Chapter 50: Confronting Generation Entertainment

"Where's this drama coming from? Haven't played the game and you're already criticizing? These are clearly two different games; who's copying your 'Plants vs. Zombies'?"

"Suggest you get your eyes checked. The world settings are completely different, is this really plagiarism?"

"Haha, just because the gameplay is a bit similar, it's plagiarism? Then can I say 'Plants vs. Zombies' plagiarized Generation Entertainment's 'Fantasy Tower Defense'? After all, both are tower defence games."

"What's the benefit of attacking others like a mad dog? Did your master promise you a bone?"

"What level is Generation Entertainment? And what level is the developer of 'Plants vs. Zombies'? Generation Entertainment copying you? Don't be ridiculous; it seems someone is just trying to ride the wave of popularity!"

"'Plants vs. Zombies' is a good game, but you can't be unreasonable. Others can't make games in the same genre?"

The arguments escalated, and both sides began pulling people from their respective player communities, eventually leading to a chaotic brawl.

The battle raged from night into the early morning, and finally, it spread to Alex Parker.

In the heat of the moment, many irrational Generation Entertainment fans also began to attack Alex. His social media was flooded with comments like:

"Hundreds of people causing trouble within a few hours, there has to be someone behind this. So, who is the mastermind?"

"Dude, focus on designing games; stop trying to stir up drama."

"Stop giving yourself extra roles. You've only made one game; show some respect to your predecessors, okay?"

"Man, quickly distance yourself from those idiots. If you stay silent, don't blame us for friendly fire."

Alex frowned. Why are my players being called idiots?

Alex had always been relatively tolerant of "borrowing" ideas because it was common in his previous world. He wasn't thin-skinned and was prepared for it. But seeing his players being bullied? That was unacceptable.

Are they taking me for a pushover?

Alex immediately posted a tweet:

"Didn't want to get involved, but you guys are pushing it. The designer hasn't said a word, so what are you all fussing about? @Ben Quinn, stop playing dead!"

The tweet caused an explosion in the comments!

'Plants vs. Zombies' players, many of whom had been arguing all night, were rejuvenated by Alex's post. It would have been disheartening if they were standing up for 'Plants vs. Zombies' and its creator stayed silent. Fortunately, Alex wasn't one to shy away from conflict.

Generation Entertainment fans were shocked. Is there really someone this bold?

They even forgot to retaliate immediately.

The tweet quickly spread, catching the attention of many industry insiders. Within half an hour, Alex received five private messages from other designers, including one from Daniel Cooper of Cooper Network.

"Generation Entertainment is the largest developer and distributor in the country. Going head-to-head with them is pointless. Delete the tweet; it's not worth it."

Daniel's message was clear.

He emphasized Generation Entertainment's dominance in distribution because, in this parallel world, distributors have immense power over developers. A mediocre game can still make money with strong distribution support, while a great game can be buried if distributors blacklist it.

Who dares to challenge the most prominent gaming platform?

So Daniel's advice was well-intentioned.

Alex replied, "Let me ask, you're not related to Ben Quinn, right?"

Daniel: "...What nonsense! We just happen to share the same surname, no relation!"

Alex: "Good. Watch me roast him."

Daniel: "...You may have your reasons, but I still advise you to calm down."

The other private messages were similar, advising Alex not to be stubborn and not to confront Generation Entertainment head-on.

Of course, many strangers sent mindless insults, which Alex ignored.

Half an hour passed, and Ben Quinn's social media remained silent.

Is he still asleep? Impossible, someone would have woken him up by now.

Not responding indicated Ben Quinn didn't want to engage.

Industry insiders could see that 'Guardians of the Holy Spring' definitely borrowed concepts from 'Plants vs. Zombies,' but this didn't constitute infringement. At most, it warranted some condemnation, nothing unusual.

If Ben Quinn came out and stubbornly denied any borrowing, it would be laughable.

So, the best strategy was to stay silent, let the storm pass, release the game, and keep making money.

As long as revenue isn't affected, who cares about some criticism?

"Persistent, aren't you?"

Alex's provocation would have riled up a younger designer, but Ben Quinn was seasoned and slick.

"Don't be like this; if you stay silent, how can I trap you?"

Alex was frustrated. He had hoped to lure Ben Quinn into a verbal fight to set up a more giant trap, paving the way for his next two games. But Ben Quinn was too composed, not taking the bait.

"You have to get him to respond."

Alex retrieved the Rage Interference Device from his virtual bracelet and used it on Ben Quinn.

"Come on, say something, work with me here."

After a minute, there was still no response from Ben Quinn.

"Did the device fail? No way. Maybe the provocation wasn't strong enough."

Alex posted another tweet.

"@Ben Quinn. Man, you're with Generation Entertainment, don't chicken out!"