The Divine Genius’s Game Broadcasting Chapter 49

Episode 49 – GGG Meeting (2)

The car carrying Lee Kyung-bok and Park Joo-ho drove smoothly down the road.

“I was just trying to attract inflow, but I ended up hooking a big fish.”

Lee Kyung-bok said as he checked the email sent from GGG again. Park Joo-ho nodded in agreement.

“The quality of the bait was different. It was so good that I couldn’t just let it pass.”

“But doesn’t it feel a bit rushed? I think advertising contracts are usually confirmed in one day.”

“I guess it’s one of two cases.”

“What is that?”

Park Joo-ho answered, lightly adjusting his glasses.

“You may have already been on the list of recruits prepared by ‘GGG’. They must have been keeping track of the community trends as well. They must have known about the merger with Genome, since they’ve often talked about it.”

“Ahem, then what about the second one?”

“Someone powerful in GGG was watching you.”

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes. Given the speed of processing, I think the latter is more likely. Maybe it’s both.”

Park Joo-ho skillfully displayed a hologram with one hand while driving.

“If you look at the email, it says that it’s a proposal for a confidential event, and that it’s not a simple advertisement. I think that’s probably why they asked me to come to the headquarters in person.”

“Is it different from when I was a barker… … .”

In a case like Biocrisis, a visit by an employee would have been sufficient. However, GGG requested that Lee Kyung-bok visit the headquarters.

“Well, you’ll know when you go.”

“There’s no tension at all.”

“Why should you be nervous?”

“That’s what you were like originally.”

Park Joo-ho burst out laughing.

Lee Kyung-bok rarely showed any anxiety or nervousness when doing something new. Rather, he showed interest and enthusiasm more often.

'In that sense, being a streamer might be this guy's calling.'

Streamers are a profession that is sensitive to trends, and if they cannot accept change, they will be eliminated.

* * *

The two people who arrived at the headquarters were immediately guided to the meeting room.

“This way.”

"thank you."

As the two people who expressed their gratitude to the staff for their kindness entered, the three people who had been waiting stood up at the same time.

“Oh, streamer Purple?”

“Yes, that’s right. This is my manager.”

“Thank you so much for coming, even though it was a sudden request. Oh, please take a seat first.”

As the two people took their seats, the three of them introduced themselves.

“Nice to meet you. I am the head of the planning team… … .”

“I am the development team leader… … .”

“I was surprised because you were more handsome than I thought. I’m the marketing team leader… … .”

They were the heads of the planning team, development team, and marketing team. Park Joo-ho's eyes widened at their introduction.

'Three team leader-level personnel came?'

Judging from his appearance, I thought he had some sort of position, but I never thought he was a team leader.

He looked back at his friend, slightly nervous.

But Lee Gyeong-bok was just smiling brightly and leisurely as usual.

“Originally, we would have come to you and proposed a contract, but today we had no choice but to invite you to the headquarters. Thank you again for your understanding.”

Lee Kyung-bok waved his hand at the marketing team leader's words.

“No, thanks to that, I was able to go sightseeing outside and it was nice. Since I was only doing broadcasts, I didn’t have any reason to go out of the neighborhood.”

“Oh, your broadcasting is really great. Isn’t it?”

“Yes, I was really surprised when I saw the Pertube video.”

“Even from a developer’s perspective, I wondered if this kind of movement was even possible.”

The atmosphere became more relaxed as the story about Pertube began. After chatting for a while, the main topic gradually came up.

“The reason we invited Purple is because we are planning a pre-experience broadcast for promotional purposes and are looking to recruit influencers.”

“Is this a pre-experience?”

“Yes, this is the part I told you in the email that was confidential. We are currently developing a new event mode.”

Gunnerground has periodically introduced 'event' modes with special rules.

The planning team leader continued his explanation while looking at the other two.

“This event mode is called ‘Time Warfare.’ It’s an attempt to change up the gameplay that focuses on modern warfare.”

The development team leader immediately launched a holographic presentation. A three-dimensional image video appeared in the center of the table.

“Robot… …?”

Park Joo-ho said with a slight frown. What appeared before his eyes was a human-shaped machine.

“Yes, that’s right. It’s an NPC named ‘Killeroid’. This event mode will introduce a third enemy, the Killeroid, into the existing player-versus-player battles.”

Originally, Gunner Ground was player versus player, or 'PvP', but the event mode was planned to be 'PvPvE' by adding hostile environmental elements.

“According to the setting, it is a killing machine from the future that was created to eliminate old-time humans.”

“Oh, it’s something like ‘The Eliminator.’”

When Lee Kyung-bok mentioned a movie with a similar setting, the planning team leader smiled and nodded.

“Yes, that’s where I got my inspiration. Of course, that doesn’t mean I turn into liquid metal or anything. Instead, I use future weapons.”

As the planning team leader moved his fingers, the image changed. Weapons that looked like science fiction were lined up.

“Pulse rifle, railgun, laser sword… … .”

“These are the items that drop when you kill a Killeroid. Of course, since they are so powerful, they are not easy to obtain. As a machine, Killeroids are not easily killed, and they were designed to be enemies that can be eliminated by multiple players working together.”

