Chapter: 51

"Games?" The general manager was the first to stand up from his seat, opposing excitedly, "Boss, our Mark Research Center is a high-tech innovation company that has gained fame, profits, and consumer expectations through the release of high-tech products.

But now, instead of continuing to cultivate and develop high-tech products, we are venturing into the gaming industry. It's not that I personally have any prejudice against the gaming industry, but isn't this devaluing ourselves and losing sight of our core business?!"

"Don't be in such a hurry to express your opposition. Listen to the whole plan patiently before you oppose it." Mark pressed his hands down, signaling everyone present to calm down.

"I know very well that we are a company that started with high-tech. So even if we are entering the gaming industry, we shouldn't be doing ordinary online games, PC games, or mobile games. We should be focusing on console games that bundle hardware and software, specifically virtual reality games based on virtual reality technology!"

"Virtual reality!" Hearing their boss mention this high-tech term, the high-level executives who were originally a bit reluctant were dumbfounded and looked at their boss, Mark, with an incredulous expression.

"That's right, virtual reality technology! Not the fake virtual reality that those VR manufacturers promote through cheap visual deception and consumer-guiding advertising, but true virtual reality that can transmit human sensory experiences to virtual world characters through brain-computer interface technology. It's a cutting-edge technology that allows people to experience real-life experiences in a completely virtual world.

And the virtual reality game console that can achieve this effect is the flagship product I planned overnight for the company's next few quarters or even years."

After Mark decided to enter the gaming industry yesterday, he immediately recalled a work from his past life on Earth in a different universe that left a deep impression on him—Sword Art Online.

The first commercial virtual reality game console in that work, the NerveGear, had an appearance similar to a boxing headgear that covered the head. Its brain-computer interface technology and the principles of virtual reality were generated by numerous signal components buried inside the device, directly connecting to the user's brain, rather than relying on sensory organs like the eyes or ears. It transmitted virtual sensory information to the brain, creating a virtual space. At the same time, by capturing the electronic signals sent by the brain, the user's real body showed no response even when engaging in various activities in the virtual space.

With this thought, Mark couldn't restrain himself from wanting to recreate this great idea within the Marvel Universe. After all, although the advanced technologies in the movie universe were mind-blowing, as far as Mark remembered, even in the year 2022 of Avengers: Endgame, there was no mention of virtual reality technology in the films. However, in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which took place after Avengers: Endgame, the mysterious character known as Mysterio showcased advanced AR technology—augmented reality—which made Mark even more optimistic about the revenue potential of his virtual reality game project.

Moreover, Mark had already developed and used brain-computer interface technology based on capturing human thought waves in a previous experiment with the Controller. This technology, derived from Hiro Hamada's control technology for microbots in Big Hero 6, was a mature and stable technology that could be directly applied to Mark's envisioned virtual reality game console.

"Boss, please continue. We will listen quietly and won't interrupt you again." Upon hearing that their boss hadn't forgotten the high-tech positioning of their company and that the upcoming product plan would incorporate cutting-edge virtual reality technology surpassing the current era, the executives transformed into enthusiastic fans once again. With a look of admiration, they sat up straight, blinked their eyes, and prepared to attentively listen to Mark's proposal.

"Very well, let me finish explaining my plan. If you have any questions, hold them for now. I will give you time to ask later."

"My plan is to develop the first-generation virtual reality game console for personal use. The price of this initial version definitely can't be cheap, but the sales department will gradually lower the product's price based on market conditions. This will be beneficial for pricing our future product iterations and controlling the market."

"And I will add an identity authentication system to the virtual reality console. Before using the console, users will need to bind their identities to ensure that each person is bound to one console. The console can only be used after verifying that the user's identity matches the bound identity. This way, we can sell as many hardware devices as possible."

"Furthermore, after identity verification, it will be convenient for us to manage game users in the future, preventing underage users of our devices from accessing restricted games that are only meant for older players."

"Later on, we can update the console on an annual basis, making its appearance increasingly stylish and lightweight to cater to the preferences of different user groups."

