NOVEL NEXT Chapter 58
600,000.
As of this moment, it was the number of users who had completed the pre-registration.
When compared to the first open beta which had surpassed one million users, it was somewhat disappointing…
However, considering the population difference between Japan and Korea, as well as the fact that the Korean server had started later, it could even be considered a decent performance.
Initially, when I asked the team members about the estimated number of pre-registrations, most of them guessed around 300,000.
Boosted by this encouraging result, we were putting extra effort into the launch preparations on a regular weekday afternoon when I received a call and went down to the coffee shop on the first floor to consult with Yerin on her dilemma.
“…So, the pre-registration reward, the Henrietta Hanbok skin, still isn’t completed yet? Why?”
In response to my question, Yerin nodded with a downcast look and showed me two concept designs.
“We need to choose between these two designs, but even the art team is split 50/50…”
“This… certainly is something to think about.”
After looking at the two concept designs Yerin showed me of Henrietta’s Hanbok skin, I could see why the vote was evenly split.
One design was a modernized Hanbok with a similar level of exposure to Henrietta’s default appearance.
The other design was a more traditional Hanbok with less exposure compared to Henrietta’s typical image.
Both designs were of such high quality that they could have been implemented immediately, but their concepts were complete opposites.
However, from the standpoint of a director, rather than personal preference, the choice was clear at first glance.
“If it’s too hard, would you let me choose one?”
“Senior?”
“Yeah, I can clearly see which one to choose.”
Hearing this, Yerin gave me a disbelieving look.
“Pick one, please.”
“Looking at both designs…,”
I picked up one of Yerin’s designs as I answered.
“This one seems to be the right choice, doesn’t it?”
The design I had chosen was the more traditional Hanbok style with minimal exposure.
Yerin tilted her head in surprise. “Really? I thought you would have chosen the other one. It’s unexpected.”
“Me? Why?”
“Well… isn’t this more common in subcultures? Generally, female characters with more exposure tend to be more popular in the subculture scene.”
At Yerin’s explanation, I shook my head. While what she said was generally true, this case didn’t fit into the usual category.
“Sure, in the subculture genre, characters with more exposure tend to receive better evaluations, but there are exceptions.”
“Exceptions?”
“Yes, for traditional attires like Hanbok, Qipao, or Kimono, people usually prefer designs that are less exposed and more traditional.”
“Ah.”
A look of realization crossed Yerin’s face.
“Besides, given Henrietta’s existing design, which already has a lot of exposure, this traditional design could receive better evaluations. There’s a ‘gap’.”
“Listening to Senior, that does make sense…”
“Right?”
Apparently convinced by my advice, Yerin’s expression relaxed, and she stood up.
“I’ve got a lot of work piled up, so I’ll head back first. Thanks for the coffee!”
“Alright, remember to send me the final result via email for confirmation when it’s done.”
“Got it!”
Yerin walked out of the café with a visibly lighter expression compared to before, making me sigh.
Who should I consult about my own troubles?
***
Currently, I have two tasks in the project.
The first is similar to Yerin’s case, where I give feedback on the team members’ work.
The second is publishing duties.
Although it was an expected result since we announced that we wouldn’t involve a publisher for the Korean server, the amount of work exceeded my imagination.
‘Is this how much work running operations really entails?’
Recruiting and selecting employees for the operations team (naturally, choosing individuals who won’t cause gender conflicts),
Negotiations with several companies to save on expanding the game service infrastructure,
And even writing weekly meeting reports for the president and other executives.
Though the advertisements have been handed over to an agency, the workload was still significant.
Fortunately, the fact that advertisements were handed over to the agency has saved us a lot;
If we had to handle it ourselves, either myself or Yumi might have collapsed.
Anyway, the advertising agency we contracted sent us one of their employees the day after the contract.
Her name was Da-eun.
She was the woman sitting opposite me.
According to the agency, they sent their ace. We’ll see…
We’ll find out when we talk.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting. I received an urgent call.”
“Ah, no worries. I haven’t been waiting long.”
I stopped Da-eun who was about to stand for a greeting and handed her my business card.
“I’m Department Head Jihojin of Enson GT.”
“Thank you! I’m Da-eun from PixelPro. Here’s my card…”
After receiving her card and placing it in my card case, Da-eun stood up from her seat and bowed.
“I will fully support you today, Department Head!”
Thus began our business meeting.
The first thing Da-eun presented was a list of advertisements.
“What are these?”
“If you select the advertisements you prefer, I’ll optimize them and give you an estimate. Please take your time to choose.”
“I’d like some recommendations.”
“Ah, yes! Generally, online advertisements such as videos or banners are the mainstream for games, so I recommend focusing on them. They offer high synergy and are cheaper than offline ads, so they’re widely preferred.”
At Da-eun’s recommendation, I slowly nodded. It’s true games benefit from synergy with online advertisements due to their user base often being accustomed to and spending a lot of time online.
However, relying solely on online advertisements was insufficient.
The marketing I wanted was to attract as many people as possible who hadn’t heard of our game and get them to play it.
For this kind of marketing, offline advertisements were necessary.
Our game already had more than sufficient online recognition.
As I was scanning the list without finding anything suitable,
I finally found the advertising method I was looking for.
“How about subway advertisements?”
At the mention of subway advertisements, Da-eun looked quite surprised and asked me.
“Are you suggesting subway advertisements?”
“Yes.”
“Department Head, may I give my personal opinion?”
“Please feel free.”
“Subway advertisements… Personally, I wouldn’t recommend them. Subway advertisements have significant exposure and can target a broad audience, but Reverse Arcadia is a subculture genre.”
“Because general audiences might have a negative reaction?”
“Yes… Since marketing ultimately aims to create a positive image and there is no precedent for subculture products using subway advertisements, there is a possibility that they might backfire…”
I understood what Da-eun was trying to explain.
Even to me, advertising a subculture product like Reverse Arcadia via subway advertisements at this point seemed like an unprecedented gamble.
It wouldn’t be surprising for an advertising agency seeking guaranteed results to avoid this.
However, my instinct told me subway advertisements were the right choice.
“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll take responsibility. How about we try it?”
When I took on all the risks, Da-eun’s expression relaxed.
“Since Department Head insists… But I did warn you?”
“Of course.”
“Then, may I explain subway advertisements? It’s fairly complicated…”
“Please go ahead.”
With my reply, Da-eun gave a polite smile and began her explanation.
“Subway advertisements can generally be divided into ads inside the train and ads at the station. First, the ads at the station…”
Da-eun’s explanation went on longer than I anticipated.
“So, the price varies for each subway line, and more specifically, the number of display panels at each station or the number of train cars can also affect the price?”
“That’s right. That’s why estimates can be a bit complex.”
“In that case, how about we go with contracting all subway lines?”
“Wait… Typically, we go with specific subway lines… Did you say all lines?!”
Realizing the strangeness of my suggestion, Da-eun’s eyes widened as she looked at me in surprise.
“Did I hear that incorrectly? Did you say all subway lines?”
“That’s correct.”
At my affirmation, Da-eun stared at me blankly for a moment before quickly collecting herself and starting to take notes.
“This scale of advertising is new for me as well… If there’s anything else you need, please let me know now.”
Thinking about it for a moment after hearing Da-eun’s words, I recalled one subway advertisement that had left a strong impression in my mind before I returned and began speaking.
“Speaking of which, there’s also the kind of advertisement where an entire subway car is wrapped, right? I would like you to check that out, too.”
At my final request, Da-eun let out a sigh, seemingly realizing it was beyond what she could handle on her own, and asked me,
“Could I step away briefly to take a call?”