While working on games prepared for mobile platforms, of course, games for home consoles couldn't be neglected.
Even handheld consoles were releasing new games, though their priority had noticeably decreased, as handhelds hadn't yet reached the stage of true explosive growth.
Moreover, according to the timeline, the lifespan of handheld consoles was already near its end. New games were gradually unable to support them, and it was time to consider replacing and upgrading processors to accommodate stronger game graphics.
A part of the player community had already started complaining that the latest handheld games lacked impressive graphics, and the limitations of the hardware were causing these handheld consoles to become obsolete.
Although the number of complaints was still low, it was bound to increase over time.
However, it wasn't yet the time to develop the latest handheld console.
Under the impact of smartphones, handheld consoles had indeed suffered a blow that couldn't be avoided at first.
The platform didn't matter; as long as there were good games, that was all that mattered.
Takayuki remained open-minded about this.
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At the same time, Takayuki saw this moment as an opportunity to expand the scale of industrialized game production.
It was also the right time to think about advancing standardized production for open-world games.
The first step was to introduce a new course in the game development classes that Gamestar Electronic Entertainment had been offering. This course would focus on the industrialized approach to producing open-world games.
This approach had its drawbacks, but the benefits outweighed them, so Takayuki wasn't willing to abandon industrial-scale game production.
By the way, his new game Civilization was also about to be released.
This was another great time-killer, a game that would allow players to experience a game session lasting the entire day, once a day.
Gamestar Electronic Entertainment's planning was progressing steadily, and everything was developing according to the established trajectory.
However, Su Rui Electronics was facing increasing difficulties.
Smartphones had eroded the handheld console market much faster than expected.
Before Mikfo released the MK1 smartphone, many people still considered handheld consoles to be cutting-edge technology. Young people were proud to carry them around, showing them off to others.
But after the MK1 smartphone launched, the status of handheld consoles began to plummet.
The MK1's functionality was simply too powerful.
With comprehensive camera features, communication, music, films, and internet entertainment, it seemed that all the modern entertainment needs could be found in one smartphone.
If you had shown someone a handheld console who didn't understand video games, they might have been confused and not known what it was for.
But nearly 99% of people worldwide recognized smartphones.
Smartphones revolutionized the phone industry, and the revolution was as monumental as the Industrial Revolution.
When you showed someone a smartphone, they would be instantly amazed, marvelling at its versatility and the rich features it offered.
Myron Case immediately became the center of attention, gracing newspapers and magazines, and his rise to fame was rapid.
He had a very dramatic life, and the media loved such figures.
From high hopes to the lowest point in his life, and then instead of falling into despair, he pushed forward, continuing his work. In the end, he reaped the rewards, becoming a media darling.
Handheld consoles, almost simultaneously, became products that people no longer wanted.
Handheld consoles generally required multiple physical buttons, as only physical buttons could provide the most intuitive experience.
This, in turn, added bulk to handheld consoles.
Smartphones, however, didn't have this problem.
Myron Case had nearly eliminated all unnecessary buttons.
This made the phone look like something from another time.
Now, inside Su Rui Electronics, the internal debate was fierce about whether they should continue investing in handheld consoles.
Su Rui Electronics no longer had many core industries left, and video games were the only new profitable area they had managed to develop. Letting it go so easily seemed like a waste.
But with smartphones continuing to gain momentum, their handheld console sales were becoming more and more difficult.
"I disagree! The video game business is still profitable. Although the profits are slowly decreasing, this is just temporary. Players will still need a device to play games. I've looked at mobile games, and they can't compare to the quality of our games. Players will realize what's truly suitable for them."
"I think it's time to cut our losses! Handheld consoles are definitely on the decline. If we don't stop now, we'll be dragged into the mud!"
In Su Rui Electronics' headquarters meeting room, over fifty high-level executives were arguing fiercely.
This was the highest-level decision-making group in the company.
Clearly, this meeting was of great importance.
Aiden, from the U.S., had arrived overnight, not bothering to adjust to the time zone, and was now yawning during the meeting.
As the president, Hayakawa Ueno was silent, simply watching the arguments unfold.
In the past, the video game department within Su Rui Electronics had not been well-regarded. It was only after Hayakawa's efforts that the video game sector had gained ground. Over time, as video games developed rapidly, the department had become a stronger part of Su Rui Electronics, with enough clout to stand alongside the traditional departments.
Now, in this evenly matched situation, the debate was particularly intense.
Before Hayakawa spoke, the executives seemed ready to clash.
Fortunately, they still maintained some decorum as high-level executives.
However, the video game department would not easily allow its influence to be undermined.
Some shareholders who had invested in the video game sector weren't ready to give up either.
They had invested a great deal of money, some even funding well-known third-party game companies, and were firm in their support for the video game department.
"Hayakawa, what do you think? Do you think the video game department should be adjusted?"
Seeing the argument continue without interruption from Hayakawa, Aiden approached him to ask for his opinion.
Hayakawa simply crossed his arms and said nothing. Even when Aiden asked, he didn't respond.
Aiden, seeing Hayakawa's lack of response, realized he was probably also conflicted and decided not to push further.