Video Game Tycoon in Tokyo-Chapter 809: Rediscovering the Feeling of Youth

Masaru Ota looked at Takayuki and said, "Takayuki, do you still remember what it felt like when you first started creating games?"

The feeling of creating games in the very beginning?

Takayuki thought for a moment.

Back then, it was just him and Airi Hayasawa working day and night in an attic, trying to create the first version of their game console. At the same time, he also developed the first Super Mario game.

That really was a wild period.

He was fearless, thinking only about bringing the best video games into this world.

"Of course I remember. That's something I'll never forget for the rest of my life."

Masaru Ota continued, "And then? After you created the console and the game, what did you do?"

"Back then? Airi and I went to the nearby park and showed kids how to play video games ourselves."

"Then you must remember the kids' reactions?"

Takayuki nodded. "Of course I do."

As he nodded, he seemed to guess what Ota was about to say next.

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"I've been thinking a lot lately. I feel like our success in game development has come a long way, but we've started to forget that original feeling. I think maybe we should go back to grassroots marketing again. This time, however, our target won't just be kids — it'll be adults, who make up a much larger demographic. And we'll reach them with top-tier games."

As he spoke, Masaru pulled out a city map from his bag.

It was a map of the greater Tokyo area.

On the map, he had marked several locations with a marker pen.

These included the busiest parts of Minato Ward and areas like Akihabara.

"I recently took a team to scout out these locations. These are the places with the highest foot traffic among working adults. Most of them finish work, grab drinks with their bosses and coworkers, and then head home. But I don't think their nightlife has to be limited to drinks and socializing. Sometimes, video games can also offer a fun and affordable way to unwind. We could set up mobile gaming stations along their routes home in the evening, offering free drinks and snacks to draw them in. I believe it could be a very effective form of promotion."

Takayuki listened carefully.

In his mind, a vivid picture was already forming.

Office workers, tired after a long day, heading out for drinks around 8 or 9 p.m., suddenly come across a pop-up booth on the street — free drinks, and all they need to do is try out the latest video games.

"Takayuki, honestly, ever since I saw those cutting-edge games we've been developing, I realized — this is the kind of thing that truly draws people in. It's like watching a blockbuster movie. Who would say no? Plus, we can do cross-promotions with movies and anime — tie-in games. With your level of skill, making adaptation games shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Takayuki nodded and gestured, "Go on."

"Adapted works often come with their own built-in fan bases. Just like when you created the Final Fantasy VII movie adaptation. You've always been cautious about adapting games into movies and novels, but we can take on some adaptation projects ourselves. These already-established fan bases could help us draw in people who wouldn't normally play video games."

It was a solid idea.

Takayuki narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

He was genuinely moved by the vision Masaru was laying out.

If this worked, Gamestar Electronic Entertainment could once again expand into new areas — a new avenue for revenue.

He now had the ability to produce games at an industrial scale.

If that capability were only used for in-house projects, it would be a waste.

Taking on adaptations would be a win-win.

Just like in his original world, Bandai thrived on anime tie-in games, raking in money from loyal fans.

Even when the quality was poor, the games rarely lost money.

But if the adaptations were made with mature, industrialized processes, they'd have a guaranteed quality floor.

Back in his original world, Takayuki had also been one of those fans paying for every adaptation game.

One Punch Man, Gundam, One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer — even knowing they were cash grabs, he'd still buy them just to feel what it was like to control his favorite characters.

Most of those games were... questionable in quality.

Bandai was never exactly a top-tier game publisher. Their games were inconsistent, with massive gaps between highs and lows.

Sometimes Takayuki thought, "At least if they were formulaic, they wouldn't be this bad."

But there was nothing he could do about it back then.

This world, however, was different.

"Adaptation games sound promising. I'll definitely consider it," Takayuki said, approving Masaru's suggestion.

Masaru quickly added, "And what about the grassroots campaign? Wouldn't it be great to relive that feeling from ten years ago? Imagine promoting our adaptation games in pop-up shops near anime or film stores — fans of those series would love it. Isn't that part of your vision to grow the player base?"

Takayuki's mind began working rapidly.

Masaru saw his moment and continued encouraging him, "To be honest, I've got a bit of personal motivation here too. I want to feel young again, just once — to bring back that fire. Don't worry, if the campaign doesn't work, I won't waste a single yen of the company's money. I'll stop immediately and pay out of my own pocket if needed."

Takayuki said, "There's no need to go that far."

"Then... does that mean..."

Takayuki smiled. "I approve. Whatever you need, just tell me. I'll make it happen."

"That's amazing!" Masaru said, full of excitement.