Kamiyā Yuu and 'Frontier Legend' each got what they needed. When he developed 'Warship Girls Collection', he had never expected it to stir up such a commotion. In the end, it was because he simply had no intention of operating a popular game.
Handing the game over to an operations company was also an idea he had only recently developed. Once the game system of 'Warship Girls Collection' was imitated, its unique market competitiveness would disappear. Rather than going through all the trouble of obtaining a 'Warship Girls Collection' account, players might as well play other games that were just as interesting and had similar gameplay.
The drawbacks caused by limiting player numbers would suffocate 'Warship Girls Collection' to death. Kamiyā Yuu did not want to see a game concept he had liked in his previous world go to waste for nothing, much less serve as free material for those shameless game companies.
That was why Kamiyā Yuu planned to hand 'Warship Girls Collection' over to a game operations company. He also intended to make a fairly major adjustment to the game's overall systems, fully optimizing them, with special emphasis on redesigning the monetization system to better suit the Japanese game market.
The biggest innovation was probably the Battlefield System that Kamiyā Yuu had come up with himself. It enriched the fun and social interaction of online play between players, greatly enhancing the game's playability. It was one of the key systems that would transform this game from ordinary into miraculous.
Previously, Kamiyā Yuu lacked the conditions to support the operation of such a game system. Frontier Legend's abundant server resources, however, could fully bring out its potential.
The game's follow-up development plan was already complete. When Frontier Legend launched 'Warship Girls Collection' on the market, the game would also receive a major renewal of shipgirl illustrations and game systems. After that, they only needed to hire artists to add new illustrations each month based on the game system to maintain the game's vitality.
As for 'Frontier Legend', rather than saying they were interested in 'Warship Girls Collection', it was more accurate to say they were interested in the game system itself. Obtaining operational rights and copyright licensing was not as good as directly acquiring them, but it was still a feasible plan that reduced risk. From any perspective, there was no reason to refuse this mutually beneficial cooperation.
Mizuhara Raiko's expression was serious as she flipped through the thick folder. Most of her attention was not on the contract clauses, but on Kamiyā Yuu's innovative designs for the game's future content.
These plans were already not much worse than comprehensive development proposals made by major game companies. She was certain that even Frontier Legend's own development team might not necessarily be able to draft such a game development plan.
Of course, these plans had been created by Kamiyā Yuu after contacting game experts from his previous world through the consciousness space. Under his leadership, hundreds of gaming experts, game creators, and veteran players had gathered to give opinions and discuss them with one another. After removing all unrealistic fantasies that would not work in this world, the useful essence was summarized into this game development proposal.
Kamiyā Yuu placed both hands on the table and smiled faintly.
"The follow-up update content is already inside the game. All you need to do is open that portion of the game content to players. It's that simple a cooperation."
Mizuhara Raiko's expression remained calm. After closing the folder, she looked at Kamiyā Yuu with a subtle gaze for a long while before speaking.
"Mr. Kamiyā, this matter is extremely important. With your permission, could you give us one day to consider it? Tomorrow morning, we will visit again, and at that time, we will bring you a satisfactory answer."
"Of course. I look forward to the good news Miss Mizuhara will bring me then."
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In a certain building located in Tokyo's bustling commercial district, inside a spacious office, a refined blond career woman stood before a luxurious office desk, looking down at the hesitant, potbellied middle-aged man in front of her.
The middle-aged man looked amiable, but he lacked decisiveness. Even dressed in a formal black suit, he looked more like a friendly uncle from next door.
"President Mizuhara, I believe this cooperation is extremely necessary. It may also be an important development opportunity for our company."
Mizuhara Raiko held the documents in her arms, her expression indifferent as she looked down at him. Her voice carried unquestionable determination.
No one would have imagined that this amiable-looking uncle was Mizuhara Daigo, Frontier Legend's absolute controlling shareholder and company president, as well as one of the most renowned game creators in Japan's gaming industry.
He rubbed his nose awkwardly, not daring to meet Mizuhara Raiko's eyes. With a gentle expression, he replied,
"Raiko, just do whatever you like. I'll fully support you."
"After signing the contract with Yosuganosora, I want the operational rights to 'Warship Girls Collection' within the company. Then, President Mizuhara, please approve all the operating funds I apply for."
Mizuhara Raiko showed little reaction to the middle-aged man's almost doting attitude and spoke coldly.
"Fine. I approve it."
Mizuhara Daigo hurriedly waved his hand as he spoke.
Having received permission, Mizuhara Raiko left the luxurious office without even looking back, leaving Mizuhara Daigo alone with a bitter smile.
He picked up the photo album beside him, his gaze growing even gentler as he murmured to himself,
"That personality is so much like yours. But you're no longer here now. How should I get along with Raiko?"
In the photo was a loving middle-aged couple holding hands with a little girl who had a bright smile. The facial contours of both him and Mizuhara Raiko could faintly be seen.
In light of the follow-up development proposal Kamiyā Yuu had given, Mizuhara Raiko could no longer view 'Warship Girls Collection' simply as a tool for acquiring a high-quality game system. Instead, it was a key strategic game that could be vigorously promoted to achieve a true win-win situation.
Its market value would not be inferior to a AAA title.
Spending less than one-tenth the budget of a AAA title to obtain a game with potential surpassing one, a game destined to cause a storm in the gaming industry—this was the reason behind Mizuhara Raiko's firm attitude.
She wanted to personally create a gaming legend in the industry.
That way, she could gain fame surpassing her father's. She could also prove how ridiculous it had been for Mizuhara Daigo to neglect caring for her and her mother for the sake of developing his game company.
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On the final day before the New Year, Japan's gaming industry was hit by a massive earthquake!
"Great news! 'Frontier Legend' announces it will soon operate the most mysterious game in history, 'Warship Girls Collection'!" — Frontier Legend Comprehensive Game Forum.
"Pre-New-Year update announcement for 'Warship Girls Collection' revealed! Multiple bugs reported by players have been fixed! Complete adjustments to the game system! All-new Battlefield System opened!" — Professional 'Warship Girls Collection' streamer Naiko, posting on her blog.
"A belated New Year's gift! 'Warship Girls Collection' will officially open player registration on January 5!" — Twitter player community.
"The production company behind 'Warship Girls Collection' exposed! It turns out to be Yosuganosora Animation Studio, the company that produced the famous animated film 'RWBY' and the popular anime 'Magical Girl Nanoha'. The game system was personally designed, and the character designs were drawn by director Kamiyā Yuu, known as the prodigy of the animation industry!" — Twitter ACG general community.
"The internet legend is finally about to lift its mysterious veil!" — 'Hero Adventure' comment section.