Universe Studio headed out for a workshop at a pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do.
I am not keen on this, but it is company policy…
Taeyeon had played workshop chief more than once, so while grumbling he still prepared several solid programs.
As soon as they arrived, he gathered the five team leaders.
“Please keep everything under control so nothing happens during the two days and one night. Have everyone drop their luggage in the rooms, rest for an hour, then meet in the seminar hall. I will give the presentation there myself.”
After the announcement he went to his room, changed into the official Universe Studio zip-up hoodie, and moved straight to the hall to set up.
Exactly one hour later twenty-five employees in the same outfit filled the hall. Taeyeon cleared his throat and began.
“From now on I will present the Pantheon project.”
What is the most important thing in game development?
“Every development team must share the same picture.”
Even within the design team each person’s mental image of the game differs slightly, and it is worse between teams. People often work without knowing the basics, such as the lore, the technology in use, or how and on what specs the service will run.
Because of this, whenever design details change the senior planners often present to the whole staff. Yet even after that everything may change again, and developers who were passionate at first can give up trying to follow the design.
This producer presentation was meant to prevent that. It was time to organize and announce what the Task Force team had finalized through brainstorming.
“This is the basic field layout of Pantheon.”
Most MMORPGs have several hubs, fields, and instances, but Pantheon has one hub, the sky city Pantheon built on Yggdrasil and ruled by the absolute system Deus Ex Machina.
“As you know it is a united city where countless gods and their followers from myths and legends live. Think of something about the size of Manhattan.”
A mysterious city where past, present, and future coexist. The plan is to minimize server numbers and launch a global integrated version from day one.
Using a huge roll screen, Taeyeon showed concept art and sketches created by AD Hong Min-seok and lead artist Lee Young-ae while explaining each zone.
“Pantheon began after the first Ragnarok as an alliance to fight the demon faction efficiently and to protect humanity and civilization.”
He summarized the lore, touching only what everyone must know.
“The Yggdrasil that supports Pantheon is only an imitation. The backstory draws on Norse mythology but differs a bit. Energy bursting from the World Tree became the universe, its seeds formed galaxies, and Earth is one of those seeds.”
Eyes stayed on the images, ears on his voice.
“As Earth grew it bore many fruits. The first fruits were chief gods, demons, and the chaotic beings that threaten both sides. They created divine beasts, demonic beasts, animals, and mortal life such as humans.”
Gods and demons fought to possess Earth, but the gods were at a disadvantage. The warlike demons first fought among themselves to set hierarchy, formed the group Pandemonium, then attacked the gods. After the huge first war, Ragnarok, caused great damage, the gods united and built Pantheon.
“The imitation Yggdrasil was created by several chief gods combining their powers. It belongs to no single god, so it created the absolute management system Deus Ex Machina to rule Pantheon fairly and efficiently. That system observes Earth and the demons, then assigns missions to gods, followers, and players.”
Before Yggdrasil and Deus Ex Machina everyone in Pantheon is equal. Gods who break the law are punished, and if they resist, they are subdued by the security corps run by the system.
“Within this world players begin many stories. Depending on their choices they may join the faction of a certain god and receive fitting traits and abilities.”
The fields and dungeons of Pantheon are Earth itself. Players face Pandemonium demons or the chaotic beings that threaten both sides.
“In Pantheon, you can perform many quests, such as keeping the streets safe, stopping terrorism and crime. You can earn money with part-time jobs, use it for living expenses or for building, expanding, and maintaining housing.”
As the explanation went on, the developers could not close their mouths. They could guess how hard the work would be, yet it did not feel vague.
He mapped out such a huge design in great detail.
The blueprint is clear, we will not be lost.
The presentation ended. Taeyeon bowed.
“It will be hard, but if we give our best, it will be a great game. Let us succeed and all get rich. Thank you.”
Strong applause burst out.
After lunch Hong Min-seok and Lee Young-ae each gave a talk, sharing experience from world-class schools and studios with fascinating material, making it valuable for everyone.
In the evening, they held a barbecue and free time. Taeyeon slipped away quietly to open his laptop. On the screen was the document “Nexple Plus Full Staff Workshop Schedule”.
“Seventy staff plus headquarters executives and even the CEO and chairman…”
Even Producer Takizawa Satoshi and the Japanese development leads would attend. After the workshop he would guide them through Nexple Plus, hold meetings, and support two days of sightseeing.
Ping, messages arrived in succession from CEO Kim Myung-wook, the dev team, and outsourcers. He answered by text, handled key issues by call, when someone quietly sat beside him, AD Hong Min-seok.
After a frantic stretch he finally sighed, and Hong spoke.
“Busy, aren’t you.”
“My karma.”
“When does the Nexple Plus workshop start?”
“Next week, Friday to Sunday.”
“Three days, two nights?”
“It will really be a seminar. Most are new to localization and the ops team needs a lot of training.”
Hong nodded, then spoke carefully.
“PD-nim, you are truly amazing.”
“Me?”
“Your development skill is one thing, but your eye for talent is outstanding. You are better than any manager I have met.”
The weighty, sincere compliment made Taeyeon smile.
“I am glad.”
“I have not enjoyed coming to work like this in a long time. My wife feels the same. She is grateful for the environment you created.”
“Keep praising me and I will get dizzy.”
They laughed, but soon Lee Young-ae and other art-team women gathered.
“PD-nim, I have a question.”
“Me too.”
Work was impossible. They bombarded him with questions about Pantheon, some wild. Taeyeon closed the laptop and answered with a smile.
Among them was Seong Tae-hee from S University art department, her face flushed from drink, thoroughly enjoying herself. She had been hired and, as a soon-to-graduate art developer, drew much attention from the men.
Good thing her personality is smooth.
Finding veterans is good, but discovering rookies with endless potential is vital. Along with Tae-hee, 3D modeler Choi Yeji from KU Game School and Lee Jaemun, who began as an animator, also earned high marks. Hong confessed he lost track of time nurturing these promising chicks. Taeyeon watched them closely.
Next, I need a few junior programmers and planners.
Many lectures lie ahead; if good newcomers appear he will recruit them.
This is great.
Taeyeon looked up at the moon and stars, hoping the fine mood would last even when the staff grew larger.
The Nexple Plus workshop felt different. By chance the gender ratio was almost equal, sparks of flirtation in the air.
“Isn’t this fun?” Kim Myung-wook could not contain his excitement.
“I cannot really tell,” Taeyeon said, ignoring him and observing the seventy staff. Those who had grimaced at the three-day schedule now looked radiant.
“I bet a few couples form by the end.”
Taeyeon smirked and checked his phone. A message:
[Arriving in 10 minutes.]
He stood.
“Time to get ready to greet the chairman and the directors.”
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