Lucas felt good after returning to Nebula Games from the Game Division, as "Red Dead Redemption" had successfully passed the review.
Of course, Lucas knew that the main reason it passed so quickly was because the competition between Cosmos and Zeus was at its peak.
Although "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare" had gained an early advantage, Zeus had always dominated the overseas market.
So CosmosVR really needed more major titles to represent them.
As for why he chose "Red Dead Redemption" instead of Alexandre Dumas' famous work "The Three Musketeers," one reason was to avoid content issues. Compared to "Red Dead Redemption," the latter's setting was a bit more sensitive.
The second reason was what Atari was doing.
Lucas might not pay close attention, but that didn't mean he was completely unaware.
Lucas had assistant Lisa collect industry news every day.
Most regular players would only find out about Atari's official announcements or widespread media coverage.
But Lucas had already gotten the news in advance.
Previously, Lucas hadn't decided which game to present, as Nebula Games had the resources to try almost any game, except for some special ones.
But after learning this news, Lucas didn't hesitate.
"Boss Lucas, Atari released more news. It feels like the Western theme suddenly got popular," Rachel said, handing Lucas some concept art designs in his office.
"That's normal. Westerns are a niche genre, and since Atari is making it their next big project, they need to generate buzz," Lucas said with a smile.
"So we're reaping the benefits?" Rachel wondered.
"Exactly. So with the game's progress, we need to stay ahead of Atari, like we did with "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare," Lucas said, nodding with a 'you're catching on' look.
Just then, Hector and Anna knocked and entered, reporting on the preliminary preparations for "Red Dead Redemption."
"Okay, proceed as we planned. Anna, stay behind, and I'll tell you about the game's plot and background setting. Of course, your team will be busy, so I'll bring in some professors who study Western history for consultation," Lucas said to Anna.
Anna nodded, listening intently as Lucas spoke.
"Compared to other Westerns in the market, 'Red Dead Redemption' will be different."
"Most Westerns show the 'good' side of the West, which is normal. It's like how many people see 'Water Margin' as righteous, but it's mostly a bunch of bandits, especially Lu Junyi, who had it rough."
"Westerns are similar. The real West wasn't so great. Many westerns glorify cowboys, showing kind white settlers threatened by violence, and brave cowboys and lawmen fighting evil?" Lucas said, shaking his head slightly.
"Of course, there are good and bad people in every era. Some cowboys are heroes, but most are bandits and criminals. As law and civilization arrive, these people will meet their end. But whether civilization is truly civilized will be a key point," Lucas said with a smile.
The expansion of the West wasn't as romantic as people think.
Even Western movies from my past life glorify cowboy culture and spirit.
Italian Westerns later showed the true West.
Cowboys were both good and evil, in an era where savagery and civilization coexisted, but eventually faded as the new era arrived.
The West isn't a pretty, romantic label. It's a label where savagery was replaced by 'civilization.'
Anna seemed excited listening to Lucas.
From Lucas' description, this Western story was different from what's out there.
More importantly, Atari was hyping up Western elements. When news spreads that Nebula Games is also working on this, Anna couldn't help but laugh at how Atari would react.
"Look at the main story. I'll add more details later. Get a general idea, and write down any thoughts you have for reference," Lucas said, handing Anna a printed document.
Excited, Anna opened the document.
It wasn't long, just an outline of about two pages.
But Anna was stunned at the end.
This ending…
"Boss Lucas, this!" Anna didn't have much to say yet, since it was just an outline.
"Don't be surprised. If players understand the meaning of redemption in the game, then Arthur's death will be worthwhile and moving," Lucas said with a smile.
Can the main character and important characters die?
Of course they can. Like Ghost and Roach in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare," and later Soap and Yuri.
But their deaths have to be worthwhile. They can't just be killed randomly by some villain. That wouldn't make players feel moved, but confused and angry.
"Boss Lucas, that's not the point," Anna said, speechless.
That wasn't the core issue. The real problem was that the character players have grown attached to is dead!
Is this because you've deeply understood the 'loving warrior' and completely freed yourself?
"It's okay, I believe players will understand. Even though Arthur Morgan died, he found his redemption. John Marston is doing well, right? In a way, John Marston is Arthur's final redemption, proof that he existed," Lucas said with a smile.
As for John Marston's fate in the sequel, that's for the sequel. Besides, there's still little Jack, right?
Hearing Lucas, Anna thought she couldn't trust a word he said after "no."
(End of Chapter)
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