Chapter 24: I Am Fate!

Steve Jobs' silence was less unnerving than his words, which only made Ethan Jones' expression more peculiar. The aura of mysticism around Jobs gave Ethan an unsettling sense of listening to a sermon.

Even though Jobs seemed to exude a quasi-religious light, Ethan discerned the crux of his statement. "Mr. Jobs, are you suggesting that Atari and Magnavox have reached a confidential out-of-court settlement?"

Jobs chuckled at Ethan's cautious phrasing, shaking his head. "It's not that it can't be disclosed; it's just that many media outlets have yet to report on it. This settlement has, indeed, made Atari and Magnavox as one."

He suddenly asked, "Do you know why I'm here at this expo today?"

Before Ethan could respond, Jobs smiled and gazed out the window toward the entrance. "My boss, Nolan Bushnell, sent me to observe the current state of these traditional arcade manufacturers."

"To see what new products they've released."

"To assess their new and intriguing games."

"And to evaluate if they pose any threat to Atari."

"Because…"

"In the coming year, Atari is prohibited from releasing any self-developed games."

"What?"

Ethan was stunned!

"What did you say?"

He stared incredulously at Steve Jobs.

"No self-developed games?"

His voice rose in disbelief, and his face registered astonishment.

As Ethan's voice rose, bystanders in the McDonald's glanced over with curiosity.

Seeing this, Jobs motioned for Ethan to calm down, nodding. "Yes, you heard correctly. For the next year, Atari will be unable to release any self-developed games."

"Otherwise, why would I ask what you believe in?"

"To me, it seems the Buddha is watching over you."

Jobs spoke with a touch of nostalgia, and Ethan gained a full understanding of the lawsuit between Magnavox and Atari.

Although Professor Ralph Baer, with his benevolence, had mediated a settlement, Magnavox, a legitimate business, had no intention of truly letting Atari off the hook.

Professor Baer thought that a compensation of fifty thousand dollars was sufficient.

Since Pong hadn't inflicted significant damage on Magnavox.

However, Magnavox was dissatisfied, feeling that Atari's market should rightfully belong to them!

So, during the settlement negotiations, Magnavox devised a cunning plan—to force Atari to agree that, from the date of the settlement, any game released by Atari within the next year would have its rights belong to Magnavox!

In simpler terms, Magnavox aimed to stifle Atari's innovation!

If Atari dared to release new products, no matter how successful, the rights would belong to Magnavox!

You think you can copy our stuff?

Fine!

I'll prevent you from releasing new products!

I'll ensure you can't do business!

Had this situation arisen a year earlier, Atari could have brushed it off.

After all, everyone was copying, and no one had copyrights!

If we don't have the rights to our own products, you claim the rights? Fine, take them!

As for future litigation?

That would turn into a magical duel rather than a legal dispute.

But now, when everyone has reached the end of the copying road and is preparing to develop their own products…

Not being able to launch new products and innovate is a serious blow to Atari's survival!

Because everyone knows Atari thrived by seizing the moment!

And now, having its hard-won advantage stripped away by Magnavox?

Other companies would surely revel in it!

Although Nolan Bushnell was aware of the pitfall, to avoid exorbitant compensation, he agreed to Magnavox's terms.

With his agreement, Atari's self-development projects were put on hold.

At such a time, their priority was to investigate the status of other companies.

Thus, when traditional arcade manufacturers held their expo today, Steve Jobs was sent on a mission.

As someone recently returned from a pilgrimage, he was almost unknown in the industry.

Ah! It's all about the novelty!

Honestly, after a quick survey, Jobs hadn't found any company's product particularly innovative.

Just as he was about to purchase some materials and leave, Snake Game delivered a soul-stirring impact!

The exceptional gameplay hinted at a taste of success!

So…

"I just unplugged your game machine."

Steve Jobs, the young man who had yet to found Apple, stated earnestly, "Frankly, I even think those who saw Snake Game and refused to make concessions are utter fools!"

"To pass up such an excellent game?"

"How confident are they!"

"Confident they can create something even better?"

Jobs' praise brought a smile to Ethan's face.

"Thank you," he said, deeply moved. "Thank you."

At this moment, his gratitude was genuine!

Not only for Steve Jobs' recognition of Snake Game, but also for his information!

Ethan had been troubled, unsure of whom to partner with for selling the machines, and then Jobs revealed that Atari, the largest flaw in the market, had been banned?

It was like being handed a pillow just as he was nodding off—truly fortuitous!

In that instant, Ethan was convinced that Atari was the perfect partner for him!

Because they couldn't release self-developed games, they couldn't even discuss acquiring rights!

Buying rights only meant they'd go to Magnavox!

Who would spend money to hand over rights?

As for the profit share…

If you can't even release self-developed games, what's the point of discussing profits?

What you need now is to protect your market!

Prevent other companies from seizing the opportunity and taking over!

As for anything else?

That can wait until the shackles are removed.

At this moment, Ethan had to admit that Steve Jobs' words were spot on.

This was his destiny!

"Mr. Jobs," Ethan smiled, "May I call you Steve?"

"Certainly!" Jobs nodded enthusiastically.

"Do you know how I feel right now?" Ethan pointed to his face.

"I can see it," Jobs replied with a grin, "Your smile is impossible to hide."

"And do you know what I'm thinking of saying now?" Ethan's fingers danced.

Jobs shook his head with a smile, enunciating clearly, "I am fate."

"Pfft~" At those words, Ethan couldn't contain himself.

"Hahaha~"

He laughed heartily, raising his soda cup in a toast to Jobs.

This hippie version of Jobs was quite the character.

But…

Ethan found it delightful because it was genuinely amusing.