novelraw Chapter 161 : A Streamer Who Knows the Classic
Chapter 161 : A Streamer Who Knows the Classic
A Streamer Who Knows the Classic
Early dawn.
Most people were seeking sleep, but in the world of internet broadcasting, this was considered the 'prime time.'
That's why so many streamers were online, and Genome was no exception.
"Alright, that's it for Vampire Surveillance! Finished checking out the new character, new map, and all the new items!"
He threw out his closing remark for the first part of the broadcast and exited the game.
― Queue up!
― Editor, you can cut here^^
― Ah, lol, can't believe you bought it
― Honest ones, you guys awake? Honest ones, you guys awake?
― Honestly, luck carried that clear, right?
― Seriously, lol, it was the 5 items from the last loot box that saved you
― No, no, it's because you're a bat guy, the vampires let you off
― LOL, genome class at work
Genome returned to his studio and scoffed as he read the chat.
"Yeah, keep trying to tilt me. Just give your points to the honest ones and be done with it!"
He teased his viewers back, mockingly, finished calculating the point bets, and checked the time.
"Huh, cleared it faster than I thought. There's some time before part two."
― Let's eat!
― Nogari time ON!
― Open up video donations!
― Ah, lol, hit us up with the Chu remix!
The viewers weren't about to miss this intermission before part two. Just as they were getting excited to tease Genome, a sudden influx crowded into the chat.
― Shelter the refugees!
― Oh? First part ended already?
― Manual hosting ON!
― What? Weren't you going to defeat VS? Did you give up?
― LOL, arrived just in time
Despite the surge in viewers and chat, genome remained unfazed.
He was used to situations like this.
"Hey, welcome, refugees. Demerc's stream was hilarious, right?"
A large proportion of his fanbase overlapped with Lee Gyeongbok's fanbase. So when Lee Gyeongbok's stream ended, many viewers would hop straight to Genome's stream.
― Godple did it again today, I'm telling you
― It was PerMuncheol TV again, right?
― Ah, lol, every broadcast is legendary!
― Sob, that was delicious. Today's broadcast.
― Kinggirl legend joke, lol
― But seriously, it was insane, Lol
Impressions poured in response to Genome's question. Sitting at his studio desk, he let out a sigh.
"Hey, of course it was another legend! Just look at what was uploaded yesterday, it was insane! My biggest regret is not being able to catch it live."
Because of his own broadcast schedule, he couldn't watch Lee Gyeongbok's stream. Instead, he had to settle for the Q-tube uploads.
― Then quit broadcasting, lol
― Breaking: Chu guy considers retirement to watch Godple's streams
― LOL, going full-time Trooper at once
― Our old and sick hyung, isn't it time to retire?
― He could burrow all the way to the earth's core at this rate, lol
The viewers seized the chance to mess with him, and Genome sneered in response.
"Should I really retire then? Ah, maybe I'll ask Purple for a spot. Retire from streaming, join the real Purple bus, and spectate right next to him? Ah! I can't miss that!"
-?
― Even at retirement, you're looking to leech, huh?
― You do you, Chu guy...
-5252, how far are you planning to fall, lol!
― Feels like the earth's inner core should be no problem, lol
― Shouldn't we hear Godple's side too, lol
― Honestly, not even a Black Company would hire you
― True, lol. Any company would reject you at this point
That was when—
['EvenThisIsNoSpaceForHyung' has donated '10,000' won for a video.]
A viewer donated a video.
The video was from Lee Gyeongbok's Demerc trial stream, showing the showdown with Arachne.
Seeing Lee Gyeongbok defeat Arachne with his eyes closed, genome jolted and moved quickly.
-?
― What? Why isn't it playing?
― What is this, skipping video content?
― Is this Smurf just pocketing the ten-thousand?
-5252! Trying to milk donations before retirement?
The video disappeared without playing, prompting chat to explode in question marks.
"Hey guys, I told you, right? Play scenes are fine, but cutscenes are a no-go? This is an exclusive for Purple, so if I broadcast it, it could count as a copyright violation."
