Streaming Success: The Phenomenon of "Pokemon Pikachu"

With the livestream of the streamer version of "Pokemon Pikachu," Diana's popularity on PaidTube soared to record highs within a single month. This surge wasn't just due to superchat donations; the number of viewers tuning into her livestreams reached unprecedented levels.

It wasn't only the top streamers experiencing this boost. Many smaller streamers on PaidTube, who were lucky enough to qualify for the advance version of "Pokemon Pikachu," also achieved significant leaps in popularity. These obscure streamers quickly rose to mid-level status on the platform, receiving better treatment and opportunities within their guilds.

On V-Blog, numerous famous streamers who had access to the pre-release version of "Pokemon Pikachu" posted their heartfelt thanks to Indra:

"Once, I was overlooked by my crush and disregarded by my friends. But since I got the first livestream qualification for 'Pokemon Pikachu,' my former crush started contacting me, and those friends who looked down on me began apologizing!"

"I remember when I chose the path of livestreaming, my family and friends tried to persuade me to give up, thinking I couldn't support myself this way. But everything changed when I streamed the pre-release version of 'Pokemon Pikachu!'"

"Before I got the qualification for the first version of 'Pokemon Pikachu,' I was just an unknown streamer without even a platform contract. But once I secured that pre-host version qualification, the platform reached out to sign a long-term contract with me, and my followers increased exponentially!"

"The first version of this game gave me a new lease on life! Thank you, Indra, for creating a game that has allowed me to achieve a turnaround in my life!"

These stories might sound like plotlines from a novel, but they were real. The streamer version of "Pokemon Pikachu" had genuinely altered the life trajectories of many small streamers.

In fact, similar situations had occurred in Indra's previous life. When "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" was popular, it also changed the fates of many.

As the positive reviews for "Pokemon Pikachu" spread across the internet, players' expectations for the game reached their peak. Indra decisively posted an announcement on GC's official V-Blog account:

"At nine o'clock tonight, the Pokemon official website will launch the PC version download link for 'Pokemon Pikachu!' The physical game cartridges will also go on sale simultaneously, with the first batch of 100,000 copies available!"

Indra's decision to bypass the game mall and release the game directly on the official website sparked widespread discussion on V-Blog. The game mall was typically the primary release channel for new games, even for large game manufacturers. Smaller studios often had no choice but to rely on these platforms to get their games seen.

CA's PR department, always vigilant, seized on this move, aiming to use their 18 martial arts to criticize GC's decision. However, their attempts to control the narrative were swiftly suppressed by players and influencers:

"This move shows GC's absolute confidence in their game's quality!" wrote a popular V-Blogger in the gaming community. "Whether you agree or not, I believe many will pay to download and play the 'Pokemon' series even if it's not on a traditional game store."

"As long as the game is fun, does it matter where we download it from? We're here for the game, not the platform!"

"I support this viewpoint! Even if GC released their game on the internet, I'd still play it, as long as it's fun!"

"Those criticizing GC for 'floating' are just jealous. Look at the price of 'Pokemon Pikachu' – it's reasonable. Can CA say the same about their games?"

Amid the backlash against CA's hired bloggers, many players took to CA's official V-Blog account to criticize their tactics. CA found themselves in a tight spot, unable to openly disassociate from the fake bloggers without confirming their guilt, nor could they clarify the situation without inviting further scrutiny.

"Whose idea was it to hire fake bloggers?" exploded the head of CA's PR department. "I told you to monitor GC's actions, not jump at every opportunity without thinking!"

As nine o'clock approached, the anticipation for the official launch of "Pokemon Pikachu" grew. Meanwhile, Diana was among the lucky streamers who had secured early access. She promptly announced her stream: "Come in to see the first Pikachu player in the world!"

Even before her stream started, fans flocked to her channel. "No, not that title again!" some groaned, while others marveled at her luck.

Diana couldn't help but smile despite the teasing. Once the game finished downloading, she thanked her fans for their support and started the stream. The early version of the game, available only on PC, reached up to Celadon City, where the fourth Gym was located.

"This time, let me show you how to clear the game without dying," Diana declared confidently. "The first Pikachu trainer in the national service is not joking!"

As the game loaded, Diana's enthusiasm was palpable. She entered her character's name as "Little Girl No. 1" and let her viewers vote on the name of her rival. The choices were between Gary and Green, reflecting the ongoing debate between animation and comic fans. Gary won the vote.

Entering the game, Diana skillfully navigated through Route 001, led by Professor Oak to get her first Pokémon – Pikachu. Unlike the original games, there was no choice of starters. Her rival, Gary, also didn't start with a traditional starter but with Eevee.

After easily defeating Gary's Eevee, Pikachu followed Diana's character outside its Poké Ball. "Wow, this is the feature mentioned on GC's V-Blog," Diana said, interacting with Pikachu to trigger its expression and intimacy systems.

Pikachu, initially displeased, displayed a Rage expression. The fans in the livestream found this amusing and teased Diana.

"Hmph, Pikachu's favorability will improve!" she assured, moving on to capture a Mankey on Route 22 to prepare for the Rock Gym.

Her gameplay was textbook perfect, thanks to her experience with "Pokemon Red/Green." She passed the Rock Gym with ease and continued to Mt. Moon, encountering Team Rocket members Jessie and James. Their lines and Pokémon matched those in the animation, adding to the game's charm.

In Cerulean City, Diana obtained a Bulbasaur and later a Charmander. With Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Charmander, she easily defeated Misty and headed to Vermilion City. There, through Officer Jenny, she obtained Squirtle, completing her collection of the three starters – a feat not possible in a single version of "Pokemon Red/Green."

The immersive gameplay left Diana's viewers itching to play. "Seeing Diana play makes me want to join in! I feel like ants are crawling all over me!" one fan commented.

As Diana continued her journey, fans eagerly watched, excited to see how far she would go and what other surprises "Pokemon Pikachu" had in store. The hype and engagement were at an all-time high, setting the stage for what promised to be a memorable gaming experience.