyone's decision, so he could only painfully say goodbye to his idea.

In any case, this blue hedgehog has now officially received its name—Sonic.

And so the project that was about to save Sega from its predicament was officially launched.

Sonic the Hedgehog

After briefly assigning tasks, Lin Lixin temporarily handed over the project to Zhongyu Company for full responsibility.

As for himself, he returned to Game Freak with Hayao Nakayama.

"President Nakayama, although this project is being promoted under Sega's name, I can still offer some small assistance to Sega in my personal capacity."

"help?"

Could it be that they plan to mobilize the resources of GAMENOVA headquarters for development support?

If those monsters from Gamenova were involved, it would be a real boon for Sega.

In fact, Hayao Nakayama himself had considered this idea.

He packaged up a few talented guys and sent them to SEGA North America, entrusting Lin Lixin to train them for a while.

Through constant exposure, they might actually be able to cultivate a few unparalleled masters like pillars of strength for Sega.

Just like Shigeru Miyamoto and Satoru Iwata of Nintendo.

"Are you planning to involve the development department? That would be an honor for Sega."

"Hmm? Oh, no, that's not it."

Lin Lixin waved his hand.

If that's the case, the media will probably start rambling on and on about all sorts of trivial matters.

Although I did a lot of work on this project, it is ultimately an AM8 product in the public eye.

After all, it's a mascot for Sega, not for Gamenova.

This clearer division can, to some extent, weaken the rejection they face from the Japanese mainland.

At a time when the conflict between the two sides is intensifying, this approach is still somewhat necessary.

"I mean, in terms of publicity and promotion, I can invite a few friends to help Sega with a little something."

Sonic's appearance reminded Lin Lixin of something he had always overlooked.

The scope for maneuver here is far greater than one might imagine.

Moreover, this is precisely the last window of opportunity to take action.

If handled properly, it might become a new money-printing business for oneself.

"Ash, call headquarters and get Sam on board."

"yes!"

Hollywood, Lucasfilm.

Sam, who had just finished business negotiations with Corning and other companies, hadn't even had a moment to rest when he immediately received a call from across the ocean.

Lin Lixin's transfer order.

When it comes to execution, Sam has never let anyone down.

He spent only half an hour packing his things and then immediately drove to his destination.

"Sam, my friend!"

Lucas greeted Sam with a smile, glancing past him to look behind him. "Lin didn't come?"

"I went on a long trip, you know, it was for overseas business."

"Reasonable."

Lucas nodded; such things were indeed not surprising.

Like GAMENOVA, Lucasfilm has been incredibly busy these past two days, and he simply doesn't have the extra energy to think about anything else. If Sam hadn't informed him that Lin Lixin had plans, he would still be on set right now.

The filming of Indiana Jones 3 was crucial for Lucasfilm.

Based on the schedule, it should be released in May if nothing unexpected happens, and these days are the busiest time.

"I'm even planning to ask him to make another Indiana Jones IP game for us. Temple Run is still getting tons of queues."

The team's most sought-after member.

Despite being a game company, GAMENOVA is undoubtedly a trendsetter in the film industry.

Just look at the recent explosion of B-movies featuring zombies.

The impact of Resident Evil far exceeded Lucas's imagination.

After all, the entire work is just about a Western-style mansion that was leaked by a virus.

While the game's visuals are indeed world-class and could potentially spark a new trend in the film industry, that seems a bit of an exaggeration.

If it weren't for the filming of "Indiana Jones," Lucas would have considered asking Lam Lap-sun for the IP to adapt into a movie.

It just so happens that several of the actors are his own people, and Schwarzenegger is also a good friend of his because of his relationship with Lin Lixin.

To be honest, his place has an unparalleled advantage in terms of resources!

"Hey, if it's really possible, I'd love to play it. Having an arcade machine in the company is too conspicuous; I don't even dare to sneak in a game when I'm slacking off."

Sam smiled and agreed, then brought up the real reason for his trip, "We'll talk about that later. Lin is here to use Lucasfilm's name to get something."

