Chapter 143: The Real Issue is Plagiarism! - Part 1

"Yes, Rudolf, I've seen the news..."

"Right, you're correct, the Apollo is a remarkable product, and Atari's new machine is impressive too, but what I want to say is that these two products currently pose no threat to us..."

"Okay, I'll do my best, please be assured..."

"Yeah~ Chuck, Intel is really thriving now~"

"Although Atari and Magnavox haven't used our chips, they have indeed helped fulfill your wish, haven't they? The central processor has found new applications, you should be happy about that..."

"Oh~ thank you for your concern, their products can't affect me for the time being..."

When Ethan ended the umpteenth call and leaned back in the swivel chair of his home office, his face was etched with fatigue. Although he knew these calls were well-intentioned, his acquaintances just wanting to check on him, what he needed most wasn't kindly social interactions but to solve problems.

He admitted that the new offerings from Magnavox and Atari had given him a sense of crisis. Meanwhile, sitting across from him, Evelyn also added to his pressure. Upon learning that Magnavox and Atari had moved beyond circuit board consoles to embrace the era of CPU-based machines, she had just returned home and immediately questioned Ethan about her concerns—

"Ethan, please tell me honestly."

"Do the new products launched by Magnavox and Atari have an impact on our company?"

The girl's brows were slightly furrowed, her expression serious.

Facing her, Ethan's face revealed a bitter smile.

"Oh—my dear sister—" he elongated his tone, saying, "Although their products are called home consoles, what they're ultimately making are video games."

"Since we're on the same track, there's bound to be an impact."

Her honest words made the girl nod slightly.

But at the same time, she wanted to know how Ethan viewed these two products.

"What do you think the specific impact will be? Will the appearance of these two products change the landscape of the video game industry?"

After listening to the news about Magnavox and Atari, Evelyn felt that there was some truth to what these competitors were saying. The rational part was that electronic arcade machines indeed imposed a certain economic burden on the public.

Currently, America's population is just over two hundred million, and last year, the daily sales of just one "Pac-Man" arcade machine exceeded one hundred dollars, with total annual revenue surpassing four hundred million. Spread across every individual, that would amount to two dollars per person.

What does this fact imply?

It implies that if every American played "Pac-Man," each person could play eight times! Although this calculation has its flaws since not every one of the two hundred million people are gamers, with a definite decline in the total number of players, the average consumption per person would definitely be much higher.

If there were forty million gamers in North America, that figure would be ten dollars.

If there were twenty million gamers, that number would rise to twenty dollars.

And when a single video game could consume at least ten to twenty dollars from a player, that kind of spending is surely expensive, as that money could buy several pounds of beef, dozens of pounds of fruit, or even tickets to twenty movies...

In such a scenario, these players might continue to pay for games due to their quality, but when a machine appears on the market that offers more games for less money, they are sure to vote with their feet and embrace these more affordable options.

Not to mention...

These machines not only carried hit games from a few years ago but also added many new titles.

When this comparison arises...

Even if Evelyn is not responsible for business operations, she could assess the excellence of the competition.

Because she understands, the girl looked at Ethan seriously.

She voiced her thoughts: "When these two machines appear, is it possible that players will abandon electronic arcade games and turn to home consoles instead?"

This question made Ethan laugh.

He shook his head and said, "Oh, Evelyn, your worries are unfounded."

"I've said before, in the world of video games, which thrives on creativity, content is king."

"No matter how good the machine is, if the games aren't fun, it's all for naught."

Indeed, from beginning to end, Ethan wasn't worried about losing his user base.

Because his memories from a past life told him that gameplay is the essence of the video game industry.

Even if players were to pay for more games available on Magnavox and Atari's consoles, as long as he launched even more entertaining games, the lost players would surely return!

In an industry fueled by content, so-called loyal fans are fans of the content!

Yet even so, in the face of new machines from Magnavox and Atari, he still felt pressure because he knew that in an industry sustained by content, monopolies don't exist.

"I'm not afraid of their machines."

"Even if their machines are well-made, I don't feel threatened."

Ethan candidly said, "What I'm vigilant about are the game companies they've acquired."

"Because among them are people who thrive on inspiration."

"When the latest machines combined with the newest inspirations emerge..."

"What we're facing..."

"That might be big trouble."

Previously, when Ethan learned about Magnavox and Atari's frenzied acquisitions within the gaming industry, he didn't care, thinking these two couldn't stir up any trouble.

Even if those creators were bursting with inspiration and managed to create popular games, in the face of his past life's memories, all popularity was insignificant.

Because like sifting sand from gold, he would filter out the classics, and when games that could remain popular for decades were introduced by him, no serious game maker could beat him! But now...

He realized his initial thoughts were too simplistic.

Popular games might not beat the timeless classics, but when popular games in geometric numbers are launched on a decently performing machine...

This combination is bound to secure its own stable market!

And once Magnavox and Atari establish themselves in the console industry...

They would then have the time, energy, and money to develop interesting games.

By then, the fun would really begin. Because as long as there's profit to be made, Magnavox and Atari will surely keep running in the console industry.

At this moment, Ethan could even imagine the scenario...

Three companies making consoles on a piece of land in North America.

This is absolutely mind-boggling!

As for the idea that he could preemptively complete all paths and leave no road for others to follow?

That's a bit far-fetched.

Because—

"Compared to the gathering of creative talents, I'm more afraid of something else, and that's plagiarism."

Ethan stared at Evelyn, saying, "Not plagiarism of our games."

"But plagiarism of our inspiration."

Yes!

That's what Ethan feared the most!