Chapter 50 - Define the Problem

"While you think about Tesla's unfinished formula, let's temporarily set that aside and discuss your game."

"My game?"

"Yes! Your Augmented Virtual Reality - Romantic Fantasy Adventure, Massive Multiplayer Online Game! Great Scott, that's a mouthful! Don't tell me you've forgotten about that already!"

Silence…

"Forgetting… has become a habit of mine, Josiah… A lot of things happened these past few years…"

Silence…

"Life has dealt you with a bad set of cards, huh?"

"Yeah… It's been a rocky ride."

Another silence…

"Well… Let's try to change your fortune, shall we? I saw this on the entrance of your hot spring."

He held up a pocketbook.

"Ah yes, my science fantasy novella that never sell. I still got 2,999 copies in my room."

"Make that 2,998."

I smiled.

"Thanks."

"Is this the story you'll use in the Server of Iris?"

"Yes."

"I'll read this tonight. First thing in the morning, after breakfast, we'll discuss this further. Sounds like a plan?"

"Yeah, that would be great. : )"

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(Time: 9:00 A.M.)

(Location: The Stainless Home-Trailer, Mini Conference Room.)

"Good morning, Teslan."

"Morning, Josiah."

"I've finished reading your book."

"Whoa… You really read the whole thing?"

"From cover to cover in one sitting."

"Wow… That's… unbelievable."

"I'm a fast reader, Teslan. Believe it."

And now, the verdict.

"So… What do you think…?"

Silence…

"It's a children's book."

"EH?!!"

(Teslan's thoughts: And I thought this cold-hearted guy has finally changed!)

"Are you serious?! I've included some heavy stuff in that story like, an alcoholic father, illegal hallucinogenic plants, and gaming addiction!"

"You should read the Sherlock Holmes Books for Kids. They tackle the same subjects."

(Teslan's thoughts: Man… The reading materials for children are way to advanced for their age these days!)

"You will not like what I'm about to say, Teslan, but it must be said. And it must be done."

He inhaled and exhaled deeply, obviously having a hard time telling me the truth.

"If you ever want to make your game a reality, and if you want to have a chance in making it successful, you need to scrap the whole story and write a new one. We also need to change its entire gameplay. We need to change the whole system mechanics of the Server of Iris."

Absolute silence…

Josiah... You're kidding, right…? You're telling me to just throw my story away and change the whole game?! That's insane! I feel so mad right now! It's like failing and getting rejected all over again! I want to lash out and say "How dare you belittle my story! I've worked hard for that! And why on earth should we change the game system?! It's perfectly fine! I'm the boss and we'll do it my way!" But… Anger never did me any good…

In a situation like this, in a business meeting with a certified professional, I must humble myself and let go of my pride. I must never let my emotions get the best of me. I must never make a decision based on feelings and emotions.

I did my best to relax, breathe, and calm down.

Those who do not listen to wise counsel will never succeed, the old proverb said...

There must be a reason and a logical explanation why Josiah said those things.

"A complete overhaul of the Server of Iris, huh…?"

"Yes, Teslan. A total reboot."

"Huh…"

Silence…

"But why…?"

He picked up his glass phone and pressed its screen. A mini projector slowly popped up on the dining table and automatically turned itself on.

"As you can see, your grandiose plan is near the edge of megalomania. Yes, yes, I know, 'Dream Big!'. But your dream, The Server of Iris, is massive. And I mean, multi-million dollar 'massive'. Just take a look at the things we need in order to create this game and its projected cost,

Number #01 - A big piece of land. Preferably, a nature park reserve bigger than Visneyland. That would cost more than a hundred million pesos. Great heavens, Teslan! You wanted to build a small fantasy city with its own micro-economy! We can't do that!

Number #02 - Research and development of our Game Gear. In other words, we need to create our own unique gaming equipment and clothing line from scratch. That's a ten to twenty million pesos of trial and error, Teslan. And we don't have the time or the money. That's not all. If, and only if, we ever successfully created our energy producing Game Gear, how much would it cost? Will the people pay the price tag and wear it? All our potential customers have this 'image' they always protect. Nobody wants to wear out-of-this-world outfits and look ridiculous. Majority of the people would never embarrass themselves outside, swinging fake plastic weapons on imaginary monsters that others can't see. Our future customers will never want to be labeled as weirdos. So that's another issue of our game - Image Protection.

Number #03 - The construction cost of the Server of Iris Tower. This is just a rough estimate but, with all the special scientific equipment we'll need, that's another 500 million pesos.

Number #04 - The Dating/Marriage A.I. Algorithm System. It's possible. Many dating sites are already using 'Matching Formulas' to find someone his or her suitable partner according to their preferences. Still, it's a major security risk for us, Teslan. Can we have the manpower? Can we make 100% sure that the female players are safe and protected from predators and abusive partners? We really need to drop this part and let the players themselves make friends with other players.

And lastly, Number #05 - The Story. I'm sorry to tell you, Teslan, but your fantasy story for the game is super cliche. The hack and slash, monster-slaying, swords and magic, job/class-based, skill-based, epic adventure game is an overused concept. The majority of MMORPG out there uses that same old formula over and over again. Gamers are getting tired of it and they're craving for something new. We desperately need something unique, Teslan. A new formula. A novel game system."

"Is everything clear? As you already know, I'm a consultant and this is what I do. I point out the major issues of a business plan and then propose solutions to decrease the risk of failure and increase the chances of its success. I do not mean to be harsh to you, Teslan. But I hope you understand where I'm getting at."

(Teslan's thoughts: I couldn't argue with his critical analysis… Josiah made a lot of valid points and it all makes sense… Sigh… Oh well… Except for my story and game system, I've got all to gain and nothing more to lose, so what the heck! Let's follow the expert!)

"It's a little bit clearer now. I think I'm starting to understand what you're trying to say... If we don't evolve from the current gaming trends, and if we don't innovate our game, we'll become extinct even before we hit the market... Hmmm... I think I can write a new story, but I don't know where to start. I also accept the changes that needs to be done in order to make this project successful. But man, it sure is a boatload of work and I don't know where to start. What's our next best move, consultant?"

He smiled.

"I thought you'll never ask. :)"