Initial Success of the Animated Film

In Haneda Airport, Shin and Lee Han waited for their airplane at the art exhibit.

"So, the one who wants to see me is the Chairman of SamStar Group?" Shin pondered, looking at Lee Han.

Lee Han nodded, "That's right... It's my cousin, Han Woon-Sook."

"Now that I think about it, what is your Korean name, Han?" Shin inquired.

"My name in Korea is Han Lee-Ryu," Lee Han replied.

"So your name is Han Lee-Ryu all this time and not Lee Han, huh..." Shin chuckled.

"Well, I'm in Japan, so I thought Lee Han is much simpler..." Lee Han smiled.

"And because of that, when I first met you, I thought you were Chinese." Shin couldn't help but laugh.

"Chinese? I'm not surprised, in Taiwan, everyone thought I'm from China..." Lee Han chuckled wryly.

"Well, it's because it sounded like Li Han, and that indeed sounds Chinese..." Shin smiled.

Shin accepted the invitation to see one of the most powerful families from his previous life. Despite differences in names and surnames, he knew the SamStar Group paralleled a certain company that would control 20% of South Korea's GDP in the future.

Shin anticipated that this company might surpass even the Suzuki Group, which he acknowledged was equivalent to Sony. Despite specializing in motors and cars, the Suzuki Group's vehicles were globally popular, with estimated sales of 2 million units annually and 8 to 10 million minivehicles sold in Japan each year.

Shin was uncertain whether SamStar would truly surpass the Suzuki Group, given Suzuki's ventures in various business sectors.

But who could know for sure? Even with knowledge of the future, Shin couldn't guarantee that things would unfold similarly to his past life, as this world was a parallel one.

Especially now that he was here, the future might unfold differently. His company, KiShin, and its affiliates were already making a significant impact.

Companies like Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, invested in by KiShin, ensured a steady stream of billions in the future. Even if KiShin's primary business became average, these investments alone could provide Shin a comfortable life without actively working.

Despite amassing billions, Shin wasn't driven solely by wealth. He dedicated himself to recreating games from his previous life and possibly creating original ones, advancing technology in this world with his knowledge. This became Shin's priority.

In essence, even with ample wealth, he worked for a better future in video games, technology, and his company. Contributing, even in small ways, to society and human civilization was Shin's goal, beyond monetary success.

Notably, Shin's overarching vision for the video game industry has yet to come to fruition. The likes of PSP or PS2 are non-existent, and the creation of PS3, PS4, and beyond, along with the rise of PC gaming, especially online gaming, is still on the horizon. With much to be achieved, Shin can't afford to rest.

This world is yet to discover the genuine joy and challenges of playing video games, including the true pain of experiencing losing streaks.

***

In the USA, the Electronic Gaming and GameFan's Game Ceremony Plan was already in its final stages. They selected Carnegie Hall as the venue, aiming for an intimate and classical atmosphere for the game awards.

With KiShin's support, organizing the Game Awards event at Carnegie Hall posed no difficulty. Moreover, with the Game Awards Ceremony set to be televised through KiShin-affiliated channels, the organizers anticipated widespread recognition, given KiShin's backing and funding for the event's success.

***

Following the premiere of Toy Story, the audience praised it, and TV channels sang its praises, highlighting the top-notch 3D animation quality of the film.

Most film critics offered positive reviews, expressing admiration for the animation, story, and portrayal of the life of toys in Toy Story.

Affiliated channels of Warner Bros. and Universal also praised the film, although their subtle grievances were evident due to KiShin's frequent mentions in the animation.

For instance, in scenes like Woody and Buzz being in the Pizza Planet truck, the KiShin logo discreetly appeared just above the Pizza Planet logo, hinting at Pizza Planet's connection to KiShin. Even the toy manufacturer of Buzz Light-year was revealed to be under the KiShin umbrella.

This self-promotion tactic within the animated film irked higher-ups at Warner Bros. and Universal, given the existing tensions with KiShin.

Due to the animated film's promotion of KiShin as the toy manufacturer of Buzz Light-year, attendees at the premiere learned that KiShin indeed sold Buzz Light-year toys. KiShin Merchandise also offered complete sets of toys featured in Toy Story.

While Toy Story had not yet reached wide screening, frequent visitors to KiShin Merchandise occasionally spotted Toy Story toys and merchandise in the store. This exposure allowed people, even if they didn't make a purchase, to become aware with Toy Story.

Most customers that didn't even watch the animated film yet, were enticed to buy Toy Story toys because of their appealing designs, particularly capturing the interest of children who had not seen Toy Story yet.

The animated film's premiere, coupled with TV channels praising it and positive word of mouth, led to a slight surge in Toy Story merchandise sales.

However, the president of KiShin Merchandise anticipated that sales would experience an even greater surge after the nationwide screening of the Toy Story animation film.