IWSF – Ch 209

E-star.

This is a gaming show held in South Korea, considered one of the three major gaming exhibitions in Asia alongside the Tokyo Game Show in Japan and China Joy in China.

This year, it was larger than last year, with more participating companies, indicating the growth of South Korea’s gaming market.

OTK Games set up a booth for Lost Fantasy M at the show. More importantly, OTK Games’ representative and the father of the Lost Fantasy series, Ichikawa Shigeru, would be attending.

He was expected to announce the production of Lost Fantasy Online at this event.

Once this news broke, gamers went wild, and applications for the presentation filled up instantly. Fortunately, there were separate seats reserved for investors.

Taek-gyu headed to Busan to explore the gaming show, accompanied by the publicity team leader, Jung Gi-hong, due to their previous connection during the game’s founding, and because he could speak Japanese.

Taek-gyu’s presence was unmistakable within OTK Company. Although most major investments were decided by Kang Jin-hoo, Taek-gyu was the first to invest in him.

It’s well-known that he founded OTK Company and initially funded it by selling Bantcoin. Above all, he appointed Kang Jin-hoo as CEO while giving up his own shares and brought his sister, Oh Hyun-joo, on board to partner with Golden Gate.

In a way, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Taek-gyu built the current framework of OTK Company. Hence, staff members occasionally joked that the vice president was the true power behind the scenes.

At least when it comes to gaming investments, it’s known that the vice president takes a direct role.

They took the KTX train to Busan.

Jung Gi-hong glanced at the excited Taek-gyu and thought, “If things go well this time, will I catch the vice president’s eye?”

He felt a surge of motivation.

Upon arriving at Busan Station, a vehicle was waiting. They got into the back seat, and the bodyguard drove them to the BEXCO, where the gaming show was held.

Entering the exhibition hall, they saw a vast space filled with booths from various companies. Such exhibitions provide a great opportunity for industry insiders and the public to promote new products.

Gi-hong was familiar with this scene, having attended similar events often, although it was his first time at a gaming show.

OTK Games set up a large booth in the center. The highlight was undoubtedly “Lost Fantasy M,” along with displays of the previous series.

Inside the exhibition hall, a crowd had already gathered in the presentation area. The two took their seats at the front, guided by a staff member.

Taek-gyu boasted, “Team Leader Jung, you’re incredibly lucky. It’s rare for Shigeru to present in person, even in Japan.”

“Is that so?”

“If Warren Buffett is to investments, then Shigeru is to the gaming industry.”

“Oh, I see.”

‘Is he really that impressive?’

The presentation room was packed with people. There weren’t enough prepared seats, so people filled the aisles and stood at the back, while others waited outside.

Most attendees were male, but women were also occasionally visible. The age range varied from teens to those in their 40s. There were old users who had followed the series for a long time, alongside newcomers brought in by “Lost Fantasy M.”

The atmosphere was charged with excitement. Journalists from specialized game sites, online media, and mainstream press were all present.

“Did you bring the bag?” Taek-gyu asked.

“Of course.”

Inside were various “Lost Fantasy” merchandise that Taek-gyu had collected. He carried them to get signatures after the press conference.

A moment later, Ichika and Shigeru, along with the production team, appeared. Although game sites respectfully referred to him as “Shigeru,” he was actually in his late 40s. He joined the gaming company in his mid-20s after graduating university and started a game company with acquaintances at 28, overseeing the development of “Lost Fantasy.”

At that time, no one anticipated that the series would last this long.

Shigeru greeted the audience. The large screen behind him displayed the “Lost Fantasy” series logo, and the presentation commenced.

His speech was immediately translated and presented as subtitles on the upper part of the screen.

As he listened, Jung Gi-hong was taken aback, his mouth agape with surprise.

“What the hell does this even mean?”

Even though I knew Japanese, I couldn’t understand it. In contrast, others seemed to grasp the meaning before the subtitles appeared, marveling or nodding in agreement.

Taek-gyu explained.

