Chapter 11: Overwhelming First Place!

Steven Harris remained silent. Although Daniel Cooper was his junior, both were B-level designers, and Daniel was still active in front-line development. It would be embarrassing for both if they really argued, and Steven knew he couldn't win against Daniel.

So, he could only temporarily swallow his anger and say nothing.

The host sensed the strange atmosphere among the three judges and quickly said, "Thank you to the three judges for their insightful comments. I believe that it's impossible to make a game that everyone likes. Some people will like it, and some won't, which is normal. There's no absolute right or wrong. The final decision rests with our audience. Now, let's proceed with the second round of recommendations."

With this roundabout way of speaking, Steven's expression finally eased a bit.

In the next segment, the audience could recommend their choices again. Clearly, the focus was on "Flappy Bird" and "Hunter Island."

No other game could surpass "Flappy Bird" at this point. It all depended on how many recommendations "Hunter Island" could get in this final round.

The audience was hesitant.

"Who are you voting for?"

"I think Mr. Harris has a point. Is 'Flappy Bird' too simple? Does it really deserve the championship?"

"So, you're voting for 'Hunter Island'?"

"Well, it's hard to say. I feel 'Hunter Island' is more meticulously made, but it's just not as fun as 'Flappy Bird.'"

"Then what's your hesitation? Daniel Cooper's argument makes sense, too. I'm voting for 'Flappy Bird.'"

"Me too."

"Yeah, let's not suffer alone."

Soon, the new data was out.

"Flappy Bird" received 1,037 recommendations!

"Hunter Island" received 537 recommendations!

To have a chance at first place, "Hunter Island" needed to surpass "Flappy Bird" by 128 recommendations, but it was clearly hopeless.

Moreover, "Flappy Bird" gained nearly 500 recommendations in the second round, basically crushing the competition!

The host said, "Okay, the final results are in. According to the rules, 'Flappy Bird' has proven its popularity with first place in both game time and recommendations. However, we still need to see the judges' final opinions. If all three judges unanimously agree that it shouldn't win first place, then unfortunately, we must disqualify it."

"What are your opinions, judges?"

The host looked at the three judges.

Steven Harris and Simon Dominic said nothing.

To veto the game, all three judges had to oppose it unanimously. But Daniel Cooper's stance was clear. Even if Steven and Simon opposed it, it wouldn't work. So, they wisely chose to stay silent.

Daniel took the microphone: "I support this game. I believe it deserves to win this game design competition."

The host nodded, "Alright! The winner of this game design competition is the work of designer number 7, 'Flappy Bird'!"

"Next, please welcome designer number 7 to the stage to receive the award. You will receive 300,000 dollars in research and development funds, D-level game designer certification, and a personal experience store. Congratulations!"

Alex Parker stood up and walked to the stage.

The audience and other contestants watched, curious about the person who developed this bizarre game.

Perhaps half the audience wanted to grab Alex by the hair and ask, "Do you have antisocial tendencies? Why create such a self-torturing game? Why?"

Of course, that was just a thought.

To everyone's surprise, Alex's reaction was calm, with no signs of excitement. It was as if he had anticipated this moment.

Accepting the award seemed like just a formality to him.

"Congratulations."

The host shook hands with Alex and handed him the trophy.

"A staff member will contact you later to transfer the prize money to your account. Also, please discuss the details of the experience store with the staff."

Alex nodded.

The host loudly said, "Let's give designer number 7, Alex Parker, another round of applause!"

The audience applauded enthusiastically, and reporters' flashlights kept flashing. Alex, holding the trophy, smiled politely.

At this moment, a voice called out.

"Excuse me, host, may I say a few words?"

The host was taken aback. Turning to look, he saw it was Steven Harris.

What's going on?

The host hesitated. According to the schedule, the competition had ended, and comments had been made. What else was there to say?

But since Steven had already asked, there was no reason to refuse. The host nodded, "Of course, go ahead."

The applause gradually stopped, and the audience wondered what Steven had to say.

Steven cleared his throat and addressed Alex, "First of all, congratulations on winning first place."

Alex nodded, "Thank you."

Steven continued, "As someone with experience, I'd like to share some insights with you. Would you like to hear them?"

Alex smiled and nodded, "Please go ahead."

Steven said, "I think your ideas are unique, and your approach to game design is different, which is impressive. However, having ideas alone isn't enough for game development. Being too innovative can sometimes backfire."

"Making games requires a solid foundation. Relying on loopholes to make a game might bring temporary success, but it's not sustainable."

"For example, your game. My opinion remains the same: you didn't bring any genuine joy or emotional resonance to the audience. Instead, you relied on negative emotions to keep them playing, which I find distasteful."

"I hope you can quickly steer away from this path. Don't let this win lead you astray, as it will ultimately harm you. Understand?"

Steven's words changed the atmosphere slightly.

Though he used polite language, the underlying message was clear: he believed Alex's game succeeded by exploiting loopholes and luck. Making another similar game would be a guaranteed failure.

Clearly, Steven hadn't let it go. Unable to confront Daniel directly or admit he was wrong, he chose to criticize Alex.

Confronting Daniel carried risks; Steven wouldn't gain anything if things escalated. But criticizing Alex, a newcomer, was risk-free. At most, Alex would meekly nod and say, "Thank you for your guidance," no matter how he felt.

Daniel understood Steven's intentions. However, since Steven wasn't targeting him, he couldn't intervene and could only watch Alex take the unfair criticism.