C27: Next Game

Yang Xin Pov~

Ruan Ningxue and I were full of doubts.

"We won't develop a sequel to a best-selling game like Undertale, and won't be making META games next?" I couldn't figure this out. Isn't the normal business logic to build on your success. So I raised these questions to confirm it.

Ruan Ningxue seemed just as puzzled as me while nodding her head to affirm that she has a similar question in mind.

Nowadays, the game media is buzzing with various reviews of Undertale. In forums frequented by industry designers, professional gamers are analysing the unique aspects of the Undertale format, some even dismantling the plot, logic, and dialogue. Its fresh elements feel like a new friend to them.

Even some game manufacturers and designers have publicly stated that they're working on games with similar META elements. While others mentioned similar element games in production.

But now, Chen Xu was telling us~ We are not developing another META game, Similar to how he said it when we were thinking of the next Gal game.

I couldn't help but imagine how surprised everyone would be when this news will come out. After all, before Undertale, the concept of META games was pretty much sleeping in some dark desert.

Naturally, one would expect that with Undertale's success, we'd strike while the iron is hot and launch a sequel, much like how Magic Mirror released DLC. If not a sequel, at least a brand-new META game!

Ruan Ningxue and I had even discussed the possibility of developing a prequel to Undertale. After all, the game only briefly touched upon the story of Lamb and Chara without fully developing the world of Undertale and its surrounding characters.

But now, Chen Xu was telling us not to make a sequel or even a META game?

"It's not really the right move," Chen Xu explained to us.

"The appeal of META elements is limited. Undertale worked because it caught players off guard, shocking them with something they weren't prepared for. There's no pre-established concept in their minds for META games."

"If we push another META game now, the response definitely won't surpass Undertale. Players' first impressions will likely be that it's less impactful."

Chen Xu's insight was compelling and thorough. To stamp on his argument. He also pointed out the decline in surprise element, similarity, and no second Zhong to help them market it.

Chen Xu POV~

Before he travelled back in time, he was already familiar with the type of metagames, he was talking about. While others may not know much about META games, he understood them well enough.

Games like Ashe, Stanley's Parable, Pony Island, and of course, Undertale, were among the best in this category. However, out of all these, the best-selling games were Undertale and Ashe. Even though, Stanley's Parable had introduced many players to META concepts. It didn't reach the commercial success of the former two.

And Pony Island? Many players had never even heard of it.

The main reason, that is, the META element, is not suitable as the core selling point.

A closer look reveals that Ashe's game is laced with action elements.

Although "Undertale" subverts the RPG setting, it's essentially a combination of RPG and barrage gameplay.

These two games are supplemented by META elements, while My Little Pony Island and Stanley's Fables rely more on META elements, with other elements serving as supplements.

The META element can definitely shock players.

However, it's not suitable as the main core, but rather as a lubricant, allowing it to supplement the main elements and burn fiercely with the content of the game itself.

In many large-scale games in the past, similar designs were used.

For example, in the Metal Gear series, there's the BOSS character Psycho Mantis, who can read the player's actions.

Then there's the finale of Nier: Automata, where the player's save file is used to help others.

These are all examples of the META element being used but as a secondary feature.

The success of Undertale wasn't solely due to the META element.

After hearing Chen Xu's explanation, Ruan Ningxue and Yang Xin were still a bit confused.

We understand, but We don't fully grasp it. Why bother tho? Let's work on a new game. If Chen Xu wants it.

But there's one thing we do know:

If we keep launching META-based games, We might not make much money, and the reputation could suffer.

On top of that, with so many game developers adding META elements, players could develop aesthetic fatigue.

"So, what kind of project should we choose?" We asked Chen Xu.

"For now, let's focus on a low-cost transition, and we'll need to expand the team," Chen Xu replied.

"As for the type... let's look at trends and analytics in the official platform."

With that, Chen Xu opened the laptop next to him and logged in to a website: The official website of the government agency.

Then, while Ruan Ningxue and Yang Xin watched, slightly confused, Chen Xu opened an announcement.

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[Science is the source of human progress~ scientific advancements and innovations are changing lives. With technological innovation, we are also evolving as Humans. It is happening faster than before. With the theme of "Technology Changes Life," the Game Department from the Ministry of Culture will hold a science fiction tour competition.]

1. Participants: National Game Designers.

2. Requirements: Science, Technology, Healthy and Morally uplifting themes.

3. Event organization: The event is hosted by the Game Department from the Ministry of Culture and uses a dual system of Expert Jury review and player voting for selection to ensure fairness, trust, and justice.

4. Selection and awards: Based on the total number of participants, there will be one first prize, three-second prizes, six third prizes, and several excellence awards.

The best works will be promoted and featured on the official platform's homepage after the event.

 At the same time, the winning designers will be awarded the title of "Exceptional Innovator" as encouragement.

 (The registration period for the competition is from September 20th to September 30th, and the event ends at the end of October.)

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"Are we going to participate?" Xin asked, still contemplating the issue of sequels.

I had heard of this event before.

It's supposed to be for National Game Developers, but in reality, it mostly involves independent game developers or small to medium-sized game Studios.

There are obvious benefits—after all, the organizer is the Game Department under the Ministry of Culture. Game reviews, designer evaluations, game engine tech developments, and policy introductions all fall under the Game Department's jurisdiction.

Getting recognized by them would be nothing but beneficial.

Plus, being promoted on the official platform homepage is a real perk.

The official game platform is one of the biggest and most visited channels in the country.

As for why big companies don't participate, it's mainly because these types of competitions aren't appealing and profitable to them. But still, they will send some of their free developers to fish up the rewards from the competition to boost their image.

Their high-cost, high-production games don't need this kind of exposure.

And those games, which are highly commercial, often lack the special elements that attract players and are not especially pleasing in the eyes of officials. What officials want is something that promotes Nation culture, heritage, language, innovation, benefits, and tourism. If big Enterprises start working on these kinds of games, they won't even be able to break even and might also go bankrupt.

Forget about violent or suggestive content—even if there are multiple female protagonists, a harem plus a bunch of naked girls, those kinds of elements wouldn't look good in a competition like this and might also get official involved for insulting the formal competition culture.

So, naturally, no big wig gets involved. But this is also a huge boon for indie developers and small companies, as they can work hard and get recognition in the industry, which can create a future career path for them.

Most participants are independent game designers, small to medium-sized companies, and maybe some studios acquired by big companies.