Rise To Stardom - Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Let It Cook
“First off, I’d like to make it very clear that I understand that the core of the gameplay has pretty much being established so massively significant changes can’t be made…” Kyle gestured to the team of talented game devs.

To that, they all nodded in agreement, grateful that their CEO already had the knowledge that drastic changes couldn’t be made to a project they had been working on for roughly a year and a half.

“That said, I do have a few questions before I give my opinions. Mind answering some of them?”

“Sure. Fire away.” Carlos responded as Oliver, Dahlia and the rest of the other employees, had a serious expression on their features.

The alpha version of the game might be feature complete, with obvious, glaring issues and bugs here and there that would eventually be ironed out…

But, it definitely, wasn’t content complete.

Those two points exactly… that was what Kyle was curious about as he questioned;

“The traversal mechanics for the game? Is it just the anti-grav boots to run and parkour across the map?”

Scratching the back of his neck that had a few strands of his jet-black hair with a wry smile, one that was shared by all of the employees including Dahlia, Carlos reluctantly replied;

“Yes…”

“I’m guessing due to budget constraints?” Kyle curiously asked upon noticing their reactions, a gaze of understanding in his eyes.

“Yes…” Carlos let out a small, reluctant sigh in response this time in response to their CEO.

“That won’t be an issue anymore. As long as it’s not overly bogus.” Kyle had a thin smile on his features as he stated.

Yet, before the Studio Head and the rest of the employees could revel in the joy that was swelling in their hearts, Kyle inquired;

“So what other traversal ideas did you guys originally have, given there were no budget constraints?”

This time, he threw the question to all of them as he leaned forward from the couch, fingers interlocked as he gazed at them in interest.

“Well, we figured we’d add a grappling hook mechanic that can be unlocked early on in the game. Have it a launch Tech Wiz into the air after clipping onto a building’s edge, just like in the comics?” Dahlia was the first to speak, followed by another female employee who added;

“And also a wingsuit for him to glide over short distances later into the game…”

“We really felt it’d add to the variety and give the players the opportunity to explore the map in a fun way alongside the acrobatic wall-running with the anti-grav boots without it getting stale even after hours upon hours of gameplay.” Carlos summarized the idea to Kyle, one to which the young CEO nodded in agreement to.

Musing to himself for a few seconds, Kyle then pitched in an idea of his own, a noticeable glint of excitement in his eyes as he raised a finger up;

“How about mini-jet thrusters added to his gloves and the sole of his shoes mid game as an added mechanic? Give a noticeable burst of speed for a short duration.”

“There was that one time in the comics where he prevented a construction crane from crashing onto the city streets by redirecting its weight and stabilizing it with the thrusters after all…”

“So, if it can be employed and fluidly chained to all the other traversal mechanics, I’m certain players would be able to create some truly mesmerizing traversal combos while also giving them a constant sense of momentum.” Kyle concluded with a light grin.

Hearing his idea, the game devs thought it through.

Carlos especially, was genuinely contemplating over it as an air of excitement and light chatter filled up the lobby.

Having given them a few more minutes to mull it over, Kyle then asked;

“Think you can handle it?”

“Well, we might have to go back to the main source code but, I think we can have it done.” Carlos nodded, a light smile nestling on his lips as he responded.

“Great! I also have some questions regarding the mission structure.” Kyle lightly clapped his hands and then, curiously asked;

“The side missions seem to be an afterthought… although some of the main story, does have a few voice overs and fairly well-made cutscenes…? Why’s that?”

“About that… most of our writers, artists, voice actors and previously hired animators kinda got tired of being paid peanuts so they opted out…” Carlos explained, a look of disappointment, directed at himself for not being able to hold his team together

“Hmmm… that’s under budget constraints as well…” Kyle mused out loud, after which he then asked;

“Since that won’t be barrier anymore, it won’t be an issue to have them back, right?”

“Yes!” the Studio Head responded, his face, alongside those of his co-workers, brightening up in an instant.

“That said… if we’re going to make the side missions, just as engaging as the main plot, why not go for a stylized approach to set it apart from the main missions?” Kyle casually pitched another idea.

Realizing that they were all curious as to what he had in mind, he explained further;

“Why not make it a full-fledged, voiced-over, comic book strip, instead of just a typical cut scene like the main missions?”

“That way, the side missions can also be fully fleshed out to have engaging narratives without too much budget costs.”

“At the same time, it wouldn’t make the players feel like the missions themselves were just afterthoughts to keep them engaged. Rather, they’d feel invested in it… as if the side missions were really worth their time as much as the main storyline was.”

“Also, for fans of the comic books, I think they’d be equal parts impressed yet grateful that a lot of effort went into making something they as fans could find authentic.” Kyle communicated his thoughts with an honest smile.

To that, a wave of realization, cascaded over everyone in the room, looks of amazement directed towards their CEO for such a simple yet still pretty innovative idea.

The way he was bringing his own insights without undermining their long-term efforts, really made them all respect him even more, Carlos most especially.

Oliver on the other hand, whom had simply been enjoying Kyle’s interaction with the employees, had a noticeable hint of pride in his eyes as he watched on.

He always enjoyed moments like these when his ward would earn respect from the people around him by putting in the effort, just as much as they did.

And just like that, the discussions went on, with more and more questions and ideas being shared between the new CEO and his employees.

…

…

…

“Well, that’s all I have to say I guess.” Kyle got up from the couch with a fulfilled smile on his features, extending a handshake over to Carlos.

