Chapter 72: Chapter 73: E3(1)

“It’s been almost a year! You look much brighter!”

Russo was still a loud person.

His unusual kindness was, of course, a bonus.

As we rode in the van towards our accommodation, I raised the same question once again.

“How did you know and came to pick us up?”

The answer came from Ayado.

“…I’m sorry.”

He heaved a deep sigh with a tired expression.

Ah, I see.

Ayado must know our schedule, and that’s why he followed us here.

Russo, as if he didn’t know that, shrugged his shoulders and said to me, “How about it? Were you impressed? Having a friend come to pick you up at the airport is really nice.”

“…I’m not sure how to feel about it.”

“Hahaha!”

Russo laughed heartily.

We arrived at our accommodation amidst this awkward atmosphere.

He finally tried his luck.

“So, is the game coming along well this time?”

It seems that’s still his main purpose, whether he’s being straightforward or transparent.

“There are still many shortcomings.”

“Looks like it’s going well! I’ll definitely drop by your booth!”

“I… “

I didn’t feel the need to finish my sentence.

His expression already conveyed his certainty that he would be present at the booth for my game.

“Less than a year left now.”

In early 2014, a title directed by Russo will be unveiled to the world on the PS4.

I’m sure it’s already in the final stages of development.

This year’s E3 is the event where that game will be announced to the world.

For those in a competitive position, it’s undoubtedly a breath taking piece of news.

But for me, a fan of his, it’s truly the news I’ve been eagerly awaiting.

“Road to Harcin.”

It was my favorite game from my past life when I was a young adult, so I’m sure it will be the same in this life.

I’ll probably pre-order the game, and my leisure time will be consumed by it.

Then, I’ll experience joy and satisfaction.

I said with excitement, “I’m looking forward to it, Mr. Russo.”

“Look forward to it even more. You won’t be disappointed,” he replied with his characteristic confidence, patting my shoulder.

“Alright, let’s go then. See you tomorrow.”

And he left.

It was two days before E3.

***

The next day, we made all the necessary preparations.

The booth we were assigned was in a prime location, a 24-square-meter space right below Russo, and it was of the same size as “Last of Us.”

Sony had high expectations for us, and we had no reason to disappoint.

“We just need to succeed.”

That’s all that matters.

In a temporary meeting room, we gathered our team.

We went through the final check.

“Myungkyu, did you confirm the demo version properly?”

“Yeah, I set the total playtime to 45 minutes. The fast ones will finish it in 40 minutes, and even the slow ones will at least go through Chapter 2 before leaving.”

“Alright, just give it a final playthrough today for the last check.”

The demo version is different from the prototype.

The initial prototype was designed for evaluation purposes for Sony, and it wasn’t suitable for a trade show where we needed to cycle through a lot of people in a limited time.

So, we created a separate demo version that distilled the core elements of the game over a month and a half.

It includes the core game systems, combat, and the monster line-up up to Chapter 2.

We kept the shortcuts and sub-routes as concise as possible.

So, it only provides enough information to understand what kind of game it is.

“Gilsang, did we receive additional staff for booth management?”

“Sony provided a few more engineers. We shouldn’t have any staffing issues.”

“Good.”

Suddenly, the nightmare of the last G-Star crossed my mind.

Back in the days when Myungkyu wasn’t part of the team, we had to scramble to set up the booth with just five people, and we couldn’t even leave our posts for three days.

That horrific situation should never happen again.

Next, my planning team.

“Hosu, Jiseok, make sure to pay close attention to the user’s reactions, especially. The most important thing in planning is where the users find interest and enjoyment.”

“Yep!”

“All right.”

Both of them responded.

With this, the big picture was now set.

“Booth management will be divided into two shifts. Let’s work for about four to five hours a day. This is the last part.”

I tapped the whiteboard with a thud.

It was an unconventional tradition for Rewind.

“Let’s choose the cosplay roles.”

The moment I uttered those words, I could feel the strange tension in the meeting room.

Han Seorim spoke, particularly guarded.

“I’m not doing it. I’ve made it clear.”

“Don’t try to escape with strong words. It makes you seem weak.”

I emphasized that it would be a fair choice.

Well, honestly, coming all the way to E3, I could have said that cosplay was unnecessary.

It could have been argued that it was too much.

But here’s the thing.

“Remember the good response at G-Star?”

Just as Jo Yumi said, there were quite a few people who expected our development team’s cosplay.

The memory that had been shameful to me had also created anticipation among users this time.

