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"I see."

After hearing what Lin Xiaoguang said, Zhong Ming probably understood.

Compared with the world's first-class console manufacturers, Moya Technology does not have any unique advantages. The only thing that can be called an advantage is probably that their handheld business is the world's leading.

But in this world, the handheld market is actually not that big.

As for how much room there is for handhelds in this era of advanced technology, it can be doubted, but in general, it is not completely non-existent.

Because different sizes determine the hardware configuration, which naturally determines the range of optional games.

At present, in terms of size, the hardware in this world can be roughly divided into four categories.

The first category, bracelets. The size of the bracelet is basically the same as a watch. It can be said to be the smallest device. Coupled with technologies such as virtual screens, the part that can be used for game development is actually not too big, so it can be worn A game of the level of mainstream mobile games from the previous life.

The second category, handheld. The size of the handheld is basically the size of the Switch in the previous life. If it is bigger, it is not called a handheld, but a tablet.

The third category, host. The size of the mainframe is similar to that of a laptop, it may be slightly thicker, and it is generally not easy to move around. The function of this host is much stronger than the previous two. It is also the most mainstream gaming device at present.

The fourth category, simulators. This type of device is quite diverse. Taking the most mainstream driving simulator as an example, the game image can be displayed directly in the window of the simulator, or it can be displayed with a VR helmet, which requires higher configuration and precision. But because of the high price, it is far less popular than the mainframe.

Although the technology in this world has progressed, it has not advanced to the point where a small wristband can afford to run console games, so for a long time, there will definitely be such hardware differences with difference.

The biggest advantage of the handheld is portability. Compared with laptops, handhelds are dedicated game consoles. Whether it is the configuration of running games or the battery life, they will not be weaker than some office notebooks. In terms of portability, they are perfect gaming laptops.

Compared with the bracelet, the configuration of the handheld is completely crushed. Some castrated versions of console games can be run on the handheld, but on the bracelet, that is a dream.

This is the advantage of the handheld, of course, there are problems.

The problem is... Currently, gamers around the world don't particularly recognize handhelds, because mainstream game companies focus on developing consoles.

Although there are some host games that have been castrated and landed on handhelds, for many players, why play the castrated version when they can play the full version?

Therefore, this category can be regarded as a coexistence of problems and opportunities. Since Moya Technology has accumulated technology in handheld games and has a relative competitive advantage, it is not impossible to deepen the development of handheld games.

In other words, this is indeed a relatively reliable competitive strategy that they can choose at present.

Another point is about the selection of game materials.

Moya Technology is aimed at global players, but it also includes Chinese players.

The population of Chinese players in this world still accounts for about one-fifth of the world's population, and they are still a group that cannot be ignored.

It’s not that Moya Technology has never tried to develop games with a western background. Several of their studios have made similar attempts, but they have not been very successful. Although they have also signed an exclusive, this kind of exclusive exclusive has basically It's like nothing.

After all, Westerners have a natural advantage in studying Western games. Isn't it too hard for them to go head-to-head with others in this field?

Moreover, when developing Western-themed games, even the Huaxia player group has been abandoned to a certain extent. When Huaxia players play Western-themed games produced by Moya Technology, they will naturally use the standards of the first-class 3A masterpieces on the market to measure, so also Not pleasing.

It is precisely because of many obstacles in this area that Lin Xiaoguang decided to shift the focus of research and development to Chinese-themed games.

On the one hand, playing the brand of Chinese games can at least expand the market in the Chinese cultural circle; on the other hand, using Chinese games to play for Western players, they will also find it refreshing, and it can be regarded as a difference from those big Western companies. .

After all, Huaxia style games are new to many Westerners, at least the first impression will be good. As for whether the follow-up gameplay can continue to attract those Westerners, this is too far away, so I won't consider it for now.

Under such circumstances, it was no surprise that Lin Xiaoguang approached Yang Chengye to find Zhong Ming.

Because of the previous few games, Weiguang Studio has already gained some fame in the circle, which is very in line with Lin Xiaoguang's requirements!

Shimmer Studios develops high-quality Chinese games. From "Ink and Clouds" to "Taiwu Painting Scroll", these games are without exception a good example of the combination of Chinese culture and game content. The creativity , artistry and gameplay are excellent.

Some other game companies can also make Chinese-style games, but they are not as prominent as Weiguang Studio.

