Chapter Ninety-Six: Launch of the New Mode (A Lengthy Chapter of Six Thousand Words! Please Support with Votes!)
“Established player base?”
“Popular games have many players, niche ones fewer, but if a niche game is high-quality, it can still gather a strong following.”
“Just ride the wave of mainstream game traffic. If you launch a new game now, picking the genre of the top sellers, even if the data isn’t stellar, it won’t be disastrous.”
...
Hearing Yueshan’s question, the designers seated below each offered their answers.
When all had spoken, Yueshan nodded with a smile. “You’re all right.”
“But that’s only the surface.”
“The real factor influencing game success is market trends and player preferences.”
“Besides those genuinely high-quality games, look at the other titles on the bestseller list—they’re limited to just a few themes.”
“Making games by theme means you’re playing it safe in the market; you can make money but won’t become legendary.”
“To truly become legendary, aside from geniuses, it’s either luck or the ability to foresee market risks ahead of time.”
“So if you want to be legendary, you must always pay attention to your surroundings and understand social trends.”
“Like recently, when our country had border conflicts with alien tribes, under such national circumstances, a previously niche ‘Star Cluster Battle’ game suddenly became popular.”
“Of course, if you can’t even afford a meal, just follow the trend; at least you won’t starve.”
Yueshan joked.
“Then we’ll just follow the trend. Becoming legendary is far too distant.”
“Better to earn some easy money without overthinking.”
“Making money is nothing to be ashamed of.”
After Yueshan’s talk, the crowd responded one by one.
Yueshan smiled and tapped his finger.
[Game Commercialization]
The five bold characters replaced the previous phrase ‘Game Material Selection.’
“What is commercialization? It means making games that mainstream players like the most, since they are the majority. We just make those games...”
...
“All right, that’s it for this morning’s class. Take a break, have some lunch, and we’ll reconvene at 2 p.m.”
The morning passed swiftly.
Yueshan continued later, explaining how to name games to catch attention, how to write summaries that entice players, how to reduce unnecessary costs during development, and shared some production tips.
Some of these insights Yin Jian found quite useful, but some of Yueshan’s views clashed with his own.
At that moment, he understood why Jian Qi said their philosophies differed.
Because Yueshan viewed games purely from a commercial perspective.
Games made that way rarely flop, but they lack soul and struggle to cultivate genuine fans.
After mentally summarizing what he gained from the class, Yin Jian glanced at the two beside him.
He saw Luguo and Gray Wolf deep in thought, so he didn’t disturb them and chose to log off.
After Yueshan’s lecture, he’d lost interest in the afternoon’s expert session.
Though his game’s operation shared many similarities with Yueshan’s ideas, they only resembled each other superficially.
What the other party wanted to convey was fundamentally different.
“I’m creating joy with heart,” Yin Jian muttered, then exited the virtual space.
He sent a message to Luguo saying he wouldn’t attend the afternoon session.
Then he checked the time.
11:54 a.m.
Lunch was near.
He ordered a tomahawk steak online as today’s meal.
Now that he had money, he wouldn’t skimp on his stomach.
Delivery was swift in this era.
The steak didn’t keep him waiting long before the delivery robot arrived at his door.
Yin Jian took the meal.
Back in his room, opening the package, a distinct aroma wafted out, making his mouth water.
He quickly grabbed the complimentary knife and fork, cut a piece, and chewed.
After one bite, he silently pushed the steak aside and reordered a beef steak.
“Poor people’s taste buds just can’t appreciate what the rich enjoy,” he sighed.
While waiting for the beef steak, he began pondering the new mode for “The Profound One.”
His greatest takeaway wasn’t from Yueshan’s class but the inspiration sparked while chatting with Gray Wolf.
“My thinking is too rigid. Why should I design the mode myself? Just let the players do it.”
“Let them create the settings themselves. Even if it’s unbalanced, it’s not on me.”
“Plus, involving players in game creation would greatly boost activity.”
The more Yin Jian thought, the more he believed his idea was feasible.
More and more, he felt impressive.
“As expected of me,” he sighed, feeling the loneliness of a master.
