The Gallery Turns
The expansion pack? Pay more, human. Humans are incredibly susceptible to being swept up by their surroundings. In fact, this is what’s actually called crowd psychology. It’s a protective instinct humans possess as social animals to avoid isolation from society. While it’s often used in a negative sense, crowd psychology can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, like many people joining in on good deeds. And the situation unfolding in the city’s gallery right now could be seen as a prime example of that positive result.
Not only that, but the new game was more entertaining than expected. Despite the “paid service” label, several users didn’t hesitate to spend money, and that led to posts sharing their gameplay experiences.
However, among all the posts, the very first one didn’t generate much of a reaction. That made sense—negative sentiment was still dominant in the gallery at the time. A single post couldn’t possibly flip the tide. But then…
= As someone who had a blast with the previous Hero Maker, I threw money at this one too, thinking I’d get burned. But wow, it exceeded my expectations. (Screenshots attached) (Gargoyle following the player) It’s like a flat map? Anyway, monsters are chasing me in real time inside the room, and it feels completely different from the last game. You control the character in real time, dodging attacks, and until you pick traits, enemies don’t get stunned like before. In other words, you have to beat the game with pure skill. Even dying and having to start over is insanely frustrating, but fuck, it’s also insanely fun. I never thought I’d feel both emotions at the same time in my life. I just died on stage 39 and have to replay from the start, so no questions. Peace.
Once other posts started appearing one after another in the gallery, the reactions began to shift.
2. Worth every penny
3. GM, fuck, I’ll pay you, just drop the next game already
With the flood of positive reviews, people’s minds began to change. Thoughts like “Maybe I should try it too?” started blooming among the majority. The price was a little steep, but still within the range of an impulse buy. More and more users in the gallery began downloading and playing the game.
Haze is gonna have a hell of a time living. Does everyone get what I mean? RG?
Rest in peace, you damn bastards.
- Whoa
- You’re already there???
- How’d you do it lol
- Author) Just did
- Dude, that’s not what we’re asking
- Author) lololol
- Everyone, this is how dangerous this game is
- Fact: This place was already like this even before the game existed~
= I bought it after reading the comments and yeah, it’s fun. Everyone already explained it above, so just watch the video. (Dungeon gameplay footage) (Mysterious girl Haze being rescued by the protagonist) And Haze is super duper cute.
And so their own little story began. Those who had played the game and those who hadn’t were clearly divided. Unable to resist their curiosity—or wanting to join the conversation—more people downloaded and played it, posting their thoughts and drawing in even more users. Finally, when the number of players surpassed the non-players…
[Honestly, it’s not even that expensive, it’s totally doable]
[It’s actually a steal]
[Everyone’s got money for hardware but not for the game? lololol]
[Most reasonable purchase of my life]
From that day on, the majority and minority opinions completely reversed.
> New genre pioneered.
> Bonus coins awarded.
> Considering the number of people enjoying your work.
> Considering your work’s influence on society.
> .
> .
> .
> Calculating societal influence.
> .
> .
> .
> Congratulations. You have achieved the First Paid Service achievement.
> Settlement complete.
> 30,000 coins awarded.
“Nice.”
“Is this actually working?” the constellation, the God of Stringed Instruments, marveled.
“I told you it would. Have you only ever been lied to?”
“I think I got scammed by some sun god once,” the constellation, Celestial Art God, muttered.
Well, anyway. A smile naturally formed on my face at the settlement money in my account and the coins in the system window. It was almost four times the previous payout. The increase in users and being the first to introduce a paid culture seemed to be the cause. Even just looking at the list of posts written a little further back in time, anyone could tell the game’s influence on the gallery was no joke.
‘Though the opinions weren’t exactly positive…’
Still, the results were good. Now, shall we check out the shop?
> Deus Ex Machina Expansion Package
> Price: 85,000 coins
Right now I had 38,000 coins. Nowhere near enough to buy the full package. But…
“Is it possible to buy this separately?”
The expansion package described above included not just graphics, but every function usable for game development. If I separated just the graphics function, would it still be impossible to purchase?
With that thought, I examined the system more carefully.
> Graphic Expansion Feature Pack
> 37,000 coins
“As expected.”
I found the feature expansion pack being sold individually instead of as a bundle. Should I buy this instead?
“What do you think, Constellations?”
If you’re planning to unlock all functions eventually, the full package is cheaper, the constellation advised.
Well, bundled items usually go on sale, so it wasn’t strange here either. Should I buy it later then?
‘But I want to use it right now.’
Still, if it’s you, you’ll earn coins easily enough, the constellation advised.
Don’t obsess over money, just do what you want, Celestial Art God said.
Both sides had valid points, so it was a dilemma. Seeing that I earned 30,000 coins with just this one thing, I felt like I could fill the rest soon enough.
Since you need to level up anyway, just do what you want, the constellation advised.
“…This has levels too?”
Apparently, you could raise your level by creating works or investing coins. Whew, in that case, maybe buying the individual pack is better? Yeah, right? Setting goals is usually better for things like studying, isn’t it? Growing one step at a time didn’t seem so bad either.
“Alright, then I’ll just buy the graphic pack for now.”
The majority of constellations approved of your action.
Good. Let’s make unlocking everything my goal.
> Graphic Expansion Feature Pack purchased.
> 37,000 coins deducted.
> [-37,000]
The moment I pressed the button, the coins were immediately deducted. I opened the app right away to check the new features.
> Congratulations! Update in progress.
> .
> .
> .
> Enhancement failed.
ㅇㅅㅇ?
Your device’s performance is insufficient to apply this expansion pack.
At the sudden system voice, I couldn’t help but make a dumbfounded expression.
What the hell? There was a restriction like this too?