Developing Games: To scare players all around the world! Chapter 110: Unexpected Visitors

T.L Feel this arc will have a lot of nationalism just a feeling, If you notice any I miss let me know.

It wasn’t difficult to get the authorities to reach Tony; it was merely a matter of time.

"When do you think they’ll come for you?" Natalie inquired softly.

"Within a few days, at most," Tony responded. "They can’t just let the public outcry spiral endlessly. Eventually, someone will have to step in and set the tone."

If the authorities truly decided to shut him down, it would represent a significant setback. While he wouldn’t suffer greatly, possessing enough wealth for multiple lifetimes and his system remaining with him, it would cause massive delays. In the worst-case scenario, he would be forced to relocate to another country and begin anew.

However, if [New World] collapsed, it wouldn’t be his loss alone. The industry itself would regress into mediocrity. Players would never again witness a game burn so brightly. Yet, observing strangers online standing up to defend [New World] filled him with a quiet warmth. They didn’t even know him, yet they were fighting for the same cause.

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, the distant hum of an engine grew louder outside the villa, eventually cutting off just beyond the gate.

"Cortana, what’s going on?" Tony asked.

"Cameras show an Audi A6 at the entrance," Chang’e reported. "Unusual plates, white background. There’s a pass in the window... labeled Military Access."

"What?" Natalie shot up, her eyes wide. "Military?"

Tony remained still. He simply exhaled, already piecing it together. "An old Audi, white plates, military pass... Well, speak of the devil. Looks like they’ve come in person."

"Soldiers? Why would the military come here?" Natalie whispered, her nerves evident in her voice.

"Why else? They want me. The military coming directly is more serious than I expected... which implies they desire something only I can provide." Tony’s tone was steady, almost unnervingly calm. "Cortana, shut yourself down for now."

"Understood," Cortana replied, then fell silent. Certain secrets were not meant to be exposed so casually.

The villa’s doorbell rang.

Natalie gripped her hands tightly, tension etched across her face. She had felt confident in front of millions of viewers before, but the prospect of facing uniformed officers made her falter.

"What do we do, Tony?"

"What else? We open the door." Tony rose and walked toward the courtyard.

At the gate stood two men in crisp military uniforms. The older one, approximately forty years old, bore the rank of colonel on his shoulder. A younger officer stood silently behind him.

"You’re Mr. Willis?" the colonel inquired. "An honor to meet you." He stepped forward, offered a salute, and introduced himself. "I am Colonel Mustang, of the Southern Military Command. We'd like to discuss something with you."

"Please, come inside," Tony replied politely, ushering them in. Natalie followed, stiff with apprehension.

"Anything to drink?" Tony inquired as they settled in the living room.

"No, thank you." Colonel Mustang shook his head. His expression was serious, though his tone conveyed a measure of respect. "To be frank, we are here to discuss cooperation. Specifically, we wish to explore applying your technology to our training systems."

He proceeded to elaborate, explaining that modern VR was already employed in military training globally, but progress was sluggish. Most simulations could only manage rudimentary tactics, barely surpassing commercial games. Nothing approached the lifelike depth that [New World] had achieved.

With Silent Hill, Deep Sea Trek, and now Sekiro, [New World] had constructed worlds that felt more genuine than reality, AIs capable of independent thought and adaptation, networks that could accommodate tens of thousands without latency, and combat systems demanding peak physical and mental engagement.

"Suffice it to say, Mr. Willis, your games are not merely entertainment. They are strategic assets," Colonel Mustang stated gravely. "Sekiro, in particular, offers us a novel approach to training. If adapted, it could push soldiers beyond the limits of traditional drills. Techniques too perilous to attempt in reality could be safely tested within VR."

Tony remained silent for a considerable moment before nodding. "I can assist with that. If my work can bring people joy and also serve a greater purpose... that is an honor."

He did not wish to employ his games to contribute to warfare, but he understood that even if he desired to refuse, he could not. This was too significant an offer. Accepting meant not only cooperation but also securing a shield potent enough to quell all current and future detractors. With such backing, rival studios and media assaults would become inconsequential. He would attain a degree of freedom to act as he pleased.

"I am willing to develop a dedicated training platform," Tony declared. "But I do have one question."

"Please," Colonel Mustang encouraged.

"What is the government’s position regarding this outcry? Will [New World] manage to weather this storm?"

The colonel’s lips curved into a confident smirk."Mr. Willis, you have no cause for concern. There are no intentions to shut you down. On the contrary, your endeavors are receiving unparalleled backing. The creations you’ve brought forth have captivated the global audience. This fact is undeniable."

Tony’s eyebrows lifted slightly."Is that so?"

"Indeed," Colonel Mustang affirmed with a nod."Your creations transcend mere games; they are worldwide phenomena. You’ve reshaped the very landscape of an entire industry. Such impact is rare and is duly acknowledged."