Right now, demon Must Cry was being released as an 'exclusive.' Any related content on other streams could cause problems.
As Genome explained, the chat filled with 'lol's.
― King lol copyright lol
― Did you think it was an assassination attempt?
― Ah, lol, someone could easily misunderstand if they didn't know, lol
― Yeah, total Perante move
― More fun to see you panicked like this, lol
― Any PerG-Day content becomes instant Q-tube highlight
Genome blinked at the chat. With his broadcasting experience, he quickly caught on to the situation.
He opened his eyes wide and said,
"What? Was that actually Purple playing himself? For real? You trying to assassinate me or something?"
― Why would anyone want to assassinate, lol!
― Man, there's no content worth watching except hyung's stream right now
― Ah, relax and just play it again, will you?
― He's just jealous for more donations!
-5252, already fitting Black Company's ideal candidate!
Genome then replayed the previously stopped donation video. There was a scene of lightning-quick sword draw and what looked like rending space itself.
"Holy—, that's insane. That clean? If that's not a cutscene, what is?"
A sigh of admiration slipped out.
It wasn't just exaggeration for the stream—it was a genuine reaction.
"But seriously, you're spoiling something this awesome with a ten-thousand-won donation? Damn! Wanna taste a 3-day ban?"
Of course, he didn't forget the fun of the broadcast. His playful threat brought another wave of laughter to the chat.
['EndingAnalysisON' has donated '5,000' won.]
[Hyung! Demon Must Cry's ending is tomorrow! When it's done, do an analysis stream like you did for Elso!]
Naturally, the topic shifted to Demon Must Cry streams.
Genome let out a wry chuckle at the donation message.
"Guys, this isn't even released yet, unreleased! How am I supposed to analyze something I haven't played? It's not that I don't want to!"
― LMAO, analyzing an unreleased game, lol
― This is honestly Genome's fault.
― But! You could use it as an excuse to invite Godple!
― Oh? Are you a genius?
― Missing PerG-Day so muchㅠㅠㅠ
― Can't you see a joint stream coming soon?
Genome gave a bitter smile at the flood of requests in the chat.
"Yeah, of course I want to. Honestly, I've tried the zero-to-hero bus myself—do you think I want it more than you guys who've only watched? You can't forget that ride."
― A subtle flex, huh?
― Ah, now I'm feeling salty
― But why not schedule a joint stream!?
― Purge! We require a purge!
― Manager? You know what to do, right? Heh
Genome waved his hand at the camera.
"No, but you've got to think from Purple's perspective too. He's super busy these days. You remember V-STAR, right? Me, ecl, and him tried to get into all three channels at once and ended up stuck in a three-thousand-person queue."
― LMAO, that was hilarious
-??? : Let's just go say hi to Purple for a sec
― Saying it with confidence to Ecl and then instantly finding yourself #3,000 in the queue~
― Hold on (runs thirty minutes into queue)
― When did our hyung become someone who has to line up... sob
― There was a time our hyung was personally invited......
― Old sickness Chuㅠㅠㅠ
Genome, amused, then turned serious.
"That was only because Ecl said we should wait! Anyway, you guys wouldn't know, but I get the inside scoop from the industry. I'm not dead yet, you know?"
His viewers immediately became curious. Lowering his voice as if sharing a secret, genome continued.
"I can't give too many details in case it becomes an issue, but right now Purple Coin's price is at an all-time high."
He leaned on his elbow, letting out a short sigh.
"So seriously, she's probably super busy. Even just deciding which homework to handle first would take time. Suggesting a joint stream at a time like this? That just isn't right. One should have some decency."
― Does Chu guy have decency!?
― The very notion is newsworthy, lol
― Still, sounds right, lol
― He completely dominated at V-STAR too
― If I ran a game company, I'd also want to book him, lol
― Just look at Demon Must Cry, it's insane
― Honestly, with Purple's rate, there's no way
-5252, godple's time is expensive!
― Ah yes, that's what they call 'Perfect-Time.'
