Listening to what Armani blurted out, John raised an eyebrow, a faint question mark almost visible on his face.
Realizing his slip didn't quite match his usual composed image, Armani coughed lightly and quickly steered the conversation back on track. "The unique combination of AR and VR gaming requires entirely new types of hardware. You mentioned opening experience stores, but there's another option: we could partner with existing third-party VR experience chains. Offer free access, build a strategic alliance. Sure, we'd take losses early on, but profit isn't the goal here."
John nodded thoughtfully. As the discussion deepened, both of them shared an unspoken understanding: their current funds simply weren't enough to fully support such ambitious research and development.
After leaving Armani's office, John headed straight for the project team. At present, the development of Metal Gear Solid: Phantom Pain was nearing completion. The remaining work mainly involved polishing a few cutscenes, currently being handled on Luna's side.
Despite most of the content being finished, the office was far from relaxed. Groups of developers were still gathered around their screens, engaged in intense discussions. Others were reviewing reports from the testing team, carefully checking for any overlooked bugs.
"President John." Noticing his arrival, Koch, who had just returned from overseas, set aside his work and greeted him. Several nearby employees followed suit.
"Carry on," John said with a smile. Pulling up a chair beside Koch, he glanced at the game running on the monitor. "How's the progress?"
"It's basically done," Koch replied. "We're just waiting on the remaining cutscenes, then we'll fine-tune the level design."
"Have you tested multiplayer mode?"
"We have. There are still a few bugs to fix. Also, regarding the unique multiplayer linkage scenario, the 'nuclear-free world' concept, it hasn't been implemented very well yet." He hesitated slightly, unsure whether to continue.
But hesitation was something John noticed instantly.
"Go on," he said with a light chuckle. "If you've got something to say, say it. Bottling it up is worse."
Encouraged, Koch spoke honestly. "The idea itself is great, the message is meaningful. But the conditions are too extreme. It requires every single online player with nuclear weapons to dismantle them simultaneously. That's… almost impossible."
Stretching lazily, John smiled. "That ending was never meant to be easily achieved. Think of it more like an Easter egg, a utopian vision. Something that exists more in imagination than reality."
He paused briefly before continuing. "Nuclear weapons are horrifying, yes. But would the world truly become peaceful without them? Not really. History proves otherwise; wars existed long before nuclear arms. Ironically, it's the existence of nuclear deterrence that has reduced large-scale wars, shifting conflicts into other arenas like economics."
The condition was, by design, nearly impossible under normal circumstances. John understood this deeply, recalling similar themes from his own memories.
"It looks beautiful," he added, "but it's still a utopian idea."
Koch nodded, though his expression showed he was still processing it.
"Of course," John continued with a grin, "just because players can't normally reach that ending doesn't mean they'll never see it."
He leaned forward slightly. "We can release it ourselves. Maybe we 'accidentally' miss a patch. Or perhaps there's a sudden server data issue, and every player's nuclear weapons reset to zero overnight. Plenty of ways to make it happen."
Silence, then the realization. Yes… This was exactly the kind of move President John would make.
"As we approach launch, there'll probably be some overtime," John said, standing up. "But once the game goes live, there'll be generous bonuses and red envelopes waiting."
He didn't mention passion, dreams, or empty motivational speeches. Having once been an ordinary employee himself, he knew what truly mattered.
More than half a month after the Game of the Year awards, the buzz around The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim had gradually faded. Players began searching for something new.
"There haven't been any big releases lately. Ansoft's Stellar and Gemtech's Kyushu Fantasy won't drop until Labor Day."
"This sucks! My wallet's full and I can't spend anything, it's driving me crazy!"
"If you can't spend it, send it to me!"
"Sure, but what are you giving in return?"
"Bunch of clowns… By the way, President John hasn't posted lately. Still on his honeymoon?"
"Over a month already, shouldn't that be over?"
"I don't care about the honeymoon! Even if it lasts a year, fine! Just tell me, when is Metal Gear Solid: Phantom Pain releasing?! I'm dying here!"
"I'm literally going to die without it!"
During the two-month drought of major releases, complaints flooded the internet, especially from fans of PixelPioneers and the Metal Gear Solid series. Early on, the marketing had been relentless, director-level storytelling, groundbreaking long-shot trailers, and even a bizarre demo version. Then came discounts, crossover content with Red Alert: World War, character DLCs, and official comics. The hype was everywhere.
And then… nothing. Silence.
Just when players thought the game might be delayed indefinitely, attention suddenly shifted to Resident Evil 2 instead. Frustration exploded. Months had passed since Metal Gear Solid: Original Burst Point launched, and still no updates on Phantom Pain. Despair spread.
"Seriously, when is it coming out? It feels like it's basically finished already!"
"Who knows? He only said 'this year.' That could mean December!"
"Don't say that, that's terrifying!"
Meanwhile, inside PixelPioneers' office, John sat casually, holding the dog in his arms while preparing to record a short video. On the table beside him sat a KFC meal he had just ordered for the overtime team.
Carefully adjusting the camera angle, he made sure the computer monitor, quietly playing a key in-game cutscene, was visible in the frame. Then, with a bright, satisfied smile, he pressed record.