Game Market 1983

Chapter 89: The Birth of the Super Family

The concept of backward compatibility is a kind of fan service feature that allows players to play cartridges from existing consoles on the next-generation model.

Mr. Kamauichi's intention seemed like a good idea on the surface because it could resolve the absence of titles that new console releases often face, while also naturally attracting existing users. But...

The problem is that the technology behind it is not as simple as saying, "Let's make it backward compatible!" and doing it.

Creating a new console means providing users with a significantly upgraded experience compared to the previous generation, which includes higher resolution and improved sprite capabilities, resulting in vastly improved graphics.

However, that's the story for the games released on the next-generation console, and the existing family games couldn't go beyond the limitations of their original sources.

Furthermore, considering the changed specs of the new console, there could be issues with bugs that were not present in the previous version.

"Sir, deciding on backward compatibility at this point doesn't seem like a good idea."

"Why?"

I was momentarily speechless at Mr. Kamauichi's concise response. At that moment, Gunpei, who was by my side, stepped in to assist me.

"Sir, Kang's right. Backward compatibility requires careful planning from the early stages of console production. It necessitates separate logic design to run existing games because it requires cartridges that can recognize family cartridges and a compatible CPU. However, the Super Family is far beyond that stage."

"Then can't we go back to the early stages of development?"

"You can't be suggesting that we start making the Super Family from scratch, are you?"

Mr. Kamauichi's seemingly crazy response sent Gunpei, who was No. 1, and me, No. 3, into a state of frenzy.

If we were to start making the Super Family from scratch at this point, there was a chance that the specs would change, and that could be a fatal blow to the development of "My Uncharted Territory."

Furthermore, there was a possibility that the RICO-SA CPU, which Chandra had replicated and supplied to Lai 5A22, might change to meet the performance requirements for backward compatibility with a different company.

"That's absolutely out of the question."

Gunpei continued to emphasize the problems with backward compatibility, but it seemed like Mr. Kamauichi had no intention of yielding.

Concern for existing users? A solution to the absence of titles on the new console?

Those were just facades, though, as Mr. Kamauichi's true aim was one thing and one thing only: royalty fees for family cartridge production.

After Dragon Emblem, we had made continuous efforts to reduce third-party royalties, but the MinTendo Family cartridge factory, which had almost monopolized the market, was operating around the clock, producing cartridges without a break.

Despite our efforts, third-party demand continued to grow, and MinTendo was amassing an enormous fortune from the royalties alone.

Given the situation, Mr. Kamauichi had recently taken matters into his own hands, directly intervening in the production quantities and software prices of third-party cartridges.

Large development companies like Pentagon Soft, which I managed, Phoenix Soft from Dragon Warrior, and Fox Soft, could secure the right to produce cartridges based on their financial strength. However, for small-scale companies with fewer than ten employees, even if they had completed their games, they didn't have the money to pay royalties to MinTendo, which sometimes meant they couldn't release their games.

In such cases, their only option was to sell the games they had created to larger development companies for a fraction of their value.

It couldn't be helped, even though it was unfair. It was better to make some profit rather than abandoning the games altogether.

Gunpei was doing his best to explain the issues with backward compatibility to Mr. Kamauichi in an attempt to change his mind, but it didn't seem easy to sway Mr. Kamauichi, who was clearly fixated on money. There was one way, though...

After observing their conversation for a while, I said to Mr. Kamauichi, "Sir, if you insist on backward compatibility, I'll take care of it."

"That's right! Kang, you're on the right track!"

"But there are conditions."

"Conditions?"

"For now, let the Super Family proceed with the current specs."

Upon hearing my statement, Gunpei looked at me with a concerned expression.

"Huh? What about the family cartridge slot, then?"

"It might take some time, but I'll create an adapter."

"An adapter?"

"It's a kind of conversion device. It'll create a slot for family cartridges on top of the Super Family cartridge and emulate the functionality."

Upon hearing my proposal, Gunpei snapped his fingers in approval.

"I understand what you mean. If we create a separate auxiliary device, we won't have to expand the cartridge slot."

"Ah, I see. It's fine if we can use family cartridges."

"But, sir, if we go with this adapter, we will decide whether to produce it after we release the Super Family, based on the user response."

"Hmm? Why?"

"Backward compatibility may be an appealing feature to users who already own game cartridges, but as next-generation games increase, the value of playing older generation games diminishes due to the higher quality of the newer titles. It might be wiser to focus on developing launch titles simultaneously with the new console."

Mr. Kamauichi looked at the NEGA Drive installed in the conference room while considering my words.

"But, NEGA, which was called the era of the console, is shaped like that. I wonder what titles can support the Super Family from the beginning."

"NEGA is somewhat different. Only exclusive titles can support the console. NEGA simply transplanted games released for arcade use to home consoles. While it may be familiar to users, it lacks many advantages as a home console game."

"Hmm..."

"Consider it. Our Family initially promoted the ability to play arcade games at home using titles like Donkey Kong or Super Mario Brothers. However, what truly led the Family to success were home console RPG games like Dragon Warrior."

"You're right; it makes sense when I think about it. We have a point. With us now completely withdrawing from the arcade industry, we can offer exclusive titles for the Super Family, unlike NEGA."

"I've heard some news in the industry recently. Several third-party companies are already developing games based on the Super Family's specs. I got this information from Mr. Morita, who transferred to Pentagon Soft earlier this year."

"Really? That's good news. Are they also aiming for launch titles?"

"Most likely. I used to work at MinTendo, so I'm familiar with the market situation."

"If that's the case, we can't just sit idly by. We, MinTendo, should also launch the best titles that can only be enjoyed on the Super Family."

In response to Mr. Kamauichi's question, I replied with a light smile, "Of course."

"But why hasn't this guy arrived yet? It's been a while since we started the meeting."

"I'm not sure. He's been preparing for a trip abroad for the past few days."

"A trip?"

At that moment, with a light knock, Shige entered the conference room. It seemed even a tiger obeys when called.

Recently, after finishing the development of Super Marigi 3 and moving on to cartridge production, Shige had a relaxed expression.

"Sir, I'm here."

"Shige, how late are you? We've been in the meeting for a while now!"

"I'm sorry, sir. I got caught in traffic on my way back from the Super Marigi 3 production facility. Haha."

"Why is there traffic in the middle of the day? Don't tell me you've been on a trip as well. You mentioned planning a vacation, didn't you?"

Upon hearing that, Shige looked somewhat sheepish and awkwardly chuckled as he gazed at us.

"Oh, sir, what are you talking about? I was just considering it, that's all."

"Oh, really? Well, that's a relief."

"A relief? Why is it a relief?"

"You, make a new Super Marigi for the Super Family now."

"What!?"

"Production time is one year. Since it's a launch title, there's no time to waste. Work hard on it."

"But, sir! I just finished Super Marigi 3..."

"So, you mean you won't make Marigi for the new Super Family?"

In response to Mr. Kamauichi's words, Shige turned to me with a troubled expression.

I clasped my hands together under the table and slightly lowered my head to Shige.

Well, there's nothing quite like the Super Marigi series for a launch title.

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