Those who were confirmed to participate in E3 were naturally preparing for the shooting, assuming that there would be a development team cosplay.

If they expect it, it’s the seller’s job to deliver.

Image-making is something that can never be enough.

Moreover, special marketing itself has a direct impact on sales.

I had even prepared a lottery for this moment.

“Let’s choose only four people. A survival rate of 60%. Fair, right?”

One to two people were needed for each part of the cosplay.

This was the selection for that.

The tension enveloped the meeting room.

“Phew…”

It was chilly.

It felt like knives were flying.

An unyielding battle with no concessions between life and death.

And then,

“Yay! I made it!”

The duo’s cheers.

“Well, I guess…”

Jo Ayoon’s response of “whatever.”

“Unbelievable.”

“…”

The lot drawn by me and Han Seorim…

…the result was pushed in.

“Actually, did you manipulate it? If you want to do cosplay, just say it.”

Yang Gilsang’s smirk didn’t reach my ears.

No, in the face of an unbelievable reality, my mind went blank.

I raised my head.

The winners were me, Jo Ayoon, Han Seorim, and Myungkyu hyung.

“I’ll take Chapter 1…”

Jo Ayoon quickly claimed the easiest cosplay.

The remaining options were the Corpse Golem (Ayado Goro’s playable character), Brides (maximum exposure), and the Bare Queen (minions).

The eyes of the losers exchanged glances.

They could all instinctively feel the same thought.

“Oh no…”

Ahead of this was hell.

***

E3 has begun.

The press conferences, in other words, the convention presentations, are being simultaneously broadcast online and offline, effectively reaching audiences worldwide.

As participation in E3 is limited, this process serves to inform the global audience about the event.

As a result, the viewership numbers are soaring to unprecedented levels.

The chatroom is no exception.

“HypedforHellic3: Buckle up!!!”

Luka: Is it starting now?

ClearWithoutT: This is huge, lol.

Dadbom: Oh, it’s time for the noobs.

“Welcome! I am your host for today’s event.”

On the enormous stage, a well-dressed woman with eloquent speech welcomed the audience.

Users listened intently to every word, filled with anticipation.

With that, the actual conference began.

“First, let’s introduce our CEO!”

Stepping onto the stage was Ayado Goro.

He held the microphone with his characteristic tired face and greeted the audience briefly.

To the relief of the viewers, he was not one to indulge in lengthy speeches.

“Now, let me present this year’s line-up.”

Behind him, the screen lit up.

Several game trailers and in-game footage played.

Among them, one game stood out: “Last of Us.”

It was considered one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic world.

“micetester: Insane!!!”

jessica: Is that game really possible?

LordofBangbaedong: Wow, it looks like it could be so much fun!

The overwhelming visuals depicting a world destroyed by a zombie virus, the combination of a girl and a man, and the mix of stealth and gunplay in the in-game footage elevated the tension just by watching.

And all of this didn’t even begin to describe the long wait.

“The official release is scheduled for the day right after E3. We’re grateful for the immense interest you’ve shown in advance. We’ll show you the results.”

The release date is the day immediately following the conclusion of E3.

If it lives up to the expectations, it will be the game that decorates this year.

With such assessments in mind.

“Next, let me introduce.”

As if it’s not funny, it came out.

“It’s the new title you’ve been waiting for a long time.”

Boom!

With a funky BGM, what was revealed is none other than the American landscape.

People reminiscent of some real-world place.

“GTA 5.”

The traditional powerhouse has arrived.

A strong contender that will undoubtedly break all future AAA sales records.

***

“Crazy. Seriously…”

Community nickname ‘Bangbaedong Lord of Blood,’ a typical South Korean office worker named Bae Jihyeok, was lying back in his chair with a hollow laugh.

The only games coming out for the PS3 this year were “Last of Us” and “GTA 5.”

As a gamer, his heart was racing.

His bank account balance had already reached an unwavering agreement.

But what he truly wished for had not been released yet.

“Hyuk, not yet?”

“Yeah.”

“Ugh, why are you so lost in thought?”

Complaining, Jiwoo, his girlfriend and cohabitant, entered the room. They had met during G-STAR in Hellic 2 and continued their relationship on the same community as ‘Flower Jaehee Anzulips.’

“When is Hellic going to be released…”

Jiwoo rested her chin on Jihyeok’s forehead.

And just as Jihyeok was about to answer with a moan of pain.

We’re announcing it.

After murmuring for a while, the CEO of Sony spoke.

