Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 058
Chapter Title: Launch (1)
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600,000.
The number of pre-registrations completed up to this point.
Compared to the first open beta when it surpassed 1 million, it felt a little disappointing...
But considering the population difference with Japan and the number of Korean players who'd jumped straight to the Japanese server, this was more than holding its own—it was a resounding success.
The team had mostly predicted around 300,000 when I'd asked for estimates anyway.
Riding high on this encouraging momentum, on a weekday afternoon as we ramped up for launch,
I'd been summoned to the first-floor Starbucks to help Yerin with her dilemma.
"...So the pre-registration reward—Henrietta's hanbok skin—isn't done yet? Why?"
At my question, Yerin nodded glumly and showed me two concept drafts.
"I have to pick between these two, but the art team is deadlocked at 5:5..."
"This... yeah, no wonder it's tough."
The two Henrietta hanbok skin concepts Yerin showed me were split right down the middle for good reason.
One was a modernized hanbok with exposure levels matching Henrietta's usual vibe.
The other was a traditional hanbok with minimal skin showing—completely opposite her character image.
Both were polished enough to ship immediately, but their concepts were polar opposites.
Stepping back from personal taste, though, the director in me knew the pick instantly.
"If it's that hard, want me to choose?"
"You, sunbae?"
"Yeah. One jumps out right away."
Yerin gave me a skeptical look.
"Go for it, then."
"Between these two..."
I grabbed one of the drafts and held it up.
"This one's the winner."
The one I'd picked was the low-exposure traditional hanbok Henrietta.
Surprised by my choice, Yerin tilted her head.
"Really? I figured you'd go for the other. Unexpected."
"Me? Why?"
"Well... subculture stuff usually leans this way, right? More skin on female characters means more fans."
I shook my head at her reasoning.
It was generally true, but this wasn't a typical case.
"Sure, subculture designs usually get praise for heavy exposure... but every now and then, the inverse works better."
"The inverse?"
"Yeah. Traditional outfits like hanbok, qipao, or kimono? People overwhelmingly prefer the modest, authentic versions."
"Ah."
Yerin's face lit up like I'd caught her off guard.
She looked like something had clicked.
"Plus, Henrietta's default design is already skimpy. A traditional look creates that 'gap' appeal—huge rating booster."
"Hearing you say it, yeah, that makes sense..."
"Right?"
Her expression relaxed completely, like she'd made up her mind. She stood from her seat.
"I've got a backlog to tackle, so I'll head out. Thanks for the coffee!"
"Sure. Email the final for approval once it's done."
"Got it!"
Watching her leave the cafe with a bright smile—a far cry from earlier—I let out a sigh.
Now, who do I go to for advice on my problems?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ My current responsibilities on the project boiled down to two main tasks.
First: giving feedback on team members' work, like with Yerin's case.
Second: handling publishing and operations.
The Korean server going publisher-free was planned from the start, but...
The workload was beyond anything I'd imagined.
Operations involve this much work?
Recruiting and selecting ops team staff (carefully balanced to avoid any gender drama, of course).
Negotiating with vendors to cut costs on game service infrastructure expansion.
Drafting weekly reports for the boss and execs.
Even skipping ads—outsourced to an agency—the pile was massive.
Thank goodness for the ad agency...
If we'd handled that too, either Yumi or I would've collapsed.
The agency we'd contracted with sent over a staffer the very next day.
Her name: Jeong Da-eun.
The woman seated across from me right now.
They claimed she was their ace...
Guess I'd find out soon enough.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Got a last-minute call."
"Oh, no worries. Wasn't long."
I waved off her attempt to stand and bow, handing over my business card.
"Enson GT Division Head, Ji Hojin."
"Thank you! Jeong Da-eun, dispatched from Pixel Pro. Here's mine..."
I slotted her card into my case. Da-eun stood, bowing neatly.
"I'll support you to the fullest today!"
And so the business meeting kicked off.
Da-eun led with a list of ad options.
"This?"
"Pick what you like, and I'll optimize the quotes. Take your time."
"Any recommendations?"
"Of course! Game ads usually stick to online video or banners—they're mainstream, synergistic, cheaper than offline. Most clients go that route."
I nodded slowly at her pitch.
Games do skew toward online-savvy, heavy users. Online ads make sense for synergy.
But online only wouldn't cut it.
I wanted marketing that hooked total newcomers—people who'd never heard of us—and got them playing.
For that, offline ads were essential.
Online buzz was already overflowing.
Scanning the list without much clicking, I finally spotted what I wanted.
"What about subway ads?"
Da-eun blinked in confusion at the suggestion.
"Subway ads...?"
"Yeah."
"If I may offer a personal opinion?"
"Go ahead."
"Subway ads? I'd... advise against it. Great exposure to masses, sure, but Reverse Arcadia is subculture."
"Risk of backlash from normies?"
"Yes... Marketing thrives on positive vibes. No precedents for subculture subway ads—it could backfire."
I got her point.
From her agency's view—needing proven wins—this was uncharted gamble territory.
But my instincts screamed subway ads were the key.
"If it flops, it's on me. Worth a shot?"
With the risk off her plate, Da-eun relaxed.
"If you're sure... but I did warn you?"
"Crystal clear."
"Alright, then... mind if I explain subway ads? They're tricky."
"Please do."
Flashing her sales smile, Da-eun dove in.
"Subway ads split into train interiors and station ads. Stations first—"
Her rundown dragged on longer than expected.
"So... prices vary by line, down to per-station digital boards or train car counts?"
"Exactly. Makes quoting a headache."
"Then, why not contract every line while we're at it?"
"Usually we'd target specifics... wait, every?"
Da-eun caught on late, eyes wide.
"Did I hear wrong? All lines...?"
"You heard right."
She stared blankly, then snapped to it, flipping open her notebook to jot notes.
"First time at this scale for me... anything else now?"
I paused, recalling a standout subway ad from my past life.
"Oh, right—one more. Those full-car wraps? Look into that too."
At my final ask—clearly beyond her paygrade—Da-eun sighed.
"Mind if I step out for a quick call...?"