The Divine Genius’s Game Broadcasting Chapter 288

Episode 288 – For Sale. Merchandise. Perfect for Fans (2)

MD, an abbreviation for product planning.

Although it is important to any company, the MD of '#fandom' had a different meaning.

It was because of the nature of the goods they were selling.

“The people who purchase our goods and become our customers are not ordinary people.”

The MD team leader spoke more confidently than before.

“The factor that customers use to purchase goods is the so-called ‘something’.”

"…yes?"

Although he spoke with special care in pronunciation, Lee Kyung-bok's eyes widened. The team leader quickly added an explanation.

“Oh, I don’t mean it in a bad way. I mean, there has to be something that customers and fans can recognize. That’s the only way customers can feel a sense of ‘belonging.’”

“That’s for sure.”

When Lee Kyung-bok turned his eyes, Park Joo-ho nodded with a serious expression.

“It makes sense from the perspective of someone who buys goods. I know because I buy a lot of goods too.”

“Oh, right.”

Lee Kyung-bok recalled the room he had seen in his friend's room when he visited Park Joo-ho's house.

“I do buy official goods that simply have photos or autographs of Sweeties members, but I’m more interested in buying unofficial goods.”

“Unofficial? Aren’t all goods official?”

“I don’t know. There are so many non-fan merchandises that are named after the nicknames given to each member by fans. Of course, you should only buy them if the purpose of the sale is to collect tribute, not if they are for personal gain.”

“Ah… okay.”

Lee Kyung-bok and the team leader were flustered by the flurry of words. However, he soon came to his senses and changed the subject again.

“That’s a very good point! In that sense, for streamer Purple, ‘memes’ are an indispensable material.”

When attention returned to him, the team leader smiled brightly and clapped his hands.

“Wow, while doing my research this time, I realized how amazing Purple is. Of course, it’s not common for a streamer who’s only been around for three months to sell merchandise, but the memes he’s created in that short period of time are quite impressive.”

A new presentation was projected along with it. Lee Kyung-bok and Park Joo-ho gave short exclamations at the list of memes before their eyes.

"oh?"

“You are very well prepared.”

The team leader responded with a proud smile.

“Seeing your reactions, I can see that the hard work paid off. Our MD team selected you as soon as the meeting schedule was set.”

“No, it’s not like we’ve confirmed the opening yet?”

“Even if you didn’t sign the contract, I was going to send you this information. You never know. You might change your mind after seeing this. Of course, it doesn’t matter now that the contract has been signed.”

Lee Kyung-bok was impressed by it again. Isn't this a place with a strong service spirit?

'Maybe it's because it's Gyeongbok.'

On the other hand, Park Joo-ho's thoughts were a little different. He wouldn't prepare like this for all streamers.

Meanwhile, the team leader's expression became serious.

“Back to the explanation, although goods are gifts for fans, they are still products.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, goods are also strictly a business. If we think about profitability, we can’t adopt all the memes here. We have to select the ones that are commercially viable.”

At that explanation, Park Joo-ho adjusted his glasses and smiled faintly.

“I see. I thought the order was a bit strange, but the MD team organized it in order of priority based on commerciality?”

“No, how did you know?”

"really?"

At those words, not only the team leader but also Lee Kyung-bok was surprised. Park Joo-ho pointed to the bottom of the list.

“The meme ‘President Bark’ that came out as Bark should be at the top in terms of timing. It’s also a meme that has a lot of meaning to Purple. However, it’s also a meme that’s not suitable for merchandise.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Because the target audience is basically limited. This is a meme that only Bark fans like. There isn’t a lot of demand.”

The team leader clapped his hands in response to Park Joo-ho's answer.

“You are very accurate! Wow, you understood our intentions like this. This discussion might end sooner than expected.”

Lee Gyeong-bok understood this, but immediately showed doubt.

“If that’s the logic, then why is the ‘only sword’ on top? Isn’t this also a meme from Elden Soul?”

“Of course, that’s how it started. But the utility is different. Elden Soul isn’t the only game that uses swords. It was actually used in Demerk and Mystic, and it was even mentioned in the Purge Day after-party broadcast when swords were used.”

“Oh, right. Then the target group will be expanded.”

Lee Kyung-bok was also able to grasp the standard thanks to Park Joo-ho's explanation. Soon, he looked at the meme at the top and laughed.

“That’s why Gemalcon is on the top. It can be used in any case.”

“That’s correct. The ‘black company’ underneath is also a pretty good meme.”

“A black company?”

“Yes. This is because we cannot help but think about our customers’ purchasing power. The black company meme will work well with office workers. For example, it can be used as stationery goods such as mugs, tumblers, or post-it notes.”

