Chapter 28
Chapter 28
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Preparing to Become a PD
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“So what's going to happen with the issue related to Director Jeong?”
“Don't you worry about a thing. No matter how much power the business department has, I'm better at office politics than you think. I can handle that old geezer, one way or another. Probably...?”
“That's a relief, then. Although, the way you trailed off at the end is a bit... concerning.”
“I'm serious, why do you look so skeptical? Besides, do you really think our CEO is going to complain when the stock price goes up? He owns over 30% of this company, you know.”
Bonbujang Shin Chihwan seemed to be trying to reassure me, repeatedly emphasizing that my actions were not a problem.
“Also, I was watching your interview earlier and got curious. It seems like you're thinking about console games, not mobile, if you become a PD?”
“Is that going to be difficult?”
Currently, all of NB Soft’s projects were focused on mobile games.
I had a vague feeling that making a console game wasn't what the company wanted, which is why this question came up.
“It's not impossible, but it'll definitely be tough convincing the higher-ups. Which brings me to one of the reasons I called you in.”
Bonbujang Shin Chihwan suddenly handed me a document held together by a stapler.
“What's this?”
“Our company's strategic proposal template. PDs write up their new project proposals on this, and we review them. I'm giving it to you so you can prepare in advance.”
“Is it okay for you to give this to me now?”
“Gwajang Jo, my future depends on making you a PD and ensuring your project succeeds. We're in the same boat now, so let's not get all flustered over little things like this. From now on, if you need anything, anything at all, you just have to tell me. Got it?”
“Understood, Bonbujang-nim.”
One thing was certain: Shin Chihwan was planning to back me with his full support.
Even if Phoenix did well, for him, that wouldn't solidify his position. It would merely be the bare minimum to prove his competence as a new division head.
From here on, he and I were bound by a common fate. If the project I created failed, he would sink with it.
And… when I heard his proposal, something instinctively came to mind…
<<God Game Maker has issued the main quest ‘Soon to be a PD!’>>
‘Right on cue.’
As expected, God Game Maker was personally letting me know just how important this mission was.
[Main Quest / Soon to be a PD.]
- Upon the successful completion of the Phoenix project, you will face the trial to become a PD.
Prepare for it to become a PD without any issues and charge forward.
(1) Clear Conditions:
- Create a ‘Strategic Proposal Document’ of A-rank or higher.
- Finish the final pitch for the strategic proposal with a grade of A or higher.
(2) Success Reward: Gain EXP / Acquire Achievement ‘Rookie PD’ / Gain 20 (Shop Exclusive) Points
(3) Failure Penalty: Unable to become a PD
‘If I fail, I can't become a PD... How ruthless.’
Write an A-rank proposal and deliver an A-rank presentation.
Perhaps because this was the gateway to becoming a PD, this quest felt significantly more demanding.
Well… the rewards for success seemed just as enormous.
As I was momentarily looking at the main quest window, Shin Chihwan tilted his head and spoke.
“Gwajang Jo, why are you suddenly looking around at empty space?”
“Ah, I was just thinking about what to do with this.”
“Well, since you want to make a console game, start building a solid case for it. And how many people are you thinking of for the new project team, at most?”
“A maximum of ten people.”
“Huh? Ten people? ... Isn't that too few?”
These days, even the smallest mobile game projects had development teams of at least thirty people, while larger ones had a hundred… or even two hundred.
But ten people?
Frankly, that was a scale too small to even be called a team.
However, I had my reasons for making such a judgment.
“I don't have any experience as a PD, so if the team is too large, I won't be able to manage it. Besides, if I ask for a lot of people to make a 'console' game—something this company has never done before—wouldn't there be a huge backlash?”
“Hah… so that was your thinking. I guess that does take some of the pressure off me.”
Even to Shin Chihwan, it was a reasonable decision.
Ten people was not a significant loss for the company.
Moreover, if an indie game star like Jo Hyunsoo were to lead this team, it could project an image of NB Soft as a young, innovative company to the outside world.
I was still only a Gwajang, and Shin Chihwan was a new Bonbujang, so our professional networks were relatively small.
