Global Ranking?
The comment made me pause.
It wasn’t like I didn’t know what Global Rankings were. They existed back in my world, too, but things were quite a bit different in this world. Perhaps because this world appeared to have more ’emphasis’ on games due to the existence of VR, or because of the system’s workings, but the Global Rankings were a lot more prestigious than the ones in my old world.
They ranked the top 200 games in the world based on several criteria, and the competition over there was ruthless.
It didn’t just consider sales value; it also accounted for ’entertainment value’, ’core mechanics’, ’ratings’, and so on... It was a carefully crafted list by several experts at the top.
They also appeared to use AI to ensure the score is as accurate as possible.
"Last I’m aware, it had been quite a long time since a gaming company from Malovia Island has made it into the Global Rankings."
Nightmare Forge Studios claimed to be ’close’ to reaching the Global Rankings, but honestly, I didn’t think they were close at all.
Their game was great, with unique mechanics and all, but it still lacked the ’X’ factor that would put it in the rankings.
Not only that, but its ’horror’ nature also put it at a disadvantage.
Horror games didn’t perform as well as other big-company games.
"It’d be nice if it touches the Global Rankings."
Still, I didn’t have too much hope.
In order for a game to reach the Global Rankings, it needs to have a reach outside of just the island it came from. In that regard, I needed to attract audiences who weren’t just from Malovia but also from the Central island.
’That’s a bit difficult.’
The culture over there was different, and so was their tolerance for horror.
All in all...
It wasn’t going to be easy.
"Well, let’s see in the next few days."
I’d get a better idea if it was possible or not. I didn’t hold much hope.
Shoving those thoughts away, I continued to look at the comments.
But—
—Global Rankings? Nah. That’s not possible. I really doubt he can do it.
—Why do you say so?
—The game just isn’t as good as people say it is.
—Have you even played it?
—Wait, but if the game really makes it to the Global Rankings, wouldn’t he be eligible for the Silver Game Award?
Silver Game Awards?
I stared at the name for a moment, but nothing rang a bell. In the end, I did a quick search, and that’s when I realized what it was.
"So there’s an award like that?"
The main criteria to be eligible for the Silver Game Award were to crack the top 200 Global Ranking at least once. It was an extremely prestigious award, second only to the Gold Game Awards, which recognized the best game of the year, and it brought massive fame to the game that won it.
In fact, many of those who won the Silver Game Award went on to become some of the best developers in the industry.
"It says right here that the main criteria for one to be eligible for the Silver Game Awards is for the Studio working on it to be less than two years old, with a team of less than ten people."
Thinking about it, I fit the criteria quite perfectly.
My Studio was not even one year old, and my team was composed of four people.
Well...
That was, unless I took into account the Conductors and the others, but they were more like an extension of me, if anything.
"Ehm."
I continued reading the award description.
’There’s monetary compensation for the winner, going at around 5 million dollars, and each participant must come from a different island, meaning that..."
I paused.
"Meaning I need to have the best game on the island for anyone who fits that criteria."
I stood in silence for a short moment before closing off the page.
There was no need for me to think about being the best for those who fit the criteria. At the moment, my game was on its way to being the best on the island. It was even possible for me to be nominated for the Golden Awards, but there was an issue.
One couldn’t be nominated for both the Golden and Silver Awards.
They had to give up one.
"Well, it’s not a hard choice."
To me, the answer was obvious.
The Silver Awards.
What was the point in participating in the Golden Awards, knowing that my chances of winning were extremely low?
’Might as well participate in the Silver Awards where I’m more likely to win.’
My mind was made up.
I planned to sign up for the Silver Awards to see if I could get my hands on the Award —or, more specifically, the five million.
I wanted the money.
"...Still, I should be making a good amount from this game."
The sales were incredible, and I could see that the momentum was still there. Fidgeting with my hand, I opened my phone once again, and as I did, I couldn’t help but notice several headlines.
Malovia Times — [New disturbing game makes its way into the market. A game that boasts about getting its own players to kill themselves. Is this safe for the community? Especially in times when depression is at an all-time high?]
New Daily — [Shocking and disturbing game! Is this the current state of the gaming market? A game that makes one kill themselves! It is reported that several hundred people have already been admitted to hospitals regarding the game. Should the BUA do something about it?]
"....."
I pursed my lips.
Well...
I scratched the side of my cheek.
It wasn’t like I didn’t expect such a result. With that said, I didn’t think it would even go so far as to get people admitted to the hospital.
My horror game...
It really wasn’t that scary!
***
Severed Stars Guild, Guild Master Office.
"..."
Staring at the monitor in front of him and seeing the numerous articles that were created about the new game developed by Seth, the Guild Master couldn’t help but smile. Although he hadn’t tried the game, Seth had personally given him a copy.
This was part of the deal he had with the Guild.
Neither of the two was against the arrangement, and seeing the result of the game Seth had released, the Guild Master’s smile only grew.
"He’s exceeded my expectations."
This game...
It was an excellent game.
He had already gotten a few Guild Members to try it, and the results were splendid. These games were indeed perfect for training the recruits, and the best part was that they didn’t cause any deaths.
The Guild Master could already foresee the future of the Guild with the games, and the thought made him appreciative of what Seth was doing.
And so—
"Hello?"
He made a certain call.
"Yes, make sure to take down all of the reports going around about the game. Yes, make it quick and minimize their impact. Thank you."
The Guild Master hung up the call a moment later.
With the same smile on his face, he looked at his monitor. Not even a minute after he hung up, the article was gone.
A pair of dimples formed on his face.
"...I hope you enjoy my gift."
This was him rewarding Seth for his usefulness.