Sony’s 8th generation device, the PS4.

Suddenly, the two fell silent.

The release of the PS4 had already been announced, but the order in which it was announced was significant.

The two looked at each other.

Their eyes were trembling.

Finally, their gaze turned to the monitor.

Sony’s CEO had already finished introducing the PS4 and was now revealing the lineup.

It was a title that the two had eagerly awaited.

Hellic 3, we’re unveiling it here for the first time.

A cinematic began to play.

Koogu-gung!

-Wow!

A cacophony of cheers and screams erupted on the chaotic battlefield.

People wearing all sorts of armor and weapons, transcending eras and backgrounds, created confusion.

There were four men kneeling there.

They, too, were people who had lived in different times and places.

The cinematic intensely highlighted their contorted expressions.

They looked up at the sky and chanted.

Behold.

You there.

O heavenly one.

You dreadful being.

Korean dubbing was rare.

Normally, it would feel foreign, but there was hardly any sense of that.

No, it was as if a magnetic force was pulling them into it.

Jihyuk and Jiwoo swallowed their dry saliva nervously.

The overwhelming emotions that felt like they might burst at any moment created a temporary stillness in the atmosphere.

Their predictions were correct.

“Why do I have to go to hell?” A voice choked with emotion burst out.

Kugugung!

Unconsciously, there was another muttered phrase after excessive drinking.

“Crazy…”

A storm raged in Jihyuk’s mind.

With just a few words and the background, the context of Hellic 3 was understood.

Hell, not following human laws, soldiers entering the battlefield, and their despairing questions.

A triumphant smile crept onto Jihyuk’s lips.

“This is action. This is action!”

With confidence, excitement surged down his spine.

Eventually, a brief introduction to in-game gameplay was shown.

Jihyuk jumped up from his seat.

“Customization!”

Jiwoo also exclaimed with excitement.

The chat window was no different.

『WaitingforHellic3: Mom, I’m sorry!!! I broke the savings, I’m sorry!!!

ClearWithoutT: Oh oh oh oh oh!!!

Dadbom: Here it is!!!』

An overwhelming series of information that left their minds in confusion.

Customization system, a rich parts system to enhance weapon building, and even AAA-grade visuals.

Jihyuk and Jiwoo had one thing they were sure of.

“…Should we delay the wedding for just one year?”

“Don’t even ask the obvious.”

Two people had saved money for their wedding, but a portion of it was suddenly spent on the purchase of a new device and a title.

They were already excited with their hearts pounding.

However, that wasn’t the end of it.

News of the man with a scimitar on his back and the desert landscape with twisted acacia trees appeared immediately after.

Road to Harshin, the new title of Vallhala.

***

After the conference ended, a Korean man who had been observing it with excitement tucked his notebook under his arm. This man was none other than Jin Woohyung, a gaming journalist using the community nickname ‘S2PobiS2,’ also known as Jin Woohyung.

“The line-up looks impressive,” he thought to himself, already filled with anticipation. Although he had come with a purpose related to his work, his heart was already in the gaming world of the attendees.

Jin Woohyung’s steps quickened in the direction of the booths. “Last of Us,” “GTA 5,” and even Valhalla’s new release, “Road to Harshin.” But that wasn’t all. A highly anticipated title from FromSoftware, “Dark Soul 2,” which he had been following since its early days, had also been unveiled. Each of these was a highly anticipated work.

However, what truly guided his steps was his personal preference. “Hellic 3 booth…” Jin Woohyung had personally conducted interviews for Hellic 1 in the past. That was when he had started taking a keen interest in Hellic and its developer, Rewind’s leader, Yeonho.

People running toward their dreams are beautiful. Those who gradually realize those dreams stimulate the desires in their hearts. For Jin Woohyung, Yeonho was one such person.

Having only seen the trailer and a few in-game elements, Jin Woohyung’s mind was already full of thoughts about Hellic 3. Naturally, his steps quickened.

That’s how Jin Woohyung found the Hellic 3 booth. And there…

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.

“Huh?” Jin Woohyung exclaimed.

There it was, a human-like tree with a brown-painted face that made him feel a peculiar sensation. The only part of the tree that was not brown was its eyes, which locked with Jin Woohyung’s.

The tree person smiled slyly and asked, “Do you play games?”

Jin Woohyung nodded eagerly, following the tree person. It was the beginning of an unexpected encounter at the gaming conference.

TL Note: Sorry but I coudnt identify which game Road to Harshin could be referring to.

/RomanceMTL