Just as society was running normally—people busy with their daily routines and gamers fully immersed in the beautiful experiences offered by Leo's game—sudden news broke, sending ripples through the calm.
This announcement captured everyone's attention.
It was about the most popular game developer of the moment—Leo.
"The developer Leo, creator of five of the most popular games currently available, has obtained a VR game development license. He has passed the assessment and is now eligible to create VR games. This is one of the highest achievements possible in today's gaming industry."
The news was backed by an official report from the association:
"The community sincerely hopes that developer Leo continues his journey on the VR platform. We hope his VR games will be as good as—or even better than—his current titles. We wish him success on this new platform and believe he will make significant contributions to the industry.
We eagerly look forward to the innovations developer Leo will bring to VR gaming."
Alongside this, an official statement was also released from Leo's personal account:
"I sincerely thank all the gamers who have supported me. I also want to express my gratitude to the newest members of my team, Tina and Melina.
Although they haven't been with us for long, their contributions to our last two games have been tremendous.
To show our appreciation for your continued support, my team and I will keep working hard to improve and deliver even better games in the future."
...
The location was a private skyscraper lounge that seemed to float above the skyline.
High-profile guests mingled—some in stylish suits, others in casual, game-themed jackets, and even a few appearing as VR avatar projections. Glass walls shimmered with colorful lights. A remix of Leo's most well-known OST played softly in the background, blending with the clinking of glasses and bursts of laughter. The festivities were in full swing.
Another well-wisher approached Leo, who was standing near the bar, dressed in his trademark black hoodie with the word "DEV." embroidered in silver. He grinned.
Kyra, a well-known independent developer renowned for her narrative role-playing games, remarked, "You really did it."
"VR accreditation? Now, that is top-tier stuff. Few of us even have the courage to try."
Leo laughed. "Just did, didn't dare. The real headache starts now."
Kyra smiled. "What comes next?"
Leo simply lifted his glass. "A quick thing. Consider survival. Not tonight, though."
They clinked glasses.
Industry titans were on the guest list, so it wasn't a joke. Developers, streamers, esports icons, and executives from some of the largest gaming companies—PulseFrame Interactive, NovaCore Studios, and the omnipotent OrbisTech, which essentially controlled the VR infrastructure. The International Game Development Alliance (IGDA), which has actual control over who is granted what licenses and why, even sent a few silent suits.
A brief fireworks display illuminated the city sky from the corner.
With their headsets in hand, Leo's admirers stood on the upper balcony, the fortunate winners of a community raffle.
He held up his hand to them, and they chanted, "Leo! Leo!"
He merely said, "Thank you," into the microphone. "This is more than just my accomplishment. You all made it possible."
Cheers broke out on the floor.
A GameNet Live interviewer came forward. "Leo, I have a question. Now that you're in the virtual reality space, do you have any plans to work together? Or will you continue to go it alone?"
Leo gazed into the camera. "I've always adapted games to fit my style. VR, however, is a new world. You don't go into a new world by yourself."
The response from the room was a mixture of knowing smiles and raised eyebrows.
Before the party was over, that response alone generated fifty blog entries.
Leo moved to the balcony's edge and gazed out at the skyline as the music changed to an orchestral rendition of the theme from his game.
He had only said that to pacify a few people. Otherwise, why would he talk about sharing the pie if he could eat it all by himself?
But deep down, he knew that he and the two girls alone weren't enough for what he had in mind. To achieve the kind of impact he envisioned, he needed more people—skilled individuals who could help bring his vision to life.
However, he wouldn't look among the guests at the party. Instead, he planned to seek out hidden talents—those with real skills but no recognition, and no ties to the upper class of the industry.
Obviously, human nature didn't change, no matter the world. Just like on Earth, there were people here who had to abandon their dreams due to a lack of opportunity. It wouldn't be hard for him to find such individuals.
Still, he had to proceed with caution. There was always the risk that some of these people might secretly be tied to—or influenced by—the upper echelons of the industry. Some could be informants, others loyal to powerful studios or developers, and a few might even be planted to manipulate or sabotage rising competitors like him.
….
The conversation behind him changed to rumors of upcoming projects, covert alliances, and subtle power struggles.
Not everyone in attendance was only there to celebrate. The Syndicate of Code, a clandestine but incredibly powerful developer guild, was also keeping an eye on things.
Additionally, representatives of The Platinum Spine, an enigmatic organization thought to be in charge of cross-world distribution channels, had quietly come and gone.
The gaming industry was rapidly evolving—technologically, politically, and in terms of power dynamics.
Leo, however, remained unfazed by all of it. His focus was fixed on a single goal: to create the greatest VR battle royale game ever made.
But tonight, standing alone on the balcony, he lifted his drink and muttered to himself,
"Let them chase trends."
End of V1