Viewers expressed their disappointment, but understood Genome's logic. Even if a joint stream with Purple might not happen, a substitute existed.
"Alright, it's almost time."
Genome checked the time again and clapped his hands. As he launched Mystic League, viewers turned their attention.
― Cue-ha!
― The Ecl-Genome combo is great too, lol
― Will Ecl be playing Honorable Knight Guyen again today...
― Lol, he won't play unless it's knight
Genome's regular stream content these days.
"Alright, it's time for 'Easy Time' again! The Ecl's Mystic League adaptation story, starting now!"
The Mystic League duo with Eclipse, 'Easy Time,' was the second part of the broadcast.
* * *
Next day, early afternoon.
Lee Gyeongbok and his friends had settled into a study room in a busy city district.
The reason for coming here instead of their usual café was simple.
"Demon Must Cry broadcasts are over as of today, so now we need to plan the next content."
They came to set their plans for future streams after finishing the advertisement broadcast.
Park Juho synced the room to the Smart Link. Various game lists were projected on the wall.
"These are the ad requests that came in after V-STAR."
"There's this many?"
Lee Gyeongbok blinked at the list covering the wall.
Choi Byeonghun grinned beside him.
"Hey, remember when your channel crashed? Every other channel was fine, but yours was so full. Pretty sure every big company put in a request."
"Smaller studios would be put off, though. Just take a look through them."
Lee Gyeongbok quickly skimmed over the selections.
One game caught his eye. A very familiar one.
"Exclusive ad model for Gunner Ground?"
It was a proposal from GGG.
They were offering to make Lee Gyeongbok the exclusive ad model.
"Remember the meeting after Time Warfare? The marketing manager pulled you aside."
"Of course. But it actually went through?"
It wasn't a surprise offer.
The marketing manager had hinted at it in passing before the making film shoot.
"Honestly, there's no reason not to hire you. Thanks to you, the event match totally blew up."
"Plus, the mobile version, showdown, got a lot of attention during V-STAR."
His two friends nodded as if it were only natural. Lee Gyeongbok let out a stifled laugh, then looked at the other games.
"Hm... the rest are all mobile games."
"Well, as you know, domestic developers don't really make much for capsule machines."
Lee Gyeongbok scanned down the list. Still, none of the offers felt compelling.
"None of these really appeal to me..."
"If you do pick, you're going to need to do them in pairs."
"In pairs?"
"Yeah. Mobile games are low on content, so allocating a whole stream just for one is tough."
Choi Byeonghun frowned as he explained.
"And there's really not much to show. If it's an MMORPG, you just do some manual grinding, then move to drawing lots. If it's a character collector, push through some stages, then hit the wall and draw lots..."
"The gameplay is similar across the genre, so drawing lots basically becomes the main content."
"Not that it's boring, to be clear. Lots of folks play mobile games for the gacha lottery. That's why there are so many mobile games."
Listening to them, Lee Gyeongbok worked the Smart Link.
He, too, synced with the room and moved his hand.
"... Huh?"
"Gyeongbok?"
Suddenly, the proposals on the wall vanished. His two friends turned to him curiously.
Looking them in the eyes one by one, Lee Gyeongbok cautiously spoke.
"I had a thought while looking through these."
He didn't immediately continue.
A hush fell over the meeting room. The two friends exchanged glances, each wondering if the other had an idea.
But each pair of eyes was as perplexed as the other.
Then Lee Gyeongbok spoke up.
"I think I should take a break from ads for the time being."
Mouths half-open, eyes wide.
The two reacted identically, as if rehearsed.
It was natural.
His popularity was at a peak and work was pouring in, and yet he wanted to take a break? It made no sense.
'There must be a reason.'
'Is he getting a bad feeling about something?'
But the two didn't push back. They trusted Lee Gyeongbok's intuition.
"Not saying there's anything wrong with ads themselves. Especially not with Demon Must Cry. First in the world, exclusive, Bark was fun, and Demon Must Cry seemed like it'd be great fun too."
