Chapter 39: I Heard You Need A Flagship Game

Translator: Daoist6fubtiW

Unlike the midnight in the Greater Xia region, Elvin was sitting at the dining table, enjoying a delicious lunch.

He opened the video Carter had sent him, featuring Shen Keke’s narration, images, and audio.

In addition to the video, there was a high-definition enlarged image directly downloaded from Shen Keke’s social account as the game cover.

The image was even more stunning than the video, capturing the clear details that were slightly blurry in the video.

The city under the moonlit night seemed to have perished, and in the pitch-black streets, hidden corners held various beasts and monsters.

One image couldn’t capture the full scope of the game.

But even from just one image, he could sense the scent of a plague.

The hazy clouds under the moonlit night seemed more like an ongoing plague, mixed with fear and despair.

“Is this the game-related image released by Black Star?” Elvin called his friend as soon as he finished watching the video.

“Yes, according to him, this is his next game.” Carter’s voice held a restrained sense of pride.

Because this designer was someone he had believed in from the start.

“I can’t evaluate how his future games will turn out, but the tension portrayed in this image is incredible!” The eerie moonlit night still lingered in Elvin’s mind, and a strong smell of blood seemed to waft through the air.

Just from the displayed side of the image, he glimpsed the fallen glory of an ancient city.

It looked like—

The cursed streets plagued by an epidemic.

“I told you! He’ll definitely not disappoint you!” Carter chuckled.

“I’m looking forward to meeting him in person.” Elvin nodded. By now, he was genuinely looking forward to meeting this newcomer in the game development industry.

Since the release of that image, discussions about Sprout Studio had never ceased outside.

Perhaps due to Sprout Studio’s continuous proofs of capability, people didn’t doubt them for merely displaying an image; they just wondered whether Black Star could truly execute the game well.

Ignoring the outside debates, Sprout Studio’s progress was proceeding methodically.

Currently, the studio had two project teams: one for Hollow Knight and the other for Blood Source Curse.

Only after completing Hollow Knight’s development would all resources be dedicated to the production of Blood Source Curse.

…

“Old scoundrel, are you free on Sunday? I want to introduce a friend to you.” Just as Elvin confirmed his schedule, Carter began coordinating a time with Ye Feng.

“No problem, I’m also looking forward to meeting your friend.” Ye Feng said with a smile.

Ye Feng knew Carter’s friend; before today, Carter had spoken a lot about his friend to Ye Feng.

In the gaming industry, Elvin was also a well-known figure, though Ye Feng knew about him, Elvin might not know about Ye Feng.

This meeting could accelerate his future plans if it went well.

As for the challenges Elvin currently faced, Ye Feng didn’t see them as significant issues; they were easily solvable.

Sunday, 5 p.m., the Hai Shi Grand Hotel.

All three were punctual individuals, arriving almost at the same time.

Walking in the middle of the two, Carter’s face flushed with excitement.

“Hey, buddy, ever since I started working in the Greater Xia, the time between our meetings has become quite long.” Carter held out his fingers, calculating the time he had been away from home.

Although the internet was convenient now, video chatting with a friend in person was incomparable!

Guided by the waiter, the trio entered the prepared private room. The waiter began bringing in the prepared food.

“Let me formally introduce you guys. This is a friend I met in the Greater Xia, Ye Feng.” Carter excitedly introduced his friends.

“He’s also the old scoundrel in players’ eyes, the black-hearted designer in players’ hearts.” Carter chuckled.

Just with a title, it was enough to showcase players’ fondness for Ye Feng.

“This is Elvin.” Carter proudly gestured towards Elvin. “He’s not just my lifelong friend; he’s also the CEO of Xbox.”

“Haha, don’t be fooled by his current position being higher than mine. But his situation is worse than mine now.” Carter didn’t mince words about revealing his friend’s status; after all, this wasn’t a secret. Anyone who had a bit of understanding would know Microsoft’s current situation.

“Carter, I’m not that bad off, and this situation was already present. It’s not my plan that pushed him to the brink.” Elvin laughed and spoke candidly; it was indeed true.

He subtly looked toward where Ye Feng sat, observing the young man’s expression after hearing all this. What would his reaction be when he realized that his situation was indeed as the online rumors said? Disdain or contempt?

To launch Xbox, they suffered losses exceeding four billion dollars. Xbox spared no expense in hardware specs and even used unconventional methods like subsidizing development funds and securing advertising revenue to compete for third-party resources.

Therefore, they wouldn’t run out of money or go under.

At most, it would be him facing difficulties. After he stepped down, they would appoint a new CEO.

“Hello, nice to meet you.” Elvin extended his right hand towards Ye Feng.

Ye Feng reached out his hand.

From his expression, Elvin didn’t see any impatience or negative emotions.

“Hahaha, I’m really glad—one lifelong friend and one new acquaintance.” Carter acted as the bridge between the two, boosting the atmosphere.

“One is the CEO of Xbox, the other is the rising star of the game development scene.”

“Sometimes I wonder, what kind of sparks would fly if you two were to collaborate? It’s bound to amaze the world!” Carter rubbed his hands together, his gaze constantly shifting between the two, as if invisible currents were passing between them.

“Mr. Elvin,” Ye Feng’s lips curled into a smile, looking up at the blond-haired, blue-eyed man sitting in front of him.

“I’ve heard that your next-generation console needs a flagship game to stabilize its position.”

“I’d like to compete for that opportunity.”