"Similar to our personal health assistant, this virtual reality technology can also be finely segmented for different user groups, launching products with different specifications and performance in civilian, military, and medical fields."

"The precise market segmentation not only allows us to sell products at higher prices but also facilitates expanding our customer channels and gaining more orders and profits."

"Next is the game content. I will develop two platforms for our virtual reality endeavor, one for game development and the other for game distribution."

"In the future, these two platforms will be open to major game developers. The virtual reality game development platform will require authorization, and game developers who want to use it will need to pay a yearly fee. The virtual reality game distribution platform will operate on a revenue-sharing model, where we will receive a portion of the profit for each game sold by the developers."

"Additionally, our company will also develop our own games. Pay attention, everyone. If you know suitable candidates, you can recommend them to the HR manager. The company will be recruiting a group of game developers soon and establishing a game development department. This way, we will have a complete lineup of new hardware and software every quarter, and I won't have to worry so much about it."

After listening to Mark's commercial plan for virtual reality, the executives couldn't contain their excitement. They admired their boss even more, realizing that he had not only laid out the company's development direction for the next quarter or even years but also analyzed and planned the commercial prospects. It was truly astonishing!

Applause resounded in the meeting room, "Fantastic, boss! We can't wait to get started on the work for the next quarter." The managers and supervisors of each department were eager to begin preparations for the upcoming product release.

"Hold your excitement for a moment," Mark shook his head, wearing a mysterious smile on his face. "As you all know, I have a sensitive stance when it comes to decision-making power in the company, so the company operates as a sole ownership. Many of you came to work at the Mark Research Center not only because of the decent salary I offered but also due to the face of my father, Tony Stark. But after experiencing the release of our first product, I believe everyone has seen that although the company is a startup, its prospects are definitely not to be underestimated."

"I have also fully witnessed everyone's abilities and work enthusiasm, and I understand that I cannot keep all of you talented individuals under the company's wing with the current compensation I offer. Therefore, after considering the incentive plan provided by the CEO, I have decided to allocate 13% of my personal shares to establish a bonus option pool. Based on the company's annual profitability and the individual contributions of employees in various positions, we will distribute year-end bonuses to everyone. As for other benefits such as paid leave, transportation subsidies, phone allowances, and dining allowances, I have also approved them. The specific details will be communicated to the entire company through a notice from the CEO."

"Now, does anyone have any more questions? If not, I will hand the microphone back to the CEO, who will organize the next steps."

Upon hearing this, the executives, who were already low-key, couldn't come up with any more questions. Considering the estimated revenue for the first quarter at the Mark Research Center, the company's revenue this year would exceed trillions of US dollars. After deducting various costs and taxes, there would still be hundreds of billions of US dollars left. With the current size of the company and the dividend percentage proposed by Mark, these executives could expect to receive dividends of at least several billion US dollars at the end of the year. In an instant, they could surpass many established billionaires and make it onto Forbes' wealth rankings.

When they carefully thought about it, the idea of having all the employees of the company listed on Forbes made them feel a little excited!

"Boss!" After calming down a bit, the Marketing Department manager raised his hand to ask a question. "I would like to know if you have decided on a name for our virtual reality game console. Do you have a rough direction for the content of the first game?"

"After all, once this game is released, it will be the world's first virtual reality game. It should make a perfect debut and also set an example for other interested game developers!"

"Good question. As for the name, Well! let's just call the virtual reality game console 'NerveGear.' As for the first game, I'll give you the game design and script later. The game will be called 'Sword Art Online.' But make sure to communicate with Stark Industries' technical director and avoid any pretense that NerveGear has a microwave device that can heat up people's brains. We won't need those kinds of rumors!"

"Uh... Boss, what microwave device are you talking about?"

Mark shook his head with an air of superiority, "You humans who haven't been dominated by fear of the VR game, hey! Speaking of which, should I develop an 'Attack on Titan' VR game? It seems feasible! Then we can expand it into manga, anime, movies, TV series, and all sorts of merchandise. Just thinking about it, my wallet feels too small, hehehe!"

In this manner, Mark exposed his money-loving side in front of his subordinates, lost in his own fantasies.