“The most famous and polished game in the entire Lost Fantasy series is number 9. This online game is set in the 9’s universe, the Serana continent, but its combat system applies the highly praised count time battle from number 12, while the character growth system integrates the license board system from the 11 intermission. Users can choose to pursue a hybrid class or a single class. However, a hybrid class can potentially create a dual master if done well, but if not, it can lead to a weak character. There are hidden classes that can be unlocked at specific levels, but balancing these is a challenge…”

“……”

So, what the hell does this even mean?

“Is this the level of expertise required to invest in the gaming industry?”

After the presentation concluded, everyone rose from their seats and applauded. A brief Q&A session followed.

After an hour-long event, Shigeru exited the presentation hall with the production team.

***

In a separate meeting room, the vice president of OTK Company met with the representative of OTK Games.

Taek-gyu was exhilarated.

“I made the right investment.”

Meeting the game developer he had enjoyed playing games from childhood was like a dream come true.

If he weren’t an investor, how could he have seized such an opportunity?

“Nice to meet you. I am Ichikawa Shigeru.”

“Hello, I am Oh Taek-gyu.”

Taek-gyu learned Japanese through self-study after being exposed to Japanese anime and games from a young age, enabling him to communicate fairly well.

They began discussing games in earnest. Since half of their conversation consisted of gaming terminology and proper nouns, there was no need for interpretation.

MMORPGs, which are enjoyed by numerous players simultaneously, have a low likelihood of success compared to their massive development costs.

Actual development expenses range from hundreds of millions to over 100 billion won, yet many games cease service before even lasting three years.

Because of this, most small to medium-sized game companies can’t even dare to develop such games. Had it not been for the profits from Lost Fantasy M, OTK Games wouldn’t have even considered a development plan.

MMORPGs come with high risks but also significant rewards. If successful, they can yield stable revenue over a long period. However, failure means losing development funds entirely.

To reassure the vice president of the parent company, Shigeru said,

“We plan to minimize development costs and shorten the timeline by utilizing the existing series’ systems and characters.”

Even so, the currently projected development cost reached 5 billion yen, and it was uncertain how much more it would increase once development began.

Taek-gyu spoke resolutely.

“Lost Fantasy is more than a game; it’s a world. The characters are another version of ourselves living within that world. Therefore, what’s more important than development costs and box office success is continuing the legacy of the series and creating a high-quality game that meets fans’ expectations. Everyone, including myself, hopes for that.”

Shigeru was deeply moved by these words.

The investors I met so far have been only focused on short-term profits. What they desire is not a high-quality game but solely money.

But to think I would meet an investor who acknowledges my development philosophy!

“I promise to create a game that won’t disappoint you.”

“I will trust and wait.”

After the conversation, Taek-gyu received signatures on the game titles and posters he had collected, and they took a photo together.

“I will soon visit the OTK Games headquarters with Jin-hoo… no, the CEO.”

“You’re always welcome.”

They exchanged a firm handshake, and Ichika and Shigeru left first.

Jung Gi-hong asked, “Is your schedule all done now?”

“What are you talking about? It’s just starting.”

Taek-gyu enthusiastically wandered around each booth, checking out the new games, playing them, and carefully examining various products.

Jung Gi-hong followed the vice president with his luggage, secretly impressed.

“To think the vice president conducts market research in the gaming industry so thoroughly. Success in investments isn’t just luck.”

It was a misunderstanding. The vice president was just enjoying a hobby.

Although two plainclothes bodyguards followed him, there was hardly anything to protect. Unlike the well-known Kang Jin-hoo, little was known about Oh Taek-gyu’s identity.

After finishing a tiring schedule and arriving at Seoul Station by KTX, it was night. They got into the waiting vehicle.

“Team Leader Jung, thank you for your hard work.”

“No, it’s nothing. What have I really done?”

In reality, he hadn’t done much.

He had come along for translation, but he hadn’t expected the vice president’s Japanese skills to be this good!

“I’m hungry, so let’s go have dinner. What do you want to eat? You’ve worked hard, so I’ll cover it. Should we call Jin-hoo to join us?”

“I believe Representative Kang Jin-hoo is currently attending the Ceylon Hotel opening party. I also know that Representative Park Sang-yeop is with him.”

“Right, he did say he was going today.”

Jung Ki-hong spoke with surprise.

“I never expected that both of them, who were my seniors in school, would be attending a party hosted by the Seosung Group. I’d love to go to such an event if I get the chance.”

