As time passed, the sales of To The Moon gradually increased, hitting new peaks each day.
At the same time, many domestic media outlets that followed this event began publishing articles one after another.
---------------------------------
"Unforgettable Love, To the Moon: A Game That Will Make You Cry!" Lalan Top news
"Game Review: A Game That Hits Your Heart!" Lao Bai Reports
"Meng you Win the Championship: Can To the Moon even be considered a Sci-fi Game?" Space-time media
"A Game That Makes Countless Men Sob" Xiong Da reviews
---------------------------------
From the week since the tournament began, it became evident which games could compete for awards and which could not.
Some people seemed to be here purely for marketing and advertising their game, which didn't cause much of a stir. Since it's a normal occurrence.
As for those who were interested in contesting for winning awards, Many have a clear idea of the award.
The top prize was split between To the Moon by Neon Game and Galaxy Heroes by NetDragon's Thunder Studio.
Among, the player voting section, To The Moon had far more support than Galaxy Heroes from Thunder Studio.
But we knew this wasn't just about the player votes. The official review from the game department was equally important. Some old timers can make things hard for aspiring young upstarts, as they rigidly stick to the norms.
Although To The Moon had some advantages, it hadn't yet reached a point of sheer dominance.
So, everything still came down to the official score.
For these two games, players argued passionately for quite some time online.
---------------------------------
"The final winner must be the Galaxy Hero. To The Moon's plot is great, I admit, but it doesn't have any gameplay. Can it even be considered a sci-fi game?"
"One vote from me for Galaxy Hero — it deserves the award!"
Pull it down, what is gameplay? Why do you translate it for me? Isn't the plot a kind of gameplay? Isn't music a type of gameplay? Do you have to fight monsters and solve puzzles to consider its gameplay?
Yes, if To the Moon isn't a science fiction game, then a lot of tickets in the competition wouldn't count, so the game department should remove them all.
"Don't listen, don't listen, **** chanting, anyway, I'm voting for To The Moon."
"Hehe, victory will surely belong to Heroes of the Galaxy!" Iron Man replied
"Yes, Heroes of the Galaxy will always win in the end!" Bruce banner added
"Hmph, what even is Galaxy Heroes? Look at the game designer's name, 'Meng Zuo'—doesn't that mean 'dreaming'? If you think it's going to win first prize, you'll only get it in your dreams!" Jiang Ping mocked.
"Damn, bro, your interpretation and analysis are on point!" Cat empire forwarded
"Speaking of which, are you sure To The Moon and Galaxy Heroes are going to win? You're just ignoring Black Beast made by my Big Devil studious."
"Hehe, don't get too caught up in the hype of To the Moon and Galaxy Heroes—just because they have more player votes doesn't mean anything. I've got a feeling the real winner is going to be Widow maker's Ashaji."
"Come on, the two of you upstairs—it's not even evening yet! Stop daydreaming and chill, okay?" Cat Empire mocked again
"+1, both of you need to leave, like, quietly!"
---------------------------------
Everyone has their own favorites, and the real conclusion hasn't been made yet.
Naturally, in all the major online communities, people are trying to sway opinions and gain an advantage for their favorite game.
While some of them are real people, most of them look like the work of navies who excel in advertising and swaying public opinion over the internet.
But it's just the same: the public defending what they like, everyone insisting on their reasoning.
Amidst all the heated online debates, Chen Xu is just staying calm.
**************************
Neon Gaming's office.
I sat at my desk. Then I took out my Ifruit 36XD and dialed to inform the candidate of their interview results with the Neon Game. We need a proper HR department for this thing. But I can still manage it. So why spend money on useless departments for now? Neon game is still growing.
I've found the right people for the art and music roles.
But for the level-design candidates? None of the interviewees impressed me.
"Chen Xu, why aren't you anxious at all?" Yang Xin, sitting next to me, asked after I finished the phone call and started pacing the office at a comfortable pace.
"Yeah, isn't the winner of the game competition being announced today?" Ruan Ningxue asked, clearly excited.
This would be the third game we had worked on together, and she is excited because she expects that, their game is one of the candidates for the winner. Her expectations aren't confounded. The reviews, ratings, and buzz surrounding the game are enormous.
At first, she doesn't even grasp the game industry. As for her plan to become a top fanfic creator and then transition toward a comic artist... Well, she forgot about that.