When the beef steak arrived, he quickly finished eating and sat at his computer to bring his ideas to life.
“Open source the game.”
“Then integrate the game development software within.”
“Wait, players could even exploit maps they create.”
“Add a multiplayer mode sales window.”
...
The entire process of building the new mode went smoothly.
It only took one afternoon.
After all, adding a development framework wasn’t too complicated.
Once done, Yin Jian ran a quick test, found no issues, and updated the game.
Afterward, he opened “The Profound One”’s backend, using his designer identity to freeload players’ game plots.
Watching those ridiculous player antics was very entertaining.
Suddenly, a bright idea struck him.
“Can add a tipping function.”
He slapped his forehead, ready to start coding, but as he opened the backend, his brain alerted him to a new message.
It was from Zhou Shun.
Zhou Shun: “Bro, I finished my game. When are you free to visit the Cosmic Zoo?”
Yin Jian: “Has the game launched?”
Zhou Shun: “Just released, still under review.”
Yin Jian: “Got it. I’m done here too, anytime works.”
Zhou Shun: “Let’s go next week. Send me your ID code; I’ll book the tickets.”
Yin Jian: “5139*****1788”
Zhou Shun: [Cosmic Zoo Ticket (Electronic)] “All set. We leave Monday, three days from now.”
Looking at the e-ticket, Yin Jian felt a small thrill. He’d never been to the Cosmic Zoo and was curious how its animals differed from those in regular zoos.
“Three days to wait... better finish the tipping feature first.”
Waiting always feels endless.
So he planned to distract himself.
...
...
In the island villa,
Li Shan watched the screen as long strings of live comments scrolled by, his lips twitching.
[Keyboard Warrior]: “The Profound One just added multiplayer mode, come challenge me! Last time I was careless, not this time, I promise...”
[Keyboard Warrior]: “You’re streaming, gotta hype it up! You’re a big streamer with nearly 100 million followers—can’t you say something exciting? Your silence is driving me crazy...”
[Keyboard Warrior]: “Hey, you’re not frozen, right? I’ve said so much, at least react...”
Li Shan glanced upward. Ever since he had humiliated this guy in the “Spore Evolution” Rage Mode, this fellow had latched onto him.
He couldn’t shake him off, and the guy talked nonstop. He wanted to mute him, but since the guy hadn’t insulted him, there was no reason.
With so many viewers watching, banning without cause would look bad.
...
Still, this guy was really annoying.
Li Shan sighed helplessly.
Just as he wondered what excuse to use to refuse this drama queen’s challenge, he saw his own captain open a big betting pool.
[Old Demon Li beats Keyboard Warrior]
[Keyboard Warrior beats Old Demon Li]
But all his fans bet on Keyboard Warrior beating him...
“You fake fans, who do you look down on?”
Seeing the betting total quickly surpass one million, Li Shan got angry and declared publicly, “I accept the challenge. I’ll make sure you lose your pants!”
‘Hahaha, Old Demon Li, you think you’ll lose pants? You’ll be making money on the club models instead.’
‘Old Demon Li hosting a big room—more players, more fun.’
‘I don’t think Old Demon Li has played The Profound One yet?’
‘Yeah, he’s focused on trash games for 30 years, never tried something fun like this.’
Li Shan ignored the teasing in the chat and publicly tagged Keyboard Warrior.
“Speak, how do you want to compete?”
[Keyboard Warrior]: “Seen the chat saying you haven’t played? I won’t bully you then. You decide.”
I really do appreciate that.
Li Shan twitched at the reply.
After a moment’s thought, he said, “Wait, let me check the game first.”
He stopped reading the chat and launched the game platform to search for “The Profound One.”
“He’s the designer from Spore Evolution? That game just came out not long ago. That’s prolific.”
Seeing the designer name ‘You Made Me Do It,’ a hint of surprise appeared on Li Shan’s face.
He understood why Keyboard Warrior chose to challenge him with this game.
“Talented and diligent—no wonder he succeeded.”
“And it’s a free-to-play game too.”
“This designer is very generous. Only those who don’t care much about money can make quality games.”