“Wow, this is really different.”

As Lee Kyung-bok spoke with shining eyes, the corners of the lips of the planning team leader and development team leader twitched.

Although they were salaried workers, they were also creators. There was no creator who was not happy when his or her creations received attention.

“Yes. That’s why we’re planning to hold a pre-release experiential broadcast for the event mode, and we’re contacting you to invite you to participate.”

On the other hand, the marketing team leader was far from that type. She took advantage of the positive atmosphere and immediately handed over the contract.

'Did you tell me to come to headquarters because the event mode information might be leaked? But is this really something that a team leader needs to get involved in?'

The moment Park Joo-ho looked at the contract with a puzzled look.

“And there’s one more thing I’d like to suggest just to you, Purple.”

The marketing manager pulled out another contract and put it up.

“Just for me?”

“Yes. Development Team Leader?”

“Oh, yes yes.”

The development team leader gave a short cough and brought up a new hologram. There was a complex graph on the outside and a triangle in the center.

[Body Control]

[Color ability]

[Reaction time]

The letters written at the vertices of each triangle.

“As I just said, Killeroids must be far more skilled than other players. What you’re seeing here is the average data from our Gunner Ground players.”

“Just to avoid any misunderstanding, I’d like to say this in advance. The collection of player data is clearly stated in the terms and conditions. We use this data as a basis for balance patches.”

Lee Kyung-bok and Park Joo-ho simply nodded at the planning team leader's addition. How many people would read and remember all of the dozens of pages of membership terms and conditions?

“And this is the average data for the top 5%, Master rank players.”

The development team leader floated another, larger triangle next to it. It was noticeably different from the first one.

“The overall average and the master ranker data show a difference of roughly 3 times or more.”

“Based on this data, we plan to set the Killeroid to a level where even a Master Ranker would have a hard time catching it alone. If it becomes easy for even a Master Ranker to catch it, then the Master Ranker would end up monopolizing the event items.”

Since it was an event mode, MMR would be newly applied and players of various ranks would be mixed in one game. If the master rankers were to sweep up the items, other players would inevitably become dissatisfied.

“So originally, I was going to build the killeroid’s behavioral patterns using data from the top 1% of skilled players… … .”

“That’s when Purple-sama appeared!”

The planning team leader and the development team leader looked at Lee Kyung-bok with sincere eyes.

“Me?”

“Yes. Seriously, I can’t tell you how surprised I was when I first saw this.”

The development team leader, his voice slightly quickened, floated the third triangle.

[ID – Perfect Play]

[Percentile – 0.00001%]

A triangle large enough to fill all three corners, with Lee Kyung-bok's ID and percentile written on top of it.

“At first, I thought that a hack had finally appeared in virtual reality.”

“Or maybe it was a bug in the data collection software.”

“Yes, really. That’s why I almost came back last night on my way home from work.”

The two team leaders laughed, thinking it was a joke. However, when they realized that they were the only ones laughing, they quickly changed the mood with a cough.

“But when I watched the video released yesterday, it wasn’t an error at all.”

“Yes. Well, I was just playing a game. But why are you showing me this data?”

Lee Kyung-bok asked with a smile.

The marketing team leader, who had been silent, thought this was the moment and stepped forward.

“We would like to purchase and use Purple’s data.”

“Are you buying it?”

“Yes. I think it would be good to transplant Purple’s behavior patterns into the final boss and killeroid of this event mode.”

Lee Kyung-bok opened his eyes wide.

This was because the concept of buying and selling behavioral patterns was unfamiliar to him. After the team leaders finished their detailed explanations, Lee Kyung-bok looked back at his friend.

“I’ll go talk to you separately for a moment and then come back.”

“Oh, yes yes.”

Lee Kyung-bok left the room with Park Joo-ho.

"how is it?"

“In simple terms, I’m saying I want to buy your experience.”

"experience?"

Park Joo-ho explained to him in a low voice.

“Do you remember the anatomy lesson? At that time, I said that Genome bought and used the weapons of the dummies.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Genome's words flashed through Lee Kyung-bok's mind.

'This is the motion capture source of real martial arts masters.'

With the introduction of virtual reality, personal experiences are also considered assets. This is because the abstract concept of experience can be replaced with the material concept of data.

This meant that Lee Kyung-bok's genius skills could also become a product.

“The amount is 10 million won and the period of use is 30 days after the event mode ends.”

Park Joo-ho finished reviewing the contract while Lee Kyung-bok listened to the explanation.

“… … Ten million won?”

“Yeah. It was a bigger deal than I thought. The pre-experience broadcast contract was 5 million won, calculated based on the number of Q-Tube subscribers. Not bad.”

The contract was worth a total of 15 million won.

Park Joo-ho was harsh, but he did not advise further. After all, it was Lee Kyung-bok who had to make the decision.

'Something is subtle.'

Lee Kyung-bok looked at the three team leaders again.

I felt a positive vibe from the planning team leader and the development team leader. However, the feeling I got from the marketing team leader was ambiguous.

It's not a bad thing, but I feel a bit reluctant to do it together.

