"Everyone," Takuya's gaze swept across the room, and his tone became impassioned, "I believe that fighting games possess immeasurable market potential."
"Firstly, from the most direct commercial benefit perspective, their fast-paced, high-intensity confrontations will inevitably lead to an extremely high 'coin-eating rate,' which is an irresistible temptation for our arcade operators."
This point immediately resonated with several executives in charge of marketing and operations present.
"But beyond that," Takuya changed the subject, pointing to a grander future, "the complex and skillful confrontations in fighting games naturally possess a competitive attribute."
"We can build a brand new concept around it—Esports!"
"Esports?" Another new term was thrown out.
"Yes, Esports!" Takuya emphasized, "Its concept is no different in essence from traditional sports competitions we are familiar with, such as football and basketball; the core is all about confrontation, skill, and victory."
"The only difference is that its arena is on the screen, the athletes are players, and the tools are joysticks and buttons."
"Imagine, if we can successfully promote fighting games, we can completely organize various scales of competitions in the future, from amateur street challenges to professional national championships, and even world championships!"
"The events themselves can attract a large audience, creating huge publicity effects and commercial value."
"And the popularity of the events, in turn, will greatly promote the popularity and vitality of the game, forming a virtuous cycle!"
The grand vision of Esports ignited the atmosphere in the conference room once again.
This had already exceeded the scope of simply developing a game; it depicted a brand new industrial ecosystem.
To add fuel to this potentially promising project, Takuya unleashed his final big move.
"To maximize the influence of the 'K' project, we must not only do a good job with the game itself."
"I plan to simultaneously produce a high-quality accompanying animation for this game!"
"Furthermore, I have already made initial contact with two top masters in the industry, hoping to invite them to join our project."
He paused, clearly speaking out two names.
"One is the famous Director Ooba Jutarou, known for his sharp action storyboards and excellent grasp of combat scenes!"
"The other is the Caruda Teacher Masami Kurumada, a cartoonist who has conquered countless readers with his tough and passionate art style and highly impactful character designs!"
Ooba Jutarou? Kurumada Masami?
As soon as these two household names were uttered, a suppressed gasp and discussion instantly erupted in the conference room.
Especially those who had some understanding of the animation and manga fields, their faces were filled with incredible excitement.
Inviting these two heavyweights to produce accompanying animation and character designs for a brand new arcade game?
This move was undeniably grand!
This not only proved Sega's emphasis on this "K" project but also indicated that the company intended to lay out more diversified pan-entertainment linkages beyond games, coupled with the previous Esports concept, the scope of the project was instantly elevated by more than one level.
Takuya's presentation concluded here.
He bowed slightly again and stepped aside.
The conference room first fell into a brief silence, as if digesting a huge amount of information.
A few seconds later, applause erupted like a tide, lasting for a long time.
It was no longer polite applause, but heartfelt approval and excitement.
"A remarkable concept!"
"The concept of fighting games is so interesting!"
"The technical approach is very clear, theoretically completely feasible!"
"Esports, this proposal is very forward-looking!"
"If we can really invite Director Ooba and Caruda Teacher, that would simply be…"
The leaders of the various development teams, at this moment, had no more doubts than before; they all spoke in admiration, their words full of strong interest in this new genre and new project.
Several senior managers also changed their previous reserve, with clear smiles of approval on their faces, and some even took the initiative to stand up and walk to Takuya, asking about some details in the project proposal.
The atmosphere of the entire conference room became warm and harmonious.
Those who had originally intended to watch a joke, or even prepare to "discipline" this young master, now looked at Takuya with only admiration and respect.
Hayao Nakayama maintained a calm smile throughout, silently listening to everyone's speeches.
It wasn't until the applause and discussions gradually subsided that he raised his hand and gently pressed it down.
The conference room quickly quieted down, and all eyes converged on the helmsman of Sega.
"It seems that everyone has a very high evaluation of the 'K' project proposed by Takuya." Hayao spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful.
He scanned around, his gaze lingering briefly on the faces of several core development team leaders and executives.
"If no one has any objections… then, I announce,"
He made the final decision without any hesitation.
"The new project 'K' is officially approved!"
"The specific development work will be handed over to…" His gaze fell on the leader of the Third Development Department, "Development Team Three."
The leader of Development Team Three, whose name was called, suddenly stood up, his face a complex expression of excitement, honor, and a hint of nervousness from the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.
"Yes! President! Our Team Three will go all out and will never disappoint your expectations!" he responded loudly, his voice slightly trembling with excitement.
The meeting ended in a warm atmosphere.
The participants left one after another, feeling excited and still wanting more.
But the discussions about "fighting games," about the "K" project, about "Esports," and about Takuya Nakayama, like stones thrown into water, quickly spread throughout the entire Sega company, stirring up ripples.
The semi-joking term "Takuya Effect" was now given a brand new meaning.
People's evaluation of this young "young master" completely transformed from "the president's son" to "a game producer with unique vision and outstanding talent."
Those former prejudices and disdain vanished in the face of undeniable strength.
Some middle and high-level managers who had initially adopted a wait-and-see attitude even began to actively show favor to Takuya, with a surprising speed of attitude change.
Hayao Nakayama stood at the entrance of the conference room, watching the excited employees discussing in the corridor, a barely perceptible arc of satisfaction curving at the corner of his mouth.
His gaze turned to the window, deep and sharp.
His youngest son, this first step, was even steadier and more powerful than he had expected.
Takuya did not leave immediately.
He walked alone to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the outlines of Tokyo's towering buildings outside the window, and the urban Veins extending towards the horizon in the distance.
The sunlight fell on his side profile, outlining young and resolute lines.
Project approval was just the beginning.
The real challenge had just begun.
His heart was filled with an unprecedented fighting spirit.
A new era belonging to fighting games was about to be personally opened by him.