The Game Developer Who Left the Company Is Too Competent

65. Skirmish (2)

weekend afternoon.

I had a meeting with Mercury Games’ vice president and working-level team at a Korean restaurant in Gangnam.

Surprisingly, it was not Taeyeon, but Mercury Games, who visited Korea.

“This is a very famous place. Eat! ha ha ha!”

A black suit suits you very well… … The middle-aged white man with a bald head laughed angrily. And he uses spoons quite well and eats well.

“You are eating well. Did you have a relationship with Korea?

“My wife is Korean.”

“ah… … !”

“I learned a lot about Korean culture in the early days of dating. I have visited so many times. So, I know where to eat.”

He grinned and spoke in Korean.

“I pride myself on knowing more about Korean culture than my wife.”

Very good pronunciation!

‘I’ve been hiding this thoroughly until now… … Director Lee Tae-young would be shocked if he found out.’

You probably didn’t even know about this part.

He spoke again in English.

“Korea’s best game companies, the top 3 are Nexple, Netfunz, and Nero Soft. I am also familiar with these three companies. Even in Korean development culture. This is the first reason why I want to recruit you.”

“… … ?”

“You are like Yuna Queen. A hero who broke through unreasonable skills and stood up alone!”

Here, Taeyeon became curious about one thing.

‘Did he know that Yoona was my wife and compared it that way?’

“I am also familiar with the culture of development in this country. And I already know what path you’ve been on. Oh, I didn’t do a background check. I just searched the name once on the portal site, and the information came up.”

“I don’t care.”

‘I must have known about Yoona.’

The answer to the question I just had came out.

“calm. I don’t know what you think of yourself… … I think you’re a game developer who can do even greater things.”

his eyes are burning

“A person who was an ordinary employee of a small and medium-sized company overcame adversity and hardships and finally became the CEO of a large company. Not satisfied there, as a developer… … In fact, it completely changed the ruined game and made it a big success. But he was not even forty!”

He shakes his head excitedly.

“If you think about Korean corporate culture, you can see how ridiculous this is. And this proves one thing. You’re first-rate when it comes to game development. Including mercenaries and group management capabilities.”

Hearing compliments made my body tickle.

Still, Taeyeon persevered.

‘Now I’ll get to the point.’

“House, car, chauffeur, secretary for $10 million a year.”

“… … !”

“Mercury Games has a total of two offices. New York’s Hudson Yards and Silicon Valley. There are other places, but first of all, the two largest places are.”

From nob le mt l dot com

Mercury Games was one of the largest game companies in the world. It is mainly in charge of publishing and operation, but is known to be preparing several in-house developments.

And the scale is several times larger than that of all three major game companies in Korea!

‘It’s disappointing compared to Korea. In terms of scale alone, it overwhelms Blue Dragon Games, a subsidiary of China’s No. 1 Blue Dragon Group.’

Considering the size of China’s capital and domestic market, this was a really huge figure.

It is not the parent company Mercury.com, but its subsidiary Mercury Games.

“In addition, stocks, non-equity incentives, and other bonuses will be provided in a safe and generous manner according to performance.”

twinkle the eyes

“Please make Mercury Games the best game development company, not just a publisher or operator.”

Awesome offer!

Taeyeon opened her mouth slowly.

“That sounds like something only the best game developer in the world could do. I’m not that great.”

“Now, that statement is a statement that lowers the status of the entire Korean game industry.”

“… … ?”

“Aren’t you the CEO of the best game company in the country and the best game developer?”

“I was lucky, but my skills weren’t really that great. There are plenty of people who are greater than me.”

“for example… … ?”

“… … .”

No one particularly came to mind.

He grins at Taeyeon, who is speechless.

“Take a look at it.”

“… … .”

“Of course, if you simply look at development ability, there will definitely be people who are equal to or better than you. However, the story is different for those who have the ability to lead a large group called a company without noise.”

“… … .”

“If you need time, I will wait for you. Think about it seriously. We will wait for you.”

