Ajal.
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Chapter 12 - The Landscape
🕑 Added 2025-09-13 03:50:14 +0000 UTCIn Hayao Nakayama’s office, the atmosphere was heavy.
A senior marketing manager stood before the desk, delivering the latest market data with a grave expression.
“President, this is the latest home console market report.”
“Nintendo’s Famicom continues to hold an absolute lead.”
“Their Super Mario Bros. has surpassed three million units sold, dominating the charts.”
“Kung-Fu and Antarctic Adventure are also selling strongly.”
“Sega’s SG-1000 market share has shrunk further, left far behind by Nintendo.”
“Moreover, Nintendo has addressed early hardware flaws through upgrades, and with Konami, Namco, and other developers creating games for the Famicom, it has virtually no weaknesses in the 8-bit console category.”
The manager’s voice was low and resigned.
Nintendo’s dominance in the home console market left competitors feeling deeply powerless.
Hayao Nakayama’s face darkened, his fingers tapping the desk rhythmically.
He picked up the report, scanning the stark numbers and charts.
The alarming figures furrowed his brow.
Nintendo’s Famicom loomed like an insurmountable mountain before all competitors.
Sega’s efforts in the home console market seemed futile.
“Nintendo… Nintendo…” Hayao muttered, his tone laced with frustration and defiance.
In Kyoto, Japan, at Nintendo’s headquarters, the air was filled with an almost effortless confidence, starkly contrasting the tension at Sega.
Hiroshi Yamauchi sat behind a wide desk, an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his hawk-like eyes scanning the subordinate standing respectfully before him.
“Report this month’s results,” he said, his voice low but commanding undeniable authority.
The subordinate bowed slightly, barely containing excitement.
“President, the Famicom’s sales remain robust.”
“Konami’s ports of Antarctic Adventure and Kung-Fu have been hot sellers since release, each surpassing a million units shipped.”
“Namco’s Pac-Man, Hudson’s Lode Runner, Taito’s Macross… these third-party hits have greatly enriched our game library, further solidifying the Famicom’s dominance in the home console market.”
Each bestselling game was like a medal, affirming Nintendo’s triumph.
The subordinate flipped through the report, continuing, “The second half of the year’s lineup is even more promising.”
“Konami’s Salamander, Hudson’s Bomberman, Capcom’s 1942… these anticipated arcade ports, along with Namco’s Tank Battalion, will hit the Famicom soon.”
“Additionally, more third-party developers have expressed strong interest in joining the Famicom ecosystem.”
Yamauchi’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
Everything was under control.
The Famicom’s reign in Japan was unshakable.
His gaze shifted from the report to another priority.
The North American market was a critical piece of his global strategy.
The shadow of the Atari crash still loomed over the U.S. gaming market—a cautionary tale.
“Hmph,” Yamauchi snorted, as if mocking Atari’s arrogance in squandering a winning hand. They thought players would buy their shoddy games, especially riding the hype of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. A great movie paired with a fun game could’ve been double the joy, but they served up garbage in a fancy box!
Shaking off the thought, he gestured for his subordinate, interrupted by the snort, to report on North America. “How’s the NES preparation going?”
The subordinate straightened, speaking faster.
“President, rest assured, everything is proceeding as instructed.”
“Our messaging emphasizes the NES as the ‘Nintendo Entertainment System,’ a family entertainment system, not just a ‘video game console.’”
“The design uses understated gray, resembling a VCR, to minimize resistance from U.S. consumers scarred by the Atari crash.”
He added, “The U.S. gaming market, post-Atari crash, is in a massive vacuum.”
“Consumers are fed up with low-quality games but crave high-quality entertainment. Our arcade surveys in cities like New York, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas confirm that good games remain popular.”
“This is the perfect moment for the NES to enter and dominate.”
“Marketing, distribution channels, and launch game lineups are being prepared intensively.”
Yamauchi nodded slowly.
Mitigate risks, target pain points.
Exactly what he wanted.
As the report neared its end, the subordinate added, “By the way, President, regarding competitors…”
“There are rumors that Sega’s making some moves.”
“Word is they paid a ‘significant price’ to acquire rights to a… puzzle game from the Soviet Union.”
His tone was dismissive, as if it were mere market noise.
“Sega?” Yamauchi’s brow furrowed slightly, like a fly briefly disturbing him.
“The Soviet Union?”
“A puzzle game?”
The combination sounded absurd.
Sega, repeatedly failing in the home console market, betting on a Soviet game?
He nearly laughed.
A single game challenging Super Mario Bros.’s throne?
Matching Konami and Namco’s upcoming Famicom blockbusters?
In quantity and quality, Yamauchi saw no contest.
Sega’s struggles were like a drowning man’s flailing. Bringing in third parties early was the right move.
Dismissing the thought, Yamauchi refocused on his grand vision.
“Ignore it,” he said, waving a hand with finality.
“Sega’s no threat in the home console market.”
“Our priority is ensuring the NES launches successfully in North America, cementing Nintendo’s global leadership.”
“Everything else is just irrelevant noise.”
He stood, walking to the window, overlooking Kyoto’s streets.
“Keep monitoring market trends, especially North American feedback.”
“Proceed steadily with our plan.”
“Hai!” The subordinate bowed and exited.