Li Shan praised, feeling he hadn’t misjudged.
‘Hurry up, Old Demon Li, can’t wait.’
‘Draw the traits first, want to get lucky.’
‘No point watching Old Demon Li, he’s unlucky.’
‘No offense, just wanna see how rich he is.’
“Don’t rush. Let me see how multiplayer mode works first.”
Seeing the urging comments, Li Shan calmed them and logged into the game.
Soon, two options appeared before him.
[Standard Mode] ??
[Custom Multiplayer Mode]
He glanced and chose Multiplayer Mode.
Two panels appeared.
On the left, a constantly scrolling store.
[Mortal Profound One] 6¥
[5v5 Emperor Brawl] 12¥
[100-player Emperor Battle Royale] 98¥
[Escape from Sawblade] 36¥
[Identify Profound One Weird Creature] 1¥
...
Each was a game mode setting with a price tag.
On the right was a fairly detailed settings screen.
Power Cap: __
Trait Count: __
Trait Banlist: __
Special Characters: __
Mission Setup: __
Memory Shield: __
Rule Additions: __
...
Li Shan scanned but couldn’t make sense of it all.
“So complicated?”
His scalp tingled.
After pondering, he told the chat, “I’ll buy a mode and just play.”
He looked at the store and quickly picked [100-player Emperor Battle Royale].
Not because it was most expensive, but because it allowed the most players.
He paid and opened the details to see how it worked.
[100-player Emperor Battle Royale]
Players: 100
Description: On the Profound One continent, the strong rule, but there’s only one Emperor per era!
Goal: Reach Emperor status first.
Memory Shield: Yes/No
Restricted Traits: Abilities like Time Stop, Invincible Defense, system traits that break the game are nerfed, rewards reduced.
Character selection...
...
After setting some options, Li Shan clicked to create a room.
“Brothers who want to play together, come in. I’ll draw some traits first.”
He opened the loot draw page.
“Wow, even a free draw. This designer’s generous.”
‘Yeah, that’s what I thought too.’
‘I want to cut my hand now.’
‘Guys ahead, give up. Draws are either one or infinite, once started, can’t stop.’
‘Drawing yourself isn’t fun; better watch others enjoy it.’
‘+1’
“Is the chance of good stuff low?” Li Shan looked puzzled at the chat.
Because the roulette showed a fairly high chance for big wins.
‘Average. I’ve drawn over 400 times and never got a gold one.’
‘Don’t cry, hugs.’
‘Though the odds are bad, it taught me a life lesson: don’t be fooled by appearances.’
‘Master, I’m enlightened.’
Seeing the silly comments, Li Shan was unfazed.
He refocused on the wheel.
Though the chat was goofy, it gave him an idea of the jackpot odds.
“It’s low? Fine, after thousands of tries, one must come.”
He tapped to use the free draw.
The chat hardly paid attention to his first draw; free tries rarely yield good stuff.
‘Betting Old Demon Li will get gold in 500 tries.’
‘Hey, you’re too optimistic. I bet 1,000.’
‘Why not zero? I heard some dude drew 10,000 times with no gold.’
‘Eh, Old Demon Li’s unlucky but not that unlucky.’
Suddenly, the chat exploded with golden light.
“Wow! Legendary Gold!”
A loud, triumphant male voice echoed in every viewer’s ear.
The once lively chat fell into brief silence.
Seconds later, a flood of comments appeared.
“Holy crap! No way!”
“This has to be a paid shill, blood test unnecessary, just drag him out and behead him.”
“Why does Old Demon Li get gold? I don’t accept this!”
“Did the update increase drop rates?”
“No way, just dumb luck.”
“Old Chinese doctor: Your lifespan is drained by your luck.”
Li Shan’s mouth twitched. “Is it really that exaggerated?”
He hadn’t experienced a streak of pure luck like this, so he didn’t understand the viewers’ reactions.
As he spoke, the golden glow faded.
A golden trait flew out from the wheel.
[Great Dao Fortune]
Li Shan glanced and looked away.
Seeing fans still whining, he sighed and said, “It’s a low probability event. Let me use big data to check the actual drop rates.”