Lee Kyung-bok rolled his eyes at that explanation. No matter what, doesn’t the term “black company” itself have a strong negative nuance?

“If someone who doesn’t know sees it, wouldn’t they really mistake it for a black company?”

“That’s not true. The black corporate meme is valuable because it’s not actually true. If you’re still worried, combining memes is another way to do it.”

“What if it’s a combination?”

“There’s also a meme among Purple’s memes that’s easy to combine.”

The team leader moved his hand and highlighted one of the items on the list in fluorescent color.

“This is the ‘perfect common sense’ meme. The concept is a black company, but if you apply the content to a white company and attach this, the points will come alive.”

“Oh, that’s right. This one has a lot of uses too.”

Lee Kyung-bok laughed at that. The team leader projected a new image with even more confidence at that reaction.

“What’s really great is that this meme can stand alone. As soon as our team designer saw this, he immediately started applying it to clothing.”

The T-shirts and hoodies had the phrase "Keep Calm and Get Perfect Common Sense" written in flowing script.

Above the phrase was the channel logo of Pertube.

“Huh? Where have I seen this design?”

“Oh, you know. The Keep Calm series has a lot of variety. This is a design that sells well.”

“This might not seem so bad to the average person. If someone who doesn’t know sees it, they’ll just think it’s a nice phrase.”

The team leader smiled broadly at Park Joo-ho's addition.

“Oh, that’s a really good point. That feeling that only those who know know, but no one else knows! That’s important! If you reveal too much, it can be burdensome to the fans.”

“Ah… that’s right.”

Lee Kyung-bok nodded as he recalled the image of his friend waving a cheering stick while armed with merchandise.

“What I really like is that Purple-nim’s memes are rarely excessive. In addition, Purple-nim’s monthly events, OTP and Over The Perfect, are also good. Even people who don’t know can tell that these have good meanings, right? Purple-nim’s naming sense is so good that choosing them is a job.”

“Hahaha, thank you.”

Lee Kyung-bok smiled with gratitude and satisfaction.

“It’s not so much my fault as it is my good friends and fans.”

It was thanks to him reflecting on the help he received from those around him, knowingly or unknowingly.

* * *

Around the same time, at the headquarters of the broadcasting platform 'Try'.

There, Shoulder was holding an event planning meeting with the Try Marketing team.

“The broadcast will be broadcasted on official channels on both platforms. Yes, we have confirmed this to the end.”

After going over the details, the meeting was nearing its end.

“Thank you for your time.”

“Haha, no. I started the plan, so I have to do this much.”

Shoulder smiled and answered humbly. He soon sighed in relief and said.

“But it really works. It’s a platform battle between Serengeti and Try.”

“That’s why. I also don’t feel like it’s real to plan something face-to-face with Mr. Shoulder.”

“That’s right. Originally, I wasn’t allowed to set foot in this building.”

The staff laughed at the playful remark on his shoulder.

“But aren’t you one of the pillars that supports the Serengeti? You can at least put your feet in it.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t be able to say something like that if you saw our room leader in person. He clearly distinguishes between public and private matters.”

“Oh, I’ve heard about it step by step. Serengeti is very strict about managing partners. We’re not that strict. If you move to our side, you won’t have to go through all this trouble.”

Shoulders responded with a deep smile to the employee's half-joking, half-serious words.

“But that’s not right. I’ve received so much help from Serengeti so far. And there are viewers too.”

At that firm answer, the employee smiled awkwardly and waved his hand.

“Oh, of course. The common denominator among successful streamers is that they prioritize their viewers. I can see why you, Shoulder, are successful.”

“Well, there is no such thing as absolute in this world.”

"yes?"

Shoulder answered with a mixture of joking and seriousness, just like the employee from before.

“Who knows? If the Tri side promises more support than Serengeti has given so far, I might change my mind.”

“Ahaha…”

At those words, the employee simply laughed and coughed.

“Ahem, it’s amazing that this project passed.”

“So, you don’t usually have platform wars unless there is corporate sponsorship?”

“Yes, I think there had to be some kind of mediation in the middle for the negotiations to be successful.”

This isn't the first time that streamers from the two platforms have gone head-to-head, but all previous events have been hosted by sponsors rather than hosted by the platforms themselves.

The names Serengeti and Try were merely intended to indicate the origins of the participating streamers.

“I don’t know what the representatives from our side and Serengeti side discussed, but it seems like they have made a big decision.”

But this time, things were different.

Although it was planned by Shoulder, the organizers were clearly from both platforms, and the participating streamers were also clearly marked as 'platform representatives'.