Lee Gyeongbok explained matter-of-factly.
"The game itself exceeded my expectations, and the viewers looked like they enjoyed it as well."
His friends nodded carefully. But the reason for stopping with ads still wasn't clear.
"But this whole 'ad' thing, it's started to feel limiting."
"Limiting?"
"They did say you had creative freedom, didn't they?"
He waved a hand with a faint smile.
"No, not me. I mean, for the viewers."
What he cared about was the viewers' reactions.
"It's nothing serious, it's just a bit of playful restraint. But you can see that viewers can't really let loose with their chat."
With ad broadcasts, viewers naturally became cautious about expressing themselves regarding the sponsor.
There were many reasons for their caution.
"You could see some were worried about whether their comments might cause trouble for me."
Most of all, they didn't want to do harm to the streamer they liked.
"Well, obviously, even with new faces dropping by, they're all your fans."
"It also means their attachment to you is strong, so I wouldn't say it's a big problem."
Lee Gyeongbok nodded.
"Yeah, and I appreciate that. But it doesn't really feel 'fun' to me."
It was 'nice' to have people looking out for you, but it didn't mean it was 'fun.'
And Lee Gyeongbok always had one principle.
"It's great to earn more, of course. But for me, fun comes first in streaming. Honestly, none of the games in that ad list looked like anything I would play for 'fun.' I don't think the viewers would find much fun in them either."
Not one game leapt out at him, and the offer to become the exclusive Gunner Ground model was a separate issue from playing.
"I know, as a company president this must sound a little irresponsible..."
That's why he brought it up so carefully.
'Really, I've left all the operations up to these guys, because I trust them.'
His friends might have wanted to seize every opportunity. Their goals might not have been the same as his.
But even so, Lee Gyeongbok finished his thought.
"For now, I think it's best to just do what I want."
He made his declaration, and again the two friends exchanged glances.
And then—
"Well, isn't that something..."
"I guess you really are a natural."
They laughed.
Surprised by their reaction, Lee Gyeongbok's eyes widened.
"Man, you really are a true streamer, both in skills and in spirit!"
Choi Byeonghun thumped his shoulder, laughing broadly.
"One-hit wonders fail because they don't know how to set priorities. They get drunk on their own success and totally forget the foundation of streaming."
"The foundation?"
"Yeah, man! Streaming is interaction. No matter how great you are, if there's no one watching, it's meaningless."
A stream without viewers is just a record—and if there's no one to see it, it's not even a record.
"Definitely, you're right. And you've earned it."
"Earned what?"
Lee Gyeongbok turned to Park Juho as he chimed in.
"When an ad comes in, the advertiser is the master, the streamer the servant. That's not just streaming, but the whole media industry."
He adjusted his glasses and worked the Smart Link. GGG's proposal showed up on the wall.
It wasn't a summary, but a detailed version.
"As you can see, gGG set the ad schedule as 'negotiable.' You know what that means, right?"
"The more I see this, the more impressive it is."
Choi Byeonghun let out an admiring laugh.
"You're not adjusting to their schedule. They want to fit all their plans to yours."
As their exclusive model, gGG pledged to schedule everything around Lee Gyeongbok.
A faint smile flickered on Park Juho's lips.
"As we've said before, you're the one holding the knife. All these companies are just waiting for your decision."
"So, I'm the master?"
The master-servant relationship was reversed.
Both friends nodded right away.
"Man, you're irreplaceable. Truly irreplaceable. When viewers call you a unique-grade streamer, it's not just a meme."
"No matter what you decide, we'll back you."
Lee Gyeongbok laughed at their answer.
Suddenly, a phrase popped into his mind.
'Purple doesn't need to fit the world. The world fits itself to Purple.'
What he said after his first joint stream with Genome, at the dinner party.
The world adapts to the genius.
'Guess I should message hyung after this.'
He hadn't been in touch much lately, being so focused on the stream and voice pack release.
"Alright, let's call it there, then."
Lee Gyeongbok stood with a satisfied look.
"Let's wrap up this broadcast perfectly."