章 439: Cloud gaming

The "Sailor Moon" enthusiasts, known for their loyalty and vibrant community, have not been shy in expressing their desires. Social media platforms, forums, and even KiShin's own customer service channels have been flooded with requests, suggestions, and pleas for a "Sailor Moon" video game. Their demands are varied, from detailed storylines that follow the anime's plot to open-world concepts that allow players to explore the Silver Millennium and beyond.

KiShin, attentive to its audience, has taken a proactive approach in dealing with the situation. Recognizing the potential for both fulfilling fan desires and expanding their own portfolio, the company has begun engaging directly with the "Sailor Moon" community. They've initiated surveys to understand what fans would want in a game, hosted Q&A event sessions with developers, and even teased potential game art to gauge reactions.

The company's open dialogue has not only pacified the demanding fans but has also created a buzz of anticipation. By involving the community in the development process, KiShin has turned a simple demand into an opportunity for collaboration, making fans feel heard and valued. This strategy has not only quelled the initial uproar but has also strengthened KiShin's reputation as a company that listens to and respects its player base.

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Amid the burgeoning success of the KS2 console, which is on the brink of reaching a staggering hundred million units in sales within merely a year or two, the realm of online gaming has seen an unprecedented expansion. This surge in popularity isn't just a fleeting trend but a phenomenon that continues to captivate gamers worldwide, year after year.

Within this dynamic landscape, KiShin, along with its subsidiary WorldCOM, has been at the forefront, championing the cause of broadband-powered online gaming. Their technological prowess has revolutionized how games are played, offering faster, more reliable internet connections tailored specifically for the seamless execution of multiplayer games. This innovation has not only enhanced the gaming experience but has also set the foundation for a vibrant global gaming community. KiShin's ambitious platform, with its eclectic mix of online games, caters to a wide array of tastes, from the laid-back casual gamer to the fierce competitive player, thereby attracting a vast and varied audience. This strategy is poised to unlock new avenues for revenue, particularly through the advent of subscriptions and in-game transactions anticipated in the coming years.

April 2002 marked a milestone in the online gaming journey with the release of the much-awaited RPG, "Diablo II." This launch has significantly bolstered the online gaming user base, adding to the already thriving ecosystem.

A notable surge in online gaming interest has been particularly evident in Southeast Asia, a region that has wholeheartedly embraced this digital pastime. The allure of online gaming has become so pronounced that it has captured the attention of governments and media outlets across the region, prompting discussions and debates on how to best navigate and regulate this growing phenomenon.

In this vibrant gaming culture, titles such as "StarCraft," "Counter-Strike," and "Red Alert" have risen to prominence, dominating the scene in internet cafes and becoming the beloved pastimes of many.

Amidst this backdrop, the KiShin Global eSports event is set to return, riding on the wave of its 2001 success. Southeast Asia, in particular, has seen a burgeoning of established eSports teams, often sponsored by companies deeply ingrained in the internet café industry. While the region has yet to host localized eSports competitions akin to those in South Korea, the USA, or Japan, it is not left behind in the global eSports arena. These teams from Southeast Asia are given the opportunity to participate and compete in the main KiShin Global eSports tournament, this year hosted by South Korea, thereby showcasing their talent on an international stage.

Meanwhile, KiShin's foray into cloud gaming, a venture that kicked off in 1997 and introduced in 2000, has been making significant strides. Over the past few years since its inception, the KiShin Cloud Gaming initiative has seen substantial progress.

As KiShin pioneered the concept of running video games on their servers, naturally, other companies followed suit, exploring this new digital arena. By 2002, KiShin had launched a beta service for its Cloud Gaming (CG), partnering with service and software providers to extend its reach to network operators. This allowed them to offer a range of games through a dedicated portal to their customers.

The KiShin CG software, available for free on the KiShin website, serves as a gateway for gamers to access a variety of titles through the KiShin Play platform. However, while the download itself comes without charge, potential users must subscribe to a monthly service via PayShin to unlock the full gaming experience. Unlike the free version, which offers limited quality and performance, making the games nearly unplayable, the subscription model provides a superior, seamless gaming experience.

The necessity for monetization stems from the substantial costs associated with maintaining cloud gaming services. Running servers, especially those capable of delivering high-quality or mid-quality gaming experiences, involves significant expenses. These costs are multifaceted, encompassing not just the physical servers themselves but also the ongoing maintenance required to ensure smooth, uninterrupted service. Factors contributing to the high costs include the need for state-of-the-art hardware to support sophisticated games, substantial bandwidth to accommodate simultaneous users, and rigorous security measures to protect against cyber threats.

Moreover, the constant evolution of gaming technology means that servers must be regularly updated or replaced to keep up with the latest game releases and user expectations. This cycle of continuous improvement and maintenance is crucial for providing a reliable cloud gaming experience but comes with hefty price tags. Energy costs also add up, as servers need to be powered 24/7 and kept in climate-controlled environments to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.

In sum, the financial sustainability of KiShin's cloud gaming venture hinges on its ability to balance user accessibility with the necessity of recouping the hefty investments required to maintain and advance its server infrastructure. The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards in shaping the future of gaming are immense, driving KiShin to navigate these waters with strategic finesse.