Game Market 1983

Chapter 80: The Mantra Computer

Wow, 80 chapters in 10 days, which must be a new record. I've finally caught up with the progress made by the other translators.

...

"And then let's try creating the first-ever gaming magazine."

"Are you suggesting we start a publishing business, not the previously mentioned publishing business?"

"No, we need to do both. But first, we have to change the perception of games. Let's be honest; didn't you give away games for free when you sold PCs?"

"Well, that's... embarrassing, but yes. If we didn't do that, they wouldn't sell at all."

"Continued favors become expectations. On the other hand, when you buy a game console, they don't give you cartridges for free. Ultimately, perception is crucial."

"Your point is valid, but running a business is not as easy as it sounds."

"That's why we need to instill the right perception of game purchasing in consumers. To do that, we have to temporarily set aside your Mantra Computer."

"Oh... that's quite a drastic change overnight."

"How long will you keep giving away free games to cater to consumers? Why not consider starting a business with me for the dreams of Korean gamers?"

After I said this, it struck me that it was somewhat similar to what Apple's Steve Jobs once said to Pepsi-Cola's vice president. However, judging from the expression on Mantra Computer's CEO's face, it seemed my words deeply resonated with him.

"Well... the dreams of gamers... I like the idea. There's no harm in trying if a skilled developer like you, Junhyuk, joins us. But starting a game-focused magazine, I'm not sure where to begin."

"There's nothing special about a game magazine. Have you heard of Japan's Famitsu magazine?"

"Oh, yes, I know about that."

"Try to make it similar to that, focusing on information about new releases, game reviews, strategies, and industry news. Mantra Computer will now evolve into Korea's first game-focused magazine company, alongside family game publishing."

"However, to venture into this business, we'll need some initial capital, and we might need employees who can read Japanese for game reviews. Plus, we'll require facilities for publishing and printing."

"I'll transfer 10 million won for the initial business capital when I return to Japan next week. Use that money to set up a new office and acquire the necessary equipment for publishing."

"10 million won? Just like that? Why would you trust me with such a significant amount of money? What if I take the money and disappear?"

"If you're willing to let go of an opportunity to earn much more money just for a mere 10 million won, then you're nothing but a small-minded person. It might take time, but I can partner with anyone else."

Looking into his eyes, I spoke slowly and earnestly. Despite sounding somewhat forceful, I trusted the character of the uncle I had known since my childhood. When business got tough, everyone left the company, but he always stayed, enduring it all.

I would make sure nothing like that happened again.

"However, if we're starting a publishing business, we'll need a compelling item to attract readers' attention in the early stages. Even PC magazines have promotional events to increase their first issue's circulation."

"Mr. Lee, you already have a rare item."

"Me? I don't have anything in my store that would fit the bill."

"No, you do. I just handed it to you."

I pointed at the dragon emblem on the table and gave a slight smile.

"That...?"

"For the first six months of the inaugural issue, we'll include entry forms, and it'll be distributed through a lottery. Thirty of them each month."

"Ah, with a dragon emblem, it's bound to capture gamers' attention. Plus, it's a Korean version."

"After six months, you'll get to see the Korean version of Final Frontier 1."

With confidence in my voice, Mantra Computer's CEO firmly held both of my hands and said, "Junhyuk, I'm counting on you from now on."

...

4:00 PM.

Engaged in a conversation with the CEO about a new business concept, I lost track of time and decided to leave Yuki at Mantra Computer for a while to meet Young Junhyuk at Youngnam Supermarket.

As I opened the sliding glass door, I entered the narrow supermarket, where various snack bags were stacked everywhere. Some of them even dated back to 2015.

There were snacks like Shrimp King, Potato King, and even the Indian kids' favorite, Banana Punch. Of course, there were also some snacks that I hadn't seen in a while.

"However, this is still the best..."

I smiled contently as I gazed at the children's gift boxes lined up on one side of the store.

"Excuse me!"

When I called out to the owner from the empty counter, a middle-aged lady appeared from the room connected to the store.

"Welcome!"

"Please give me a children's gift set, number 6."

I pointed to the largest gift set among them. While most gift sets cost 2,000 to 3,000 won, this particular set was priced at 5,000 won, with a more diverse assortment of snacks.

"It's easy to pick and makes for a great gift."

Youngnam's owner, with a cheerful smile, took out one of the gift sets.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"Oh, and do you have a spam set?"

"Of course!"

"Please give me the largest one."

I remembered that we didn't often buy the spam set, even though it was quite expensive at the time. With that amount of money, it could be used as a side dish for my father's lunchbox. I pulled out my wallet to pay, but just as I was about to take it out, a little girl came running from inside the room, picked up a bag of Cheetos, and held it up.

"Youngnam, you weren't supposed to touch anything in the store! Mom told you not to!"

"I got a 'bonus!!' from the Cheetos I ate earlier!"

Could this little girl, even though she was a girl, do this to her mom, who was overly cautious? She might be strong-willed, so I shouldn't mess with her.

If I teased her about sharing the same name as the singer Jo Youngnam, she would chase me to the ends of the earth and punch me.

"She's still the same."

I smiled and looked at Youngnam, the little girl I hadn't seen in a while.

A while later, after settling the bill, I sat on the bench outside the store. I carefully tore the wrapping paper of the gift set I was going to give to Young Junhyuk.

Then, I inserted a portable Game Boy I had prepared earlier into the gaps between the snacks. After rewrapping it meticulously, I put an envelope with a letter inside the spam gift set that I would give to Bumonim.

At that moment, the small entrance door on the other side creaked open, and Young Junhyuk's face popped out.

"Oh? You really came, sir."

"We had an appointment, right? By the way, did you keep your promise with me yesterday?"

"Of course. I got 30,000 won worth of grilled beef and 20,000 won worth of side dishes. But where did you get it from, you said it wasn't from you to my mom."

"Well... he's just a distant relative."

"Oh? Are you leaving already? My mom is at home..."

"It's okay. Well then, take care."

In English, Young Junhyuk looked up at me, puzzled. I gestured towards him.

"Good job. It's a gift, as promised."

"It's a children's gift set!! And it's my favorite, number 6!"

"And this spam is for your mom..."

"Thank you. But who are you, sir? My mom asked me, but I said that I've never seen anyone like that before..."

"Um... I'm just a distant relative. So, you can tell your mom that."

"Okay. Are you leaving now, sir? Shall we go together?"

Yuki, who was sitting at Mantra Computer, looked up at me, not understanding English, and I walked towards her.

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