Chapter 114: Undercurrents Amidst Celebration

In that same office, with those same three individuals.

But at this moment, the old man wasn't angry; instead, he sat with crossed legs, leaning back in his chair.

His chubby subordinate was in front, reading a file.

"Looking at the patent licensing fees we've received in the past two months, nearly all game companies in North America are on the verge of collapse."

"After the success of 'Pac-Man' in the market, the North American populace became fervently passionate about this game."

"They loved that yellow figure racing through the maze, devouring beans."

"They also liked those ghosts, each with its own unique characteristics, relentlessly pursuing the protagonist in 'Pac-Man'."

"With the continuous popularity of the 'Pac-Man' arcade, other companies dare not launch new products."

"Because they fear that after producing boring games, they will end up rotting in warehouses."

Such words made the old man nod with a smile.

"Collapsed?"

"Oh, this is truly absurd."

He sighed and said, "If someone had told me a few years ago that in the future, a single work could dominate North America, I wouldn't have believed it."

"Because electronic games and novels are no different; both are creations of human ingenuity. Since they are human-made, it's impossible to satisfy everyone because everyone has different interests."

"But..."

"This game, 'Pac-Man,' is indeed different."

"When I first saw it, or rather, when I heard the professors' praises at the launch event, I realized that this game is a combination of inspiration and technology. Its selling point is both inspiration and a technology ordinary people have never seen."

"When these two elements appear together, the market's response is normal."

"Although people's interests vary depending on where they live, everyone has curiosity as long as they are individuals."

"When the media portrays something as magical, those who hear about it will want to see it."

"So, when 'Pac-Man' seized this advantage, its success was inevitable and, of course, irreplicable."

The boss's words surprised the plump subordinate.

They exchanged a glance quietly.

Both of them saw astonishment in each other's eyes.

Although they tried to conceal their actions, how could the old man not notice when he leaned back in his chair?

After seeing the subtle movements of his subordinates, he, in a good mood, asked, "What's going on?"

"What's your reaction?"

"Can't I, as a person, have feelings of joy and admiration?"

"Yes!"

"Ethan Jones used to reject us several times, but this time is different, right?"

"Previously with 'Snake,' we faced constant criticism."

"Later with Ralph H. Baer, we didn't receive his patent fees."

"But this time, is 'Pac-Man' related to us?"

"Hasn't this slapped the entire industry in the face?"

The old man spread his hands, smiling at the two.

Such twisted logic left the plump and thin subordinates dumbfounded!

However, after just a second of hesitation, the chubby one, who figured it out, smiled and said, "Boss, I think you're right."

"The ones most affected by the impact of 'Pac-Man' are those making arcade games."

"We, who make home game consoles, have not been affected at all."

"???"

This statement surprised the thin one, and he instinctively took a step aside.

Because he always felt that his boss was sick, infected with a kind of madness, and his colleagues were also infected, with their intelligence plummeting. In the large office, he seemed to be the only normal person.

But the old man noticed his two subordinates' different expressions after trying to conceal their actions. Without continuing the banter, he picked up the file on the table and shook it.

"Take a look at this."

"This is a document the chairman sent me a few days ago, outlining the work arrangements from our parent company, Philips."

"When I saw this document, I understood why they had been scrutinizing our work responsibilities."

"Or rather..."

"Why they've been paying attention to our work, especially our home game console products."

The chubby and thin subordinates, no longer joking, approached and took the file.

As they flipped through it, their brows furrowed into a "川" shape.

Because it stated:

[Following the latest work arrangements from the parent company Philips, from today onwards, focus on the real-time changes in the North American game market. Try to acquire those game companies facing operational difficulties due to the appearance of 'Pac-Man,' including but not limited to Kee Games, which released 'Tank' last year, and Midway Games, which released 'Asteroids.']

"Boss, what does this mean?"

The plump and thin subordinates didn't understand, and they looked at their boss with puzzled eyes.

The old man didn't explain but smiled and said, "Turn the page."

Following his gesture, the two lowered their heads again.

The contents on the second page made their pupils shrink!

[Following the latest work arrangements from the parent company Philips, strategically abandon the Odyssey 300 product. You can continue selling it, but at the same time, focus on the research and development of the next-generation product. In terms of major research directions, they haven't specified content. You can continue using the ROM cassette box as a storage medium, but at the same time, they also hope you can create a LaserDisc interface for the Odyssey.]

When the plump and thin duo captured the word LaserDisc, they almost lifted their heads at the same time!

"Philips wants to turn our Odyssey into a multi-functional home entertainment device?"

The thin one exclaimed.

The boss nodded, saying, "Yes."

"You've got it right."

"Philips wants to turn our Odyssey into a comprehensive home entertainment system."

"???"

This idea shocked the plump and thin subordinates.

With furrowed brows, they looked at their boss, eager for more information.

The old man didn't hold back and, while rising from his chair and gazing out the window, said, "Actually, a few days ago, when I was summoned by the board, my reaction was the same as yours."

"It wasn't until then that I understood why Philips acquired our company because their core goal is to promote their Videodisc technology, LaserDisc, on the continent of America through us."

"You should be familiar with LaserDisc technology. It was developed based on optical video recording technology in 1963. Philips had already successfully developed it in 1969 and pushed the standard into the market in 1972."

"You should be clear that the introduction of a new standard into households involves numerous difficulties. The first thing to face is the existing old standards in the industry, as they had already monopolized the market before. To break this monopoly, what technology companies can do is promote it themselves."

"So, after careful consideration, they chose us..."

"As for the reason, it's simple. Because LaserDisc technology involves the use of analog video signals, and until now, only Ralph H. Baer's home game console in North America uses video signals."

"This natural compatibility pleased Philips, and in 1974, they proposed the acquisition of our company."

"According to Philips' initial plan, they want to add a LaserDisc port to the Odyssey to promote their videodisc products to the North American public. To reach a broader market, Odyssey needs to

have a certain presence in the market."

At this point, the old man paused.

Standing by the window, he suddenly turned around, smiling at the two subordinates, and said, "So..."

"Do you know why they are angry about Ethan Jones?"

At this question, the plump and thin subordinates instinctively nodded!

If they still didn't understand the truth of the matter at this moment, then they were simply foolish!

Why did Philips suddenly pay attention to Ethan Jones?

Why did Philips doubt their competence?

Wasn't it all because of the success of 'Snake Game'!

If 'Snake Game' was born in their Magnavox, then Magnavox could have propelled the Odyssey into the sky with this game alone!

With a skyrocketing market share of Odyssey, Philips could then promote their Videodisc standard to the North American public by adding a LaserDisc port!

Once this step happened...

Philips could dominate the traditional video tape industry!

When every household bought an Odyssey, bought an Odyssey with the LaserDisc playback standard...

Philips could strongly persuade Hollywood entertainment companies to use their videodiscs to copy TV programs and movies!

At that time...

It would be a monopoly!

But unfortunately...

Ethan Jones did not belong to their Magnavox.

The loss of the genius creativity of 'Snake Game' infuriated Philips.

There was nothing they could do...