Zhong Ming asked: "Boss Lin, do you have the handheld? Can you show me?"

"sure."

As Lin Xiaoguang said, he took out a handheld from his bag: "This is the latest handheld from Moya Technology. It is not yet on the market. There are many technical patents in it. Moreover, it can reach at least the level of current mainstream host equipment. About 65% of the functions. In terms of games, there are only a few games developed by other studios, Mr. Zhong, you can make do with it and have a look.”

Zhong Ming reached out to take it.

In terms of weight and size, it is slightly larger than the Switch in the previous life, and there is no black border that can stop the aircraft carrier.

The whole machine is integrated, and the handle cannot be disassembled, but the layout of the handle is basically the same as the previous life.

After all, the layout of the handle, there are only a few human fingers, and there are only a few convenient places to press. At most, the position of the joystick is changed, and the positions of the buttons are swapped. Impossible, not ergonomic.

Although the screen has become larger, the weight has become lighter because of the slightly thinner thickness.

Turn on the screen, the bell rings visually, the resolution is much higher than the Switch, about 4K hdr, and the frame rate is very smooth, silky smooth.

In fact, at this level, no matter how high the resolution is, on a screen like a handheld, the naked eye can basically not distinguish it. From the perspective of visual experience, it has achieved an excellent effect.

Zhong Ming opened several games and ran a little.

It works surprisingly well.

Although the gameplay of these games is relatively average, as a 3D action game, there are still many things that can be seen in the case of dense monsters and gorgeous special effects of big moves. This machine has no pressure to run some masterpieces of action games. Of course, it cannot be compared with the mainframe, but it is not bad.

However, after playing a few games, Zhong Ming also roughly discovered that these games obviously made some compromises on functional issues. Compared with those mainstream 3A masterpieces, they cannot pile up resources so unlimitedly.

Zhong Ming played around for a while and asked, "When is this host going to be launched?"

Lin Xiaoguang replied: "It has not been decided yet. In fact, most of the development has been completed at present, and we are waiting for mass production. However, there is no particularly good escort for the first exclusive game. I always feel that it is a big problem to go public like this."

Zhong Ming nodded. Indeed, there is no exclusive game with a good debut, which is a big problem.

Note the qualifier "excellent".

A company as big as Moya Technology must have prepared an exclusive game for the first time, and it is impossible to start looking for it now. But obviously, they are not particularly satisfied with the exclusive game they prepared, so they have been hesitating.

The mainframe sells hardware, but the hardware serves the software. If the host does not have a good exclusive game for the first time, then for many players, there is no particularly urgent reason to buy it.

For example, when the Switch was released in the previous life, it had to be escorted by "The Legend of Zelda", and then "Super Mario Odyssey" was released, and the status of this machine was suddenly stabilized.

Afterwards, developing more games or porting more games will be relatively smooth.

But what if the Switch was released without The Legend of Zelda or Super Mario?

It is estimated that sales will not be very good.

The machine is good, the key is that players spend so much money to buy it, what do they play?

This is a big question.

Zhong Ming thought for a while: "We can develop an exclusive game for this handheld, but I don't know the buyout fee for the exclusive. How much can you give, Mr. Lin?"

Lin Xiaoguang thought about it for two seconds, and replied: "According to our practice of cooperating with other studios, the exclusive buyout fee is basically around 2 million to 5 million. Of course, the specific price can be discussed later. I don't know if you What is the psychological expectation here?"

Zhong Ming replied: "10 million exclusive for a limited time, 30 million exclusive forever."

"Uh..." Lin Xiaoguang was at a loss for words for a while.

Exclusive means that this game is only released on this platform, and it cannot be played anywhere else.

Since it is only released on one platform, some classic masterpieces are naturally of great significance to the platform, such as "Uncharted", "TLOU", "God of War" on PS, "Legend of Zelda" on Switch, etc. , is undoubtedly a block of golden signs, which has become the biggest reason for players to buy this host.

Of course, the host manufacturer also has to pay the price, otherwise, why should the game development company monopolize it with you?

If it's a pro-son studio, it's okay to say, if it's some third-party studio, the host manufacturer needs to pay a very high fee for the exclusive fee.

Moreover, this is just an exclusive buyout. If the game sells well, the two companies still need to split the money. This is not a one-off deal.

