The answer to the question about "Red Alert" didn't last long. After all, the audience's attention was already being pulled toward the latest updates on "Resident Evil 2" and "Metal Gear." Once John answered one or two questions about "Red Alert: World War," he smiled and stepped confidently onto the stage, calmly facing the camera.
"The next piece of news we're bringing you," John said with a knowing smile, "I believe everyone has already guessed. Yes, it's 'Resident Evil 2.'"
As John's words fell, the employees of PixelPioneers Studio, who had already fully immersed themselves in their roles, instinctively timed their cheers and applause perfectly. The moment the words "Resident Evil 2" were spoken, thunderous applause erupted like rolling waves, accompanied by cheers fueled purely by excitement.
Simultaneously, the audience watching the live broadcast was swept up in the electric atmosphere. Chat flooded the streaming platform nonstop as viewers expressed their uncontrollable enthusiasm. Finally! This is what we've been waiting for!
"Resident Evil 2!" The reporters present exchanged glances with the excited employees sitting in the front rows of PixelPioneers Studio.
No wonder President John had gone to study directing. So this was it, each of them essentially a reincarnated actor. Ordinary fans might not grasp the deeper implications, but game media reporters, being half-insiders, could see what was really going on. How else could such perfectly synchronized excitement and emotion be displayed?
"This will be a brand-new journey," John continued. "Everyone on the development team is already familiar with it. The project will be led by Martel, head of Mercury Studio."
Although rumors had circulated within the industry for some time, John's official announcement still drew gasps throughout the venue. Only Gemtech's representatives, watching the PixelPioneers Studio press conference, reacted with visibly mixed emotions.
On the top floor of Gemtech's headquarters, the broadcast played silently. Camron watched John's announcement and saw Martel step onto the stage. His jaw twitched involuntarily. Mercury Studio wasn't truly top-tier within Gemtech, but it certainly wasn't weak either, a solid T2-level studio.
Moreover, Martel's personal ability within Gemtech was undeniable. He had previously been entrusted with leading a AAA project independently. Although the results were only satisfactory, it was his first time handling such a scale, and his capabilities still earned recognition.
When Mercury Studio followed PixelPioneers Studio to develop "The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," Gemtech had been genuinely optimistic. At the same time, sending Martel was also a form of advanced training, an opportunity for him to learn something substantial.
After all, the true development costs of Skyrim had been borne by PixelPioneers. Even if the project failed, Gemtech wouldn't suffer the loss. Meanwhile, Martel could gain invaluable experience in true AAA development. It was a win-win situation.
But he had never imagined that the team under his command would be gone for good. Not only did they fail to return, but Martel had also taken a whole group from Mercury Studio. Fine, Mercury Studio was founded by him, so taking people away was understandable.
Thinking of the recent work report submitted by personnel, he felt a sharp pang in his chest. But his bitterness was lost on the viewers watching the broadcast. They were far more eager to see what "Resident Evil 2" would deliver, especially after the explosive reveal of "Red Alert: World War."
Looking at the enthusiastic employees and the media present, Martel, standing beside John on stage, smiled broadly.
"To be honest, I'm extremely excited to take over the development of 'Resident Evil 2,'" Martel said sincerely. "I truly love this story. However, I believe it's fitting that President John should be the one to introduce it. When it comes to the 'Resident Evil' series, no one is more qualified to speak for it than its creator."
His tone was full of admiration, and his words brimmed with praise. Martel didn't hesitate, he went straight for the flattery.
In other circumstances, such open praise would have been both pleasant and effective, especially coming from someone like Martel.
But now, the smile on John's face froze instantly. Was this a disaster? What exactly was the current progress of "Resident Evil 2"? It was slightly ahead of Metal Gear, but at best, they were still in the early stages. What was he supposed to introduce? You're getting carried away! How dare you set such a huge trap for your boss!?
John covertly shot Martel a glance. Martel, however, squinted innocently at the ceiling once the camera shifted away. There was no choice, at a moment like this, he couldn't admit he knew nothing. That would just be public infighting. Fine. He'd handle it himself. After all, he was the boss.
The capable suffer more, John consoled himself inwardly.
"I won't say too much," John finally declared. "'Resident Evil 2' will undergo a major evolution in gameplay. Thrills and tension will remain its core. Compared to previous entries, we've added online cooperative functionality. Players will be able to control Leon, Ada, and new characters to face the crisis together."
As John revealed these gameplay features, cheers erupted once again from the employees, who had mastered the rhythm of the event perfectly. The viewers watching the broadcast shared their excitement, there was no doubt, this was the content they craved. Fighting zombies with friends was simply irresistible.
"As for the crisis players will face in this new title," John continued, "I believe the next trailer will give you the answer. And this trailer was personally edited by Martel himself."
John emphasized this point with deliberate clarity. As the stage lights dimmed, Leon's monologue echoed through the suddenly silent hall.
Martel, seated beneath the stage, felt his smile stiffen, just as John's had earlier.
The screen darkened, accompanied by flashback scenes from earlier 'Resident Evil' titles, as Leon's narration slowly played.
"1988… I will never forget that year. Several horrifying murders occurred in the mountainous region of Alec. It was later revealed they were caused by a viral experiment accident. The culprit was the renowned pharmaceutical company, Umbrella."
"The virus spread to Raccoon City near the mountains, delivering a devastating blow to the once-quiet city. Without hesitation, the President ordered Raccoon City's complete destruction to halt the virus's spread. The government then froze all of Umbrella's operations indefinitely. The company's stock collapsed, ultimately leading to bankruptcy."
On screen, Leon appeared, more mature and composed than in his earlier puppy-like youth.
"Over the past six years… I've undergone secret training under the President's special forces to protect the new President's family. But accidents always happen…"
A police car wound through mountain roads as rain streamed down the windows, Leon resting his chin against the glass.
Suddenly, the screen cut to black.
Amidst the cheers of the excited employees and the viewers, a seductive, voluptuous figure slowly appeared on the screen, accompanied by dangerously tempting words.