Nintendo Headquarters, Kyoto.
Hiroshi Yamauchi sat behind his wide desk, fingers absently tapping the surface, his gaze fixed on the window. The courtyard's bamboo swayed in the breeze, rustling softly, shadows dancing. The office was steeped in quiet, broken only by the faint sound of flipping papers.
"Tetris…" he began, his voice low but carrying undeniable weight, "it's stirring sothing different in the arcades."
A subordinate stood respectfully nearby, promptly handing over a neatly bound market report, the pages rustling faintly.
"President, this is the latest data from major Akihabara arcades," the subordinate said, voice clear and cautious. "The proportion of female players has risen significantly, particularly around Tetris."
"Details," Yamauchi said, his eyes still on the window, as if weighing sothing.
The subordinate didn't hesitate. "Typically, female custors made up less than 10% of arcade visitors, and the environnt was noisy and chaotic. But this past week, feedback from key arcades shows that figure exceeding 20% on average. At Sega's major ga centers, it's nearing 40% during peak hours. Many managers report seeing groups of young won, even office workers in professional attire, heading straight for Tetris during afternoon tea or evening hours."
Yamauchi's tapping fingers paused. "Forty percent?" he repeated, his tone ambiguous—question or confirmation.
"Yes, President. Moreover, Tetris's coin-in rate far surpasses any other ga from the sa period, with machines rarely idle. One manager jokingly said they're collecting coins until their hands ache. Notably, it's also boosting play rates for older gas. So female players, while waiting or after playing, try simpler nearby gas."
"Hmm…" Yamauchi finally looked at the report, flipping through it swiftly, his sharp eyes probing the numbers for deeper insights. The charts clearly showed a steep upward curve and shifts in female player demographics by ti.
As he studied the data, his mind raced. The female market? In arcades? It clashed with his image of smoke-filled, sweat-soaked, testosterone-driven spaces. But the numbers didn't lie. What did this sudden surge an? A fleeting fad or a new growth point?
"These… 'new custors,' how do they respond to other gas, like our Donkey Kong or fighting and shooting titles?"
"Observations suggest they're generally uninterested in complex or highly competitive gas. They prefer intuitive rules and self-challenging score-based gas like Tetris. Its social aspect is also notable—not direct competition, but friends comparing scores or cheering each other on."
"Boosting older gas' play rates?" Yamauchi's finger rested on a chart, his brow twitching slightly, eyes returning to the steep curve.
The subordinate stepped forward. "Yes, President. Unexpectedly, many male custors, rarely arcade-goers, are brought by their girlfriends playing Tetris."
Yamauchi's eyebrow rose, a mix of surprise and expectation. He set the report down, leaning back, hands clasped over his stomach, gazing at his subordinate with interest, awaiting more.
The subordinate cleared his throat and continued, "Arcade managers report young couples visiting together. The won, clearly there for Tetris, are skilled, like veterans. Their boyfriends might start by watching or playing claw machines, but as the won get absorbed, they're pulled in to try. You know n—they want to show off in front of their girlfriends."
He paused, gauging Yamauchi's reaction before continuing. "As a result, n uninterested in arcades are trying simpler classics like Pac-Man or Breakout. So managers even say guys secretly practice these old gas to impress their girlfriends with a 'surprise' next ti."
Yamauchi's lips pursed, pondering. This "side effect" was unexpected—studying Tetris's female player trend had unintentionally revealed a revival of older gas.
His fingers tapped rhythmically, and after a mont, he looked up, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. "How long can this trend last?"
The question was calm but carried an undeniable authority.
The subordinate hesitated, answering cautiously, "It's still gaining montum, but long-term effects are uncertain. The arcade market is unpredictable."
Yamauchi set the report down, leaning back, falling silent. Only the rustle of bamboo leaves outside remained. He thought of the portable console in developnt… If this appeal could extend to ho and personal devices…
He snorted, a hint of dismissal on his face.
"Just so parlor tricks."
"Keep monitoring," he said, his tone steady again. "Expand to major arcades in Osaka and Nagoya. I want detailed reports—player age groups, dwell tis, and their engagent with other ga types. Report any anomalies imdiately."
He placed the report on the desk, leaning back, his gaze deep.
"Female players… they'll still be shut out by consoles."
"Their gaming needs differ entirely from male players."
"They won't buy into fighting and killing."
"The core players will always dictate the gaming market."
He paused, his tone resolute.
"Nintendo's foundation lies in consoles, our own gas, and the vast core player base."
"Sega's fleeting success with Tetris won't shake our position."
Sega Headquarters.
Marketing head Suzuki strode into Takuya's office, beaming.
"Takuya-san, great news!"
His voice trembled with excitent.
Takuya looked up, a hopeful smile forming. "Suzuki-san, things went well?"
Suzuki nodded vigorously, his tone elated. "After relentless efforts, our marketing team secured etings with Director Shutaro Oba and Masami Kurumada-sensei!"
"Really?" Takuya's eyes lit up, a trace of surprise in his voice. "That's fantastic! Suzuki-san, your team is incredible!"
Suzuki, with a hint of pride, said, "Takuya-san, you have no idea how tough it was to align their schedules. Director Oba just wrapped up an animation collaboration, freeing up, but Kurumada-sensei's still serializing manga. It took everything we had to get this chance."
"I know it wasn't easy," Takuya said sincerely. "On behalf of Team 3, thank you and the marketing team for your hard work!"
"It's our honor to serve you, Takuya-san," Suzuki replied, waving modestly.
"What's the specific ti and place?" Takuya asked.
"Next Tuesday, 3 p.m., at Tatsunoko Studio in Musashino City," Suzuki answered.
"Great, I'll be there on ti," Takuya nodded, eyes full of anticipation. "Suzuki-san, this eting is critical. We need to be fully prepared."
"Rest assured, Takuya-san," Suzuki said, chest puffed out, voice firm. "Marketing will fully support to ensure this eting's success!"
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