Chapter 58: The American Gamers
January 1, 1988
It was a New Year's Day holiday, and I was at home, catching up on the latest gaming trends through my Game & Watch.
Five years had passed since the release of the Family Computer, and it was now in the twilight of its glory, rather than its heyday. Each new game release maintained a certain level of quality. However, the industry was shifting away from the easy-to-enjoy games we were used to, introducing challenging RPGs and ultra-difficult games that added a bit of stress to our gaming sessions.
Games like "Dragon Emblem" and Capcom's side-scrolling action games "Rockman" and "Demon Knight" were known for their challenging nature. Particularly, "Demon Knight" was infamous for its terrifying BGM and never-ending zombie hordes. Some players couldn't even make it past the first stage and gave up in frustration.
"Demon Knight. Yeah, that game was ridiculously hard."
"Rockman was manageable if you learned the boss patterns, but Demon Knight, that was a game that made you want to smash your controller."
"But seriously, 'Super Mario Bros. 3' alone is overwhelming. Suddenly, the release date for 'Dragon Warrior 3' is upon us."
The comeback of a massive title that had already risen to the throne as a national RPG game had been decided. With the release dates of "Super Mario Bros. 3," "Dragon Warrior 3," and "Psychic Battle" all set relatively close to each other, the gaming industry was buzzing with anticipation.
For gamers, it was a festive time, but the simultaneous release of three major titles had everyone waiting impatiently.
However, "Dragon Warrior 3" was the first to launch its preemptive strike, with a release date set for February 10, 1988. Until last month, we had expected it to arrive in the spring of 1988, around April or May. Suddenly, it was announced for February 10th!
Ringing
"Hmm? Who could it be?"
I picked up the phone as it rang unexpectedly, and a familiar voice greeted me.
"Junhyuk, it's me!"
"Yuki?"
She sounded quite excited, as if something great had happened.
"I made it!"
"What happened?"
"The rookie writer contest! The idea you told me about got selected!"
"Oh, really?"
Wow, a mukbang concept worked at this time? That's impressive. I had just mentioned a drama I used to enjoy in 2015, and it was selected. It felt not only surreal but also amazing.
Even though I had been busy with work at the broadcasting station during Christmas and couldn't meet her, I was truly grateful for her immediate call after this good news.
"So, can we see a TV show created by Yuki soon?"
"Oh, no, it's not like that. This is just an idea contest for a new program. Winning doesn't mean the show will be produced immediately."
"I see, that's a bit disappointing, isn't it?"
"Still, getting a title as a rookie writer is a big achievement. The judges' response was positive, so with a bit more effort, I might be able to produce a drama."
"That's impressive. I hope you have more good things happening to you this year, Yuki."
"Oh, and I haven't greeted you for the New Year yet. Junhyuk. That, um, Sehe Bote Mani Badeyo?"
"A lot of wishes? Did you write down Korean New Year greetings like in a textbook?!" I burst into laughter at her unexpected, spontaneous New Year's greeting. Her voice on the other end of the line sounded a bit embarrassed.
"My pronunciation is strange, right? Korean is so difficult."
"Are you learning Korean nowadays?"
"Yes, but it's hard because there aren't many places to learn. I'm studying with Korean conversation books I found in bookstores."
"Self-study can be challenging, but if you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask me."
"Sure, I will. By the way, Junhyuk, are you staying home again today? It's New Year's, you know. You don't need to go to Korea?"
"Well, I have a lot of work to finish these days."
"I see. So, what are your plans for this weekend?"
"I don't have much to do on the weekend."
"How about coming to Kyoto this weekend?"
"Well, it's not impossible."
"I've been fortunate enough to win this contest, and I'd like to visit Kyoto for sightseeing. There's a lot to see in the Osaka area compared to Tokyo."
"That's true, but..."
"Do you not want to?"
"No, it's not that I don't want to. I'm actually relieved."
"Relieved?"
"Yes, relieved. In fact, I'll be going on a business trip to the United States next week."
"To the United States? Why? How long?"
If I answer all three questions at once, it might get confusing. I took a moment to organize my thoughts and then replied.
"I'll be staying for about a month to promote a new game release."
"For a month?"
"At least, you're lucky that you can come and see me."
"So, I'll definitely come this weekend. Please wait for me."
"Yes. When you arrive, let me know, and I'll be waiting in front of the station."
"All right then. Get some rest."
After ending the call with Yuki, I gazed at the passport I had left on my desk. This upcoming trip to the United States was primarily for market research on the Game Boy with Gunpei-san and promoting Psychic Battle. It wouldn't be as long as the last trip, for sure.
"I wonder how Ellis and Wilson are doing," I thought, smiling at the memories. Although we occasionally spoke over the phone, it had been three years since we met in person. So, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited.
Ellis had improved her Japanese significantly, speaking fluently and almost like a native Japanese speaker. According to Yamashita-san, the nuances she used in conversation made it seem like she might request a transfer back to the headquarters someday. I wondered what she was planning.
While promoting the game was crucial on this trip to the US, I also looked forward to new encounters. That's why I had planned a relatively extended schedule. Fortunately, Gunpei-san readily agreed that the longer the market research, the better. Well, for Gunpei-san, there was nothing wrong with accompanying me. He knew how picky I was about sleeping arrangements, so he would likely choose places that catered to my preferences.
"Chandra is doing great, but I need more talented game developers. There must be people in the US who I should bring to my side."
...
"Ugh... The United States? But you'll still attend the company's New Year's party, right? If you and Gunpei don't come, the party will lose its flair."
"Shige-san will be there. Plus, it's an internal party for our headquarters' employees. I don't really need to be there."
"This guy... I've heard that Smire will be coming, you know!"
"Actually, one of the reasons I'm going to the United States is because of her."
I forced out the words, my throat dry. I glanced at Gunpei-san next to me, and by the way his lips tightened, it was clear he was suppressing a laugh in front of Mr. Kamawuchi.
"Can't be helped. I promised to introduce her later. For now, business comes first. I'll be going next week, right? Take care."
"Yes. Have a safe trip, Mr. Kang."
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