Chapter 121
The release of “Galaxy Craft” adopted a new selling method.
You could purchase the mana code set by the Edward Consortium and access the World Tree Network to input the mana code to get the game.
Indeed. It was the same method known as “digital download” in my past life.
There was a reason for choosing this method.
First, it was to reduce the burden of crystal ball production and delivery.
Though unspoken, the selling method of crystal balls became such a heavy burden that even a major company like the Edward Consortium had to risk their lives every time they launched a game.
There were improvements made like pre-transportation and reducing the number of crystal balls before the release, but the burden remained, which led to the introduction of this new selling method.
Secondly, it was to accelerate the “PC Room” culture.
No matter how fun a game is, deploying a new game in bulk at a gaming establishment isn’t an easy task.
So even with “Legend Fighter” and “Dune,” it started with about two games and gradually increased in numbers.
However, with the download method, it became much easier to set it up quickly.
You just had to download it onto the crystal ball.
Perhaps that’s why the release of “Galaxy Craft” went quite smoothly.
“Give me Galaxy Craft.”
“Sure, here you go.”
On the day of the “Galaxy Craft” release, the Harmon Game Store was filled with game videos and promotional posters.
Naturally, many gamers lined up to buy the game.
But compared to past releases like the “Super Mario” series or “Eternal Fantasy,” it didn’t feel explosive. It felt more like a traffic jam.
Seeing this, Sylvia spoke with a mix of relief and concern.
“It’s quiet. I think it’s the quietest release we’ve had so far.”
“Well, the loud ones probably already bought it and are playing it at home.”
From a month prior, through promotions of the World Tree selling method, many gamers had already bought “Galaxy Craft.”
Surely, true gamers, who itch to play immediately, mostly made those purchases.
With those hardcore gamers out of the way, it was quite understandable that release day felt quiet.
“Yuren, aren’t you worried even if you received development funds from the Commander’s Department?”
“Eh, there’s nothing to worry about. What kind of game is this?”
That was a lie.
To be honest, I was slightly nervous.
“Galaxy Craft” is an absolute game for me, but unlike other games, it certainly raised concerns regarding popularity.
First, “Galaxy Craft” only succeeded in Korea.
Though it sold 60% of its worldwide figures in Korea alone, it didn’t gain much popularity in other countries.
I still remember it clearly.
During my trip to Japan, I saw the “Galaxy Craft” packaging sorrowfully rotting in the corner of a PC game store in Akihabara, the haven for otaku.
I had no worries about games that would succeed regardless of the country or world, but “Galaxy Craft” had its non-mainstream aspects, which caused significant concern.
Thus, to be prepared for any situation, we developed it while receiving development funds from the Commander’s Department to conserve costs.
I may seem like I am just mindlessly enjoying game development, but I’ve been having these thoughts while working on game development until now.
Don’t underestimate the years of experience from managing for 30 years in the previous life and 20 years in the current life.
Anyway, I’ve done everything I could.
An enjoyable gameplay,
A convenient interface,
An exciting story,
Charming characters,
A captivating trailer,
And accessibility to purchase the game.
I believe I’ve done everything as a game developer.
Now, all that’s left is up to the heavens and the gamers’ choice.
*
The first to respond to “Galaxy Craft” was the fans of the SF fantasy genre born from “Eternal Fantasy” and “Dune.”
Gamers who were deeply immersed in the fantasy genre created by machines and technology were always waiting for a new SF game, and “Galaxy Craft” fulfilled that desire.
Expecting a new experience, they bought the game the moment it released digitally, excited by the overwhelming technology, fleets, and weapons of alien civilizations displayed in the trailer.
“Finally, this day has come!!! No, wait. Before playing the game, I need to perform a sacred ritual.”
True gamers began to worship the games from the Irene School, calling them a blessing.
With reverent hearts, they bowed before the game, performed the sacred ritual, and began playing with utmost seriousness.
“Let’s give this a shot!”
Thus, gamers started “Galaxy Craft.”
Though I wanted to lead them straight into the battleground of Battle.net filled with fights and violence, doing so with newcomers exposed to such a challenging game was bound to scare them away.
“Galaxy Craft” first guided users through the story mode, aka the campaign.