Then, Taek-gyu spoke nonchalantly.

“Shall we go?”

“Excuse me?”

“Just a moment. I must have received something from Jin-hoo… Ah! Found it.”

Taek-gyu pulled an invitation from his bag.

Jung Ki-hong said, flustered, “The deputy director might be fine with it, but is it really okay for me to attend such an event?”

“What’s the problem? It’s an opening party, so we just need to celebrate earnestly. I heard there’s a buffet, so let’s go and eat to our heart’s content.”

“Are you sure it’s really okay?”

Taek-gyu replied confidently, “Team Leader Jung, just trust me and follow along.”

“Ah, I understand.”

The bodyguard drove to the Ceylon Hotel.

The staff in charge of the party hall looked at the young man in front of him, pondering for a moment.

‘Who is this person?’

He wasn’t in a suit or tuxedo, but instead wore jeans, a hoodie, and a padded jacket. The only reason he was dressed at least somewhat decently was that he was on his way to meet the developers Ichikawa and Shigeru, whom he had admired since childhood.

Otherwise, he would have probably come in a tracksuit and slippers.

“Since you brought the invitation, I can’t just send you back.”

“You can go in.”

“Yes.”

The two confidently entered the party hall.

Jung Gi-hong looked around with a curious expression. The splendid hall was filled with young men and women who seemed to be famous figures from the business world and wealthy families.

“I never thought I would come to a place like this in my lifetime.”

No matter how I think about it, quitting KYB Securities was a brilliant decision. If I hadn’t, I would probably be staring at a monitor in a brokerage firm right now.

“Can I look around for a bit?”

“Sure. If you happen to meet Jin-hoo, please tell him that I’m here. I’ll just have some food.”

“Got it.”

On one side of the hall, a simple buffet was set up.

Unlike others who only drank champagne and cocktails without touching much food, Taek-gyu picked up a plate and eagerly began to load it up.

***

Yang Hana always drew the attention of men wherever she went.

Therefore, Kang Jin-hoo assumed it would be the same this time. However, he was accompanied by a stunning beauty, to whom he didn’t even cast a glance. They had exchanged only a brief greeting.

People gathered in small groups around the tables, sipping champagne and chatting. The topic of conversation was undoubtedly OTK Company.

“Since representatives Kang Jin-hoo, Park Sang-yeop, and branch manager Oh Hyun-joo are here, is there one person missing?”

“The vice president probably won’t come.”

“Yeah, they’ve never even shown their face to the media.”

“By the way, was branch manager Oh Hyun-joo this beautiful?”

“Who is the woman who came with Kang Jin-hoo?”

“I think she’s a Golden Gate lawyer.”

“Not a model?”

It wasn’t just Kang Jin-hoo who was attracting attention. The foreign woman accompanying him, as well as branch manager Oh Hyun-joo, were also in the spotlight.

Additionally, a blonde woman named Yuri caught her interest.

‘They seem to have a close relationship. I wonder what their connection is? Is she the woman he came with?’

It wouldn’t particularly matter if they were dating. After all, relationships in the business world are often based on practical conditions.

She knew how much her father cared about the relationship with OTK Company.

‘If Kang Jin-hoo doesn’t work out, it would be nice to at least meet the vice president.’

As she was lost in thought, she collided hard with someone in front of her without noticing.

“Ah!”

At that moment, the plate the other person was holding tipped over, sending food flying everywhere. The sauce and jam splattered not only on her face but also all over her pink dress.

Yang Hana gasped and looked at the man in front of her. He waved his hand with a smile.

“It’s okay. It’s not an expensive outfit. You can just go.”

“What, what did you say?”

At first, I didn’t understand what was being said, but then I realized the other person’s clothes were also a mess. But that wasn’t important.

Yang Hana said in a sharp voice,

“If you spilled food, shouldn’t you apologize first?”

He blinked.

“What are you talking about? You bumped into me. You should apologize.”

He had a point.

It had been her who had bumped into him while distracted. However, no one had ever acted like this in front of her before.

“Don’t you know who I am?”

The other person replied, looking confused.

“Do I really need to know that? If you did something wrong, just apologize.”