Chapter 34: Live Gameplay and a Huge Response
Hayato and the others’ stream continued, and the viewers were intensely curious about the game displayed on screen. Questions and impressions flowed one after another in the comment section, the momentum clearly faster than during a normal stream.
On the screen, Hayato’s character cautiously advanced through a dark, cave-like dungeon, illuminated by the flickering light of a torch. Suddenly, a monster appeared from the shadows.
“Whoops. An enemy’s here.”
He controlled his on-screen character and began combat with the enemy. The series of movements—swinging his sword, dodging the enemy’s attacks, and landing a counterattack—was as fluid as an actual battle.
“Dodge at this timing, and then counterattack!”
While narrating his moves, his fingertips accurately manipulated the controller. The on-screen character moved just as he intended and splendidly defeated the monster.
- Awesome! So good!
- As expected of the Hero, LOL
- Is this a real-time action battle? Not command-based, huh.
Upon his victory, the comment section erupted with excitement. Many questions were also posted about the game’s combat system. Riri carefully explained them.
She explained that they had emphasized action elements so that people could experience Hayato’s adventure with more realism. They were also considering making the difficulty adjustable so that even those not skilled at action games could enjoy it.
Meanwhile, Hayato became more and more engrossed in the game. He assessed the enemy’s movements, timed his attacks, and repeatedly dodged and countered. His expression was utterly serious, as if he were engaged in an actual battle.
His serious expression, captured by the motion capture system, was faithfully reflected in his Avatar.
He fought silently and with intense focus, effortlessly defeating even stronger monsters. It was just a game world, but he didn’t want to lose.
After a while, Hayato suddenly looked up as if snapping back to reality.
“Oh, sorry. I was concentrating on the battle.”
“It’s alright. I believe the viewers are enjoying it too.”
Riri replied with a gentle smile. Viewers who had seen him momentarily forget about the stream and focus so intently began posting comments one after another. Fortunately, they were overwhelmingly positive.
- The immersion is incredible. I want to play this game!
- So this is how you fight, huh. Seems like there could be other ways to battle too.
- It’s amazing how it looks fun just watching him fight.
- Hayato-san, you’re seriously good at games.
“Still, this is really well-made.”
Hayato said, impressed, as he gazed at the game screen. No matter how many times he looked, Hayato was amazed by its high level of polish. It truly was meticulously crafted down to the finest details.
“It’s because I had help from many people.”
Riri replied, looking a little embarrassed. Her expression hinted at the joy of her efforts being recognized, as well as the unspoken hardships she had faced.
As they discussed the game’s development process and other topics, Hayato’s gameplay continued. The viewers listened with great interest, continuing to post comments.
“So, with that said, we’re releasing a demo version of this game starting today. You can download it from the official website of Production IVE, the agency we belong to, so please give it a try.”
- A demo already?
- I can’t believe we can actually play it!
- Downloading it right now!
- When is it scheduled for release?
- How much will it cost?
“We’re still in the middle of development, so the release date for the full version is undecided. However, the price is 0 yen. We’re planning to distribute it as a free game.”
The moment those words were spoken, the comment section erupted once more.
- Eh?
- Eh?
- Eh?
- Free?
- You mean, no cost?
- No way.
- Is it really free?!
- Free with this quality is a crime!
- Downloading it immediately!
- Thank you!!!
To fulfill their wish of sharing the memories of the other world with many people, they had decided to release it as freeware.
“Also, we plan to show the ongoing development progress on future streams, and also live stream other companions playing the game,” Hayato added.
“Please send us your opinions and feedback as well.”
“Yes, that’s right. We’d be happy to receive your opinions. We’ll use them as a reference for the future.”
“Well, it’s about time.”
Hayato said after checking the clock.
“Today we tried live game commentary for the first time, but how was it?”
- It was fun.
- It was novel.
- It was good.
- I want this kind of stream every time.
- I’ll definitely watch next time too.
- I’m curious about the rest of the adventure!
The comment section was overflowing with warm responses.
“We were happy to see everyone’s reactions.”
Riri replied with a heartfelt smile. Her expression was filled not just with the joy of a streamer, but with the joy of a creator whose work had been recognized.
“Well then, please look forward to our next stream.”
“Let’s meet again!”
The two of them waved together, and today’s stream concluded without a hitch. As their Avatars disappeared, the tension in the studio gradually dissipated.
Right after the stream ended, Josuke came to the studio area. He looked unusually excited, holding a tablet in his hand.
“Josuke, what’s wrong?”
“Hayato, Riri. The response is incredible. Look at social media.”
“Hm?”
When they checked as he said, Riri’s game was trending number one on social media.
“And this site too.”
Saying that, he showed them a major game news site he had accessed, where an article was published.
‘VTuber Group from IVE Makes Surprise Release of High-Quality Free Game!’
‘Signs of a Mega Hit! Noteworthy Free Game Production Announced’
‘Quality That Puts Pros to Shame! Noteworthy Free Game Presented by VTubers’
Josuke scrolled through the tablet, sharing more information.
“This is… amazing, isn’t it?”
To attract this much attention just by announcing its production… Riri was stunned and dumbfounded by this fact. The response was completely unexpected.
“This is the result of Riri’s incredible talent being recognized, isn’t it?” Hayato said gently.
“And our story will also reach even more people.”
“Hayato…”
Hearing those words, Riri’s expression finally turned joyful. The joy of taking a step towards her goal, and the happiness of having companions to share it with.
And so, Hayato and the others’ new challenge garnered an unexpectedly huge response, and their activities advanced to a new stage.