On the tenth day, those who had taken their annual leave gradually returned to their posts. At the same time, departments within PixelPioneers Games had already resumed full operation. However, John, Luna, Armani, Martel, and several other key members all gathered in John's hometown, preparing for the upcoming wedding banquet.
This day was undoubtedly the most important moment in the lives of John and Luna. From their first meeting to standing together now, they had been waiting a long time for this very day.
Yet, it was not only significant for them. For players across the country, and even around the world, this was also a major occasion, because on the same day, the annual International Best Game of the Year awards officially kicked off.
On platforms with live-streaming services, a special broadcast had already been set up. Some qualified players had even traveled abroad to attend in person, not just to witness the event, but to cheer for the games they truly loved.
Meanwhile, at the Grand Theater...
Dressed sharply in a tailored suit, Steven from Power Storm moved through the venue with a confident smile, exchanging greetings with renowned game creators from around the globe. After inquiring with staff about the location of PixelPioneers Games, he made his way over alone. His goal was simple: to meet the man he had never encountered before.
The impact brought by The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, along with the cinematic techniques showcased in Metal Gear Solid: Original Burst Point, had left a deep impression on Steven. He had a strong intuition that the man behind PixelPioneers, John, would become his greatest rival.
With the massive success of The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and the achievements of his own Epic Continent, media outlets around the world had inevitably drawn comparisons between the two.
Gaming media often used headlines like "Epic Continent and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Stand Neck and Neck."
Meanwhile, local outlets framed it differently: "A Head-to-Head Showdown: PixelPioneers Games' Meteoric Rise."
As far as Steven was concerned, among all developers from the past year, none had truly surprised him, except one. His only real opponent now was John.
In fact, he had already made up his mind: if given the opportunity after the ceremony, he would invite John to visit Power Storm's studio. They would exchange ideas on game design philosophy, discuss future concepts, and perhaps even spark a rivalry that could push both sides further.
"Beautiful landscapes, a vast worldview… truly an outstanding game," Steven murmured sincerely as he arrived at the PixelPioneers Games exhibition area, watching The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim play across the large display screen.
Although this was an awards ceremony, it was also a commercial event. Ticket sales, sponsorships, and game showcases filled the venue, giving it a lively, almost festival-like atmosphere.
At the same time, elsewhere...
"Haha, President John looks so handsome today, and President Luna is absolutely stunning!"
"Congratulations to President John and President Luna, wishing you a lifetime of happiness!"
"Hey, tomorrow Resident Evil Resistance and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim are both getting new content updates. Players are going to lose their minds!"
"Koch, I left your wedding candies at the office. Grab them when you get back!"
Koch, who had been entrusted with the responsibility of representing PixelPioneers Games at the ceremony, stood in the exhibition area scrolling through messages, videos, and social media posts from colleagues attending the wedding back home.
The more he looked, the worse he felt. Right now, he didn't even know whether he should feel happy or regretful. There was no doubt that The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim would achieve outstanding results at the International Best Game of the Year Awards, unless something extremely shady happened.
Such honor, such a grand stage, and he, Koch, had been chosen to represent the company. That alone proved how much trust the company placed in him and how highly John regarded him. And yet… He had missed the only wedding his boss would ever have. That lingering regret made his emotions incredibly complicated.
But Koch wasn't the only one experiencing mixed feelings. After arriving at the PixelPioneers area and locating the staff, Steven, wanting to show sincerity, introduced himself, expressing his hope to meet John in person.
However, the staff politely informed him that President John had not attended. Again and again, after confirming the same answer, Steven froze on the spot.
This was the International Best Game of the Year Awards! The Oscars of the gaming world! And he didn't come?! Steven had already planned everything in advance: the conversation, the exchange of ideas, the invitation to visit his studio, and even the possibility of discussing future collaborations and friendly competition. And now, he wasn't here?! Then what was the point of styling his hair so carefully? Choosing this suit so meticulously?
Still, since he was already here, he couldn't leave empty-handed. Under the staff's guidance, Steven eventually met Koch, who had come in John's place. The two spoke amicably for about half an hour before Steven left, a trace of disappointment lingering on his face.
After he was gone, Koch turned to the staff member beside him.
"Even though Steven was very polite… why do I feel like he looked down on me?" Koch asked hesitantly.
During their conversation, Steven had been courteous the entire time: no arrogance, no rudeness. And yet, Koch couldn't shake the feeling that he had been treated like a child. If he had to describe it, it was like discussing advanced gameplay strategies with someone. You're passionately explaining combos and tactics, while the other person nods along absentmindedly, saying, "Yeah, yeah, got it… sounds strong…"
On the surface, everything seemed fine. But deep down, you knew they weren't taking you seriously. Because at best, you were a high-ranking casual player… While they stood at the very top of the professional world.
Hearing Koch's words, the staff member beside him hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Meanwhile, countless players had already prepared their food and drink, curled up under blankets or sitting eagerly in front of their computers, waiting for the ceremony to begin. They could hardly wait to see The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, their beloved game, and their favorite game developer, step onto the international stage and claim its well-deserved glory.