Console Wars
December 2000 in Japan witnessed a vibrant scene for gamers, who enjoyed access to cutting-edge titles before many other parts of the world. This was largely due to the dominance of KiShin, a leading video game company that released both console and PC games, often prioritizing their Japanese market.
However, the story goes beyond KiShin's influence. This period coincided with a significant boom in the Japanese internet industry, fueled by the arrival of KiShin's WorldCOM ISP. This formidable competitor in the market sparked healthy competition, pushing the entire industry forward. KiShin's commitment to internet technologies and innovative marketing campaigns played a crucial role in driving internet adoption, making it an accessible tool for many.
The impact was tangible. Websites started featuring images and videos, albeit of lower quality compared to future standards. Yet, it represented a significant leap forward in user experience. But the advancements didn't stop there.
WorldCOM's development of a Content Delivery Network (CDN) proved visionary. And also partnering with early CDN providers, they optimized content delivery and reduced latency, significantly improving the user experience for downloads, streaming, and online gaming – elements that would become increasingly important in the years to come.
KiShin's ISP service, spearheaded by its subsidiary WorldCOM, went beyond simply offering internet access. They understood the need for convenience and value, pioneering bundled packages that combined internet with phone and TV cable services.
They also targeted diverse sectors like education, businesses, and early digital media companies, recognizing their growing need for reliable connectivity.
But KiShin's vision extended beyond just service offerings. They prioritized outstanding customer service, fostering trust and loyalty in a nascent market where customer experience was paramount. They actively engaged with the community online, participating in internet policy discussions and advocating for open access and net neutrality, demonstrating their commitment to a healthy and inclusive online environment.
Through these combined efforts, KiShin's presence can be seen. Its innovative approach, bundled services, global expansion, and commitment to community engagement established KiShin as a leading force not only in Japan, but also in the global internet landscape, such as in Asia or Europe. Their early vision and strategic decisions paved the way for future growth and solidified their place as a pioneer in the industry.
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In 2000, KiShin's video game division released Final Fantasy IX a few months ago. And just like "Final Fantasy VIII" released previous year ago, it didn't achieve the same groundbreaking success as its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII, it still performed admirably, becoming one of KiShin's best-selling games that year.
It managed to sell over 1.8 million units within 8 months, generating estimated revenue of 88 million dollars for KiShin. This performance contributed significantly to the company's overall financial success in 2000.
KiShin's dominance in the gaming industry can be attributed to its portfolio of iconic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon. These franchises alone are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with Pokémon being particularly lucrative.
Competitors like Tora and Suzuki could only envy KiShin's success in the gaming sector, while Microsoft, witnessing the substantial revenue flowing into KiShin's coffers, became more determined to enter the gaming industry.
This prompted Microsoft's key investors to support its foray into gaming, eager to challenge KiShin's dominance.
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January 2001 marked a pivotal moment in the video game industry as Microsoft finally entered the fray with its highly anticipated Xbox console. This new contender joined the established players: Suzuki's SP128 and KiShin's dominant KS2.
The Xbox launched with a lineup of games developed by Microsoft's newly established studios, including "Fusion Frenzy", "The Legendary Gunman", and racing titles like "Project Gotham Racing" and "Monster Truck Madness." These games catered to a variety of genres, offering something for different types of players.
Microsoft's loyal fanbase embraced the Xbox, praising its performance and graphics capabilities. The console's arrival generated significant excitement, particularly among PC gamers familiar with the Microsoft brand.
However, the launch of the Xbox wasn't without its strategic counterplay. Coincidentally, KiShin released their new KS2 title, "Halo: Combat Evolved," around the same time. While the timing might seem intentional, gamers eager for fresh experiences from KiShin likely didn't dissect the release date too closely. They were simply excited to get their hands on the highly anticipated Halo, which quickly garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay.
The battle for console dominance had intensified. Both Microsoft and KiShin, along with established players like Suzuki, were vying for the hearts and wallets of gamers.