In Hayao Nakayama's office, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
A senior manager from the Market Department stood in front of the desk, reporting the latest market data with a serious expression.
"President, this is the latest report on the home game console market."
"Nintendo's FC still holds an absolute dominant position."
"Their super mario bros. has already sold over three million units and continues to top the charts."
"Kung Fu and Antarctic Adventure are also selling well."
"Sega's SG-1000's market share has further shrunk and has been left far behind by Nintendo."
"Furthermore, Nintendo has already resolved the hardware defects of early devices through replacement and upgrades, and software developers like Konami and Namco are developing games for the FC, so the FC basically has no shortcomings at the 8-bit game console level."
The Market Department manager's voice was low and helpless.
Nintendo's strong performance in the home console market made their competitors feel deeply powerless.
Hayao Nakayama's face was grim, and his fingers tapped on the desk rhythmically.
He picked up the market report and quickly flipped through the data and charts.
The shocking numbers made him frown deeply.
Nintendo's FC was like an insurmountable mountain, standing in front of all competitors.
Their efforts in the home console market seemed to be in vain.
"Nintendo… Nintendo…"
Hayao Nakayama muttered to himself, his tone carrying a hint of anger and unwillingness.
...
Kyoto, Japan, Nintendo Headquarters.
Unlike the heavy atmosphere in Sega's office, the air here was filled with an almost self-evident, powerful confidence.
Hiroshi Yamauchi sat behind a large desk, an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, scanning the subordinates standing respectfully before him.
"Tell me, how were this month's results?"
His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
The subordinate bowed slightly, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.
"President, the FC's sales momentum remains strong."
"Konami's ported Antarctic Adventure and Kung Fu have been continuously selling well since their release, with cumulative shipments exceeding one million units each."
"Namco's pac-man, Hudson's Lode Runner, Taito's ported Macross… these major third-party titles have greatly enriched our game library and further consolidated the FC's dominant position in the home console market."
The name of each best-selling game was like a medal, attesting to Nintendo's glory.
The subordinate opened the report in his hand and continued.
"The software lineup for the second half of the year is even more anticipated."
"Konami's salamander, Hudson's Bomberman, Capcom's 1942… these highly anticipated arcade port blockbusters, as well as Namco's Tank Battalion, will all be released on the FC platform."
"At the same time, more third-party manufacturers have expressed strong willingness to cooperate and hope to join the FC's camp."
Hiroshi Yamauchi listened, a barely perceptible curve forming at the corner of his mouth.
Everything was under control.
The FC empire in Japan was impregnable.
He shifted his gaze from the report, thinking about another key point.
The North America market was a crucial part of his global strategy.
The shadow of the Atari crash still loomed over the North America game market; that was a lesson to be learned.
"Hmph." Hearing this, Hiroshi Yamauchi snorted lightly, seemingly mocking Atari for squandering a good hand. Atari was truly too arrogant; why would they think players would buy into their pile of shoddily made games, especially when they were aggressively pushing GG during the huge popularity of the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? A good movie combined with a fun game could have been double the joy, but instead, they defecated inside the beautiful cake box just as the players were about to open it!
Thinking of this, Hiroshi Yamauchi shook his head, casting aside these thoughts, and gestured for the subordinate, who had been interrupted by his disdainful snort, to report on the situation in North America. "How are the preparations for the NES in North America coming along?"
The subordinate immediately straightened up, his speech quickening.
"President, please rest assured, everything is proceeding strictly according to your instructions."
"Our external publicity consistently emphasizes that the NES is a 'Nintendo Entertainment System,' a home entertainment system, rather than simply a 'Video Game Console,' a game console."
"The exterior design also uses a low-key gray, and its shape is closer to a VCR, to minimize the resistance of North America consumers caused by the Atari shock."
The subordinate added.
"Currently, the American game market is in a huge vacuum period after the Atari shock."
"Consumers are completely disappointed with shoddily made games, but in reality, they also crave truly high-quality entertainment products. Our investigations in arcades in major cities like New York, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas confirm this point: good games are still popular with players."
"This is an excellent opportunity for our NES to enter and capture the market."
"Related market promotion, channel establishment, and launch game lineup preparations are all proceeding at full speed."
Hiroshi Yamauchi nodded slowly.
Avoiding risks, hitting pain points.
This was exactly what he wanted.
As the report was about to conclude, the subordinate seemed to recall something and added.
"Oh, President, regarding competitors…"
"Recently, there have been some rumors in the market that Sega seems to be making some small moves."
"I heard they spent 'no small sum' to purchase the rights to a… well… a puzzle game from the Soviet Union."
The subordinate's tone was somewhat understated, as if this was just irrelevant market noise.
"Sega?"
Hiroshi Yamauchi's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, as if briefly bothered by a fly.
"Soviet Union?"
"Puzzle game?"
These keywords combined made him feel a touch of absurdity.
Sega, which had repeatedly failed in the home console market, was actually betting on a game from the Soviet Union?
He almost burst out laughing.
How could a mere game shake the position of super mario bros.?
How could it compare to the magnificent blockbusters like Konami and Namco that were about to be released on the FC?
Whether in terms of quantity or quality, Hiroshi Yamauchi believed the outcome was without suspense.
In his view, Sega's struggle was merely the futile flailing of a drowning person. It was indeed correct to introduce third parties first.
Hiroshi Yamauchi cast aside those brief thoughts, refocusing on the grand blueprint before him.
"Ignore it."
He waved his hand, his tone carrying an undeniable decisiveness.
"Sega no longer poses a threat in the home console market."
"Our primary goal now is to ensure the NES makes a big splash in the North America market and thoroughly establish Nintendo's leading position in the global home console market."
"As for the rest… they are just irrelevant noises."
He stood up and walked to the window, looking down at the streetscape of Kyoto.
"Continue to closely monitor market dynamics, especially feedback from North America."
"Proceed steadily according to our plan."
"Yes!" The subordinate bowed in acknowledgment and exited the office.