235 Potential Collab

PC video games began to be developed by companies with a focus on software and computers. The foresight of the computer's gaming future became evident as they immersed themselves in titles like KiShin's 'Doom'...

With hundreds of video games already created by various companies for computers, ranging from text-based to the widely embraced attempt at 2.5-dimensional gaming, Microsoft emerged as a key player.

While their 2.5-dimensional games, akin to 'Doom', showcased Microsoft's capabilities, some of their other creations suffered from bugs or glitches, occasionally struggling to run on their own Microsoft Operating System.

Despite the growing library of computer games, the unmatched popularity of 'Doom' persisted. Even Microsoft's founder, Will Gates, acknowledged in an interview that 'Doom' was a pivotal force in the computer video game industry.

Interestingly, Gates expressed a desire for Microsoft to partner with KiShin, but unfortunately, they were already committed to a competitor.

At present, Gates found himself invited for an interview and promptly accepted the opportunity without much hesitation.

The interviewer posed diverse questions about computer technology and software advancement, exploring their potential impact on the world.

When Will Gates was asked about the possibility of partnering with KiShin, he responded, "KiShin is presently the major shareholder of Apple, as indicated by this year's shareholder lists report... So, I'm afraid it's not feasible."

The interviewer chuckled lightly in response.

In fact, as per the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), KiShin currently holds a significant stake in Apple, making it nearly implausible for them to form a partnership with a competitor of their supported company.

After the interview concluded, Will Gates strolled out of the building and stepped into his luxurious black car when his phone suddenly rang.

"Hello?" Will Gates answered, placing the phone to his ear.

"Is this Mr. Gates?" inquired a deep yet rugged voice.

"Yes," Will Gates affirmed, adding, "Who might you be?" Confusion clouded his thoughts, especially considering he didn't recognize the caller. The distinctive tone hinted at a Japanese origin. While Gates had encountered a few Japanese businessmen in the USA and shared his number, he doubted they would open with a direct "Is this Mr. Gates?"

"I am Orio Masayoshi..." resonated the deep voice on the phone.

Upon hearing the name, Will Gates furrowed his brows and remarked, "Orio... Masayoshi... I don't recall meeting anyone with that name." He was certain that such a distinctive name would stick in his memory, especially with the 'Orio' resembling the well-known biscuits company.

The man chuckled audibly, and Will Gates detected it faintly before Orio Masayoshi spoke again, saying, "I apologize for interrupting your business, Mr. Gates, but I reached out to you for a business matter."

Will Gates frowned, as typically, Orio Masayoshi should have contacted the Corporate Development team instead of reaching out directly to him.

"Well, if it's business-related, our corporate team can handle the discussions," Will Gates remarked, his tone not too harsh or cold. He recognized that the Japanese man's ability to contact him directly suggested a level of influence or connections. In matters unrelated to business, he preferred not to offend anyone, regardless of their status.

"If that's the case..."

"Well, the corporate team would have been a suitable choice, but approaching you directly seemed like the better option," replied Orio Masayoshi.

"Why is that?" Will Gates grew more intrigued, glancing out of the car window as it sped along the road.

"Well, I'm sure you'll be interested in KiShin," Orio Masayoshi said with a smile. He added, "I'm from KiShin, and I called Mr. Gates to inquire whether you are interested in video game development."

Will Gates was taken aback, responding, "You're from KiShin?" Upon Orio Masayoshi's confirmation, he couldn't help but inquire, "Regarding video game development... Can you provide me with the details?" At this moment, a hint of excitement colored his words.

Will Gates and Orio Masayoshi delved into a lengthy phone discussion, during which Will Gates was astonished to learn that there was a possibility of cooperation between KiShin and Microsoft. This revelation caught him by surprise, considering he had already resigned to the notion that KiShin's video games might not be available on their operating systems.

The video game development discussed between Will Gates and Orio Masayoshi centered around the KiShin 'Unreal Engine' project. KiShin proposed a deal to collaborate with Microsoft in developing the 'Unreal Engine.' However, the program would remain under KiShin's ownership, with Microsoft providing assistance. Through this partnership, KiShin aimed to make their current and future PC video games accessible on Microsoft's operating system. Moreover, Microsoft would gain the advantage of using the 'Unreal Engine' under a more favorable licensing agreement, offering lower royalties compared to other options. In essence, it constituted a licensing agreement benefiting both parties.

"Our 'Unreal Engine' is still in the beta stage, not yet fully finished, but it's already advanced in video game development. Microsoft will provide some assistance in this collaboration to further develop the 'Unreal Engine,'" Orio Masayoshi explained.

While KiShin is open to collaborating with Microsoft on the 'Unreal Engine' development, they propose a licensing agreement that safeguards KiShin's intellectual property, as well as the 'Unreal Engine' source code and data. Breaking such a contract would not be in Microsoft's best interest, considering the 'Unreal Engine' includes proprietary code protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Additionally, the presence of obfuscated code makes it challenging for other companies to comprehend, rendering any potential leak essentially useless unless KiShin provides assistance.

The licensing agreement extends Microsoft the privilege to use the 'Unreal Engine' for its products and services. Although Will Gates isn't particularly keen on video game development alone, he finds himself genuinely excited and intrigued by KiShin's proposal.