The air in the study seemed to thicken with Hayao Nakayama's direct question.
Light spilled from under the shade of the green banker's lamp, casting alternating shadows and highlights on his composed face.
Takuya met his father's scrutinizing gaze, his earlier enthusiasm from expounding on grand strategies now settling down.
His straight back showed no sign of relaxation.
"Father, even the grandest blueprint needs to be realized step by step."
His voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable certainty.
"My personal top priority is to quickly come up with a new game project that can truly 'ignite the market'."
He didn't pause, continuing.
"This is not wishful thinking."
"In fact, during this time, I have already prepared several relatively complete game proposals."
"These proposals are not just focused on the present, but fully consider future technological developments, especially in line with the 16-bit console strategy I just mentioned."
Katsuya's eyes flashed with surprise, his gaze towards his younger brother becoming more complex.
He hadn't expected that while Takuya was busy with the tetris project, he was also concurrently conceptualizing entirely new proposals.
Takuya's gaze swept over his father and elder brother.
"The goal of these new games is not just profit."
"More importantly, they are to clearly demonstrate Sega's technical strength and innovative capabilities to the market, to players, and even to our competitors."
"We need to break the stereotype that Sega is rigid, hardcore, and one-track-minded, and build momentum and reputation in advance for the subsequent 16-bit console strategy."
He slightly adjusted his posture, leaning forward slightly.
"Isn't the arcade version of 'Hang-On,' led by Suzuki Yu, about to complete its final debugging?"
"That motorcycle racing game, which utilizes motion-sensing technology, is an excellent selling point in itself, proving that Sega's exploration of cutting-edge technology has never stopped."
"My new proposal hopes to go a step further on this basis."
After discussing his core tasks, he brought the topic back to the current project.
"As for the tetris that is about to be fully rolled out…"
The corner of his mouth curved into a meaningful smile.
"This game, especially the handheld version that we have high hopes for, which can be 'played anytime, anywhere,' will be an excellent 'weapon'."
"In conjunction with its popularity, I plan to strategically release some 'rumors' through certain media channels, or more covert unofficial channels."
Hayao's eyebrows moved almost imperceptibly, signaling him to continue.
"For example, hinting that Sega is secretly developing a new generation of arcade boards with performance far exceeding current levels."
"And for example, revealing that we have several 'epoch-making' new games in the pipeline, based on this advanced board."
Hayao Nakayama's brows furrowed slightly, seemingly weighing the pros and cons of this approach.
Takuya caught his father's expression, but he did not stop, continuing to speak.
"This is a 'warning shot'."
"We need to directly provoke Nintendo's nerves, which are already strained by the stalemate in the North American market."
"Given President Hiroshi Yamauchi's suspicious and extremely controlling personality, facing such potential technological threats from a direct competitor, and the possible market public opinion pressure, he might react in some way."
Takuya answered his own question, his tone carrying a hint of calculation.
"After all, Nintendo's royalty system exercises too much control over third-party developers, raising royalty thresholds, limiting development quantities, shifting risks, and even manipulating cartridge supply. With Hiroshi Yamauchi's desire for control, attempting to firmly grasp all 'unstable factors' to consolidate his 'Nintendo Empire,' in his eyes, third parties are merely more advanced pawns."
The air in the study seemed to become sharper because of these words.
"Once Nintendo truly does this, overreacting, then it will play right into our hands."
"We can seize this opportunity to amplify the conflict between Nintendo and its third-party developers through various means, thoroughly igniting those long-suppressed resentments."
"This will not only create excellent ground for our subsequent 'divide and conquer' strategy, but may even attract some developers who are already dissatisfied, or who have strength but are suppressed, to actively draw closer to us."
After listening to Takuya's detailed plan for a public opinion and psychological warfare using tetris, Hayao's finger, which had been tapping the armrest, stopped.
In his deep eyes, a rare, almost imperceptible gleam of approval flashed.
This proactive approach, even with a hint of "conspiracy," was far more sophisticated than simply waiting for market feedback, and more in line with the aggressiveness he hoped to see when dealing with his old rival, Nintendo.
However, after the brief approval, the caution characteristic of a business magnate once again took over.
"Using existing resources to build momentum and provoke the opponent's nerves, the idea is good."
Hayao's voice deepened, as if the previous approval had never appeared.
"But, Takuya."
His gaze was as sharp as a knife, piercing directly.
"Although the two-player Versus tetris you previously led had a decent market response, in essence, it was still a modification and optimization based on an already proven successful work."
"That was more of a 'clever trick,' an embellishment."
His words carried no emotion, yet each word was weighty.
"Conceiving a strategy is one thing, but truly starting from scratch and leading the development of a successful, especially large-scale, original game that can define the market landscape, that is an entirely different field."
"You need extremely precise judgment of market demand, strong leadership to integrate and drive the development team, and a clear understanding and control over the countless risks during the project process."
Hayao leaned forward slightly, and an invisible pressure permeated the air.
"You are too young, Takuya."
"Within the company, you lack sufficient experience and prestige to manage a large, complex original project."
"Why would those experienced Ministers and senior producers fully trust your judgment and invest huge resources to realize your seemingly 'epoch-making' ideas?"
These words directly hit the core practical problem—no matter how perfect a strategic concept, it ultimately comes down to "people" and "execution."
Katsuya's eyes also showed some worry as he looked at his younger brother.
His father's doubts were not unfounded; this was indeed Takuya's biggest weakness at the moment.
Silence fell upon the study once more.
Facing his father's merciless questioning, Takuya's face showed no trace of retreat or discouragement.
He calmly met the sharp, hawk-like gaze, his eyes instead openly revealing a self-confidence that yearned to prove himself.
He knew that empty talk was useless; only by producing tangible results could he dispel his father's doubts and earn true trust and support.
"I understand Father's concerns."
Takuya's voice was clear and firm, resonating in the quiet study.
"Talking on paper is always shallow. My proposal will answer your doubts."
He paused, his gaze burning as he looked at Hayao.
"Next week, the company will hold its regular development planning seminar. At that time, I will bring concrete, detailed original game proposals and formally report to you and to all the seniors in the development department."
"Please, wait and see."