KiShin technological prowess

The KiShin and SamStar negotiations persisted for several more weeks until SamStar ultimately accepted KiShin's terms and conditions.

Han Woon-Sook found it challenging to sway KiShin, a tough nut to crack, leaving him no choice but to agree.

Simultaneously, KiShin and SamStar are set to initiate joint research on semiconductor technology and mobile phone technologies.

Additionally, they will collaborate on IoT and sensor technologies crucial for the future of electronic products.

SamStar holds high hopes for IoT sensor and communication protocol technologies, vital for their electronic products' future, while KiShin aims to gain insights into these electronics technologies.

---

Shin was elated that SamStar finally agreed, anticipating that the partnership would facilitate semiconductor research crucial for game consoles.

The research progress on LCD technologies for the Gameboy Advance would also see improvement.

"Good news... With this joint research, GBA and K64 projects will have a more solid research foundation," Shin said with relief.

Indeed, besides GBA, K64 is another game console they are actively researching.

The K64 differs from the KiShin-Play Station models; it falls between the KS1 and the future KS2 of KiShin. Similar to Nintendo 64 from Shin's previous life, the K64 stands out by using a CD ROM instead of cartridges. This distinction makes the K64 superior to the N64, as it can handle more data and boasts greater memory for CD games, unlike the N64 limited by cartridge constraints.

With the K64, games will closely approach 3D, though it will take more years to fully realize this potential. Currently, KiShin is focused on building a video game library for the KS1, with dozens of games available within a year of its release. The quality of these 2D-rendered games creating a 3D illusion showcases how much the industry has progressed under KiShin's leadership.

Moving into the realm of 3D technologies, NVIDIA, recognizing their potential, is developing Direct3D. Given KiShin's major shareholding and influence, they play a significant role in guiding NVIDIA's advancements in 3D technologies.

This is a graphics application programming interface designed by Microsoft for use on the Windows operating system, enabling developers to create high-performance 3D graphics and multimedia applications.

Direct3D facilitates hardware acceleration and advanced graphics features, including 3D rendering objects.

Developed collaboratively by KiShin and NVIDIA, this application is steadily nearing completion. With Direct3D, KiShin, or Shin's aspiration for the 3D technology path, is gradually coming to fruition.

Furthermore, the NVIDIA GPU designed for computers is set to be finalized next year, featuring a 128-bit architecture. While this GPU appears sufficient for KS2 development, it's worth noting that NVIDIA's GPU is a general-purpose one with a distinct architecture, not specifically tailored to meet the needs of a console.

Although NVIDIA is assisting KiShin in developing a GPU tailored specifically for console needs, like the KS1's GPU developed through their joint research, a 128-bit GPU for the KS2 requires further exploration before completion.

Despite the support from NVIDIA, KiShin faces challenges in console GPU development. NVIDIA, being focused on the PC market, means KiShin must invest significant effort independently. Beyond GPU technologies, KiShin's collaboration with NVIDIA is limited, and further research extends only to GPUs.

This is where the crucial role of joint research with SanStar in semiconductors becomes evident. The collaboration extends beyond GPU development to include CPU, Sound Chips, and various semiconductor technologies. Moreover, SamStar's DRAM, ahead of most companies globally, proves beneficial for KiShin's consoles.

Through joint research, KiShin gains technologies, and with KiShin Research amalgamating insights from collaborations with other companies, KiShin can enhance its own technological prowess.

---

Meanwhile, in the USA, the KiShin World Championships have finally commenced.

The Oakland Coliseum buzzed with activity. Before the main event, the stage was set for the Tetris Blast showdown, with rows of competitors, each equipped with customized consoles, displaying focused expressions.

Excitement filled the air as video game fans observed the spectacle. As the first tetriminos fell, the competition ignited. The commentator exclaimed, "And Anya from Moscow is on fire! Those double T-spins are stacking up like skyscrapers!"

Anya, a woman from Moscow, stood before the KiShin console, playing Tetris with unwavering concentration.

Her hands moved like lightning, pressing the controller buttons rapidly. When the camera captured her swift movements, those watching on the LED screen were left in awe. Viewers at home were equally impressed.

As Anya prepared for a combo, the scene shifted to a young man with dyed blonde hair. The commentator exclaimed, "But wait, here comes Kai, the streetwise wonderkid, with a Tetris cascade that's pure pixelated poetry!"

Kai, also a professional player, showcased impressive skills, captivating both the onsite audience and viewers at home as combos flew in the Tetris game.

The scene transitioned to another handsome young man, a competitor in the Tetris Blast showdown, prompting the commentator to exclaim, "The tension is thicker than a six-block line! Can anyone stop the unstoppable Akira, the Tetris samurai?"

"Woah!"

"Ohh!!!"

"The young man is already ahead of the other competitors!"

"I think he'll win!"

The onsite audience couldn't help but exclaim and engage in discussions, while viewers at home watched, enjoying popcorn and sipping on coke.