Game Director from Hell - Chapter 49: Awards Ceremony (1)

Café in the hotel lounge.

A situation where two people, a Western man and a Eastern man, exchange glances across the table, with an Americano placed on the table.

It was awkward, and even more so because it was Aldred Russo.

“Will your team members not sit together? I’d like to greet the talents who created Hellic if they’re willing.”

He answered Aldred’s question.

“It’s our employees’ first overseas trip. I want them to take a break and relax away from work as much as possible.”

“You’re a good boss.”

“You’re too kind.”

He couldn’t say that he was hiding them because he didn’t know what that man on the other side would do to his team members. The tension inside him was due to his wariness.

Aldred Russo’s talent was so immense that it could cause a scandal in the industry. If we were to compare it to the Three Kingdoms, he would be like Cao Cao. In the behind-the-scenes story of the development of Lost Kingdom that was revealed later, he had even poached a key programmer from another company.

That person was Han Seorim, the Art Director.

“By the way, why did you come all the way to the airport?”

He didn’t want to lose her. Whether it was a previous life or not, Han Seorim was a precious talent to him.

Aldred, whether knowingly or unknowingly, replied calmly, “You have a schedule for participating in awards ceremonies, right? Just in case.”

“D.I.C.E Awards judging panel, right?”

“That’s right. I got a seat there this year.”

D.I.C.E was a conference of industry professionals, and the awards they organized were a prestigious event included in one of the top five gaming awards. In short, it meant that knowing our itinerary was as easy as pie for Aldred, one of the judges for that award.

Of course, it would be controversial for him to personally visit us, the nominees for the award, but…

“Relax your expression. There’s nothing serious, is there? Just think of it as a friendly meeting.”

He wasn’t the type of person to care about such things. At least, the man in front of him woudnt.

“I just wanted to meet you. I don’t know if you know it, but I really enjoyed your game.”

“I read the reviews. They were very helpful, and I should start by thanking you.”

“You’re welcome. But don’t make it sound so formal.”

He chuckled.

“Anyway, since it seems like you’re uncomfortable here, let me get to the point. First, let me ask you something.”

“What?”

“How did you plan that game?”

Aldred leaned forward, his eyelids drooping. There was a hint of alcohol in the air, and in fact, this man was drinking in the café.

But what couldn’t be hidden was his gaze.

The eyes that shone brightly beneath his drooping eyelids were as sharp as a blade.

“It was ground-breaking. In fact, the reversal in the narrative part was something that could have been attempted, but the way you applied it in the game was unique. You know? Every developer hopes that every element in the game will fit together like gears in a machine. But not many can actually do it. It’s that difficult, and you managed to do it.”

It was praise that was hard to believe coming from Aldred Russo.

“The reason I called your ending the best is not because of the narrative. It’s because all the elements of the game come together to finally complete that ending. The experience of a puzzle that was scattered and unrecognizable coming together in an instant in your head, that thrilling. I want to know about your planning ability that made that possible.”

His face, which had been laughing mischievously a moment ago, now had a hint of seriousness.

But the atmosphere was too solemn.

Suddenly, the thought occurred to him that perhaps it was because he was this kind of person that he had been able to reach the pinnacle of the industry.

Because he could enjoy it like a child and then shape it into something adult with reason.

Because he had that duality.

…He erased his emotions.

This was the answer which his lips formed.

“It wasn’t ground breaking. It’s just a variation of existing things.”

“It’s purely something that came out of your input?”

“Yes.”

“You’re good at being modest.”

“There’s no need for modesty.”

Because it was the truth.

“I’ve seen a lot and studied a lot, not just in this era but also in eras that have become relics of the past.”

I researched things from an era not of this time, but things that were becoming relics of the past in this era. I learned and studied many analyses and trends, and I poured them into my work. Among them, there was the Lost Kingdom that the man in front of me created. It’s just something I’ve seasoned with my own unique experience.

“I received a lot of help from senior colleagues in the industry,” he continued, acknowledging it humbly.