“The pleasure’s all ours. Thank you, for sharing your insights. They were fantastic.” Carlos, completely trusting of their new CEO, grinned from ear to ear as he received the handshake.

After they were done, the young man then gestured to the rest of the employees, with a slightly arched eyebrow, glancing over to his extended arm and back to them with a gaze that implied;

Well, come on. Don’t leave me hanging. You all deserve it just as much as Carlos does.

Swiftly, everyone moved towards the young celebrity in excitement and begun to introduce themselves one after the other, some even requesting for pictures and autographs.

The last individual to introduce herself, was Dahlia of course, her expression all giddy as she shook hands with the young man.

“You, sir, are brilliant!” the lady enthusiastically stated as she shook his hands!

To that, Kyle chuckled warmly at her obvious reference and then responded;

“And so are you, Miss?”

“Dahlia! Dahlia Pond!” the lady swiftly replied.

“Well, thank you for the compliment Miss Pond.” Kyle warmly smiled at her in response.

As this was happening, with some of the employees chuckling a bit at their interaction, Oliver was already conversing with Carlos over a few business-related things when the Studio Head’s phone audibly beeped.

Picking up the phone after requesting an excuse from Oliver, Carlos’s smiling expression progressively crumbled as he interacted with the caller over the phone.

Noticing this, Oliver curiously inquired, to which Carlos stated, his voice despite not being loud, still audible enough for everyone to hear.

“Game’s Con just cancelled all our spots in this year’s events…”

No sooner had they heard that, most employees in the room, had various expressions grace their features.

Majority felt downcast, others were confused, some were obviously pissed while the rest, let out sad yet somewhat frustrated sighs.

Yet, at the same time, they all understood that they weren’t a big studio in the slightest so this, wasn’t anything particularly shocking, especially when bigger studios, had more resources to kick them to the curb effortlessly.

Dahlia whom had been happily conversing with Kyle, had slight frown form on her face, her high-spirited mood taking a small hit.

Carlos especially, was the most frustrated by this development.

Yet, at the same time, although he had no proof, the Studio Head had a nagging thought at the back of his mind that Griffin, definitely had something to do with this.

As the mood in the room instantly plummeted, Kyle’s cool voice, casually cut through;

“Honestly, this is good. I was actually planning to suggest that we forgo this year’s Game’s Con and focus on next year’s.”

No sooner had he said that, everyone directed an unsatisfied gaze in his direction, save for Oliver who simply listened as he continued;

“Now don’t look at me like that. The level of polish you guys were going for… that’s not something that can be achieved within a few weeks to present at the biggest gaming convention, right?”

His words struck right where it hurt but Kyle simply continued;

“Any AAA game, if it really wants to be successful, needs to be polished to an utmost degree of perfection.”

“So, why not keep our product in the oven much longer and let it cook to perfection.” Kyle casually stated with a gesture of his arms, already moving slowly towards the elevator with backward steps as Oliver followed.

“There’s always next year. We can wow them then.” he winked at his employees with a trusting smile.

“Also. I’ll be handling the soundtrack of the game.” he casually announced, his expression unperturbed.

To that, Oliver, slowly turned his head in his ward’s direction.

As for the employees, the looks of shock in their eyes was unmistakable.

“Mr. Kestis. Have you, perhaps, viewed your schedule next month?” his agent coolly countered, a light smile on his lips.

However, as opposed to the man’s calm yet approachable voice and demeanor they had gotten used to over the short period of time he and Kyle had been around for, there was an unmistakable hint of frostiness this time.

In response, Kyle surreptitiously averted his gaze and kept speaking mirthfully, knowing fully well he was going to get an earful from his agent later.

“Working conditions and salary increments are also things we’ll need to speak on later. I’ve already drafted the changes to be made.” he pressed on the elevator’s button as Oliver’s light smile, stayed plastered on his face.

Kyle felt a chill run down his spine as he continued, doing his absolute best to ignore his agent;

“No more 9 to 5. That’s rubbish. Possibly 10 to 2. Yeah. That seems more humane.”

Stepping into the elevator as the doors opened, the young celebrity and his agent walked in, everyone still finding the scene of his agent, directing one of the most unsettling smiles they had ever witnessed in their life in Kyle’s direction, comical yet unexpected.

“I’ll have the change in documents sent tomorrow and my efficient, lovely, fantastic, brilliant agent here, will handle the rest.” Kyle gestured to Oliver with an open palm and the loveliest of smiles while waving them goodbye with his other, although he dared not look in his agent’s direction.

And just like that, the doors to the elevator closed and the employees, stared on in a daze.

However, after a short while, a small chuckle escaped Dahlia’s lips, one which was then followed by a few other employees that finally led up to a genuine burst of hearty laughter from each and every one of them, the downcast, gloomy mood in the lobby, dissipating in an instant.

Something had become apparent to them.

Although he was a very popular celebrity currently and quite possibly one of the youngest CEO’s they had ever known, Kyle Kestis, at the end of the day, really was just a youngster.

A youngster that was evidently capable of making some of the craziest decisions on the spur like other people his age did.

Yet, they could also see that just like them, he was quite passionate about the things he loved and was willing to make it even better by doing the necessary and putting in the work.

As a result of all these, SpawnPoint Studios employees, although could’ve and never would’ve expected their CEO to have been Kyle Kestis in their wildest dreams, they all felt like they could relax and favorably, look towards the future of the studio under his management.