The next day, Takuya drove to Technosoft.
Technosoft was a company focused on developing shooting games, and their Thunder Force series had a loyal fanbase on both arcade and console platforms. Although the market for such hardcore shooting games was relatively niche, the player base was extremely loyal and had very high demands for the games.
Technosoft's office was located in an industrial-style building in the suburbs of Tokyo. Unlike the previous two companies, the atmosphere here was more robust and direct. The walls were adorned with various sci-fi-style spaceship and mech design drawings, and several computers in the office area were running game test screens, with intense explosion and shooting sound effects occasionally emanating.
"Managing Director Takayama, welcome," Ohzono Fumio greeted Takuya warmly. As the president of Technosoft, Ohzono was a middle-aged man in his fifties, burly and with a booming voice, giving off a feeling of solidity and reliability.
The two arrived at the conference room, where refreshments were already prepared on the table. Unlike the formal meetings at the previous two companies, the atmosphere here was more relaxed and direct.
"I hear Sega is launching a 16-bit console?" Ohzono cut straight to the chase, "How's the performance? Can it run our shooting games?"
Takuya smiled and took out a document from his briefcase. "These are the technical specifications. I believe that with Technosoft's technical prowess, you can fully unleash the potential of this console."
Ohzono quickly browsed the document, occasionally exclaiming in admiration. "Processing speed, screen colors... these parameters are indeed very high."
"Precisely why," Takuya looked directly into Ohzono's eyes, "I hope Technosoft can port your classic arcade shooting games to the new console and develop entirely new shooting game masterpieces."
Ohzono put down the document, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "To be honest, we've always hoped to achieve a true arcade experience on home consoles. But existing 8-bit machines always fall short, forcing us to make various compromises."
"Now, those compromises will be a thing of the past," Takuya's tone was firm, "Sega's new console has enough performance to support your wildest ideas."
Ohzono stood up and walked to a concept art on the wall. It was a futuristic battleship surrounded by various enemy planes and bullet trajectories.
"We've always had a concept, a game that combines bullet hell and traditional shooting elements. Hundreds of enemies and bullets appear on the screen simultaneously, creating a spectacular yet fluid scene," Ohzono's voice was filled with passion, "But on existing consoles, this can only be a dream."
Takuya walked over to Ohzono, carefully examining the concept art. "On Sega's new console, this dream can become a reality."
"Not only that," Takuya continued, "we also hope Technosoft can consider developing shooting games more suitable for family entertainment, such as supporting multiplayer co-op modes, allowing players to experience the joy of the game with family and friends."
Ohzono nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, shooting games shouldn't be limited to hardcore players. Appropriately lowering the difficulty and adding cooperative elements can attract more players to try this genre."
"Exactly," Takuya said with a smile, "We hope Sega's new console can meet the needs of all types of players, from hardcore gaming enthusiasts to ordinary home users."
Ohzono extended his hand and shook Takuya's firmly. "Managing Director Takayama, you can expect Technosoft's masterpiece. We will bring the most impactful shooting game experience to Sega's new console."
By the time he left Technosoft, night had fallen. Tokyo's night sky was dyed in brilliant colors by countless Japan lights. Takuya stood by his car, took a deep breath, and felt the fatigue and satisfaction after a day of rushing around.
Three companies, three different game genres, three different cooperation methods. COMPILE's "Sega All-Star Party Game" will attract family users; Game Arts' exquisite RPGs will satisfy story-driven players; and Technosoft's shooting games will appeal to hardcore players. This combination will create a diversified game ecosystem for Sega's new console.
Takuya got into the car and started the engine. Today's results were satisfying, but this was just the beginning. There were more third-party manufacturers waiting for him to visit, and more game genres to cover. Only by building a strong third-party developer lineup could Sega truly challenge Nintendo's dominant position.
The hum of the RX7's engine faded into the night, and Takuya was already planning his next stop. The journey was long, but he believed that Sega's future would become brighter because of these efforts.
At three in the afternoon, in the Managing Director's office on the top floor of Sega, the cold air from the air conditioner could not dispel the gloom on Suzuki Masao's face.
This seasoned veteran of the market battlefield now looked even more somber than last night's Tokyo downpour.
"Managing Director Takayama, I'm afraid."
Suzuki Masao placed a fax on Takuya's desk, the edges of the paper still warm from the fax machine.
"Sunrise has officially rejected our licensing application."
Takuya put down his pen, his gaze shifting from the proposal to glance at the fax.
The text on the fax was concise and cold, leaving no room for negotiation.
"The reason?"
Takuya's tone was surprisingly calm, as if he had just heard the day's weather forecast.
Suzuki Masao pushed up his glasses, his brows furrowed.
"The official reason is 'company strategic adjustment, temporarily not considering new licensing cooperations'."
"But according to our industry contacts, Bandai is indeed influencing things behind the scenes."
The clock in the office ticked, each sound like a reminder of the urgency of time.
Takuya stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the bustling Tokyo streets below.
"Bandai and Sunrise's relationship is indeed deeply rooted."
"The licensing revenue from Bandai models accounts for almost thirty percent of Sunrise's annual revenue."
Suzuki Masao added from behind him, "What's more, Bandai also holds eight percent of Sunrise's shares and has a say on the board of directors."
Takuya turned around, his face devoid of any frustration or anger.
This calmness surprised Suzuki Masao, even making him feel a little uneasy.
"Mr. Suzuki, this was within our expectations."
"Sunrise is a tough nut to crack to begin with."
Takuya sat back down in his office chair, his fingers tapping the desk.
"Since we can't get Sunrise for now, we'll adjust our strategy."
"Toei will probably also be a tough battle; Bandai's reach extends further than we imagined."
Suzuki Masao nodded in agreement, but his eyes still held worry.
"So what should we do next?"
Takuya spread a piece of paper on the desk and quickly drew a few circles, connecting them with lines.
"Start with the easy, then the difficult; proceed steadily."
"Shift our energy to Voyager Holdings and Tohoku Shinsha, and try to secure the Space Battleship Yamato license first."
"These two companies are relatively independent and not as deeply tied to Bandai as Sunrise."
Suzuki Masao's eyes gradually brightened.
"Indeed, Space Battleship Yamato's status in players' hearts is no less than Gundam's."
"If we can secure this IP first, it will not only boost everyone's morale but also accumulate bargaining chips and experience for subsequent negotiations."
Takuya nodded.
"That's exactly the point. With Space Battleship Yamato in hand, we will also be more persuasive when facing other copyright holders."
"Let them see our respect for classic works and our ability to promote them."
The two then discussed the specific contact methods and negotiation strategies for another half an hour.
Suzuki Masao noted down every key point, ready to put them into action immediately.
"One more thing, Mr. Suzuki."
Takuya called out to Suzuki as he was about to leave.
"Don't rush for success. It's better to be a bit slower and ensure every step is solid."
"What we want is not a one-time deal, but a long-term partnership."