On the one hand, it's because she felt the joy her new creation brought. On the other hand, Neon Games is developing so well that she is still immersed in this world, rather than focusing on comics.
"It's useless to be in a hurry! I can't control, how they review our game! Secondly, I can't control the final result," Chen Xu said, feeling a bit exasperated when Yang Xin and Ruan Ningxue brought it up. Of course, he wants to win the award, but ultimately, it's not something that's within his control, right?
"By the way, the mobile version of 'Undertale' will be released today after the winners are announced," Chen Xu added, suddenly remembering. "Judging by the current trend, we're looking good for the top two. Whether we win the first prize or not, there will be some buzz, and then we'll have our momentum."
During the game department competition, the main focus inside Neon Games was twofold.
One, we were porting Undertale to mobile. It didn't require much effort. We just held back till now to release it, to ride the wave of excitement.
Second, we focused on forming the Neon Games team. Beyond the R&D team, Chen Xu has been preparing to expand. Over the past few months, we've also built out operations and finance departments. Everything is set up now.
On top of that, we've got a platform development team. Although right now Neon Games seems like a small workshop in the eyes of most players and the game industry as a whole, from "Magic Mirror" to "Undertale" to "To the Moon," we haven't produced any massive blockbusters yet—just small-scale indie games.
We are like a flicker of flame, we are gathering the winds behind us and it will soon be our time to become a blaze. We don't want the rain and chains interrupting our advances. So we have started working on our platform. I know with my advantages, soon an ambition will be born and it was born quite early.
My ambitions don't stop there. Neon Games will extend its hand into a bigger world in the future. This independent platform we're building now is laying our foundation.
As for whether this will attract attention in the industry? Honestly, right now Neon Games is still a moth in this blazing industry. Even if "To the Moon" wins first place in this event, it'll create a bit of buzz in the indie game scene and help us get some recognition in the broader gaming world. But as for being seen as a threat by the industry giants? That's thinking too far ahead.
Self-operated platforms like ours are pretty common these days, after all. It's not like we're getting into full distribution yet. One needs a solid user base, networks, big pockets, and strong recognition for that.
For smaller companies like us, or those indie game developers with loyal fan bases—especially those with popular series—having our platform even if it is small is a good move. On third-party platforms, we'd have to pay others, but with our own platform, aside from taxes, it's all pure profit.
Meanwhile, as players kept discussing things online, the official notice from the game department confirmed the details of the expedition event.
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
In various forums, media platforms, and player communities.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the website of the game department, along with the official blog of the media channels, all announced the latest selection news. In the premeditated move, for the next five minutes, all the entertainment media accounts have new and similar articles about the Game department competition.
To the Moon successfully won the first prize in this year's Sci-fi game expedition, while Galaxy Heroes ranked second.
I, Chen Xu, in Neon Games, also received a phone call from the game department.
They invited me to the game department's designated Competition venue to participate in the award ceremony. At the same time, in the official game store, the winning notice of To the Moon was also hung on the homepage.
On the homepage of the official game store, there is also an appraisal review for selecting To the Moon as the first prize. The main point was, that these reviews come from industry veterans and policymakers.
-------------------------------------------------------
' Imagine lying in your bed on your deathbed and recalling all the joys of your life, all the regrets, especially the regrets.' Kayo Shan, Chief of Game Department officer, Beijing.
'You always tell yourself that if you could go back in time, you would do this thing and make this dream come true, but there always seems to be something that takes you off track: family obligations, work, spending time with friends.' Mei Tian, Retired Senior game developer and industry Practitioner.
' The game plot brought tears to my eyes?' Boss Ma, CEO of Free Bird Gaming
' This is just the tip of the iceberg of "To the Moon." It's not a big production. It doesn't have exquisite graphics, and it doesn't have complicated gameplay, "To the Moon" has a lesson for all designers making narratives and plot-based video games, and It has raised the bar for games in this genre so high.' Brother Zhu, Overseas department head, director of the Game department.
'If you want to review the whole game, it's hard to discuss without spoilers, but let's just say if you're a gamer who cares about storytelling, this game is a must-play.' Pei Long, Beijing Times Best Selling Author.
'Such views may be affected by time, but at least for now, this is the perfect game.' Cat Empire, is a game enthusiast.
' The dialogue is perfect, and the collaboration between Dr. Eva and Dr. Neil features many witty banters, providing humor to break up an often dark story.' Dong Zhen Shark TV Streamer.