In other words, he implied that the success of Hellic 2 was something bestowed by the destiny, by the future.

I have no intention of denying that.

But I couldn’t say it outright, so I implied it.

Then, suddenly, Aldred pointed at me with his finger.

“What about that senior colleague of yours?”

His face was filled with anticipation.

I nodded my head, and he laughed heartily, not caring about the curious glances from those around us.

“Well, there can’t be anyone more admirable than me!”

His boundless self-confidence soared to the sky, just like it always did.

As I watched him, he said, “So, the conversation should get easier now.”

It was clear that he had more than just a conversation in mind. He wanted to follow up on showing respect.

If Aldred wanted something from Han Seorim…

“Do you have any plans to work under me?” he asked.

“…?”

“Your talent is quite tempting. Youth is tempting, and potential is tempting. I want you.”

I was momentarily stunned by his direct words.

I was taken aback by how clear his intentions were.

“I saw the interview you did in Korea. Your dreams are quite big, aren’t they? If you work under me, you can make them come true.”

“…”

“Game of the Year. Isn’t that what you want?”

Aldred Russo was sincere. He couldn’t hide his emotions.

Should I be relieved that Han Seorim wasn’t his target, or should I be cautious that he might have his sights on me?

My lips trembled, and in that moment, Alred pointed his finger at my chin.

“However, it won’t be easy on your own.”

My body stiffened.

“I know you’ll be up against Minecraft this year. A complete victory? Impossible, I’m sure. I’m confident of that. It will change the era.”

Shocked or overwhelmed, I tried to clear my thoughts.

But it was truly astounding how this man could make such clear predictions.

He could easily be considered the top figure in the industry.

His intuition was so accurate that it was almost frightening to confidently predict things that hadn’t happened yet.

“Give up for this year. And come work for me. I have a game in development that I want your team to be a part of. It’s essentially a merger proposal.”

It was a very tempting offer.

For an indie developer in Korea, a remote island in the gaming industry, the prestige of being under the Studio Valhalla umbrella was no small matter.

There was no need to go far.

Just the fact that Alred Russo’s positive review had dramatically changed the course of Hellic 2’s success could prove the value of this opportunity.

“What do you think? I can adjust the salary to your liking. Of course, within reasonable limits.”

With that, silence fell.

Alred smiled confidently, believing without a doubt that I would accept.

I, too, couldn’t give an immediate answer.

I knew the value of this proposal.

Wasn’t this the hand of my childhood idol reaching out to me?

As we gazed at each other in silence, the surrounding noise felt unnaturally muted.

My mind was racing.

Thinking, judging, and one more thing.

“Is the answer difficult? It shouldn’t be.”

Self-doubt.

“…”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

I only realized my self-doubt when I saw the hand of the man who had been my idol for so long.

Despite my determination to pursue my own dreams, seeing that man’s hand had blurred my vision of what I truly wanted.

At the same time, I felt a sense of relief.

Sure, if I look at it a bit more positively, I have the confidence that even after receiving such a proposal, I can still keep my sanity intact towards myself and my studio.

Managing my emotions was easy.

After finishing that task, I replied.

“I’ll consider the proposal as if I didn’t hear it.”

Alred’s eyes widened as if they were about to burst.

A face as if it had been struck on the back of the head with a hammer.

It was so surprising.

“Why?”

The question that came out was cliché.

I replied in a clichéd manner as well.

“Because I don’t want to bend.”

“Don’t want to bend?”

“It seems like running away, doesn’t it? Going under you.”

I thought about it.

Could I unfold my dream under him?

The answer was ‘no.’

Of course, there would be no pressure of money, schedules, or operations.

Perhaps I could even directly reach my dream of an AAA-grade Game of the Year.

But one important thing would be missing: freedom.

Alred is a tyrant.

Under him, I could only unfold his world.

My world would forever remain within me.

Yes, of course, with my strength alone, I couldn’t guarantee victory against Minecraft.

