Chapter 118
Chapter 118
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 118
Chapter Title: A Producer's Touch
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“It seems you're having trouble because this differs from what headquarters intended.”
“That's right. It's obviously a great opportunity for Answer… and of course, I recognize their popularity is skyrocketing and will continue to do so, but I'm concerned about whether a dedicated DLC is appropriate for a group that isn't on the level of Fire Emblem.”
He was clearly worried that Rhythm Saber, one of the top VR games, would become a promotional tool for some mediocre singers.
I would probably feel the same way if I were in his shoes, but I had a good idea.
“I believe this kind of collaboration is perfectly viable for a rhythm game. You'll earn the title of a company with a keen eye for spotting rising stars.”
I could see Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong trying his best to support me. But what we needed now was a concrete plan.
“Crucially, I have an idea that will not only make Rhythm Saber a much better game but also attract a significant number of new buyers.”
“…And what would that be?”
“Before I tell you, I'd like to start recording this conversation. Is that all right?”
At my words, both Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong and the branch manager looked at me with confusion.
Having been exploited in my first life, I had developed a habit of collecting evidence so I wouldn't be a pushover who just gives away ideas for free.
“…Isn't it enough to just sign a contract after we've reached an agreement? Is recording really necessary?”
“It's just that I sometimes forget the details of what I've said.”
“Hahaha... You're quite thorough for a young man. Go ahead.”
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong nodded with an expectant smile, and I pressed the record button.
“The DLC I'm proposing also includes a large-scale update for Rhythm Saber.”
“…What kind of update?”
“What I found most disappointing while making maps was the simplistic stepping. All you had to do was move in the direction the notes were coming from.”
“Ooh!”
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong let out a small gasp, as if he'd just realized something.
“Unlike now, where only notes and obstacles are displayed, we can add a floor stage that allows for footwork with both feet. That would make it possible to perfectly replicate choreography. People would be learning to dance and getting a workout while having fun; new buyers would be sure to flock in.”
“Ah... hahaha. That's a truly brilliant idea.”
The branch manager nodded as if impressed, but a skeptical smile lingered on his lips.
“However, that's practically impossible to implement. It might be feasible for those running it on high-spec PCs, but we strive for an environment where the game can run on a standalone VR device. It means the device wouldn't be able to handle the bitrate of over 300 notes per minute, including the in-game stage, lighting, and obstacles.”
“I see. So you're saying the CPU processing speed is the limitation?”
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong said, nodding as if he knew something about it. I worried he might come off as an annoying know-it-all.
In response to the branch manager's relaxed yet bitter smile, I offered a relaxed smile of my own and spoke again.
“I've had a look at the past updates using the developer tools.”
“?”
“In the early days of Rhythm Saber's development, the integrated CPU and GPU module was clearly running at 70% to 90% utilization, practically at its limit. But that's not the case anymore.”
“!”
The branch manager, as if realizing something, picked up his tablet and began looking through the development history.
“Over the past 18 months, 13 optimization patches have drastically reduced Rhythm Saber's integrated module processing utilization to between 30% and 60%.”
“Hah…”
The branch manager let out a small gasp, lightly clapping his hands together.
“You're absolutely right. It would be more than enough to handle the large-scale update for the new mode you mentioned.”
“Yes. I plan to work on the map-making with the footwork in mind from the very beginning. It won't just be choreography-like movements; it will be actual choreography.”
“…A DLC of that caliber would certainly attract a significant number of new users.”
“Since I'm also a choreographer, I should be able to provide separate guidelines for the range of the steps.”
Sitting next to me, Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong clasped his hands together, unable to keep still, his face filled with anticipation.
Are his palms sweating?
The branch manager, looking as if he'd made up his mind, got up, operated the computer, and stared intently at the monitor.
Returning to the sofa, the branch manager spoke.
“Alright. This is all great, but setting the guidelines isn't easy. Even Skillflex and Nate Five, who released previous DLCs, signed for under $100,000 with a 2% running royalty. Your idea is certainly good, Maker-nim, but I'm not sure how to value a DLC for a new album rather than an existing hit song.”
His intention was obvious: to use the contract terms of the two groups with the largest global fanbases to gain the upper hand.
“The royalty is just a side piece; the contract fee is basically the expected profit…”
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong's mouth twitched at the branch manager's words. I spoke quickly before he could open his mouth.
“I'm fine with not receiving a contract fee. Instead, in exchange for my map-making and covering all related costs, including Answer's copyrights, I want a 20% royalty on the DLC's sales.”
“Huh... That seems a bit excessive.”
“Didn't you just say it yourself, Branch Manager? That the contract fee is essentially the expected profit. It's not excessive at all. Your company bears no risk.”
“……”
The branch manager crossed his arms and fell silent.
“JD Enter and I will cover all costs associated with creating the map. We'll even provide the DLC banner design, created by our company's MD.”
“That may be true, but…”
“If it doesn't sell, I'm the only one who's wasted my labor. Isn't that right?”
“That's right. When you think about it, we're giving you everything but the 20% for the making tool and platform fees. It's actually a great model, especially with no contract fee.”
With Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong chiming in, the branch manager let out a helpless chuckle.
“Alright. But what good is a contract without a contract fee? Let's go with a ten million won contract fee and a 15% royalty. I need to show I've put in some effort if I don't want to get fired, you know?”
