275 KP Progress

In addition to the production and manufacturing of the Monopoly CD Game by KiShin and Microsoft, KiShin Merchandise also manufactures the physical game box unit, containing cardboard, cards, dice, money, Chance and Community Chest cards, essential for playing the Monopoly game.

The 3D animation advertisement for Monopoly has already been showcased in Tokyo and the United States. The ad features a humorous transition from the animated world to real people engaging in a Monopoly game on a tabletop.

The animation, with its amusing portrayal, captures the essence of Monopoly, and as it transitions to people playing on the cardboard table, the narrator exclaims, "Monopoly! A delightful, ruthless pursuit of wealth every day!"

This advertisement is particularly appealing to the U.S. audience, given the popularity of cardboard games during this time. The catchy image of the Monopoly mustache man, adorned with a top hat, monocle, and cane, adds to the catchy appeal to the people who saw the logo.

Apart from playing the game physically, one can also enjoy it on PC and KS1 by purchasing it from the KiShin Store.

The long-time followers of KiShin were intrigued when they discovered that a cardboard-based game had been adapted for PC and KS1 gaming. Within a few days, the Monopoly CD game for PC and KS1 experienced a surge in sales.

However, gamers had varying opinions about the game. Some were dissatisfied with the limited AI or computer opponents, finding them too predictable and lacking in strategy. Nevertheless, players had the option to engage in matchmaking through the KP Software, though the matchmaking process was time-consuming due to the recent release and a growing player base.

Certain PC gamers, accustomed to the immersive online features of games like Warcraft, patiently awaited the Monopoly game's expansion in player numbers before diving in. The KP Software's utility attracted thousands of Warcraft players, leading to a steady increase in PC online players and a substantial reduction in matchmaking wait times.

Beyond Warcraft, other non-KiShin PC games also embraced the services of KP Software to integrate matchmaking, facilitating the growth of online gaming possibilities.

However, to utilize the KP Software's services, video game companies must accept its terms and conditions. In return, KP Software recommends online-playable games to its users, and for this service, video game companies incur charges. These fees are willingly paid due to the noticeable growth in sales and player engagement of this entertainment companies video games, fueled by the enticing online multiplayer features.

KiShin extends its support by featuring non-KiShin video games on the KiShin forums, enhancing engagement for titles from other video game companies. With these services and promotional efforts, video game companies find the KP Software terms and conditions agreeable.

KiShin not only profits from CD sales but also benefits from agreements with video game companies. However, Shin recognizes that this marks just the initial phase of KP Software development.

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In mid-August 1995, the groundbreaking 3D animated film Toy Story was set to premiere in New York. Through the collaborative marketing efforts of Disney and KiShin, the film attracted a substantial audience, particularly capturing the attention of Disney's young fanbase.

Disney fans held high expectations for the upcoming animated film, especially with the notable voice talent of Tom Hanks, a renowned actor.

The premiere buzzed with activity as directors, writers, and the Pixar team made appearances. The excitement reached its peak when Tom Hanks graced the premiere, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

Following the festivities, the audience entered the theater, and the screening commenced. The introduction featuring Walt Disney, KiShin Pictures, and Pixar set the stage.

What catched people's attention was Pixar's simple yet memorable intro, featuring a jumping lamp replacing the 'I'.

After that, the animation film unfolded with a boy engrossed in playing with toys, eliciting chuckles from the audience with his funny dialogue and imagination. As the child interacted with a cowboy toy named Woody, a musical piece accompanied the scene.

It became evident that it was the boy's birthday as he engaged in a conversation with his mother. Subsequently, the boy left Woody on his room's bed, opting to bring a blonde baby toy along.

In a surprising turn, Woody, initially lifeless, began to move, followed by the other toys in the room.

The audience witnessed the toys engaging in conversation, capturing their interest, particularly in the scene where the female toy named 'Bo Peep' flirted with Woody.

Woody, appearing as the group's leader, displayed apparent concern about the upcoming birthday, revealing the toys' fear of being replaced by the boy named Andy's friends' presents.

Gradually, the audience became engrossed in the film, finding the animation quality surpassing expectations. In contrast to behind-the-scenes commercials on Toy Story seen on television, the animation was top-notch. Some film critics in the audience sensed that this style of animation might become a trend, with Pixar likely leading the way.

Unbeknownst to them, KiShin had gained significant experience and data through collaboration with the Pixar team. The KiShin Unreal Engine animation and special effects, beneficial for filmmaking, positioned KiShin alongside Pixar in the current landscape of 3D animation production.

As the film progressed, the introduction of Buzz Light-year heightened Woody's insecurities, leading him to attempt embarrassing Buzz. Doubting Buzz's ability to fly, Woody's plans went awry when Buzz actually soared around the room by coincidence.

Amid Woody's efforts to reclaim the spotlight, a mishap occurred, and both toys ended up in the possession of a peculiar child.

A pivotal scene unfolded as Buzz discovered his lack of uniqueness when a KiShin advertisement aired in TV, revealing countless Buzz Light-year units with the caption, "Not a flying toy." This revelation shattered Buzz's perception, leaving him disheartened.

The film continued, captivating the audience with its unfolding story. Even the adults, initially accompanying their children, found themselves engrossed in the animated narrative.