Chapter 263: with translation of chapter title

Du Huan was stunned; developing the "Zhu Zion" online game he understood, but another real-time battle game—what the heck is that?

Is it imitating DOTA?

Moreover, developing two games simultaneously means it's not just testing the waters; it's a full-scale push into the gaming industry.

At the juncture when Outstanding Rising Film Company is about to go public, is this really appropriate?

But in company decisions, Jiang Heng has always been decisive, and Du Huan has always just followed orders.

He instinctively agreed, then said: "Now, Outstanding Rising Film Company is about to go public; investing huge sums to develop games—will it…?"

Jiang Heng said: "I will personally fund the game company, not under Outstanding Rising Film Company; you, help me spend money and recruit talent in the gaming industry, and I'll handle the rest myself!"

Upon hearing this, Du Huan breathed a sigh of relief, then wondered: "Do you really value the gaming industry that much?"

Although this industry is indeed profitable, Chen Tianqiao relied on licensing "Legend" and the company's IPO, becoming China's richest person in just a few years.

NetEase's "Fantasy Westward Journey II" seems to be making money, but other domestic original titles… well, I heard that "Zheng Tu," which launched in April, is also quite popular.

Du Huan pondered briefly, then decided not to say more; let's see first.

What he didn't know was that the gaming business in China isn't just profitable—it's extremely profitable.

In 2021, Tencent's total domestic and overseas game revenue was 174.3 billion.

That year, NetEase, ranked second, had game revenue of 74.5 billion.

With revenues of hundreds of billions, how many aircraft carriers could be built, how many houses could be erected, how many cars could be made!

Even more impressive, game companies have stable income and cash flow that keeps surging.

By then, even if Jiang Heng ignored "risk" and invested ten or eight billion US dollars to make a special-effects blockbuster, it would merely be him being rich and willful.

One day he might suddenly want to "make cars," and he'd have massive cash flow to back it, with plenty of capital.

Du Huan didn't know Jiang Heng's inner "ambition," received the task, and hurried off.

Back at the company, he pondered how to handle it, after all he'd never touched the gaming business and wasn't very familiar.

After smoking a few cigarettes, he summoned his several close aides to the office.

"Director Du!"

"Director Du!"

"Is there good news about the IPO?"

Several people entered the office, their faces beaming with joy.

In 2005, the SSE fell to 998 points, and the market was filled with lament.

But in 2006, the stock market surged ahead, rising so much it made people question life.

The executives of Outstanding Rising Film Company were even more anxious, because the IPO schedule had already been set for 2007.

They hoped the stock market would keep rising, feared a downturn, and were in a state of nervous anticipation day by day.

Du Huan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and said: "It's not that; Director Jiang wants to set up a game company and needs to headhunt high salaries from major domestic game firms. Whoever knows people in game companies or has ideas, speak up!"

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances; a game company?

What's gotten into Director Jiang this year? Just a few months ago he ordered the creation of "Aiyou Technology," gathering a bunch of people to do who-knows-what.

And now he's getting into games?

Of course, some quick-thinkers thought of the "Zhu Zion" online game and remarked: "Actually, Director Jiang should have started development two years ago; when the film releases and the game launches, it will instantly become the top domestic game."

Du Huan glanced at that person and thought: "What nonsense are you spouting now!"

Another said: "I have a classmate who works at NetEase, apparently doing game planning and participated in the development of 'Fantasy Westward Journey'!"

Du Huan asked: "Do they have any non-compete agreements?"

That person gave an embarrassed laugh: "I haven't really discussed it; I'll ask later!"

Du Huan nodded: "Sure, go ask; on Director Jiang's side, it's definitely high-paying!"

Several people nodded in unison, having no doubt about that.

Du Huan added: "This time Director Jiang wants to go big, developing two large games simultaneously, so we need many people—not just one or two classmates you recommend can fix it; I need a specialized headhunter."

Several people exchanged glances and named a few headhunting firms.

Someone said: "Director Du, actually, if we put out the word, headhunting companies will come knocking on their own; after all, their information is always well-connected."

Upon hearing this, Du Huan thought it made sense—after all, that's how they make a living.

He didn't bring it up; who knows, maybe those close aides of his are already on headhunters' radars, wondering which day to introduce them to a local boss!

"Alright, let's leak the news—say Director Jiang wants to massively recruit game talent with preferential treatment!"

Sure enough, the next day two headhunting firms called—one with a mature woman's voice, one with a loli voice—listening to them made his heart flutter; he really suspected they were also studying him.

Du Huan didn't hesitate, didn't make a choice, but decided to see both; naturally the meeting place was the recently moved-into Outstanding Rising Film Building.

In the grand office, Du Huan met the deputy general manager of "Outstanding Consulting Company"—a woman in her early thirties, short-haired, wearing a business suit, exuding competence.

First she gave a self-introduction, then described their company's strength; of course, the price would certainly be high.

"Director Du, our high fees are justified; the people we find for you will definitely be true industry elites. Once your company launches the 'Zhu Zion' online game within two or three years, you'll recoup all the money!"

Du Huan thought likewise, but couldn't decide that quickly.

Anyway, Jiang Heng hadn't set a specific deadline for him, nor said whether he should personally poach or use a headhunter; as long as the goal is met, the process doesn't matter.

Just like the Tathagata Buddha gave Guanyin three hoops, she put the tightening spell on Sun Wukong, kept the other two for herself, and the Buddha said nothing about it.

"Hmm, I'll think about it some more; I'll call back later!"

"How about this: tonight, let's have dinner together? Our company has many girls who love Outstanding Rising Film Company's movies; getting to see its boss and hear behind-the-scenes stories will make them absolutely thrilled!"

Upon hearing that, Du Huan instantly pictured a scene: in a private room he would hold forth, while a bunch of young, beautiful girls sat around listening earnestly to his stories… just imagining that picture is nice!

"Hmm, let's talk after work!"

Du Huan didn't refuse; the female deputy manager smiled faintly, rose, and left.

Not long after, another headhunting company came to visit.

This time two people came: a male boss and a female assistant; what they said was largely the same.

Du Huan wasn't in a hurry either; after chatting for a while, he saw them off.

As quitting time approached, that female vice president indeed called, sincerely inviting him out.

Du Huan made a show of refusing, reluctantly declined, but ended up going anyway.

The next day, they signed a cooperation agreement, without mentioning it.

After a period of time, several well-known domestic game companies saw their core R&D members resign one after another.

The most outrageous was the Net Hundred Million Company, which actually saw a small team depart.

This made Ding Lei furious; he sent someone to inquire and found out these people had all gone to a newly established online game company.

The boss, as it turns out, is none other than Jiang Heng!

(End of chapter)