NOVEL NEXT Chapter 57
A piece of news brought by a user caused quite a stir at the Reverse Arcadia Gallery.
That news was none other than the announcement of the Korean server release of Reverse Arcadia.
If it had been any ordinary game, this kind of news would have elicited no more than a collective yawn. However, since the subject in question was Reverse Arcadia, more specifically Enson GT, the situation was different.
Enson GT, the game company that achieved number one sales in both major Japanese markets, was a Korean company.
Not to mention, it was also known for its steadfast stance of never releasing games in Korea.
Of course, it wasn’t entirely unreasonable why Enson GT hesitated to release games in Korea. Mobile games like Reverse Arcadia or Girls’ Memorial, which catered to male audiences within the subculture sphere, simply didn’t have the environment to thrive in Korea.
Still, despite the reasonable explanation, the majority of gamers were more moved by practical inconvenience rather than such rationale. Dissatisfaction and demands towards Enson GT began to accumulate.
“Why do we have to find workarounds to play our own country’s game?”
“To be honest, it’s hard to immerse myself in the story when it’s in Japanese.”
“Isn’t it about time they officially released a Korean server?”
But then, out of the blue, Enson GT, which had previously adhered to non-response, suddenly declared the launch of their Korean server without any prior indication.
And thus, the Reverse Arcadia Gallery erupted in chaos.
[Nickname : Anonymous]
[Title : Wait, is the Korean server launch actually true? No joke?]
No signs hinted this would happen, so it’s left me stunned.
Turn on your indicators before coming in, seriously hahaha.
[Comment List][Registration Order]
-Really what is happening? Haha.
-The newbies who just started on the Japanese server will likely weep bitterest tears.
[Nickname : Anonymous]
[Title : Other than the confirmation of the launch, are there any other details?]
I’m debating whether I should start playing now with the Japanese server.
Should I hold off and wait for the Korean server?
[Comment List][Registration Order]
-Hah, unless you’re fluent in Japanese, waiting is the right choice.
-If you’re new, starting fresh on the Korean server is definitely the way to go.
[Nickname : Anonymous]
[Title : What happens if the game doesn’t pass the rating?]
Will it be restricted to adults only?
If it does become 18+, I won’t be able to play—please no!
[Comment List][Registration Order]
-OMG, even casual gamers are lurking around here.
-Casual gamers, log off the gallery and focus on studying. Haha!
Amidst the adults and minors, users playing on the Japanese server, newcomers who wanted to jump into the game, long-term players, and other external users who came to stir things up or had other purposes, the gallery was spiraling further into confusion.
To ask what I was doing amidst this chaos… I was currently visiting the President’s Room.
***
During the months of deliberating about the Korean server launch, two matters were lingering in my mind.
The first was the rating process.
Although the current ratings are more lenient due to self-regulation, the uncertainty of the game being reported and reclassified as R-18 is a significant risk.
There had been an uproar in the past due to reclassification following a report after a game was launched.
However, there wasn’t much I could do about it, so I had to put this matter aside.
The second issue was gender conflict, which was the very reason why the Korean server launch was hesitated over until the very end.
Although, at the present time in 2015, this conflict seemed subdued, I already knew what chaos was in store.
I’d witnessed the mess with my own eyes during my previous life.
That’s why, from the very beginning of developing Reverse Arcadia, I took measures against it.
Unlike Girls’ Memorial, Reverse Arcadia was developed with the Korean server in mind. Employees who had created problems on SNS or were memorable from my previous life were excluded from Project RA.
Furthermore, a clause was added to the labor contracts stating that employees must not cause issues on social media.
However, I knew this wasn’t enough, and so I eventually ended up at the President’s Room.
When Su-yeon finished reading the revised employee regulation proposal I gave her, her expression was more nuanced than I anticipated.
“So, if I understand correctly, Ho-jin is saying that gender conflicts are about to intensify and we should prepare for trouble if it spills over to us?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Though her expression hinted disbelief, Su-yeon put down the report and asked for confirmation.
“Your past experiences generally make me trust you, but this story feels a bit far-fetched.”