He then spent 10,000 credits and began drawing.
[Common]
[Rare]
[Common] x8
...
“See? Told you it’s a low-probability event. Just got lucky once. Let me record the loot.”
Seeing only common and rare draws, the chat calmed.
‘Still, I’m so jealous.’
‘Why be jealous? Think like this: next time we might get loot, and after Old Demon Li’s win, the next few hundred draws will be common, feeling better?’
‘Makes sense.’
With the chat returning to normal, Li Shan ignored them and kept drawing.
But...
[Wow! Epic!]
[Rare]
[Wow! Epic!]
[Common]
[Wow! Legendary Gold!]
...
‘Can’t wash this off, trash streamer, unsubscribed.’
‘Feels like playing a different game.’
‘Old Demon Li’s hands are so red, he should start a side business.’
‘Old Demon Li, draw for me, I’ll introduce my sister.’
‘Not to brag, but I’m Baiqiao Little Red Hand, highest record nine purples and one gold, I’m better.’
‘Get lost, you think you can fool my brother-in-law?’
...
Li Shan didn’t dare look at the chat and forced himself to continue.
No more gold, but the number of purple items unsettled viewers.
No choice—Li Shan’s luck was basically godlike today.
After finishing, he calculated silently.
“One thousand draws: White 56%, Blue 31%, Purple 12.5%, Gold 0.5%.”
Just as he finished, the chat flooded with “We’re different.”
Li Shan was helpless.
“Enough, no more draws. Let’s just play. I’ll get you the big data on traits later.”
Given the circumstances, he had no choice.
Without wasting time, he returned to the room.
One hundred players had gathered.
‘Keyboard Warrior’ was among them.
After confirming all was set, he clicked start.
The screen shifted.
Darkness surrounded him.
[Loading template...]
[Generating world...]
[World generated]
[Choose your identity]
[Orphan]: Increased chance of random events
[Scion of a Noble Family]: More cultivation resources
[Child of Power]: Easier to gain followers
Li Shan read the introductions.
After pondering, he said to the chat, “Since the goal is to be the first to reach Emperor, it’s all about cultivation resources.”
“So choosing [Scion of a Noble Family] is optimal.”
‘Yes, yes, best choice, but I want to see how Old Demon Li plays as Orphan.’
‘I tipped one dollar, hoping for Orphan start.’
‘You guys aren’t honest. Guess I’m the most sincere—I want to see Old Demon Li as Orphan.’
“...”
Seeing the chat, Li Shan’s face darkened.
He’d have to lock these trolls up eventually.
Thinking so, he reluctantly chose Orphan start.
Then the prompt changed.
“Choose your character traits (0/2).”
“Only two?”
Frowning, Li Shan opened the selection.
He saw his two golden traits greyed out, unselectable.
Not only gold, but most purple traits were unavailable.
Clearly, to prevent overpowered traits from breaking balance.
After careful selection, he chose one constitution trait and a treasure.
[Heavenly Fire Profound Body]: Born alchemist constitution, greatly boosts fire attribute cultivation.
[Purple Cloud Alchemy Furnace]: Grade-less profound artifact, significantly increases pill crafting success and slightly improves quality.
The two complemented each other; Li Shan felt confident.
‘Wake up, Old Demon Li, you’re an orphan, no money to buy materials for alchemy.’
‘I think [Heavenly Star of Doom] is good—though unlucky, it grants huge power boosts and suits an orphan.’
‘Why not pick a cultivation technique? Orphans without techniques are pointless. Swap [Purple Cloud Alchemy Furnace] for [Sunflower Divine Technique]; it fits you well.’
...
Li Shan twitched, ignoring the chat this time.
These trolls were clearly trying to sabotage him.
“All right, that’s it.”
He confirmed traits and started the game.
The screen shifted.
Lines of text appeared before him:
[You are an orphan]
[Raised by an old man living by begging]
[But today]
[The old man was severely beaten while begging...]
[Thus, your peaceful days begin to change]
...
P.S.: Feeling my mind’s foggy, wimpering QWQ