"Flying Dragon Live is a cautionary tale; we really must be more careful, otherwise we'd be walking right into the line of fire," Shi Fan agreed.
"More than that, we also need to guard against malicious retaliation," Feng Jie warned. "Ou Minghan will never take the shutdown of Flying Dragon Live lying down. Gathering or fabricating reasons for T Live's violations and reporting them, he's certainly capable of such things."
Ye Zhi nodded. "With the two of you being so vigilant, I can finally relax. Also, there are a few promotional projects in the coming months. Please arrange them."
"What promotional projects?" Shi Fan asked.
Ye Zhi explained, "One is a renovation simulator jointly invested and developed by us and Jinshi Home Furnishings. A simplified version has already been rolled out in Jinshi Home Furnishings' physical stores. I've discussed with Director Jin, and we plan to make a promotional video. It will serve to promote Jinshi Home Furnishings' smart appliances as well as the game we jointly developed."
"Is the game going to be released soon?" Feng Jie asked, surprised.
"Not that quickly," Ye Zhi shook her head slightly. "Actually, this promotion is more about showing off our strength for Taoxun. This is a standalone game. The domestic market for standalone games isn't very strong right now; as soon as a legitimate copy is released, pirated versions flood the market. So, we shouldn't have overly high expectations for game sales. However, if it can showcase Taoxun's technical prowess to other brands, we can proactively talk to them. They provide the funding, and we integrate their brands' renovation materials, furniture, and appliances into the game. Therefore, you two must generate buzz for this promotion!"
Shi Fan and Feng Jie exchanged glances, clearly seeing the potential of this strategy in each other's expressions. After all, for a renovation game, if brand integration were truly implemented, there would be a vast array of possibilities. Besides traditional furniture and appliances, it wouldn't be unreasonable to place a car in the garage. Incorporating artwork and toys in rooms, or pots and pans in the kitchen, would lend a more lifelike atmosphere, wouldn't it? Displaying popular cosmetics on a vanity table, hanging clothes in a closet, or placing shampoo and body wash in the bathroom – all these would be perfectly sensible. In essence, if the promotion were done well, and the game garnered significant anticipation even before its release, any item needed in daily life could potentially be integrated into the game. Furthermore, even if some brands missed the initial integration, DLC could be released later to add other brands to the game.
"However, in that case, the game's longevity would be particularly crucial for Taoxun. Piracy will affect its lifespan. Why don't we apply for an official directive from higher authorities to protect our game and legally prohibit cracking?" Shi Fan declared assertively.
"That's not a great idea," Feng Jie frowned. "Current copyright awareness in China is not strong enough, and game cracking has always been prevalent, leaving many standalone game companies helpless. Several mainstream game guide websites have thrived on cracking games. If we simply confront them with an official document, we'll essentially be making enemies with the mainstream gaming community. They might not openly crack our game, but they could very well manipulate public opinion on their websites and smear our game. Players get their information from those websites; consequently, it would affect the dissemination of our game."
"Feng Jie's point is very valid," Ye Zhi agreed. "I think it's better if we apply for the official directive, with the purpose of deterring individual cracking teams. As for those mainstream game websites, Feng Jie, you go and talk to their representatives. After our game is released, they can officially sell it through their websites, and they will receive a share of the revenue. Relying solely on pirated games won't allow websites to last long-term. I believe they will also seize this opportunity to consider legitimizing and transforming their businesses."
Feng Jie was taken aback. He had no objections to Ye Zhi's proposal and even thought it was a brilliant move. Those mainstream game websites were indeed at a developmental bottleneck. If they could transition through this opportunity, they would likely be very willing. After all, selling water is more profitable than mining for it. Their websites have a large player base; as long as they sell games, they'll earn money. Why wouldn't they be amenable? At that point, they would certainly be hoping for high game sales and might even proactively remove any cracked resources of Taoxun games appearing on their websites. Moreover, this would also be beneficial for the development of other standalone games. When game websites can earn money by distributing games, they won't consider methods like game cracking, which is akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. Ye Zhi's strategy, in effect, turned the game's biggest threat into an ally with minimal effort. However… why did she have to send him? He still wanted to take his annual leave!
As if sensing Feng Jie's thoughts, Ye Zhi calmly stated, "Shi Fan is too impulsive, while you are more steady. For negotiations like these, you are more suitable."
Feng Jie was stunned; it was indeed true! Shi Fan was young and hot-blooded, bursting with a sense of justice. If he were to get into an argument with people during negotiations, it would be problematic.
"Alright," Feng Jie agreed.
"Also, Taoxun Pictures' second film will be released during the Spring Festival," Ye Zhi continued. "You two, along with Taoxun Pictures, should formulate a long-term promotional plan. Remember, learn from the lessons of 'Diamond's' promotion, stay current with the times, and prioritize online promotion."
The two agreed. Afterward, Ye Zhi asked Shi Fan to leave first, keeping Feng Jie behind alone.
"Feng Jie, do you have something on your mind? You seem a bit distracted today," Ye Zhi frowned. "Could it be that Ou Minghan made some unrealistic demands after Flying Dragon Live was shut down, and you're unable to speak up?"
Feng Jie: ... He was just shocked to discover Ye Zhi's relationship, that's all! As expected, even when someone is in love, their thought process remains focused on career matters. However, he was quite touched by Ye Zhi's concern for him as an undercover agent.
"No, no," Feng Jie waved his hands quickly. He said with a hint of suspicion, "Actually, I find it a bit strange too. If it were in the past, Ou Minghan would have already called me, yelling until his voice was hoarse. But this time, he hasn't contacted me at all, as if he already has something in mind and is afraid I'll find out..."
Ye Zhi looked at Feng Jie with sympathy. Being an undercover agent isn't easy! However, Ou Minghan, after she directly shut down his Flying Dragon Live, has shown no reaction? It seems she needs to expedite moving her parents. Even without knowing Ou Minghan's nefarious plans, it's always better to be prepared.
"President Ye," Feng Jie asked with some concern, "Given how bad the situation has become, do you think Ou Minghan might directly ask me to return to his side and help him?"