Reboot the age of gaming

Chapter 209 Zhihuan Technology (two-in-one chapter)

The player meeting was a great success.

"Fantasy Realm" can be regarded as a great success, becoming a popular independent game recently.

After the player meeting was over, the staff cleaned up the venue, Wu Minghao rang the bell and chatted a few words.

"Thank you for the success of "Fantasy Realm". I will watch "Ink and Cloud" next, and it will definitely be more popular than "Fantasy Realm". Remember to tell me when the game is made, I will definitely be the first one." Go play!" Wu Minghao said happily.

Zhong Ming smiled: "Okay, I will be the first to notify you. What is your studio going to do next? Make another one?"

Wu Minghao shook his head: "Don't worry, because of the shortage of funds in "Fantasy Realm", there are still many pits that have not been filled. In the next two or three months, I will fill in the pits and develop a DLC. Now that there is If you want a successful project, you must dig it out.”

Obviously, Wu Minghao and Zhong Ming are not on the same path.

Zhong Ming is planning another game immediately after finishing one game, basically he will not stop, but Wu Minghao is like most other producers, once a game is completed, he will die on this one first, and wait for the income to increase significantly. When it is down, go to make the next one.

In fact, what Wu Minghao did was normal, and what Zhong Ming did was a special case.

A game has a lifespan, and a successful indie game like this has a very long lifespan.It is foreseeable that as long as Wu Minghao continues to optimize, update, and release DLC, "Fantasy Realm" can roughly maintain the current income for at least the next six months or even a year, and there is no need to work hard to make new games.

What Wu Minghao said is also true. Although games like "Fantasy Realm" have been made, there are still many areas that can be optimized and improved. Unlike Zhong Ming's game, the first version is so complete.

Therefore, Fantasy Time Studio will be relatively relaxed and leisurely in the next few months, and will no longer maintain such a high-intensity R&D rhythm as before.

……

The next morning.

Zhong Ming got up in the morning and made some food for himself.

It's not time for work, and everyone hasn't come yet.

As a result, just after eating, the bracelet rang.

At first glance, it is an unfamiliar number, but the note is the office number of Zhihuan Technology.

"Smart Ring Technology?"

Zhong Ming recalled it for a while, and seemed to have a little impression.

It is a technology company mainly engaged in artificial intelligence algorithms and intelligent hardware.

The so-called smart hardware mainly refers to wristbands. The share of smart ring technology in the wristband market is not large. It may only have a share of less than 10% in the world, but in terms of artificial intelligence algorithms, it is considered the world's top level.

This company has strong research and development capabilities in technology, but it is not very famous.

This is also normal, because no matter how strong the research and development capabilities of this kind of company are, they can only be suppliers, and they rarely have the opportunity to show their faces directly in front of consumers.Just like Zhong Ming's domestically produced artificial intelligence "Fine Art" in his previous life, many people know about it, but they rarely ask which company developed it. When they say it was developed by AI lab, the first reaction is, what is this?

But again, AI lab is Tencent's artificial intelligence laboratory, and most people will suddenly realize when they hear "Tencent".

Although this Zhihuan Technology is not particularly famous among ordinary people, it is quite famous in the professional field.

Because the AI ​​support behind the virtual idols produced by Xinghua Interactive Entertainment and several virtual idol entertainment companies is basically provided by Zhihuan Technology.

In recent years, Zhihuan Technology probably wants to change the status quo that it can only be a supplier, so it also tries to expand into the field of smart hardware, mainly wristbands, but the progress is not particularly optimistic.

When it comes to artificial intelligence technology, it is also a bit hard to say.

Zhong Ming is very interested in artificial intelligence technology in this world, so he has checked a lot of information before.

Before the Omnic Crisis, artificial intelligence technology was a smash hit in this world, and its development was extremely fast.

However, after the Omnic Crisis, a large number of artificial intelligence technologies were blocked, and many older people almost turned pale, and even demanded legislation to limit the development of all artificial intelligence technologies without distinction.

However, the mouth said no, but the body was quite honest.With post-war reconstruction and rapid economic recovery, people have found it difficult to completely get rid of artificial intelligence.

Because artificial intelligence can indeed provide convenience in many places.

For example, sweeping robots, smart homes, autopilot programs for speeding cars, advanced AI in games...

The omnic crisis is indeed one of the serious consequences that may be induced by artificial intelligence technology, but we cannot give up eating because of choking and return to primitive society.