"Celebrity endorsement? IP licensing, or — acquisition?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly.

Since the process was handled through our own channels, it must be related to the film and television industry.

The first thing that came to his mind was naturally the participation of movie stars.

Lin Lixin has done this kind of thing quite often.

Today, Lucasfilm can basically be considered a star-making factory.

If he wanted to, a collaborative project, plus a simple promotional campaign, could easily transform an ordinary person into a Hollywood A-lister.

Even if the two sides never interact again, the wealthy people in Hollywood wouldn't mind spending some money to bring this kind of character, who once had dealings with Lin Lixin, into their fold.

"Acquisition".

Sam pulled a booklet from his briefcase.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on the booklet, and his expression immediately froze.

The cover featured a man wearing a red bodysuit.

A yellow lightning bolt is drawn on the circular logo on the chest.

THE FLASH

The Flash.

A superhero comic series currently being serialized by DC Comics.

"Wait a minute—you don't mean to say—Lin is planning to buy the Flash IP, do you?"

"Of course not."

Sam shook his head, denying the astonishing idea, which relieved Lucas.

But before he could catch his breath, Sam's next words nearly choked him to death.

"I understand what Lin means. He definitely intends to buy the entire DC. I know him too well."

"?"

The whole thing! I'll take it!

"Wait a minute—once I think about it carefully—maybe it really could work?"

After calming down, Lucas began to seriously consider the feasibility of this matter.

He was very familiar with Lin Lixin's style.

If this is truly his intention, then there must be some point he hasn't noticed.

"DC Comics is now in Warner Bros.' hands. We at GAMENOVA have collaborated with them many times, so we have some influence with them."

Sam explained.

In early 1989, Warner was not a poor company.

Last year alone, its revenue exceeded $40 billion.

Animation, music, and comics are Warner's core businesses.

However, Warner is currently missing one crucial piece of the puzzle to become the even more extravagant giant it will be in the future.

Times Group.

It encompasses two core businesses: publishing and a vast pay-TV network including HBO and Cinema.

This would perfectly complement Warner Music's current style.

In a few months, Time Inc. will begin the merger that involves the flow of tens of billions of dollars.

Time Inc. and Warner merged on equal footing and were renamed Time Warner.

As for Paramount's interference in the merger through hostile takeover attempts, that's another story.

However, Lin Lixin certainly didn't intend to acquire Warner Music as a whole.

That's simply unrealistic.

While Gamenova is wealthy, it's not like they can just casually pull out billions of dollars.

If Lin Lixin really had that money, he would definitely prioritize transferring it to MicroNova to continue investing in semiconductor research and development.

Science and technology are the primary productive forces!

"For Warner Bros., DC is a 'bad asset.' Compared to Marvel next door, DC's IP value has been declining."

Sam explained, "Before I came here, I did some research. So far this year, in the first month of direct sales of comics, twelve out of the top thirteen are Marvel comics."

This result is definitely not healthy.

Although it's much better than the near-bankruptcy state it was in around 84, DC is still a complete money-loser for Warner.

Although it hasn't reached the point where it's a hot potato that needs to be dealt with urgently, it's not a monolithic entity either.

Even Warner Bros. has tried licensing DC characters to Marvel for distribution.

To be this humble is truly unbelievable.

Lin Lixin's attitude is very clear: even if he cannot take the whole thing away, he must gain some control through investment or other means.

They don't need Warner Bros., all they need is control of DC Comics.

Before the Times Group, which clung tightly to the IP and refused to let go, intervened, this was the last window through which he could get involved.

"Lin has given the highest instructions: this matter must be handled quickly, the sooner the better."

"I understand. I will arrange for a three-way dialogue with Warner immediately."

Lucas finally realized the importance of this matter.

Since Lin Lixin has spoken, even if we don't understand it, this matter must be carried out.

According to his inside information in the film industry, Warner Bros. is also preparing to produce a DC series film.

Batman

If all goes as expected, it should be released around the same time as their "Indiana Jones 3".

Could it be related to this movie?

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