Elvin turned to look at his friend beside him, and Carter immediately averted his eyes, not daring to meet his gaze.
However, this single movement made Elvin understand that Carter was aware of the matter being brought up by the other side.
"Mr. Black Star, I can understand your feelings." Elvin shook his head. He knew that the other side's game studio aimed to grow and expand, and releasing a flagship game would undoubtedly skyrocket their reputation.
"I can't jeopardize my professional prospects for the sake of a whim, even though I don't have much of a career left." Elvin shot a fierce glare at his friend. He didn't know what sort of promises Carter had made to this game designer.
"You should know that our game store adds new games every month," Elvin spoke calmly, not getting upset over Ye Feng's words.
"These games include not only those from cooperating game manufacturers but also our in-house creations."
"We have our own studio responsible for game distribution and production, consisting of 13 creative teams." After saying this, Elvin raised his head to glance at Ye Feng. He wanted to convey to him that they weren't devoid of projects.
And he wasn't interested in ordinary projects.
The games produced by their creative teams were also enjoyable. Xbox's current situation was entirely due to their failure in commercial competition.
For games, players were the foundation.
But for game consoles, the consoles were the framework, and games were the cornerstone for constructing towering achievements.
In the past competition, their competitors had snatched away a portion of advantageous titles, causing a drastic decrease in user acquisitions.
The decrease in users also impacted the online popularity of the console.
These interconnected factors had indirectly led to the current situation.
"I understand." Ye Feng nodded. Naturally, he knew the situation. In this world, Xbox had even fewer users compared to the previous one.
Due to the scarcity of games on this side, the impact of a high-quality game on the console's sales was tremendous.
In such circumstances, when manufacturers planning to release games later were making choices, they would opt for larger platforms because there were more players and higher sales there.
No one wanted their newly released game to perform poorly.
"Since you understand, then you should also know that we don't lack games." He looked at Ye Feng. They certainly didn't lack ordinary games.
"You can completely assess my future game works." Ye Feng gazed at Elvin, composed.
"But I believe that by that time, the other side should offer me a higher price."
In Ye Feng's words, 'the other side,' they all understood who that referred to.
Elvin was puzzled, staring into Ye Feng's eyes, not comprehending.
Why was this person who hadn't even released a major work yet so confidently speaking these words?
He turned to look at Carter, hoping for some guidance, but Carter could only shake his head helplessly and then nodded with certainty.
"Just as you said, it's business. You wouldn't compromise your future for the sake of friendship, and I wouldn't forfeit my profits for the sake of my friendship with Carter."
"If in the future, the other side approaches me."
"I have employees to take care of, and I need to help my employees earn money. I need to be responsible for them."
"Ye! You're really confident." Elvin suddenly felt trapped. Even though he held the upper hand, he still sensed a tightening pressure.
Why was he being manipulated by a small game company?
"Elvin, I think we can give it a try." Carter whispered from the side.
"Carter, are you crazy? Have you been brainwashed?" Elvin stared at his friend as if he were looking at a madman.
"Whose side are you on? Who are you siding with?"
"Of course, I'm on your side. We've known each other for twenty years." Carter sounded anxious. "He's shared many game design plans with me. You can trust me."
"I've had deep conversations with him for so long, and he's confided in me about a lot!" Carter grew impatient, feeling that his friend was letting a great opportunity slip away.
Now, the outside world was doubting Ye Feng's abilities, but Carter knew that Ye Feng was packed full of potential!
Ye Feng smiled, but he didn't stop Carter from speaking.
He really wanted this opportunity. He could guarantee the quality of his game.
Even if he had to go to another party, he was confident he would secure the opportunity to be escorted.
But another party wasn't short of choices. Or rather, if all their competitors went under, Sony's standards for the escort's quality wouldn't be so high.
Moreover, Ye Feng also wanted to try developing a console himself. Wasn't it nice to raise a console personally?
By then, the console would be packed with his games. It would surely be quite fulfilling.
Though he wasn't producing it himself, it would still bear his mark.
"How about this? Around New Year's Day next year, I'll release my next game, Hollow Knight." Ye Feng looked at Elvin, speaking seriously.
"By mid-next year, I'll release Blood Source Curse."
"During this period, there may be some other releases."
"What I mean is, the further along we go, the higher the revenue share I hope to obtain after joining Xbox." Ye Feng hadn't given up on them. If they still didn't move in the end, he might go to another party.
For gaming consoles, it was simple, straightforward, and shared—a minimalist entertainment feast!
Carter fell silent. He was very helpless.
Both were his friends, and of course, he wished to see them collaborate.
Elvin kept his head down; no one knew what he was thinking.
After a long time, he finally lifted his head again.
"If I were to collaborate with you now, would you require a larger share of the benefits?"
Ye Feng was taken aback, then shook his head, "If it were now, then I would be like everyone else. I wouldn't need a larger share of the benefits." Ye Feng shook his head.
"Carter, this time, I'm really placing all my trust in you." Elvin looked at his friend.
"This time, I'm taking a gamble."
"I'll offer you a share of the profits that's one percentage point more than other game manufacturers." Elvin looked at Ye Feng seriously.
"As you know, if I make a wrong decision, it could expedite my downfall."
"And our contract will only be valid for the duration of my tenure." Elvin picked up his phone, calling his secretary from outside.
"This time, I'm entrusting you with all my faith, and also entrusting Carter."
In that split second, he remembered a mutter Carter had made over the phone earlier.
He hadn't heard it clearly then, but now it echoed in his mind.
Treat a dying horse as if it's still alive, Carter had said, 'Anyway, they're all dying horses.'
Thinking of that remark, Elvin couldn't help but laugh bitterly.
"Then I promise you, your tenure will definitely be long-lasting." Ye Feng stood up, extending his right hand.