Therefore, artificial intelligence technology is still recovering from bumps, and the gradual popularity of virtual idols is an example.

A company that develops artificial intelligence, such as Zhihuan Technology, is also gradually expanding the boundaries of its business.

These thoughts flashed by, and Zhong Ming connected the phone.

"Hello, is this Mr. Zhong Ming? We are Zhihuan Technology, and we want to develop a smart module in the near future, and hope to cooperate with you..."

The other party briefly explained the purpose of the visit. In short, Zhihuan Technology recently wanted to launch a smart module, and hoped to reach a copyright cooperation with Zhong Ming.

This copyright, of course, is the copyright of Chanel.

Perhaps because they were afraid that Zhong Ming would not understand, the person in charge of the other party also briefly introduced what the "smart module" was.

"The smart module this time is a new product launched by our company. It is actually a flat 'black box' with a length, width, and height of 20 cm. It can be hung on the wall or on the ceiling."

"It is a new device that combines holographic projection and intelligent AI, or it can also be said to be a 'smart housekeeper'. After granting permissions, it can control all smart homes in the home, including sweeping robots, TVs, game consoles, etc. etc. At the same time, it will also use holographic projection to project a virtual image into the user's home, where they can chat, play with them, etc. "

"Our company appreciates the image of Chanel very much. I heard that you still retain all the copyrights of Chanel, so I want to cooperate with you..."

Zhong Ming thought for a while: "Yes. However, we need to discuss the details."

The other party hurriedly said: "Yes, of course we need to talk in detail. Now, I heard that your studio is also in Ming'an City. If it's convenient, let's make an appointment to meet in the afternoon."

Zhong Ming asked: "Is your company also in Ming'an City?"

"Correct."

"Then there is no need to make an appointment. I will go to your company at 3 o'clock in the afternoon."

The other party was very happy: "Of course it will be fine. Then we will see you at 3 pm."

After hanging up the phone, Zhong Ming checked the address of Zhihuan Technology. It is in Ming'an City, but it is not close to here, nearly an hour's drive away.

However, in any case, it is the same city, which is much closer than other cities.

Zhong Ming did not directly refuse this time, because the nature of this time is different from the past.

In the past, including Xinghua Interactive Entertainment, they all wanted to buy the copyright of Chanel and jointly develop it.

It is said to be developed jointly, but it is actually developed for you.

For example, in the previous virtual idol contest, if Zhong Ming sold Chanel's copyright, then Zhihuan Technology's call today would not be to Zhong Ming, but Xinghua Huyu.

If Zhong Ming had sold the copyright back then, Xinghua Huyu could have arranged for Chanel to hold concerts and release albums, and Xinghua Huyu would have the final say on what commercials and endorsements he would receive, and Zhong Ming would only be able to get a share.

This time, Zhihuan Technology is equivalent to directly discussing cooperation with Zhong Ming, and wants to pay to use Chanel's copyright. Although the two are called "cooperation", they are completely different in nature.

Cooperating with Zhihuan Technology, the copyright is still with Zhong Ming, which is roughly equivalent to a celebrity endorsement for a certain technology product.

Zhong Ming has never sold Chanel's copyright, not because he doesn't want to develop it, but because he wants to wait for a suitable opportunity.

There must be a balance between immediate interests and long-term interests.Gu Guangyan sold the copyright of Chanel to others, and he can't use it any more; but just thinking about the future, holding on to it for too long, everyone gradually forgets this image, that's not okay either.

Now, Weiguang Studio has stabilized, and it has been more than two months since Chanel won the first prize in the Virtual Idol Contest, and now he is starting to develop the value of the virtual image of Chanel, the timing is just right, no It's early, but it's not too late.

……

Not long after, Jiang Wanna and Zhou Sen arrived and started working.

In less than a month, the research and development of "Ink and Cloud" will be completed, and the official competition of GGAC will almost start.

It's not too tight, but it's not easy either.

Zhou Sen typed the code, and when he was free, he chatted with Zhong Ming casually to relax.

"Recently, "Fantasy Realm" is on fire, Zhong Ming, you are really good, even if you go to help make soy sauce, you can make a hit." Zhou Sen said with emotion.

Of course, other people in the project knew that Zhong Ming was helping out in "Fantasy Realm", but they hadn't paid attention to it until now. After seeing the data of "Fantasy Realm" was so good after it was launched, they were somewhat surprised.