"The story is perfect; the story of Johnny and his wife River has many twists and turns, some bittersweet, some downright sad, but it's not just a mix of humor and sadness. The music is perfect, full of beautiful piano melodies, and each track shines on its own, recurring in different thematic stories and moments of choice, just like you'd expect from the best movies. Going to the moon is about life: the people, the places, the hardships, and the joys that make us human. The whole story started out as a mixed hodgepodge, but it crystallized satisfactorily over the years. It's absolutely a perfect game, no doubt about it. " Bruce Wang, Senior Industry Practitioner, and a Movie Director.
-------------------------------------------------------
This appreciation from the number of veterans and practitioners and their review which is added to the platform by the game department gives "To the Moon" a very high evaluation, completely affirming the game's status.
Inside the office of Neon Games, Yang Xin, and Ruan Ningxue saw the announcement from the game department for the first time, and they both cheered.
"Chen Xu, look! 'To the Moon' has been recommended on the official game platform!" Yang Xin exclaimed, excitement bubbling within her.
This is the official game platform! This game even won the first title of this event. This is something she never dared think of before. She was so excited, She couldn't control herself at all. Her entire face flushed red with excitement like tomato soup.
Ruan Ningxue, next to her, had the same look of excitement on her face. But She has more control over her emotions.
As for the new employees who joined Neon Games during the period when "To the Moon" was launched, they were also very excited.
Although this game has nothing to do with them, they can't add it to their resume. Such a result fully proves that there is a future in Neon Games and a promising one. They were about to work in this promising company, so they were naturally very happy.
"By the way, When are you going to attend the award ceremony of the gaming department," Yang Xin thought of something and asked Chen Xu.
"The leader of the game department in Shanghai just contacted me with the relevant detail and appreciation towards our work," he affirmed.
"Awards ceremony! Will it be on TV?" Ruan Ningxue asked curiously.
"You think too much. It's not a commercial awards ceremony; it's the showing of our face and then getting a certificate," Chen Xu shook his head and said.
"That's it!" Ruan Ningxue was stunned.
"Okay, let's not talk about this part. Let's discuss the company's affairs and get to the bottom of it with everyone. After the game department ceremony, we will have a week break then we will start the development of new projects, and this time, we will make bigger ones."
"In addition, before the start of December, we need to have the platform ready and working at least the Beta version should be up and running over the internet. The time-consuming and labor-intensive non-core areas should be outsourced directly," He said, looking at the team gathered around.
"Magic Mirror," "Undertale," and "To the Moon"—these three games were small in terms of cost and scale. But when it comes to sales, they were successes.
Even so, the funds brought in by these games are still a bit tight for developing large-scale AAA titles. But less ambitious and medium-sized games? Those are within reach.
As he finished speaking, he could see everyone's expressions turn serious, though there was also a sense of anticipation. After all, anyone in the game industry has the desire to be part of a major project. It's a milestone in both personal and professional development.
After talking with the team, I returned to my office, leaning back in my chair as I stared at the UI interface hovering in front of me that only I could see. I have to admit, "To the Moon" really helped boost my points.
With three million points earned, along with the ones from "Undertale" and "Magic Mirror," my current points have surged to 4.5 million. This means I could draw forty-five times if I have to.
However, despite the tempting pile of points, I decided not to act immediately. I plan to hold off and stock up. I haven't decided on the next project yet, and even if I do, development won't start until the break is over.
In the meantime, based on the current growth rate, I estimate I'll be able to rack up at least a million points more. With "To the Moon" recently winning the first prize and getting featured on the official platform, I know it's going to attract a wave of new players.
And these new players? They mean more meat to harvest.
If I wait and do ten consecutive draws in one go, maybe I'll have better luck. I also need to find something lucky to touch. Statistically speaking, my odds of pulling something great will improve ~ Touch Wood
I hope it won't be like last time—twenty-one draws, and the only decent items were two memory capsules. Not even a rare skill book.
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
ความคิดเห็นย่อย
คุณลักษณะความคิดเห็นย่อหน้าอยู่ในขณะนี้บนเว็บ! เลื่อนเมาส์ไปที่ย่อหน้าใดก็ได้แล้วคลิกไอคอนเพื่อเพิ่มความคิดเห็นของคุณ
นอกจากนี้คุณสามารถปิด / เปิดได้ตลอดเวลาในการตั้งค่า
เข้าใจแล้ว