The three girls are no longer just casual players.
They've evolved from being players into part of the industry.
This more professional exhibition is not only for core players, but only real game developers have the right to participate.
Of course, smart game players could easily make up a game developer title and sneak in, but most won't do that.
But the three girls are real game developers.
Especially in this kind of setting, the three girls stand out even more.
Female game developers are quite rare.
Even in the era of Takayuki's original world, game developers were predominantly male.
...
...
On the other hand, In-chan continues to banter with He Mei, while Aiko remains silent.
Even now, she's still thinking about what to make for their next project.
Logically, she should consider making another first-person zombie shooting game.
After all, their team is already very familiar with it, but it's still a bit challenging.
"Wow, there are so many new games to try, but right now they're all under lock and key. We can only try the ones that have already been revealed. There's an hour left until the release event. Should we just wait here? I don't think we need to go to other game companies' booths."
He Mei and In-chan banter as they make their way to Gamestar's exhibition zone.
This area is the outer zone, while the inner area of the exhibition is already packed with people.
These people are all core players and game developers from around the world.
It's probably only Gamestar that can get such a large group of game developers willingly coming over to wait for their event.
In-chan shakes her head. "You idiot, we should watch the event first and then come back to try the games. Waiting here for unreleased games seems like a waste of time."
"You're the idiot! I just want to grab some of the demo machines before anyone else, so we can play to our heart's content while there's no one around."
In-chan rolls her eyes. "Demos have time limits. No matter how long the line is, we'll eventually get a turn. There's no need to waste time here. You're a fool."
He Mei shoots In-chan a glare and then turns to Aiko, who's lost in thought.
"Aiko, what do you think we should do first? Should we go to the event or stay here?"
Clearly, He Mei is trying to find a second person to support her. With a 2-to-1 vote, she can break the tie, but even if Aiko sides with In-chan, it's fine.
But Aiko snaps out of her thoughts and instinctively says, "Actually, I want to go straight to find Takayuki."
Both He Mei and In-chan fall silent.
Where did this third option come from?
But… that option seems pretty good.
If this had been in the past, the three girls would have never crossed paths with someone like Takayuki.
But fate always has a way of bringing people together.
The three girls met Ayano during a special time, and Ayano, happy to see that the girls were interested in game development, later took the initiative to introduce them to Takayuki.
After that, Takayuki personally demonstrated how to make small-budget games to the three girls.
Up until now, Takayuki hadn't really had any true disciples.
But the three girls could somewhat be considered as such.
Because at least they had received detailed, face-to-face teachings from Takayuki.
Teaching them how to create a small but well-rounded independent game.
So Aiko wanting to go straight to find Takayuki wasn't that strange.
Usually, the three of them have their own things to do, and Takayuki is very busy, so it's not like they would disturb him for trivial matters.
But today's exhibition is a rare opportunity, and Aiko doesn't want to miss it.
He Mei glances at In-chan. "I think Aiko's suggestion is pretty good. How about… we go directly to find Takayuki?"
In-chan, surprisingly, agrees and nods. "At least it's much more reliable than your dumb idea."
"You always have to call me an idiot!"
"No, when I speak to others, I don't use the word 'idiot.'"
"…"
In the Gamestar exhibition's preparation room, Takayuki has nearly memorized his speech.
There's also a teleprompter on stage, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
All the game demos are already installed, just waiting for the event to begin.
Meanwhile, Arno is both excited and nervous.
This is his first time on stage for a speech—such a rare opportunity!
If he delivers the speech well, he can truly make his mark in the industry and become a prominent figure.
Of course, he can't compete with Takayuki.
But he could become one of Takayuki's key figures.
He keeps mentally rehearsing the official content of the game release and some performance notes, hoping to give the audience the best possible experience.
"Don't worry, the audience won't bite. No need to be that nervous."
Takayuki pats Arno's shoulder to help him relax.
Takayuki used to be nervous before attending release events, too.
Back then, he didn't have as much fame, and he started with small face-to-face TV meetings to gradually raise his comfort level.
By the time he stood on stage to present his products, he was able to do so with ease.
But Takayuki can still empathize with that nervous feeling.
He remembers how nervous he was, unsure of what to do in front of a microphone.
Seeing Arno, Takayuki sees his past self—he even sees echoes of his former self.
In his past life, Takayuki wasn't good at speaking in public.
But different environments can shape different people, and now he no longer gets nervous in front of the audience's gaze.
After being patted by Takayuki, Arno shudders for a second, and then his emotions settle.
Being encouraged by his idol and boss works wonders.
He beams a bright smile. "I got it, boss."
Seeing Arno's improved expression, Takayuki nods and then looks at his watch.
"The time is almost up. Let's head on stage."
Takayuki then gets ready to take the stage and begin the official speech.
Just at that moment, a staff member rushes in and says, "Boss, there are three girls outside saying they want to meet you. They seem to be from Japan, maybe university students."