Why the bug I wrote became a core gameplay mechanic?!
Chapter 383 - 392: The Survival Instinct of Nitiandang Employees

Chapter 383: Chapter 392: The Survival Instinct of Nitiandang Employees

"What kind of qualities are required?"

Zhou Yang thought for a moment, then replied seriously, "First and foremost, one needs to possess exceptional psychological strength, to remain unfazed even as Mount Tai crumbles before them, able to withstand all sorts of setbacks.

"Secondly, one must have decent gameplay skills in order to successfully navigate the various challenges within the game and win the favor of the characters.

"Lastly, one should have good cultivation, maintaining tolerance most of the time without losing one’s temper and cursing at the drop of a hat.

"I believe that if players can possess these three valuable qualities, they will basically be able to master all the games from Nitiandang, whether they are new or old."

Zhang Qifeng was stunned for a moment, "Oh... These are needed even for romance games?

"Oh, I see, so what you mean is that in the official version of ’Heartbeat Dream’, the difficulty of the mini-games with the characters during amusement will be greatly increased, right?"

He was still a bit confused at first, because what Zhou Yang had mentioned clearly pertained to action games, right?

Even the requirements for exceptional psychological strength and good cultivation seemed a bit too high for action games.

But as far as the ’Heartbeat Dream’ demo exhibited so far, the most it involved was playing beach volleyball or making the girl characters run a few steps on the swimming pool platform for an obstacle course.

To say there’s no gameplay involved? There’s still a little.

Take the obstacle course on the swimming pool, for instance; players need to control the joystick well and press certain buttons at specific times, or the girl will not get through, ultimately falling into the water.

Of course, many players don’t care at all whether the girl falls into the water or not, and they are even looking forward to her falling into the water at certain points.

But regardless, to score high in this segment, decent gameplay skills are indeed required.

But to say that this is very difficult to operate? That’s an overstatement, especially compared to a high-difficulty action game like "Ascension."

It can’t really be like how Instructor Ding hyped it up during his live stream, adding action game elements to it, can it?

At most, it’s probably just an increase in the difficulty of the mini-games in the official release, or perhaps we could say, this is the most operationally demanding love simulation game in history?

Zhang Qifeng quickly "scribble scribble scribble" took down more notes.

"So the next question, in your opinion... what is the main difference between the official version of the game and the ’Heartbeat Dream’ demo that players have experienced so far?"

Zhou Yang pondered for a moment, "Well...

"Broadly speaking, I think the official game will mainly showcase another side of the main characters, to complete their character dynamics, giving players an unexpected heartthrob feeling."

Zhang Qifeng thought for a while, "So you’re saying that in the official game, players will get additional, huge surprises?"

Zhou Yang cleared his throat twice, "Whether it will be a surprise depends on the person, but overall, reaching this goal halfway shouldn’t be a problem."

Zhang Qifeng’s pen paused slightly.

Reaching halfway?

Does he mean halfway to the surprise?

That seems quite good, too.

Looking over the content he had recorded in his notebook, Zhang Qifeng felt the interview was about done.

Zhou Yang was quite tight-lipped, yet Zhang Qifeng had asked many questions, and he had answered many as well; but on closer inspection, he found they had hardly touched on the core and substance of the issues.

As for the details of the official version of ’Heartbeat Dream,’ not a single detail had been disclosed.

But that’s understandable, the game needs to be kept secret before its release!

Employees at Nitiandang seem to have an exceptionally strong sense of secrecy; they don’t spill anything they shouldn’t. It’s unclear whether this sense of secrecy is innate or if there has been unified training within the company.

However, looking at the content of the interview so far, putting together an article should be more than feasible.

"Alright, as we approach the end of the interview, I’d like to ask you one last question."

Zhang Qifeng paused for a moment, "This is just a casual chat between us, it won’t go into the interview article, it’s merely my own little curiosity.

"Of course, you can choose not to answer."

Zhou Yang nodded: "No problem, just ask."

Zhang Qifeng spoke with curiosity: "I’ve noticed that employees at Nitiandang don’t seem to like making public appearances, do they? You don’t accept video interviews, and it almost seems like you’d rather not even reveal your names.

"Isn’t that a bit too low-profile?

"You know, being a ’Star Producer’ could actually garner quite a following online, especially with the massive fan base of Nitiandang games. Whoever goes public first could reap these benefits first.

"And, the employees at Nitiandang seem to generally have a very good sense of secrecy?

"Unlike other game and film companies, where there always seem to be some ’leaks.’

"Of course, that’s good, it shows the professionalism of a game company. After all, secrecy is a reflection of a company’s management capabilities.

"I’m just curious because Nitiandang is considered a rising enterprise. Although it’s making powerful strides, it’s still not like those big gaming companies that have years or even decades of heritage; there may be a slight lack in formality.

"How does Nitiandang manage this? Did President Gu specifically emphasize confidentiality rules, or is there some other reason?"

Zhou Yang chuckled: "Oh, you’re asking about that.

"Can’t I naturally be low-profile?

"Haha, just kidding. If I have to say something... it might be due to the most primal ’survival instinct?’

"After all, the success of Ascension games is accidental, a gift from bugs; to claim the credit of Heaven might bring retribution.

"I can’t bear such a divine punishment."

This response nearly baffled Zhang Qifeng.

What on earth, survival instinct? Claiming the credit of Heaven might bring retribution?

And he can’t bear divine punishment??

My goodness, although I know some game companies believe in metaphysics, it surely isn’t to this extent!

It’s evident that Nitiandang really is different from other gaming companies. Perhaps the trait that Nitiandang games possess is somehow related to the unique aspects of this company?

"Alright, that will be all for today’s interview. Thank you very much for agreeing to be interviewed, and I hope there will be more opportunities for interviews in the future!"

Zhang Qifeng stood up and shook hands with Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang responded with a noncommittal smile: "No need to thank me. I’ll be grateful if you don’t blacklist our company in a fit of anger later on."

Zhang Qifeng was somewhat surprised: "Why would that happen? We are a professional gaming media with ethical standards; no matter what happens, it’s impossible for us to blacklist interviewees.

"Besides, the likelihood of such an event occurring is quite low, right? What could your company possibly do that would cause such rage from the public? It’s not realistic to think they’d be so angry they’d take it out on a gaming media like us as well."

Zhou Yang chuckled lightly: "Let’s hope so."