“…We believe we need to receive 20%.”
The branch manager's expression soured.
“Instead, we'll accept the contract fee as an advance. That way, the contract will be valid, and we can maintain our percentage.”
“Ah... that would work. Ha, you're really something else for a young man.”
At my proposal, the branch manager's face brightened again, and Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong's hand landed on my shoulder.
“I raised him myself, you know.”
* * *
“It's a shame to see you go so soon. Why don't you stay for dinner?”
“No, thank you. I have my schedule as a CEO, but I still have my schedule as an artist, hahaha!”
It's already dinnertime, he could have just stayed to eat…
I can never figure out what Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong is thinking.
“This is truly a shame. Well, I'll submit the terms to headquarters and contact you as soon as I get confirmation. We must have a meal together then.”
“Yes. I'll be sure to make time for a meal next time.”
The branch manager saw us off to the parking lot with a smile mixed with regret and satisfaction.
“Hey, Min-jun. How did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That the licensee is more lenient with Running Royalty than the Initial Payment.”
The way Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong rolled his tongue as he spoke sounded almost cute. Why say 'initial payment' when you can just say contract fee?
“I didn't know that specifically. I just had a gut feeling that receiving a running royalty would be far more profitable than a large contract fee.”
“Ooh, really? I was about to butt in, but since you're the one actually doing the making, I just kept quiet.”
Kept quiet? You chimed in whenever you had the slightest thought. If I could have handled the patent rights myself, I wouldn't have brought you along, Daepyo-nim.
“…Did you just scoff at me?”
“No?”
I quickly changed the subject.
“Should we head straight back to the company?”
“Nope.”
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong said, as if asking what I meant.
“Answer is in the middle of their music video shoot. Let's go there.”
“Ah… yes.”
At least he's acting like a CEO, looking after Answer. He must feel a little guilty, having once considered disbanding them early.
♪♬
I'll get my revenge on you for leaving meeee
♪♬
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong was in such a good mood that he started singing one of his old songs, bobbing his head.
“But… could the point card thing really be a Ponzi scheme?”
There he goes again. It's starting to get… annoying.
“…You don't have to be upset just because Your Girl got it…”
“I'm just annoyed thinking I might have done that bastard Gyeon Sang-jin a favor.”
We arrived at the studio on the mountainside where the music video was being filmed. From outside the prefabricated studio, I could faintly hear the beat of Answer's new song, “Answer Me Now.”
Their outfits were retro, reminiscent of something the disco generation would recognize, but as they were custom-made, they were mixed with trendy elements, so not even a single sequin looked tacky.
“Heh, aren't our girls gorgeous? The reinterpreted outfits suit them sooo well.”
“Yes. You've raised them well.”
“Hahahahat! What did I do! Min-jun raised them all, hahahat!”
He's really happy.
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong's loud laughter drew a lot of attention.
“Cut! That's good.”
The moment the music video director called out, the Answer members came over to greet the CEO and then flocked to the monitor. A music video, once filmed, is recorded forever, so it must be that important to them.
“Daepyo-nim, you're here?”
“Yeah. The shots are looking good, right?”
“Of course. The song is good, the members have great sense. This has 'hit' written all over it.”
“Heh heh. Our Min-jun worked hard on this.”
Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Huh? You're the composer, not their manager?”
“I do a bit of everything.”
“Aigoo... You must have your hands full.”
The music video director nodded, his eyes a mix of curiosity and pity.
He seemed to think I was being overworked because of JD Enter's difficult financial situation.
“Min-jun.”
“Yes, Daepyo-nim.”
“That outfit is in the car.”
I immediately knew he was talking about that Elvis Presley-like outfit. But it seemed the Answer members did too, as they stopped monitoring and all eyes turned to the CEO.
“…Why the long faces? It was a joke.”
We're making long faces because we know it wasn't a joke.
Seol-ah, turning her gaze back to the monitor, kept pulling down her short skirt.
“I told you, nothing's showing. Stop worrying about it.”
Yi-na grumbled.
♪♬
My heels are cracking.
Before the shoes break.
♪♬
Just then, the song played, and the sound panned from right to left.
I suddenly remembered this was a section I had worked on with the music video in mind during directing.
“Director. I just remembered something I missed when I confirmed the plan.”
“Ah, I thought the CEO confirmed it... What is it?”
“At the 1 minute 24 second mark, from the line 'My heels are cracking' to 1 minute 29 seconds, the sound pans from right to left, right?”
“Got it. So we can put in a shot of the vocalist for that part moving across the screen.”
“Yes, that's right. That kind of editing would be great.”
“As expected from someone young, you've got great sense.”
“And…”
I pointed to the cue sheet, which was packed with lyrics and various notes.
You, smiling at me
Time will never come back
You, smiling at me
My heart is waiting for you
My heart is beating for you
From this long wait
Save me
My love is waiting for you
In this brief darkness
Hold me
“The choreography for the turn in this part creates a really beautiful path when seen from above. It would be great if you could keep that in mind and use it in the editing.”
“Ha. I can tell you're someone with an excellent overall sense.”
As the music video director praised me, the Answer members and Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong looked proud.
Just then.
Vrrrring.
The CEO answered his phone with a broad smile.
“Oh, Hyung-jun, it's been a while... Min-jun? Why are you asking about Min-jun?”