To help users understand, it started with Tera, the human race, and following the guidance, the user began the story mode as Tera.
Starting as a commander unsealed from magic confinement, the user began not on Earth, but on the planet of “Masalan.”
“The monster alien race has invaded Commander’s planet ‘Masalan,’ crush them and the rebels.”
“Wait, not Earth?”
Surprised by the unexpected storyline starting on a completely different planet, gamers were baffled.
As the confusion settled, the aide inside the crystal ball began explaining the situation.
“It seems like due to long-term sealing, you’ve suffered memory loss, Commander. Shall I report the current status again? Yes / No”
“Yes.”
Thus, through the explanations of the crystal ball and interactions with characters, the user naturally learned about the current situation.
Years into the future from now, humanity had ventured into space, and even in space, people formed nations and engaged in wars when a mysterious alien lifeform invaded, their name being the [Zergs].
“This is ‘Galaxy Craft,’ huh? How intriguing!”
From Earth to hell and now into the universe!
The limitless world view thrilled SF fans, immersing them deeper into the game.
Of course, initially, the control interface with unit selection and movement felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable, but who cares when alien lifeforms are invading right before my eyes!!!
Thus began the story of “Galaxy Craft,” swirling like a storm.
“My name is ‘Jim Reinan.'”
Joining gamers, who had become one of the protagonists and the face of the Tera race, they plunged into the vortex of war as commanders.
There, gamers felt something was off as they watched the rebels saving civilians while being ordered to obliterate all of Masalan.
Defying the command, they joined the rebels to rescue those in need.
“Captain Reinan, I’ve just completed regional reconnaissance… What a beast!”
The gamer threw themselves into the rebellion with the help of the rebel leader Maengs and his right-hand man Kenigan, successfully rescuing Masalan and officially entering the war.
With the corrupt government, the Tera Alliance, the rebels, the Zergs, and the watching alien race Proto!
Gamers began to delve deeper into this fascinating political drama with the conflicting sides.
And then the event happened.
“Kenigan, massive numbers of Zergs are approaching. I’m requesting assistance!”
Kenigan, the most powerful elf wizard involved in the operation to shatter the Tera Alliance using the Zergs, performed admirably.
Yet, she depleted all her magical power and was isolated, requesting rescue.
However, unexpectedly, leader Maengs uttered a shocking command.
“Ignore her request. All fleets, prepare to disengage on my signal.”
Naturally, Reinan and the gamer rebelled, but he betrayed her and fled.
Users were stunned by Maengs’ shocking betrayal, who only showcased an admirable leader’s facade.
“What the heck, that guy was such a lowlife!?”
From this event, an unimaginably intense story relentlessly bombarded users.
Starting from the viewpoint of the alien race Proto, gamers began to learn about them.
Empowered by magic and unique psionic abilities that grant superhuman capabilities, the Protoss performed their duty of safeguarding the universe following the teachings of their master, Zelda.
As they confront the Zergs and Tera, they become ensnared in the battles.
Transitioning to the perspective of ‘Tesada,’ the protagonist from the Proto side presents a new storyline from an alien’s view, captivating gamers with their culture of valor, drawing the attention of otherworldly gamers.
Though fraught with challenges, Tesada succeeded in overcoming the Zergs while gaining friends from different races.
But their leader, the Hive Mind, remained intact, and with the situation dire, Tesada made a bold decision.
“For the fate of the Protoss, I willingly sacrifice my life.”
So, Tesada charged the battleship headlong, making a fearless sacrifice against the Hive Mind.
“I won’t forget your sacrifice. Entaro Tesada!!!”
A touching story through self-sacrifice,
But there remained the story from the Zergs’ perspective.
In a shocking twist, the story began with Kenigan, believed dead, who had been captured and infected, becoming a Zerg.
Now rallying the Zergs without a master after the Hive Mind’s death, Kenigan garnered power through her humanity, teaming up with her former allies to confront the new foe: the [Human Alliance].
However, scheming, traps, mind control, and even assassinations culminated in her ultimate victory in the race wars.
“I am the Queen of Blades!”
Though the gamers triumphed, humanity faced defeat, sending shockwaves through users who began discussing it in the World Tree chatroom late into the night.
It was the moment the “Space Opera” genre unleashed in this other world!