A younger officer flanking him produced a mobile phone, placed it on the table, and initiated playback of a video.

As the screen flickered to life, a bustling street scene filled the frame, thronged with demonstrators.

"This footage was captured just yesterday," Colonel Mustang elaborated."Following their experience with Sekiro, numerous players have organized anti-war protests. Your work… it’s initiating dialogues that extend far beyond the realm of gaming."

Colonel Mustang leaned back, a smile playing on his lips."And this phenomenon isn't confined to this locale. Demonstrations have erupted in Japan, the UK… even in China and South Korea."

"All of this… because of Sekiro?" Tony’s eyes widened.

He had been so engrossed in the public opinion battle that he hadn't considered other consequences. The notion of players taking to the streets in real-world anti-war protests felt utterly surreal.

While he had indeed woven an anti-war message into Sekiro, he had never anticipated players would not only grasp it but also translate it into tangible actions.

Colonel Mustang let out a soft chuckle."You’re not the only one taken aback. I daresay the governments in those nations weren't anticipating this either. Such is the magnitude of your influence. To be frank, it’s no exaggeration to say you've ascended to a position of power."

Tony tilted his head, a subtle smile gracing his lips."Well… given your perspective, I wouldn't dispute that."

Countless historical figures were heralded as visionaries. Why should he not claim that mantle for himself?

"You need harbor no worries," Colonel Mustang stated with conviction."Those in authority understand clearly. They recognize that this so-called wave of ‘public opinion’ was artificially manufactured, instigated by competing companies, with other manipulative forces at play. It’s merely noise, devoid of truth. The responsible parties have already received stern warnings. The attacks against [New World] will subside shortly."

Hearing this, Tony finally exhaled a long, slow breath. He had maintained an air of composure, but inwardly, he dreaded seeing everything he had painstakingly built crumble. [New World] was his life’s work, and witnessing its downfall would have been devastating.

"One further inquiry, Colonel," Tony pressed."What are your personal views on gaming? Purely out of curiosity."

Colonel Mustang pondered for a moment before responding:"Games should be viewed dialectically. Certainly, some students become overly engrossed, leading to academic decline, but attributing blame solely to games is illogical. Without games, those same individuals wouldn't spontaneously transform into paragons of scholarship. Furthermore, addiction affects a minority, not the general populace."

He leaned forward slightly."In fact, your titles, Subnautica and Sekiro, demand considerable physical and mental exertion. They are not conducive to passive, endless engagement. If anything, they have served to enhance players' physical conditioning and sharpen their reflexes. These games have not been perceived as detrimental. Quite the opposite, in fact."

"As for Silent Hill…" Colonel Mustang chuckled."Who would willingly become addicted to such a nightmare? Unless they possess a rather morbid disposition!"

The young officer beside him couldn’t help but join in the laughter.

Tony quirked an eyebrow."Colonel Mustang, your familiarity with my games seems remarkably profound."

"Naturally. I’ve played all three," Colonel Mustang declared with pride."In fact, I’ve utilized Silent Hill to fortify the courage of my soldiers. A brutal yet effective method. You can ask Jones here."

The younger officer winced slightly but managed a strained smile."It’s true. After enduring that… I feel equipped to face any challenge."

Tony stifled a laugh. He was acutely aware of just how terrifying Silent Hill truly was. Enlisting it as a tool for ‘courage training’ was a notion exclusive to the military’s unique brand of extremity.

"In any case," Colonel Mustang continued,"we’ve already employed Sekiro as a provisional combat simulator. It’s been met with universal acclaim, myself included. The action, the sheer intensity, it's unparalleled. So yes, Mr. Willis… you've cultivated a substantial following within the armed forces."

"You are too kind." Tony offered a faint smile, then quipped,"It sounds as if I've already accomplished half of the military’s preparatory work for them."

"Precisely." Colonel Mustang grinned broadly."However, we now seek a more direct form of collaboration. When your schedule permits, we would be honored by your visit to our base. Ideally, within the next two days. This was the directive I received for this assignment. We shall arrange for transportation."

"Tomorrow morning would be ideal," Tony responded without hesitation."I see no need to bring a contingent. I can manage this myself."

"That will be acceptable. Our side will supply the necessary developers. We shall be awaiting your word."

Following this declaration, Colonel Mustang and his subordinate offered a sharp salute before departing.

Silence once again descended upon the villa.

Natalie let out a shaky breath, her voice finally returning, "Tony... are you truly going?"

"You witnessed the events yourself," Tony replied with a shrug. "A colonel personally visited. What choice do I have?"

"But..."

"This is not a negative development," he interrupted her softly. "Did you not hear? The malicious campaign against us has already been resolved. Once this current situation passes, [New World] will not only survive but flourish. With the military's support, Sis, this is exceptionally good news."