Rebirth 08: Can a mobile game company also build a tech empire?

Let's change the subject.

Chen Xin subconsciously tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Mr. Lu, you just mentioned that your company also has a gaming business. Could you elaborate on that?"

"certainly."

Lu Chen did not pause.

"Zhengtu Technology did not start out making hardware."

Instead, they started with two online games.

However, these two games were a huge flop for us.

During the most difficult times, we couldn't even cover the server electricity costs.

So we decided to fight with our backs against the wall and switch to smartphone games.

After all, the App Store had just launched at that time, and the gaming market was a blue ocean.

At the time, nobody knew if it would work, but we had no other choice.

But as you've seen, we succeeded.

"Hmm, it seems that there are no smooth sailing paths behind a successful company."

Chen Xin listened attentively and took notes in her notebook from time to time.

"Mr. Lu, I'd like to ask a slightly personal question."

"Yes, no problem."

Lu Chen raised his hand, gesturing for Chen Xin to ask whatever she wanted.

"Okay, I'd like to ask, given your young age and the achievements you've made, do your parents support you?"

Lu Chen paused for a moment, then said:

"They want me to go home and inherit the family business."

But I don't want to do that.

After all, as mentioned before,

Most great achievements are created by young people.

So I also want to take advantage of my youth and try something new.

"call……"

Chen Xin let out another breath.

Here it comes!

She almost lost her composure again.

The facial muscles held the corners of the mouth tightly shut, preventing them from turning up.

I don't know why.

Lu Chen's words are infuriating!

……

The interview lasted for nearly an hour.

Chen Xin's questions ranged from product design and market strategy to company vision and industry insights.

To her surprise, no matter what she asked...

Lu Chen was able to give clear and insightful answers, which was unlike what one would expect from a young entrepreneur.

"One last question, Mr. Lu."

Chen Xin closed her notebook, her tone becoming more relaxed.

"With the Z1 being so popular right now, how do you feel? Do you feel a lot of pressure?"

Lu Chen said with a smile:

"Of course there is pressure, mainly because production capacity cannot keep up with the sales speed."

But more than anything, it's a sense of accomplishment.

Seeing the products your team creates recognized by consumers brings a satisfaction that money can't buy.

After the interview, Chen Xin took the initiative to exchange business cards with Lu Chen.

Chen Xin extended her hand and shook hands with Lu Chen.

"Mr. Lu, today's interview was excellent."

The program is expected to be completed before the Lunar New Year and will air around the third day of the Lunar New Year.

I believe that after the program airs, more people will get to know Journey Technology and young entrepreneurs like you.

"Thanks."

We saw the TV station team off.

Lu Chen returned to his office.

Just as I sat down to catch my breath, Jiang Chang burst in.

"President Lu! Look!"

"What's wrong?"

IGN!

IGN has rated Plants vs. Zombies!

Jiang Chang's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"9.6 points! They say it's 'one of the most creative and replayable games on mobile platforms!'"

"Where is it? Let me see!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen also became excited.

"It's on my computer."

"Hurry up!"

Lu Chen and Jiang Chang rushed out of the office one after the other.

A large crowd had already gathered in front of Jiang Chang's computer.

"IGN, I didn't expect IGN to give us a rating."

"Yes, it's a long-established gaming media outlet in America."

"9.6 points! That's an incredibly high score!"

"That's right, Metal Gear Solid 4 only has a 9.5 score. The only game with a higher score is that other game, Metal Gear Solid 4. Doesn't that mean we can compete with Rockstar Games now?"

"Dreaming..."

The two squeezed into the crowd, and the screen displayed IGN's English page.

now,

In that familiar red and black rating box, Plants vs. Zombies' overall rating is clearly displayed as "9.6/10".

The comment reads:

"Plants vs. Zombies is a near-perfect tower defense game."

It perfectly combines simple gameplay with deep strategy, along with a humorous art style and excellent music, creating an addictive gaming experience.

Whether you're a hardcore gamer or a casual player, you'll find enjoyment in this game.

This is one of the most creative and replayable games on mobile platforms this year; highly recommended.

Lu Chen stared at the "9.6/10" on the screen for a long time.

For a moment, I felt somewhat dazed.

In my past life, Plants vs. Zombies received a 9.5 rating from IGN.

This has been called "a near-perfect tower defense game".

But this time,

Perhaps it's the novelty brought about by the game's early release.

Perhaps it's because Journey Tech does a better job in the details.

In short, the rating is even higher than I remembered.

"Boss Lu, did you see that? 9.6 points!"

Jiang Chang's voice pulled Lu Chen back to reality.

The office area was already buzzing with excitement.

"Awesome! 9.6!"

"We did it! We really did it!"

"Team Leader Jiang, you absolutely have to treat us to dinner tonight!"

"Treat us to a meal! You absolutely have to treat us!"

The programming team, the art team, and the sound effects team—this group of young people—were cheering like a bunch of children.

Some people high-fived each other in celebration.

Someone jumped up.

Some people even secretly wiped the corners of their eyes.

Lu Chen took a deep breath and tried to keep his voice calm.

"Does everyone know what this score means?"

"Know!"

Tao Manwen was the first to shout this time.

"This means that our game has gained recognition from the world's top gaming media!"

"That's not all!"

Lu Chen looked around at each excited face.

"This means that the game team at Journey Technology is already capable of creating world-class works!"

Every game we develop in the future will be eagerly anticipated by players worldwide!

He paused, then continued:

"But most importantly, everyone's efforts were not in vain!"

I will never forget the most difficult times.

I owe everyone two months' salary.

It is because of your unwavering support that ZhengTu Technology has achieved what it is today!

As Lu Chen spoke, the first group of people who followed him gradually lowered their heads, their eyes reddening.

"Now, it was all worth it."

Lu Chen's voice finally trembled slightly.

"Because the whole world is saying: the games you make are the best!"

The office was silent for a few seconds, then erupted into even louder cheers.

Jiang Chang rushed up and gave Lu Chen a bear hug.

"Boss Lu, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"Don't underestimate yourself. You've been in charge of the Plants vs. Zombies project all along."

The group of gamers celebrated together.

The hardware team members watched from the sidelines.

To be honest, I was quite envious when I saw the game team celebrating.

Because on their side, although the Z1 is indeed selling very well, the data hasn't been compiled yet, so nobody is sure what will happen.

Just as the atmosphere in the game group was getting lively.

Susie, carrying a folder, jogged in.

"Boss Lu! The sales figures for the Conquer Online Z1 are in!"

The crowd quieted down, and everyone looked at the folder in Susie's hand.

The hardware team didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

They didn't expect the sales figures to come out now.

If sales are poor, won't it be outdone by the game developers?

"It has been 28 days since the official release of the Conquer Online Z1."

Susie's voice was clear and loud.

Total sales volume—

She paused deliberately, whetting everyone's appetite.