He thought for a moment and then went back into the room. Soon, the three people's eyes were focused on him.

“Thank you for your suggestion.”

A smile appeared on the faces of the three people at Lee Kyung-bok's answer. But soon their expressions changed.

“I guess this is the first time this has happened. I need more time to think about it. If there is another suitable candidate, you can sign the contract first.”

“Yes? No… … .”

"yes?"

The team leaders' faces turned red with embarrassment at that answer. However, Lee Kyung-bok paid no attention and greeted them with a smile.

“Thank you for your suggestion. Well, I’ll contact you again later.”

“Oh, yes yes.”

“Take a look.”

“I will wait for your reply!”

The three team leaders saw them off with a stubborn farewell. After the two people disappeared, the planning team leader and development team leader turned their attention.

“Ha, this is… … .”

“… … Let’s go.”

At their words, the marketing team leader hardened his face and walked away. The place where the three arrived was the development director's office.

The manager welcomed the three people who entered with a knock.

“Oh, yeah. How did it go?”

“I, that’s… … .”

There was no need to explain it in words. He guessed the result by looking at the team leaders' expressions.

“Huh, what was the problem? You said the event mode wasn’t that great?”

“No, no. It was very positive.”

“Really? Then what, is it because you feel burdened or something?”

“That doesn’t seem to be the case. He was confident and didn’t seem embarrassed or anything when we praised him.”

“Well, from what I’ve seen on TV, that guy has that kind of personality.”

The development manager nodded, then wrinkled his nose and looked back at the marketing team leader.

“The only thing left is money. Let’s leave and leave Team Leader Choi alone.”

At those words, only the marketing team leader was left in the room. As the door closed, the development manager opened his mouth with one chin resting on his hand.

“I know what Team Leader Choi is thinking. I understand that the business office cut the estimate I made. Oh, it would be good if the costs were reduced. Do you think I want to spend the company’s money for no reason?”

"……sorry."

“No, what are you sorry about? If you were sorry, would that friend come back and sign the contract again?”

The marketing team leader kept his mouth shut. The development manager snickered at that sight and tapped his fingers lightly on the desk.

“That’s true. I wish the developers would listen to my opinions on the resources needed to make a game, but it doesn’t work out that way. Huh? Because they look at things differently. We look at the experience that the streamer has, but the business department only looks at numbers.”

Although his tone was gentle, the marketing team leader swallowed dryly.

“But what if the development schedule is delayed if the data is not transferred? Who will compensate for the loss? And who will get the blame? Huh?”

“I’m sorry… … .”

“No, why do you keep apologizing? If you ask a question, you should answer. Okay? Without that guy’s data, Killernoid is just a player with a strong body. I clearly told you that he is irreplaceable. It’s rare to have data on him fighting that many players on his own, so pay special attention to him. Okay?”

That was the reason why the development director chose streamer Purple. There were streamers and players who had taken on multiple opponents on their own.

However, Purple was the only one who achieved complete victory against many enemies.

“What should we do now? Should we just roughly average the data and release it? Oh, no. We can just buy external resources. Since we’ve come this far, let’s just buy Outlaw Universe stuff. They’re good at that. How much royalties do we have to pay for this?”

The development manager asked sarcastically.

This event mode was also intended to attract users from the competing game, Outlaw Universe.

And Gunnerground was also planned to show that it is possible to express a SF sensibility if you put your mind to it, and to gauge the possibility of expansion as a next work.

But in order to save some money, they lost valuable data. This is what penny wise, pound foolish, is supposed to mean.

“I will visit again in person… … .”

“Okay, okay, okay. Tsk, I’ll tell the higher-ups, so just raise the deposit to 30 million won and pass it on again.”

The development director said, clicking his tongue.

Blaming the marketing team leader was not a solution; it was just an outlet for venting one's anger.

"……all right."

* * *

Meanwhile, on the way back, Park Joo-ho had a question.

'It was a pretty good offer, but what didn't you like?'

It was difficult for him to guess why his friend had refused. Lee Kyung-bok also did not bother to explain.

It was at that time that a new email arrived from GGG.

"huh?"

Park Joo-ho displayed a holographic contract. Lee Kyung-bok smiled as he looked at the revised contract.

“Hey, you’re giving me 30 million won? Then I should do it.”

“Huh… …What all of a sudden?”

Park Joo-ho immediately turned his eyes to his friend.

“What on earth did you do?”

“What are you doing? You saw it all from the side, didn’t you?”

Lee Kyung-bok immediately burst into laughter and said.

“Well, it was a step back from the ominous side.”

“… … Was that a good step?”

Park Joo-ho shook his head, letting out a hollow laugh.

“I think I should consult a tax accountant a little earlier than I thought.”

“Tax accountant?”

“Yes. Because you can make so much money. If you do something wrong, you could get hit with a tax bomb.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to ask Genom-nim.”

“Well, that wouldn’t be bad either. There may be differences among tax accountants, so it would be good to get a recommendation.”

Lee Kyung-bok nodded his head and smiled at Park Joo-ho's words.

“There are more reasons to do well in this merger.”