It’s highly likely to be impossible.

But you see.

“If I were going to give up before even starting, I wouldn’t have started my own company. I would have joined a company that pays a stable salary.”

That wasn’t the reason.

From the moment I chose my dream, my choices were always on the line of irrationality.

“I’ll win the Game of the Year. Whether it’s one or two, it would be more than Minecraft.”

It was preparation for this day.

Héllic 2 was a game that I had invested a lot of time and thought into, starting from the moment it was announced in 2011.

Furthermore, the impact of Minecraft was in the realm of ‘what has yet to happen.’

It’s not baseless confidence.

As I’ve said repeatedly, at least this year, at this moment, the challenge was worthwhile. [TL: Basically he knows that Minecraft’s true potential wasnt realized in its release years but later on which explains the lack of awards. Yes I am Minecraft simp, got a problem with that]

“Is that your answer?”

After saying it, I felt a bit refreshed.

It was a useful time to reaffirm my determination.

The only thing I worried about was that Alred would not take this challenge lightly.

Ultimately, it was an unnecessary worry.

Alred let out a bitter laugh.

“You’re a strange one.”

Mixed with curses.

“Do you know that? It’s the first time in my life I’ve seen someone as strange as me.”

There was no resentment in his bitter laughter.

It seemed like he was disappointed that the recruitment had failed, but he hid it well.

What should I interpret this as…

“Yes.”

“It’s too much praise.”

The expression on his face was curiosity.

At least, that’s how I saw it.

Studio Valhalla was located in New York.

Despite the name suggesting a connection to Norse mythology and even the misconception that Aldred Russo’s name was European, Valhalla was a company that had originated and operated entirely in the United States. The fact that its leader, Aldred Russo, was an American was just an added detail.

Anyway, moving past such trivialities, he find himself inside Valhalla’s office.

As soon as Alred returned, he received that question.

“Boss, what happened with the recruitment?”

It was Henderson, the level designer.

His face was filled with anticipation.

Alred chuckled heartily and replied.

“It failed!”

“What?”

“He said he didn’t want to work under anyone! A confident guy.”

Henderson’s expression gradually stiffened, as expected.

Well, didn’t Henderson despise Yeonho more than anyone else?

In Aldred opinion, if it were Yeonho, he had a good enough head to endure Henderson’s terrifying attention to detail.

But what could be done?

Things had turned out like this.

In the midst of it all, Henderson asked.

“Are you saying Boss will give up just because he was rejected?” Henderson’s expression resembled someone who had just witnessed cosmic horror. Well, until now, rejection had never been a reason to give up on recruitment, so it was only natural.

Alred explained, “That guy won’t budge no matter how you approach him. He’d rather choose to break than bend.”

Alred recalled his meeting with Yeonho. A face as emotionless as a machine, an absence of inflection, a cold demeanour. He seemed like someone who had confined the fire within him behind such a mask.

With age comes insight. Typically, individuals like him are stubborn and authoritarian. They prefer complete victory over compromise, and they enjoy competition over cooperation. There was one thing Alred was certain of.

“He’s just like me. More precisely, he reminds me of a younger version of myself.”

In the early days of video games, he had tried countless challenges, achievements, and rewards to be recognized as the best among experimental games. There were moments when the thrill of competition sent shivers down his spine. It all started when he and his friends gathered in a garage, solely seeking enjoyment. From there, they fought their way to the pinnacle of the industry, to Studio Valhalla. Alred closed his eyes and reminisced.

“Wasn’t it fun? Racing to the top, regardless of what anyone said, was exhilarating. But now, it’s different…”

Now, finding that excitement from those days was not easy. Some said the pinnacle was lonely. But Aldred thought otherwise. It was not loneliness but rather boredom.

After all, those who could reach the pinnacle were those who loved to struggle. Because of that, once they reached a point where there was nothing more to fight for, they could only wriggle in the agony of boredom.