There was no change in Taeyeon’s face as she drank the water.

* * *

Since then, I have had many meetings with overseas publishers.

Among them were Blue Dragon Games and Haolan, both from China.

“Oh, long time no see. hahahaha… … .”

In a short time, their positions changed considerably.

Taeyeon had no intention of servicing games in China.

Considering the characteristics of China as a country and companies, it was virtually no different from a group of thugs.

You have to pay only what they give you, you can’t share detailed local information, and you have to keep your eyes open and watch the process of creating imitations and servicing technology and everything.

lawsuit?

It doesn’t make any sense. China is on the side of its own companies no matter what. Sometimes they do the right thing, but that was only when the company in question was greatly hated and hated by Communist Party officials.

“If you give Blue Dragon Games a chance… … !”

Hard to explain all this.

Raise the distribution rate, do something, do that… … .

‘Not much has changed.’

Still, I listened to the conversation until the end. Anyway, it was a business position now.

‘My persuasion is working!’

Haolan, who gained confidence here, continued to persuade more passionately.

“… … So far. How is it? Would you like to sign a contract?”

By the end of the conversation, his expression and tone had changed again.

If you want money, you have to make a contract with them.

Because they are number 1 in the industry and the best!

The only people who know you guys best are us, old traders!

‘Not all Chinese are like that… … It’s very uncomfortable to keep running into people like this.’

Taeyeon stood up and said.

“I will seriously think about it and give you an answer.”

“uh? Wait. I have a reservation, but the rest go there… … .”

It was already past five in the afternoon.

‘Today I decided to shop at the mart with Yoona.’

There is no schedule more important than this.

Taeyeon dismissed it in a word.

“I’ve heard enough. After sufficient review, we will respond to the proposal as soon as possible.”

Taeyeon left behind the people of Blue Dragon Games who looked devastated.

* * *

Dinner with New World Group Vice Chairman Kim Jong-hak and his wife.

Vice Chairman Kim Jong-hak asked a question.

“There are rumors about you in the industry these days. You said you might become the CEO of Mercury Games?”

“I am the CTO, not the CEO.”

“That or that.”

“It is different. Chief Technology Officer, CEO Chief Executive Officer.”

“If you do well and achieve results, will the parent company keep you as CTO? If you have an idea, they will eventually appoint you as the CEO and present you with various things so that you don’t even think about going anywhere.”

Yuna Kim asked cautiously.

“I’m saying that because I don’t know… … What exactly is that place called Mercury Games?”

“What kind of place… … hmm.”

After thinking about it for a while, Vice Chairman Kim Jong-hak answered casually.

“It is several times larger than the New World Group and has a great influence. We are at the level of playing only in Korea, but it is a place where we use strength all over the world.”

“… … !”

“You know Mercury.com, right?”

“yes! Is it an online shopping mall company with the largest market capitalization? Recently, he has been working on various businesses… … .”

“There are two businesses that I am thinking of as the next business, one is OTT and other media, and the other is the game industry. And it is a situation where they have tremendous competitiveness in two areas and are gradually expanding their domain. It seems to have slowed down a bit lately.”

“Why are you slowing down?”

“The game that they made and serviced with a lot of money, or the next game of a studio that invested a lot of money in, is all bad.”

“ah… … .”

“Because the CEO and other executives are businessmen who don’t know much about game development, the issue is being raised that there are clear limits to growth as a game company.”

“Ah, so that’s why you wanted to recruit my brother as the technical lead!”

“that’s right. That friend is so damn good at making games and managing manpower.”

“Yes!”

“I don’t know, but it’s probably the best in the world in that field. So that’s what big corporations are doing.”

“Wow… … !”

“Taeyeon-ssi, now that I see it, you are an amazing person!”

Taeyeon let out a sigh of embarrassment as everyone at the table looked at her with burdened faces.

Kim Jong-hak continued to ignite this atmosphere.

“What did you suggest?”

After thinking about it for a while, he told the truth.

