video.

The numerous titles were, at first glance, unsatisfactory for the video game company. Nintendo 64's sales were simply remarkable, far surpassing its competitors, but the idea of the Game Boy wasn't breaking the general rules anymore, and after six years of sales, it was starting to flounder. The budget for the game was set for July 21st, simplifying the problems, and the failure could be boiled down to two simple reasons: better games were needed.

Game Boy Pocket required exceptional games, and while they did arrive, it came at the risk of something Nintendo hadn't anticipated. Partnering with Sega was a proposal they never wanted. Sega had been a fierce rival… one that had suffered significant setbacks since the start of the decade.

-Sharing games?- Hiroshi Yamauchi scoffed. - That's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard from Sega as a value proposition. They must be desperate after the Sega Saturn fiasco.-

Video game history often sounds logical in hindsight, but Sega had already failed with the Sega CD due to its high price, and secondly, the simultaneous promotion of two products—the Sega 32X, an add-on that boosts 32-bit capabilities, alongside the promotion of the Sega Saturn—was out of bounds. They couldn't sell anything effectively amid competition with Sony, which dominated large markets like Europe and the United States, bolstered by the arrival of ID Software. This company had shaken Nintendo by imposing restrictions on games, prompting partnerships with Sony, who only aimed to sell CDs to promote DVDs and the use of this new technology.

-It might be an interesting idea. The American market has been consumed by ID Software, which, according to sources, has partnered with Microsoft to create its gaming console, along with Silicon Graphics and Dell. They're working on what's being called the next big competition,- remarked Minoru Arakawa, President of Nintendo of America.

-Are they really that strong?- Minoru asked, having preconceived notions about the video game development company. - I believe they're using 64-bit technology to its full potential, making their games visually stunning.-

Howard Lincoln, Vice President of Nintendo America and a steadfast advocate of the company's legal and commercial interests, observed.

-They're brilliant and have many innovative ideas, but their primary strength is creativity. In recent months, the company has grown intelligently. ID Software is just a minor branch of Lux Animation, a successful film production company that has made waves this past year,- explained Howard.

-What sets them apart?- asked the Nintendo director.

-Their creativity in launching games. They have a library of 30 games that, in my opinion, qualify as triple-A or double-A games according to our conventions. They've developed their engine, courtesy of Autodesk, one of the largest animation development systems in the world,- Howard noted.

Their catalog includes critically acclaimed games like two Doom titles, three Wolfenstein games, two Quake games, two Pokémon games, two Fate series games, Baldur's Gate, Tomb Raider, two Crash Bandicoot games, Lux Party, Forza Horizon, and their series in partnership with Capcom.

Games developed by Raven Software, Parallax Software, and Blizzard form a powerful collection of titles with intricate details that have shaken the video game industry.

-We'll make the necessary adjustments,- Hiroshi concluded, storing his thoughts but already gaining valuable insights into the reactions of these companies.

***

Billy was controlling his breathing as he worked out at the gym—two hours a day, every day, without rest, with an intensity he thought was right to improve his still-developing physique. He wasn't a natural athlete.

Monica, not far away, watched him with her large eyes as she ran on the treadmill. For her, it was good, but the exercise routines were intense. The beauty of Beverly Hills was its privacy. Even the gym was a well-kept secret, owned by a retired actor who decided to make a living from such ventures. It was often full, with instructors of all kinds available if needed.

-Three more reps,- urged the trainer nearby, a man with a somewhat stocky build, not exactly resembling an athlete. But he was reputed to be the best, according to the gym's director, and while sports science hadn't evolved as much as it would by 2030, it was still considerably different from what Billy expected.

Billy groaned, his face flushed. Monica noticed the glances of a few women and merely smiled. They were all within their rights to use their charm… the risk of dating someone so successful. One of them was even a colleague, Shalom Harlow, a woman with lovely green eyes and a stunning figure that could easily turn heads.

Billy completed more exercises and then took a spot next to Monica on the treadmill. She was drenched in sweat after hours of running, followed by an hour of ab workouts.

-This weekend we're going to San Jose. I need to meet with some people,- Billy said, aware that many deadlines for productions were fast approaching. The season for promotional campaigns, particularly for the musician and Star Wars, was already in full swing. Although mostly just interviews and minor details for the musician, Star Wars involved a full-scale campaign across multiple levels—from America, London, Paris, Lyon, Manchester, to Japan. It was simply exhausting for participants and producers, who were just starting to mobilize. Billy hoped that delivering a deep, focused story would improve the audience's reception.

-Sure, we can go. I'm free until March 15th, and then again until March 24th when the gala ceremonies happen. But during that time, we'll be filming Liar, Liar, - Monica panted, still catching her breath.

…

-You're seriously annoying, - Monica teased as Billy leaned in to smell her sweat.

-You're beautiful, darling, - Billy replied as they headed toward the exit, ready for a long shower.

She seemed slightly annoyed, but a few glances were directed their way, and she couldn't help but feel proud inside. It was almost as fabulous as the silent rejection of those looks.

-Jim Waiit is waiting for us at home, and he's got something to discuss with you. It's about the next step in your career, - Billy whispered.

-A new movie? - Monica asked, surprised by what she'd just heard. It was incredible how fast things moved in this country—people were making films left and right. If she was lucky, she'd land a role in one or two.

-It is, but we have to be careful about which role you want to take,- Billy cautioned. - All of them are potential game-changers for your career.-

...