Predictably, Su-yeon was skeptical about the tales I told her regarding the extreme gender conflicts I endured in the previous timeline.
The current 2015 life she lived made such tales seem outlandish.
It was evident that such conflicts hadn’t reached a serious state yet.
“Let her take a look at this.”
I handed her the supplementary data I had prepared just in case.
This document contained screenshots from Parangsaeng (a hypothetical social network), capturing posts full of misogyny from accounts deeply entrenched in hatred towards men.
To me, as someone who returned after experiencing the extreme 2020s, this material felt mild, but it was enough to convince Su-yeon.
The shock was evident on Su-yeon’s face as she reviewed the material.
“Are you serious… do people like this really exist? Why do they hate men so much?”
All I could do in response was shrug, as I couldn’t comprehend the psychology of misogyny myself.
Su-yeon, seemingly not expecting an answer, resumed scanning the materials with a serious expression.
“Ho-jin, these materials…are they really reliable?”
“Of course.”
“Honestly, your earlier remarks sounded unrealistic, but these documents feel very convincing.”
“Which means…?”
With a sigh, Su-yean placed the materials down and answered.
“Ho-jin, I’ll handle the reforms you’re asking for. I didn’t realize it would be this extreme… It seems you’re right.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s my duty anyway, so no need to thank me. By the way, how’s the preparation for the Korean server launch progressing?”
With a nod, I replied. The current release preparations were running smoother than expected.
“Good to hear that… Is there anything you need help with?”
“Not at the moment…”
Su-yeon, agreeing with my response, stood up.
Looking like she had her next meeting, she slipped into her jacket and said,
“I’ll let you know about the regulation amendments as soon as possible. You’re free to go.”
“Understood.”
As I bowed and left the room, I could feel Su-yeon’s approving glance on my back.
***
After announcing the Korean server launch, the open preparations were proceeding smoothly.
Yerin’s Art Team, following the UI/UX adjustments for the Korean server, was working on countdown illustrations for the launch.
Meanwhile, the planning team was intensively simulating the gap between the Japanese and Korean server patches, debating whether to keep the servers on the same timeline or staggered.
Likely, they would opt to create a 3- or 6- month gap between the servers.
Each option had its pros and cons, and maintaining synchronization was impractical.
While preparations were gaining momentum, about two weeks before the launch, I received a message from Su-yeon regarding the requested amendments.
Upon confirming the regulation had been revised, I immediately summoned all directors to the Conference Room.
The room buzzed with curiosity about the sudden gathering.
As the last one to enter, I addressed them.
“Does anyone here know why you were summoned?”
No one appeared to have a clue.
Clearing my throat, I proceeded.
“A regulation has been revised, not sure if it’s been posted on the intranet yet. The revised clause…”
I activated the beam projector.
“The updated clause concerns SNS usage. Essentially, employees should not make controversial statements on social media that could link back to the company.”
The room buzzed again.
“Any questions?”
Yerin raised her hand.
“So, as long as we avoid controversial topics, it’s fine to post on social media?”
“Yes. The goal isn’t to ban SNS usage entirely.”
“Then what qualifies as a controversial topic?”
“Anything that could cause unnecessary controversy and harm the company.”
“Isn’t that rather broad?”
“It has to be. This regulation aims to prevent any potential harm caused by controversy.”
“Any more questions?”
Chae-young raised her hand.
“What about alternate accounts that cannot be tied to our employment?”
“While we can’t monitor those accounts, it’s up to your own conscience. However, if misuse results in disciplinary action, it could affect you professionally.”
“I see. That seems manageable.”
Satisfied with my response, Chae-young nodded.
“Any other questions?”
Seeing no further inquiries, I concluded.
“Alright, please relay this information thoroughly within your teams. It’d be unfortunate if someone unknowingly caused trouble. Understood?”
After receiving positive acknowledgments, the team left one by one.
Alone in the quietened room, I sighed.
‘If this covers the bases, no big problems should arise…’
I sincerely hoped we could navigate the impending chaos without significant issues the next year.