C86: Canteen?

While we played Three Kingdoms, the players next door were immersed in JellyMan at the exhibition, sitting in front of the experience equipment to enjoy the game.

[Chen Xu POV]

Although JellyMan requires sixty players to fill in a game, I had a trick up my sleeve. I had prepared a QR code that allowed players to download JellyMan directly onto their mobile phones. Sure, the feel of playing on a touchscreen is different from using a keyboard. But the entertainment value was undeniable.

When the official version is released, we'll also add cross-platform functionality, allowing players to choose whether to play with others on mobile or PC. If the cross-platform feature is disabled, players will only be matched with those on the same platform.

JellyMan is also designed to be quick and fun. Players can jump games right after they're eliminated, so there's never a shortage of active players.

Compared to Three Kingdoms, the JellyMan booth was far more lively, not just because more girls were playing. The game is more approachable for a wider audience. Three Kingdoms has a higher learning curve, especially with general skills and strategies. Although it's easy to pick up after one or two games, it doesn't have the instant appeal of JellyMan.

Most people are familiar with the format—like variety shows where contestants rush through obstacles to the finish line. The colorful jelly bean characters keep stumbling and bumping into each other, adding to the chaos.

But there was another reason for the game's success at the exhibition—No Wait Queue.

I took my role as a live commentator, explaining the gameplay to the crowd. This drew even more attention, with people stopping by to watch.

Game makers and designers were unhappy. They had cosplayers and showgirls, while I was running what looked like a Madagascar party. They had demos and equipment for players to try out. But I am sharing QR codes like a street vendor.

From the players' perspective, JellyMan was a complete game, a new entry, and a neon game.

On top of that, my being the commentator made the atmosphere even more lively. Other designers were frustrated, watching their queue size diminish.

Three Kingdom and JellyMan, as well as Chen Xu's personal appearance, have drawn players' attention.

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"Hey, why is everyone gathering over at that area?" someone asked curiously, having just arrived from another part of the venue.

"That's where Neon Games is showcasing their new work! They're the ones who made Escape and Overcooked. You can play their games by scanning a QR code, no waiting in line!" one of the enthusiastic players explained.

"No way! That's awesome! What games are they?" He exclaimed, remembering the long queue he just went through for a five-minute demo.

"They're showing Old and tested Three Kingdoms and a Bubblegum game on the big screen. You can watch the gameplay there."

So I rushed over to join in the fun, and I heard someone's voice, "Chen Xu is introducing a new game soon! Hopefully, I can get in!"

On the big screen, I watched as a little Green Slime character grabbed the crown. I was still rushing.

Chen Xu was interacting with the audience. They are getting ready for another round of matches.

"Haha, I am here!"

"Me too! Me too! Me too!"

"Look, that bubbly chubby with the hamburger head—that's me!" someone shouted excitedly.

"And I'm the one with the pineapple head with wind blade hair!" another player chimed in.

As the new round of matching started, We felt the excitement rise. Some of us were successfully matched.

Zhang Yi glanced at Song Ren and joked, "Don't mess up this time, alright?"

Clearly, Zhang Yi hadn't forgotten the electrifying bath earlier with Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei.

"It was a fluke last time! Don't worry about it, you can relax! We'll get to the finals this time, guaranteed!" Song Ren reassured him, patting his chest with confidence. This promise felt convincing.

Meanwhile, Wang Han was busy molding her Chubby character, trying to make it look as cool as possible.

Qiao Yi didn't join in. She wanted to figure things out. She chooses to explore the custom room mode.

Wang Yifan, on the other hand, was still playing Three Kingdoms with random players, not wanting to give up after losing without even getting to play a card!

"But the controls in JellyMan are tricky!" Zhang Yi remarked, chatting with Song Ren during the lobby time.

We tried the demo game earlier and had some experience with it now.

The basic controls are simple —move the joystick to control the direction, jump, and grab with the buttons. It sounds easy.

But the game's physics engine and the feel of the controls are the real challenge. Our Chubby characters stumble around in a way that makes me worry they'll fall flat on their faces any second.

Jumping and walking, everything feels like springs are beneath my feet.

"Don't even mention it, the game is about to start. Over 20 eliminations at this level. We won't even make it to the first round," Zhang Yi muttered, Wang Han rolled her eyes.

The first level is called Rushing Gate. There are seven doors, each either real or fake.

We have to make it through before the target count is reached.

All sixty stood lined up in a row at the start of the game. The scene looks impressive.

"Alright, the new round of competition is about to begin. In this first level, the map is randomly chosen Canteen for the stage. As you can see, we're all waiting for the signal to start."

On stage, Chen Xu gave commentary, the microphone pinned to his jacket.

Some players were not matched, but they were watching the broadcast on the big screen. As we listened to Chen Xu's explanation, we were confused.

The front seemed normal, but why on earth was this level called the cafeteria?

Wasn't this supposed to be the Rushing Door level?

We were all dumbfounded, but soon it became clear why Chen Xu called it that.