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

Click to add a friend.

The verification message reads:

"As a fellow tech geek from Hangzhou, I'd like to talk about AcFun (A-site)."

Click send.

The ensuing wait was exceptionally long.

Lu Chen got up and poured himself a glass of water.

I also took the opportunity to stretch my body, which had become stiff from sitting for so long.

He knew that he couldn't be too direct about these things.

Otherwise, you might be mistaken for a scammer.

During the waiting period,

Lu Chen refreshed the A-site page several times.

The webpage got stuck halfway through loading.

Then the message "Unable to connect to the server" appeared.

I closed the website and went elsewhere to continue reading posts about Minecraft.

Lu Chen swiped the mouse as he fell into deep thought.

If only there were a video platform at this time.

Allow users to upload game playthroughs, hardware reviews, and tutorials/guides.

More importantly,

It perfectly aligns with the strategic needs of Journey Technology.

Hardware devices need a content ecosystem to support them.

Content platforms can also boost hardware sales.

This is a perfect closed loop.

Twenty minutes later, the computer emitted a crisp "beep" sound.

System notification: Number 9 has accepted your friend request.

Lu Chen immediately sat up straight and placed his hands on the keyboard.

"Hello there."

The other party sent a message first.

Lu Chen immediately sent the first message:

"Hello, I'm Lu Chen from ZhengTu Technology."

I saw your discussion about A-site servers in the group.

I agree with your point of view.

We are also very interested in video websites.

I want to talk to you.

This statement gets straight to the point.

This both revealed their identity and explained their purpose.

The other party was clearly stunned by the words "Zhengtu Technology".

He paused for a while before replying:

"Zhengtu Technology? The one that made the Zhengtu Z1?"

Lu Chen's lips curled up slightly.

Sure enough, at least in Hangzhou's tech circles.

The Z1 has already gained a certain level of brand recognition.

"Yes,

Our company is located in the Hangzhou Entrepreneurship Center.

"Would it be convenient if we could meet and talk?"

This time the wait was longer, a full three minutes.

"Sure. I'm free tomorrow afternoon."

"Okay, tomorrow at 2 PM, at the Starbucks downstairs in the startup center?"

"OK."

Lu Chen put down the mouse and let out a long sigh of relief.

This first step has finally been taken.

The next day at 2 PM, at Starbucks.

Lu Chen arrived ten minutes early and chose a seat by the window.

Just after two o'clock, the glass door was pushed open.

A young man carrying a black backpack and wearing black-rimmed glasses pushed open the door and looked around.

He looks to be in his early twenties.

She was wearing a simple gray long-sleeved shirt and jeans.

Standing at the door, he looked around somewhat awkwardly.

Lu Chen stood up and waved.

The young man walked over, his steps hesitant.

"You are Lu Chen?"

Younger than I imagined.

"That's right, you're not bad either."

May I ask your name?

Lu Chen smiled and extended his hand.

Although Lu Chen already knew his real name.

But at this moment, you must pretend you never knew.

"Xu Yi".

The young man shook hands with him and gave a brief reply.

Then he sat down across the table.

First, put the backpack aside.

"Xu Yi, it's great to have you here."

Lu Chen smiled and pushed the menu over.

"What would you like to drink? It's on me."

"American style is fine, thank you."

After ordering his coffee, Xu Yi got straight to the point:

"Did Mr. Lu want to talk to me about the video website?"

Lu Chen nodded and said:

"I was watching videos on AcFun yesterday, but the website crashed again."

This isn't the first time, and it probably won't be the last.

Xu Yi nodded, his expression somewhat helpless.

"A-site's servers have had the same old problems."

The user base is growing too fast, and management can't keep up.

We frequently discuss optimization methods within our core user group, but there's nothing we can do about it.

"Indeed, the power of a group of enthusiasts is limited."

Lu Chen took over the conversation.

"You've seen the situation on A-site."

Unstable servers lead to a poor user experience.

However, the bullet screen video format has great potential.

It creates a completely new interactive viewing experience.

Xu Yi's eyes lit up.

"You think so too?"

I've always believed that bullet comments are more than just a line of text.

Rather, it's a sense of atmosphere from watching a movie together as a group.

When thousands of people simultaneously send bullet comments on the screen,

It's like watching a movie with everyone in a theater.

"But A-site's implementation is too rudimentary."

Lu Chen shook his head and said:

"The bullet comments are lagging, and the server crashes frequently."

Moreover, the website content is monotonous.

Aside from watching anime, there's almost nothing else.

"So what are your thoughts?"

Xu Yi listened attentively.

"To create a better bullet-screen video website."

Lu Chen paused for a moment, then continued:

"It's not a simple copy of ACFun."

It's a completely new platform.

We need a more stable server architecture.

A smoother bullet screen experience.

Supports higher resolution video.

The content is not limited to animation.

It should also include game gameplay, tech reviews, lifestyle vlogs, original short videos, etc.

Users can upload and share any content that interests them.

Xu Yi listened intently.

What do you want?

"I want you to join ZhengTu Technology and take charge of this video website project."

Lu Chen looked into his eyes.

I've already thought of a name for the website.

Let's call it Z Dimension!

Lu Chen paused for a moment, then continued:

"And to be honest,

We are working on a new mobile phone project.

If we pre-install the video client on the device,

It can instantly acquire a large user base.

Xu Yi's breathing became rapid.

He certainly understood what this meant.

For a new website.

Acquiring an initial user base is always the most difficult part.

Most projects fail within the first three months of user growth.

Lu Chen used a method that was almost like cheating.

You can directly acquire a large number of users.

Xu Yi remained silent for a long time.

He didn't drink a drop of his coffee.

Why did you choose me?

Xu Yi finally asked:

"I'm just an ordinary programmer."

He's not particularly famous within the industry.

"Because I see passion in you."

Lu Chen said sincerely:

"Technical skills can be learned, and experience can be accumulated."

But passion and understanding for a field,

It is very difficult to replace.

I have read all your posts in the group.

You're not simply complaining about problems with A-site.

Instead, they are truly thinking about solutions.

Xu Yi nodded and said:

"Indeed, I've been discussing it with a few friends."

Should we create a website?

Consider this a backup for when the A-site server crashed.

So,

I believe that only those who truly love anime and understand the danmaku (bullet comment) culture can truly appreciate this.

Only then can such a product be made well.

Lu Chen said firmly.

Xu Yi fell silent again.

Five minutes later, he raised his head, his eyes becoming resolute.

"Okay, I'll join."

Lu Chen smiled and extended his hand.

"Welcome to Journey Technology."

The moment the two shook hands.

Z-Dimension, the future largest bullet screen video website in China.

It was officially born.

……

Three days later,

Xu Yi has officially joined ZhengTu Technology.

He served as the project leader for Z-Dimensional.

Just as Xu Yi began to assemble the Z-Dimensional team.

Another big event came knocking.

this day,

Susie walked into Lu Chen's office with an international express mail package in her hand.

His face showed a rare excitement.

"Boss Lu, America sent us an invitation from the E3 organizers."