In that regard, Yeonho was a man who made Aldred revisit the past. More precisely, he was a man who made Aldred yearn to fight as he did back then.

“I suddenly thought about something. Is it more fun to have him under my command and boss him around, or is it more fun to raise him and compete with him?”

A sly smile played on Aldred’s lips. “The answer is obvious.”

He was a man who could climb. If Aldred’s judgment of him, the one who created Hellic 2, was correct, a little guidance would turn him into a giant. He would chase after Aldred, reaching as far as he could, and the sense of impending doom would drive him to compete.

“It’s when the unexpected things pop out that a game truly shines. It’s about experiencing catharsis.”

“Are you bringing that up again?”

“No matter how many times I say it, it’s not enough. The alpha and omega of a game is fun. But humans are creatures of adaptation. No matter how revolutionary the fun is, it eventually gets tiresome. So, games need to be more stimulating, dazzling, and explosively creative. We need more people who understand that. For the growth of the market!”

So, it was certain that Henderson would say, “Rewind needs to beat Minecraft first. But you said that’s impossible, didn’t you? The Boss himself said it.”

“That’s right.”

To be precise, from now on, they would no longer be able to win.

“Minecraft’s scalability is endless. Just by adding content elements through periodic patches, at some point, that game will have infinite possibilities.”

To put it extremely, if you introduce an element called ‘mods’ to that scalability, you can reproduce most of the existing game rules within it. In other words, it’s like a chameleon, constantly offering a variety of content.

Alred saw that potential and conveyed it to Yeonho. Of course, he didn’t say unnecessary things to recruit him, and the nuances guaranteed Yeonho’s defeat.

“I think I did well.”

If he had argued about everything, he wouldn’t have been able to see Yeonho properly.

He was an interesting asian friend.

In their early twenties, just about to graduate.

But he firmly believed in the possibility of victory at the moment when he hadn’t even taken a single step.

That’s right.

Competition is possible.

The direction of Hellic and Minecraft is different, and Hellic is ahead in initial sales.

Moreover, the difference in genres plays a significant role.

“Minecraft is based on its scalability coming from imperfection. It’s an open world with infinite possibilities. That’s why it lacks the explosive power of the first release. It’s a game that looks far into the future, requiring constant supplementation.”

But Hellic is the opposite.

The director’s perfectionism closed off the game’s potential.

However, they thoroughly controlled every element, creating a work that was sculpted meticulously within a single fence.

Divergence and convergence, it’s essentially a matter of taste.

And the trophy usually loves convergence and completeness.

Of course, that doesn’t determine victory or defeat.

“This is also an interesting spectacle.”

I wonder how far that damn conviction will hold.

Henderson asked as he pondered.

“Do you think Hellic will win, Boss?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know, and that’s what makes it interesting. This is also a game.”

Aldred looked at the wall full of game packages on one side.

His heart was pounding with excitement as if he was back to his youth.

Let’s think back to when they he tried those.

There was certainly something more enjoyable in the world because he didn’t know.

It was a strange game to Alred.

It was no different now.

Because he didn’t know the result, it made him even more excited.

Is there any need to spoil that impression?

He just cheered for the side that pulled him in like betting on a sports game.

And isn’t it much more enjoyable to watch the way things unfold in real time, wondering who will win the Indie GOTY this year?

In addition, a separate story.

“Of course, there’s one thing for sure.”

They couldn’t rashly predict the future.

But Alred still said,

“There won’t be a competition like this again. At least not in the indie scene within the next ten years.”

This is a big match.

At the indie level, it can’t be repeated.

And there should be a reward for the winner of the competition.

“Still, personally, I hope Hellic wins.”

That way, they can give a good gift in the form of a good painting.

Alred’s smile didn’t fade easily.

***

So, two weeks passed.

Christmas was just around the corner.

“…17 to 17.”

Minecraft and Hellic 2 evenly split the awards in half.

The remaining awards ceremony was The Game Awards, the only GOTY criterion in the future.

The battle was moving on to one of the biggest stages.