If we aimed for a large team from the start, we would obviously struggle to assemble it.
Ten people… it was startling at first, but Shin Chihwan soon nodded, acknowledging the delicate brilliance of the decision.
“Well, I'll be. When you demanded the PD position from me, Gwajang Jo, I thought you were incredibly ambitious. Turns out you have a surprisingly modest side.”
“I don't know about that. If we have a small team and the game sells well, we'll get a bigger share of the incentives. Isn't that even greedier?”
When I retorted, his eyes widened as if he’d been caught off guard, and then he let out a hearty laugh.
“Hahaha! You've got a point there. You really got me. So, about that…”
Bonbujang Shin Chihwan’s smile vanished as he continued.
“I know you're busy with the Phoenix project, but start recruiting your team members in advance. It doesn't matter if they're from inside or outside the company.”
“Understood.”
I sensed that Shin Chihwan hadn't brought me on simply to save the dying Phoenix project.
This man was genuinely interested in my project.
He was sending me a signal now, telling me to meet those expectations, no matter what.
“Ah, but of course, you have to do a good job with Phoenix, too. You know what I mean, right?”
The Bonbujang gave me a playful wink with one eye, which didn't suit him at all.
It was the first time he had shown such a side, so honestly, it was a bit… no, very uncomfortable.
“...”
“Come on, Gwajang Jo. When your boss tries to be cute, you should at least play along.”
When I remained perfectly still, the Bonbujang scratched his head in embarrassment and chided me.
“To be honest, I don't think that was it.”
“My bad. Just pretend you didn't see that.”
I replied with a slight smile.
“If we're done talking, I'll get back to work.”
“Right, right. Keep me updated on how things are going, with both the new project and Phoenix.”
“Yes, understood.”
A small smile played on my lips as I left the Bonbujang's office.
****
More time passed after that day.
With less than a month until the soft launch, the entire team entered crunch mode, working overtime unless something exceptional came up.
The cinematic video was progressing well, and the storyboards for the in-game cutscenes had all been handed over to the art team.
All that remained was the script for the main scenario, so I focused on working with Daeri Son Seokjin to bring its quality as high as possible.
‘Even considering the time it'll take to implement the script with the in-game tools later… we have a little bit of leeway.’
There was always a chance that some miscellaneous task would pop up, but for now, we had cleared a major hurdle.
And so… while work was proceeding smoothly, my mind was not at ease.
“Gwajang-nim Jo, is something wrong?”
“Hm? Why do you ask?”
“You don't look very well.”
“Ah… I'm not sick, just have something on my mind. Thanks for your concern.”
The thing currently plaguing me was the new project.
‘I can't believe staying at one company for so long is holding me back like this.’
For the new project, as Bonbujang Shin Chihwan had said, I needed to bring in talented people with manpower.
Most PDs have been in the company for at least ten years, so they typically fill their teams by getting referrals from former colleagues and people in their network.
But I had spent my entire professional life at NB Soft, which made this part difficult.
‘I can't just poach people from within the company…’
Most of the competent developers I knew were internal staff, and scouting them would likely create bad blood between teams.
There was still some time left, but if I didn't resolve this soon, it would definitely cause problems for the new project.
No matter how much Bonbujang Shin Chihwan supported me, it would all be meaningless without people to actually make the game with.
‘The graphics side seems manageable, at least…’
As a scenario and concept planner, I often worked with people in the graphics department.
So for graphics, I was trying to ask around for potential candidates with the help of colleagues like Daeri Heo Yuri.
I hadn't found anyone suitable just yet, but at this rate, I felt I could probably bring in at least one person by the time I formed the new team.
‘The problem is the client programmer.’
But as for the programming staff, my interactions with them were limited to creating quest dialogue tools or discussing cutscenes.
Looking back on my career, it was almost embarrassing how few connections I had.
Well… I had never dreamed I would become a PD, so I hadn't prepared for it, but now I was at a complete loss as to how to handle this.
‘For now, let's just work…’
No matter how I wracked my brain, no answer came to mind.
In the end, I returned to my work and focused.
