Chapter 851: Nier: Automata
The room was silent for a second before it exploded in exclamations and answers from the new employees.
"Good morning, boss!"
"Thank you, boss! I feel welcomed."
"..."
Theo waited for everyone to calm down before he continued, "Some of you may already have received a document that explains what game we will work on first."
And indeed, the assistants were distributing documents for everyone in the room.
"But while everyone doesn’t have the document, let me have a few words with you all." Theo said with a calm voice.
He paused for a moment before continuing, "To be honest with you all, I have no experience whatsoever in game production. My experience is with anime production. So, during my leadership of this project, I may make decisions based on my past experience in anime production. But you guys are free to give me suggestions, and I’ll respect them as I know some of you have ample experience in game production." Theo said with a calm and even voice.
The crowd nodded as they listened to him, and they started admiring him for being honest about his lack of experience. Most bosses wouldn’t admit that they didn’t have experience.
"But although I don’t have experience in game design, I hired a consultant to help through this first project. This person will evaluate all your work, and if you guys do a good job, after this first project, I’ll promote people based on their performance." He said with a firm voice.
What Theo was basically saying was that even though he didn’t have experience in game production, this fact shouldn’t cloud their judgment to take advantage of this situation to trick Theo with his lack of experience. That was because Theo was aware of that, so he hired a third-party consultant to evaluate everyone’s jobs during this period. And if any of them slacked off, the consultant would definitely note it down on their evaluation.
The few people who had the nascent idea of slacking off when they heard about Theo’s lack of experience extinguished their ideas at that moment. But these were the exceptions; the majority of the people there were excited to start working, so Theo didn’t have to worry about their lack of effort.
"There’s another thing that I want to talk about." Theo said as he changed the subject, "In my childhood, I didn’t have many opportunities to play video games. But sometimes I would go with my friends to internet cafes..."
Theo remembered his past life.
In his childhood in the orphanage, they dreamed about video games, but their conditions wouldn’t allow it. But sometimes, he and his brothers and sisters would save a little bit of money to go to internet cafes where they would play video games. Those few hours that the little money they managed to save bought at the internet cafe were one of the most precious memories that Theo had of his childhood.
There were few opportunities that Theo managed to play video games in his childhood, and the video games he managed to play were the most mainstream ones. So, Theo wasn’t much of a game aficionado. But the few video games he managed to play meant a lot to him. Theo continued, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, "Video games, for me, represent something special. They were a rare treat, a luxury that my friends and I could only occasionally afford. We would save our pennies and excitedly head to the internet cafe, where we’d spend a few precious hours immersed in a virtual world. Those moments were some of the happiest of my childhood. Even though I didn’t have the opportunity to play often, the games I did play left a lasting impression. They were an escape, a chance to explore new worlds and experience thrilling adventures." He paused, a faraway look in his eye as he recalled those fond memories.
"So, while I may not be a gaming expert, I understand the power and potential of this medium. I know the impact it can have on people, and that’s why I’m so excited to be a part of this industry. I want to help create games that will bring joy and excitement to others, just as those games did for me." Theo concluded, his passion and sincerity evident in his voice.
The room was silent for a moment as his words sank in, and then a murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Theo’s honesty and vulnerability had touched them, and they felt a newfound respect and admiration for their boss.
After Theo’s speech, the assistants finally managed to deliver the game project document to everyone in the room. The room hung on Theo’s every word, captivated by his honesty and the glimpse into his past. His passion was infectious, and the new employees felt a surge of motivation to create something truly special under his leadership. As the assistants finished distributing the documents, the room buzzed with anticipation.
At the top of the first page of the document, it had this written:
[Nier: Automata]
That’s right!
Theo would bring Nier: Automata to Azure Star!
Some might ask why Theo would choose this one among the dozens of masterpieces from his past life.
There were a few reasons. First, just like previously stated, Theo didn’t play many games in his past life, and the ones he played were mainstream ones. Second, games like GTA, Red Dead Redemption II, Resident Evil, The Witcher, and other mainstream ones that Theo did manage to play were too complicated to be used as the first project of the game studio. And the last reason was simply because Nier: Automata meant a lot to Theo.
This specific game was one of the few ones that his brothers and he managed to finish together, and the final ending was especially touching to their young minds.
Until this day, Theo still subconsciously smiles as he remembers the time they finished this game.
Theo collected his emotions before continuing, "Now, let’s talk about the game we’ll be working on. I believe you’ll find it a fascinating and challenging project." He gestured to the documents in their hands, "As you’ll see, we’ll be creating a game that pushes the boundaries of what this medium can offer. A game that blends captivating storytelling, innovative gameplay, and a profound exploration of existential themes."
Theo’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he delved into the specifics of the game, "Nier: Automata is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where the remnants of humanity battle against machine lifeforms. What sets this game apart is its unique narrative structure and its exploration of philosophical concepts. The game challenges players to question their own existence, the nature of consciousness, and the impact of technology on our lives..."
Just like that, Theo spent the next couple of hours explaining his vision for this project. And he also answered doubts from the crowd.
And at the end of the meeting, Theo managed to get everyone excited about this project.
With that, Genesis Game Studio started its journey to produce its debut game for the world.