Zhong Ming smiled: "Of course, I have the power to turn decay into magic."

"Bah, bah, look at your face. Aren't you just in charge of the plot, and you didn't get involved in other aspects." Zhou Sen said.

Zhong Ming chuckled: "Then what do you think, the plot is the main bonus item. Let me tell you, do it well. If the sales volume of "Ink and Cloud" is not as good as that of "Fantasy Realm", I will be very embarrassing." When the time comes, I won't be able to hold my head up in front of Old Wu, and that will be all your fault."

Everyone: "..."

……

In the afternoon, Zhong Ming took an air taxi to the headquarters of Zhihuan Technology.

The distance is indeed long. Zhihuan Technology is located in the southwest of Ming'an City, almost across the entire Ming'an City. Zhong Ming slept in the car and woke up before arriving.

The office building of Zhihuan Technology is not very big, and it is much shorter than the building of Guangyi Interactive Entertainment, but it is still decent.

The person who came to pick up Zhong Ming was an old employee of the smart module project. After a few pleasantries, he was led directly to the vice president's office.

The person I talked to Zhong Ming this time was Yang Chengye, the vice president of Zhihuan Technology, who is directly in charge of the smart module project.

"Mr. Yang, hello."

"Mr. Zhong, hello, please sit down."

Yang Chengye looked quite young, only in his 30s, with a clean shaven face, very capable.

Yang Chengye didn't call Zhong Ming "Mr. XX", but Mr. Zhong. Perhaps in his opinion, those who play art, whether designing virtual idols, making music or painting, are all technical jobs, and they are called "Mr. XX". This title is a bit clichéd.

Of course, Zhong Ming doesn't care about this, it's the same name.

"Ms. Zhong made a trip in person. It was really hard work. But that's good too. Let's have a brief chat first, and then I can take you around the project and show our conditions and sincerity."

Yang Chengye spoke very politely.

In fact, the reason why Zhong Ming made the trip in person was precisely for this purpose.

Just to see if this project is reliable.

The company itself should be reliable in terms of reputation, but the project is not necessarily reliable.

Some big companies shout loudly and say they want to enter a new field, but in fact they don’t invest much money, and they don’t recruit a few professionals. Finally, after shouting slogans for a long time, there is no result. This kind of thing often happens. .

Zhihuan Technology has indeed done a good job in artificial intelligence research, but when it comes to intelligent hardware, it can only be said that it has just started. This time, the intelligent module may really need to concentrate on opening up a breakthrough, or it may be just talking , Make a show, you have to feel the clock ringing clearly at this o'clock.

Yang Chengye first briefly introduced the situation of the project.

"That's right. As you know, we at Zhihuan Technology have always been good in the field of artificial intelligence research and development. The virtual idols of companies such as Xinghua Interactive Entertainment and Gona Entertainment are basically providing AI support."

"However, in recent years, the company's senior management has also vigorously promoted the expansion of new businesses, and has also achieved certain results in smart hardware. For example, the wristband launched by our company was launched in the middle of the year, and the sales volume in the second half of the year has exceeded [-] million. , Of course, it is incomparable with those traditional bracelet manufacturers, but it can be regarded as a firm foothold."

"This time, the new product we plan to launch is the smart module, or 'smart housekeeper', which is an integration of existing smart devices."

"Of course, you may want to say, there are similar products all the time, why should we do it?"

"Mainly because of a new technological breakthrough, which has now met the requirements for commercial use..."

Yang Chengye briefly introduced the smart module.

The so-called smart module is similar to the effect of some "XX elves" in Zhong Ming's previous life. It can connect to all smart appliances in the home, including wristbands, so as to realize voice control and remote control of all appliances.

Some people may ask, such a simple technology, has no company done it before?

Of course there are.

Now on the market, there are indeed some smart modules, and the price is not high, basically ranging from 300 to 1000.

Some smart modules are nothing more than decorations. When placed on the coffee table in the living room, the owner shouts: "Turn on the TV, turn on the game channel", and the smart module will automatically complete the corresponding operations.

However, the smart module to be launched by Zhihuan Technology is different from these traditional smart modules.

To put it simply, this smart module has a higher technological content, using the latest micro-projection technology, which can project a virtual idol into the living room and interact with the owner in real time.

(End of this chapter)