“At $10 million a year… … .”

Everyone was astonished at the stream of offers.

This time, Vice Chairman Kim Jong-hak was the same.

“You really made up your mind on that side. I see you as a talent that must be recruited.”

“It seemed so.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I replied that I would think about it, but… … .”

“If you are like me, you will receive it unconditionally.”

“… … yes?”

Taeyeon’s eyes widened at the unexpected answer.

“How long are you going to make others do only good things? Let’s just think about this one. How many times do you think Jinseong’s wealth has multiplied thanks to you?”

“… … .”

“Comparatively, your annual salary is 600 million won. Isn’t your company, Nexple Entertainment, actually your brother’s company? Because the investment stake is too high.”

“… … .”

“I understand your brother’s position. Reflecting on the achievements, I will treat you appropriately during the renegotiation next year! This may not be enough, so I’ll share the portion in moderation! But this has a limit. Nepple CEO annual salary of 10 billion? Hey, what do you think will happen?”

“first… … What will the shareholders say about the CEO’s salary being so high?”

“yes. That’s the biggest problem. For reference, as of last year, there are only two CEOs who have made 10 billion won. At least, they weren’t professional managers, but the owner’s family.”

“ah… … .”

“I heard that there are about 800 people over 500 million… … That’s the industry average. Since you’re the new CEO, you’ve just adjusted to that level. But 10 billion? Hey, this sounds great. I bet you.”

“… … .”

“The second is that that older brother is not a great person to take care of so much.”

“yes?”

“Neckple was a company that could grow even bigger. But it stayed the same until your appointment. The CEO position was also vacant. Why?”

“… … ?”

“Isn’t that because you thought you weren’t treated that way? And now I’m saying it, but the Nexple CEO seat is a very dangerous place. It is probably the most criticized company in Korea, except for Seosung Group.”

I couldn’t help but agree with that statement.

Until he was in charge, the whole Nepple was bathing.

The reason why Korean games did not develop was because of Nero Soft and Nepple, and Nepple in particular was said to be more cancerous.

Because he was the alpha and omega of Pay To Win.

Recently, Taeyeon has been welcomed by the movement to fix these problems in general, but it was a place where she was treated as a poisoned holy grail until now.

“Even that is where the internal politics are severe and you have no choice but to be very careful with senior Yoo. Isn’t it?”

“You do have a bit of influence.”

“It’s not a bit strong, but it’s a god.”

“… … .”

“I like you, so I take care of you, push you, pat you on the butt… … But then what do you do? Over there, salaries start at $10 million. You said you promised to do all the preferential conditions the CEO of Apple receives?”

“It was that when you do well, you do it.”

“I’m saying this because you’ll do well.”

“… … .”

“The water at Mercury Games is different. Hey, honestly, if I had received such an offer from your point of view, I would have looked into the immigration procedures right away. Don’t you want to play in bigger water? Are you going to leave the sea and stay in the fishbowl?”

“however… … By any chance, if I leave, what will happen to your brother’s theme park business?”

“That’s something you can do while going back and forth between the US and Korea. what’s the problem?”

“… … .”

“Mercury Games will support everything you ask for. Astronomical development costs, world-class talents in each field… … You can even take your favorite talent and offer them huge rewards.”

The last sentence was something I hadn’t even thought of.

The first people that came to mind were Hong Min-seok and Lee Young-ae.

‘Certainly there is a feeling that the treatment is harsh compared to the ability.’

“And what kind of place is America? Isn’t it the main field of heavyweights who move the world’s economy and culture? If it is there, it can be of greater help to the goal that Jesu wants to achieve. If you successfully settle down at Mercury Games, it’s possible!”

Taeyeon’s gaze reflexively turned to Yuna Kim.

‘surely… … .’

Vice Chairman Kim Jong-hak grins.

“As an older brother, this is advice I give because I want the younger brother I care about to go well. Think carefully.”

‘I can take care of my people more… … ?’

It was the moment when Taeyeon’s heart was shaken for the first time.