It was an event battle that clearly stated that it was a battle between 'platforms'.

“I think it’s all thanks to the legend of Metal Punch, Shoulder-nim.”

“Well, it would be a lie to say no, but it would also be a lie to say that it was 100% my fault.”

Shoulders laughed and pointed to the clause in the plan.

“Because if Purple-nim doesn’t participate, the plan will be scrapped.”

The common condition presented by both platforms was 'participation in streamer Purple's event'.

The employee gave an embarrassed smile in response and shook his shoulder.

“No, I’m rather happy about it. I also think it would be meaningless if Purple-nim didn’t participate. The fact that the Metal Punch board has been turned upside down right now is thanks to him.”

“Ahem, thank you for understanding. Please help me.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

It was also the planner's job to persuade Purple. Having run several competitions, he understood the inside story.

'It's the same for Try. They probably don't want to create unnecessary problems.'

When a platform directly recruits a specific streamer, there is bound to be noise about preferential treatment.

This required the shoulders to step forward and recruit streamers to participate, and the platform to 'acknowledge' them.

'In that sense, choosing a representative this time is a bold decision from the platform's perspective.'

For such a cautious platform to be recognized as a 'representative' meant taking on a certain level of risk.

'So, I definitely have to convince Purple.'

If I fell this time, it would be a chance I would never get again. My shoulders were fired up with motivation once again.

* * *

Late afternoon.

The goods meeting that lasted a full four hours has finally come to an end.

“Whoa, thank you for your hard work!”

“Thank you very much.”

Lee Kyung-bok and Park Joo-ho politely thanked the team leader.

“Oh, no. I’m more grateful. Thanks to you two actively sharing your opinions, I’m overflowing with ideas!”

The team leader expressed his gratitude to the two people even more earnestly.

“But as I mentioned here and there, it would be difficult to make goods with all the ideas that came out today.”

At first glance, it seemed like a contradiction to what had been said before. However, neither of them misunderstood its meaning.

“If sales per item increase, profits increase. I remember this saying.”

“Well, I think it would be better to sell the ideas that came out today in several installments. If there are too many products, they will be scattered.”

It was thanks to not forgetting that it was business after all.

Rather, all the ideas that came out of the meeting were good, so there was a need to put limits on them.

“Thank you so much for understanding. I’ve been planning goods for a long time, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun.”

Both of them laughed at the team leader's words.

“Now all that’s left is to select the goods to be sold in the first round.”

“Umm… Team leader.”

The team leader immediately turned his eyes at Lee Kyung-bok's call.

“Yes, please feel free to speak.”

“Well, if it’s okay with you, could I get a quick prototype of the product? I think it would be good to show it to the viewers and then prioritize it.”

The team leader was delighted at those words.

“Oh! Of course. If it’s not a prototype but a draft, we can make it right away. If we reflect the opinions of actual users, it will be easier to choose.”

"thank you."

“Yes, yes, I will send you the blueprint by business email as soon as it is completed.”

After finishing the meeting, the two got back into the car after being seen off.

As soon as Lee Gyeong-bok sat down, he took a deep breath.

“Wow, this is harder than broadcasting.”

“It’s definitely not an easy task.”

“Still, I feel a little proud.”

Although I was a little tired, a smile naturally spread across my lips.

“Because I think viewers will like it.”

Surprisingly, it wasn't an abstract imagination. It was because there had already been reactions from Cho Dae-han and Madman.

Park Joo-ho was smiling at him at the moment he was about to start the car.

"hey."

"why?"

“I know you must be tired, but I think you should check this right away.”

While Lee Kyung-bok was wondering about this, Park Joo-ho moved his hand. Along with that, an email was projected in front of Lee Kyung-bok.

"this?"

He quickly scanned the contents of the email and expressed his surprise.

“Is this real and not a fake?”

“If you look at the email address, it really is you, Mr. Shoulder.”

The email was an invitation to a platform competition sent directly from Shoulder. It contained information about the event competition and asked that I contact him at any time through a convenient channel.

“What Triple-nim said was true…”

“I guess you know Mr. Shoulder that well. Anyway, what are you going to do? It’s a big game if it’s a platform battle.”

When Park Joo-ho asked while driving, Lee Kyung-bok rolled his eyes. Soon, a smile appeared on his face reflected in the car window.

“Wouldn’t it be more fun if it were a bigger plate?”

“I knew it.”

“This kid, is he responding too quickly? Didn’t I say I would do it?”

"then?"

“The bigger the board, the more carefully you have to make your decisions.”

When Park Joo-ho asked, Lee Kyung-bok smiled even more deeply.

“I think it would be better to meet and talk.”