I thought that if I worked hard enough, I might be able to forget my current troubles, even for a little while.
Night fell, and it was soon past 7 PM.
My wrists were stiff, and my back began to ache.
I was just thinking of taking a break and getting some dinner when…
“Hey, Gwajang Jo. Have you had dinner yet?”
I turned my head to see PD Oh Gwangseok addressing me with an awkward smile.
“Ah, no. I was just about to eat with Daeri Son.”
“Hmm… This might be sudden, but would you like to have dinner with me?”
I briefly met Daeri Son’s eyes before speaking.
“Is Daeri Son coming with us?”
“Ah, well…”
Oh Gwangseok trailed off, lacking confidence.
Hmm…
“Daeri Son, sorry, but would you mind eating alone tonight?”
“Oh, yes, yes. It's fine. You two go ahead.”
“Alright, then.”
I immediately went outside with PD Oh Gwangseok.
He suggested we go to a quiet restaurant district a block away from the company, which told me he had something he wanted to discuss.
“Ma'am, one dumpling soup set and one boiled pork wrap set, please.”
After we each placed our orders, a moment of silence fell between us.
As I downed a cup of water, PD Oh Gwangseok hesitated for a moment before slowly opening his mouth.
“How's work been going lately?”
“Yes, Daeri Son is doing a great job, and we're planning to finish ahead of schedule to start pre-inspections. I'm also keeping track of the cinematic's schedule, and they said the final version should be ready four to five days before the soft launch at the latest.”
Most of what I was saying had already been shared with PD Oh Gwangseok, but I knew he might be asking out of an abundance of caution, so I gave him a thorough and precise summary once more.
A PD’s life is a busy one, so it was understandable that he might forget things. I could forgive that much.
“Mmm… Sounds like everything's proceeding smoothly. Well, that's to be expected with you in charge, Gwajang Jo.”
“Yes, you don't need to worry.”
“Is there anything else you need?”
Hmm…
As we continued to talk, I started to get a good idea of why PD Oh Gwangseok had asked me to dinner.
Anxiety and expectation.
After the interview with Coby Fox, he had seen with his own two eyes the significant impact I could have on this project.
Now, if I were to leave the project, or even make a single wrong statement or move, it could cause problems.
Therefore, in his own way, he wanted to show me that he considered me important and to reinforce the impression that he was looking out for me.
“No, not really.”
“Don't be like that, just say it. Anything, no matter how small. I'm just grateful because it looks like our project is going to succeed thanks to you.”
He said that, but what he really wanted was to give me something to create a sense of obligation.
I had told him several times that I would do my best on the project regardless of our past, but some people just can't rest easy unless they put something in your hands.
‘Just in case, maybe I should take a peek at what he's really thinking.’
Just to be sure, I looked at Oh Gwangseok and activated the 'Understanding' window.
[Oh Gwangseok]
- Lacks self-confidence.
- Is afraid of being abandoned by the Head of Division 1.
- Feels both fear and favor toward you.
- Wants to recruit you as a future ally.
Judging by his status window, it seemed Oh Gwangseok wanted to overcome his precarious situation by bringing me over to his side.
Well… having been abandoned by the Head of Division 1, one of the company's real power players, it was natural for his thoughts to go in that direction.
‘He's not lying… In that case, what if I ask for this?’
Just then, a thought flashed through my mind.
A brilliant idea that would both alleviate Oh Gwangseok’s anxiety and allow me to stick a straw in his back.
“PD Oh Gwangseok, excuse me for asking, but do you have a lot of connections with other game developers?”
“Well… I've worked at a few different companies, so I suppose I do. Why do you ask?”
“Then, may I ask you for a favor?”
“Oh, just say the word. I'll do anything I can.”
Oh Gwangseok's face lit up as he replied.
It seemed he had been desperately waiting for me to say those words.
I slowly opened my mouth.
“Please introduce me to some skilled client programmers. Gwajang level or higher, at least.”
“Client… programmers? Why?”
PD Oh Gwangseok tilted his head and asked. I replied casually.
“Because I'm starting to prepare for my next title.”