In the previous life, Microsoft spent a lot of money just to buy the time-limited exclusive of "Tomb Raider: Rise of the Tomb Raider". According to reports, it was 30 million US dollars.

Time-limited exclusive means that this game is the first to be launched on this platform, and it will be exclusive to this platform within one month, and it can be freely distributed on other platforms after one month. This kind of time-limited exclusive is a kind of compromise, host manufacturers will not spend too much money, and can make good use of games to promote their own machines and platforms.

But having said that, host manufacturers are not fools. The monopoly money must at least be earned back through sales, otherwise wouldn't it be a pure loss?

The price offered by Zhong Ming did exceed Lin Xiaoguang's expectations.

Assuming that this game sells for 150 yuan, the profit generated will be shared 50-50 by both parties. After considering some other factors such as publicity costs and tax deductions, and considering leaving a certain discount space, according to the exclusive quotation of 30 million yuan, Then you have to sell at least 500,000 sets to pay back!

If the game sells for 100 yuan, it will cost 750,000 yuan to pay back.

If the price is lowered, sales will have to increase.

Of course, the game itself should also drive the sales of some consoles. Moa Technology can also make some money from the consoles, but no matter how you calculate it, the money is not low.

Especially considering the sales volume of the previous works of Weiguang Studio, it is even more out of bounds.

"Taiwu Painted Scroll" is already the best product of Shimmer Studios. The price is 68. It is expected to sell about 800,000 sets in the first month. If you can really buy a game like "Taiwu Painted Scroll", That's okay, the key is, can Weiguang Studio replicate the success of "Taiwu Painted Scroll"?

What's more, this game is not only made to deeply cultivate the Chinese market, but also hopes to open up some western markets a little bit. Games like "Taiwu Painting Scroll" and "Ink and Cloud Smoke" do reflect the Chinese style, but want to It is basically impossible to open up the western market.

Zhong Ming saw Lin Xiaoguang's hesitation, and said with a smile: "Boss Lin, that's it. The game I plan to develop is no longer an independent game like "Taiwu Painted Scroll", but a real game suitable for consoles. The production cost of 3D games on the platform will inevitably increase significantly. Moreover, since it is customized, this game must meet all your requirements."

"My goal is to sell at about 150 yuan, and the global sales volume will reach at least one million. If this expectation can be achieved, we will all be able to earn something."

"Or, if you are still worried, we can sign a VAM agreement. However, for the VAM agreement, Mr. Lin, you have to think about it. The price will be increased."

Zhong Ming knew that it was unrealistic to directly ask for so much money.

The biggest problem is that Weiguang Studio has never developed a 3D game, let alone a world-wide hit game. It is not particularly convincing in terms of technology accumulation or development experience.

Therefore, it is a bit difficult for Lin Xiaoguang to directly make a decision and take out a 30 million buyout monopoly.

That being the case, it's better to sign the VAM agreement directly, so that Zhong Ming can earn more money instead.

Lin Xiaoguang nodded: "Then, what about the price of the VAM agreement?"

Obviously, he is also more inclined to sign a gambling agreement. In this way, the risk borne by Moya Technology is greatly reduced.

Zhong Ming thought for a while: "The price of the game is 150, and the two parties will share it fifty-fifty. If it is less than 200,000 sets, it will permanently monopolize 3 million; Permanent exclusive 30 million; more than 1 million, permanent exclusive 50 million. Limited-time exclusive for one month, the price is 1/3 of the permanent exclusive price."

Lin Xiaoguang did some calculations.

The selling price is set, the share is set, and based on the sales volume, the income can probably be estimated.

According to Zhong Ming's proposal, the income from the game can definitely cover the cost of the sole generation. The worst result is nothing more than no loss, no profit, and no work.

But even if it is a waste of time, it is better than losing money, not to mention the money to sell the handheld, and the objective promotional effect of the game on the handheld.

The only exception is that the game is really poorly made, not to mention 200,000 sets, maybe 100,000 sets have not been sold, but Moa Technology still needs to pay an exclusive fee of 3 million.

But Weiguang Studio has a reputation after all, and Lin Xiaoguang believes that Zhong Ming will not do such a thing of defrauding money.

Lin Xiaoguang thought about it for a while: "This quotation is acceptable. But the specific agreement needs to be discussed in detail."