Seeing a barrage question asking for a release date, Ichin thought for a moment and replied:
"Hmm~~ we're aiming for the end of next year, but to allow time for optimization, there might be a delay. By around June or July next year, we should be able to estimate more accurately, so don't worry.
As for Titanfall, that one should be guaranteed to launch within the year."
The Titanfall dev team had several veterans experienced with shooters, plus excellent 3D modelers. Combined with a shorter campaign length, development was moving faster than Dark Souls.
Stretching his neck, Ichin continued:
"This year's output from our studio has already been solid—Persona, The Binding of Isaac, and BattleBlock Theater. Next year we'll continue expanding the team, though expansion takes time to adjust. Step by step. Don't worry—we'll definitely make even more interesting games."
After answering a few more questions and finishing the giveaway, Ichin ended the stream.
Just minutes later, Utaha returned.
"You timed it so you got back the moment I ended my stream?"
Utaha smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I even tuned in for a bit—quite a lot of people were watching."
"Well, we did just win three awards at TGA, so of course we're getting lots of attention." Ichin shrugged. "But that doesn't really matter. Persona just launched half a year ago, so there's no way it's going on discount yet. Still, winning awards did give it a little bump in sales."
Though not discounted, both Steam and Switch stores had added TGA award tags to Persona and boosted its visibility. With its already high ratings, sales naturally climbed.
Meanwhile, Slay the Spire and Hollow Knight were discounted, and Isaac had just pushed a massive update—adding plenty of items and three new characters.
Despite only being out a short while, Isaac had already sold over 400,000 copies. BattleBlock Theater, in less than a month, had surpassed 150,000.
For games of their scale, both were very successful openings.
Glancing at the time, Ichin noticed it was already 9:50 p.m., close to ten.
"Let's shower, play some games, maybe watch a show, then call it a night."
After Christmas, the year wound down quickly. Another year gone in a blink.
Just like last year, before New Year's, Ichin settled everyone's salaries early—along with year-end bonuses—handing them out before vacation so the whole team could celebrate happily.
After New Year's Eve, a seven-day holiday followed. Ichin and Utaha, aside from visiting a few of the Kasumigaoka family's relatives with Utaha's parents, didn't travel much.
The winter was surprisingly cold. Even with a car, they preferred to stay at home—snacking, cuddling cats, watching TV, and playing games.
But on the third, they had visitors.
Opening the door, Ichin found the Yukinoshita sisters—Haruno and Yukino.
Haruno grinned. "Happy New Year, Ichin!"
"Happy New Year, Senpai," Yukino added.
"Haruno, Yukino? Happy New Year—come in!"
Ichin hadn't expected them, but quickly welcomed them inside.
In the living room, Utaha looked up from petting the cats and asked curiously,
"Haruno, Yukino, what brings you here? You didn't even call ahead."
Haruno set down a fruit basket and said cheerfully,
"It's New Year! Of course we came to visit. Last year you came to our house, so this time it's our turn."
Picking up George the cat at her feet, Yukino smiled softly.
"Father and Mother are very busy with New Year's social obligations. But they gave us both a break, so we came straight to Tokyo."
"I see," Ichin nodded. Last year at New Year's, the sisters had been swamped, only catching a breather when Ichin and Utaha visited.
Since he was brewing milk tea, he poured cups for Haruno and Yukino and said with a smile:
"I'm guessing it's because Yukino got into Tokyo University? Auntie probably wanted you two to relax. So Haruno, you're benefitting from Yukino's achievement, huh?"
"You're absolutely right."
Haruno beamed, sipping her tea.
"Yukino had told the family she'd aim for Todai, but Mother never expected her to be admitted early. When she found out, she was so shocked—and she actually smiled. So this year, aside from being busy the first couple days, they didn't drag us along. We got to enjoy ourselves. But unlike Yukino, I'll be busy once the holiday's over."
Her future was already set: taking over the family business and growing it.
That meant her free time would shrink year after year—unless she found a strong partner to share the load.
Yukino's path, on the other hand, was lighter. She still had four years of university ahead, maybe masters too, and planned to pursue law.
Utaha turned to her with a smile.
"Come April, Yukino, you'll be our junior again. If Ichin's too busy with work, we can study at the library together."
Yukino naturally agreed. She knew her personality—she wasn't the type to get along with everyone. But with Utaha by her side, her university life wouldn't be lonely.
After half a cup of milk tea, Haruno suddenly asked:
"So, Ichin, no plans to go out these days? I know a fun place—want to come?"
"A fun place?"
Ichin was intrigued. He knew Tokyo well, and no new attractions had opened recently.
Before Haruno could answer, Yukino spoke flatly:
"What she means is she wants us to come along to meet her arranged date."
"…Huh?"
Ichin and Utaha both froze, staring at Haruno in disbelief.
Haruno just spread her hands, utterly carefree.
"Isn't it interesting? Sounds like fun to me."
*
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