Starting as a Manga Editor-Chapter 219: A Formidable Opponent

Most people struggle to comprehend the profound impact large-scale advertising can have on a product and how it gradually shapes consumer perception.
Tang Yao's previous life's game "Endless Winter" serves as a perfect example. Its marketing strategy followed the classic volume-purchasing approach - ROI-driven with customized campaigns to rapidly capture market share. Throughout the first half of the year, its publisher Century Huatong significantly increased advertising expenditures, focusing almost entirely on this single title.
When users first encountered the game's ads on Bilibili, they might not have formed strong impressions beyond finding the concept mildly interesting. But as these ads appeared daily across platforms - from novel reading apps to official accounts - the game's presence became increasingly ingrained in their consciousness. Players rarely realized this was a full-channel advertising blitz designed for maximum coverage and frequency to influence potential users.
Through repeated exposure, players developed basic familiarity with the game. They might not have intended to play immediately, but during moments of leisure or sudden interest, they'd eventually tap to download. This strategy created remarkably stable revenue streams, achieving monthly global earnings exceeding $100 million.
Of course, this success wasn't solely due to marketing. The game cleverly blended ARPG and SLG elements, implemented competitive leaderboards to fuel player rivalry, and employed targeted monetization strategies for paying users. Yet its excellent but costly marketing approach undoubtedly played a crucial role.
"Stellar Ode" currently employs this same strategy, going beyond mere channel competition with numerous customized campaigns. They've executed it more effectively than "Dark Night Decree" ever did - superior promotional materials and professional execution make the difference.
Had "Dark Night Decree" not disastrously botched its comic adaptation's storyline while halfheartedly handling the plot, it might have survived despite flawed marketing. Its ultimate failure stemmed from alienating the massive comic fanbase it initially attracted.
"Stellar Ode" faces no such risks. Its completely original storyline, though bearing some "FGO" influences, benefits from both "Dark Night Decree's" cautionary tale and massive promotional efforts. Attracting substantial player numbers is virtually guaranteed.
As for FGO, while maintaining its niche dominance, its previously unrivaled prominence has visibly diminished. Most players don't particularly care as long as the game continues operating. Within ANF, FGO remains highly popular, but should "Stellar Ode" launch smoothly, the landscape could shift dramatically.
Being similar genres, "Stellar Ode's" full-channel, high-frequency ad blitz can quickly seize user attention, especially among casual anime fans. This saturation strategy will inevitably bring massive new user influx during launch, potentially siphoning even some of FGO's casual players.
This looming threat has created palpable tension within Avalon. Staff finally feel they're facing a truly formidable opponent. Unlike "Dark Night Decree," which reeked of impending failure despite polished promotions, "Stellar Ode" genuinely appears capable of rivaling FGO in quality.
The nervous energy has transformed into determined effort. Preparations that Tang Yao estimated would take a week, like the livestream setup, were completed by ANF in just two days. Clearly, nobody wants to be outdone by "Stellar Ode."
Though currently, the focus is on "Hearthstone" - a co-published game and ANF's livestream project. Most staff don't grasp how this relates to FGO or its potential impact against "Stellar Ode's" advance. But since it's Tang Yao's initiative, they choose to trust her.
Ironically, Tang Yao wishes they hadn't. She longs to explain that FGO's true strength lies in its narrative depth and exceptional player retention, with the upcoming 1.6 update reinforcing these advantages. No amount of advertising can easily shake core fans - this is FGO's moat. While "Stellar Ode" looks polished, its actual substance remains unproven, lacking equivalent emotional connections that might cause retention issues later.
There's no need for such panic! She hasn't even mentally prepared for the livestream yet!
But facing the team's enthusiasm, she swallows her protests. Before she realizes it, everything is ready... except herself.
"Wait, how is this happening so fast?" Tang Yao groans in despair. "I'm not prepared at all... how are we already at the announcement stage?"
"You don't need preparation," Li Xue suppresses a laugh beside her. "Just go with the flow. Audiences will love it, and you've prepared the script, right? Follow that. The team worked so hard..."
"Easy for you to say 'go with the flow'!" Tang Yao glares at the amused Li Xue.
The season's mild weather allowed Li Xue to fulfill her promise early. Currently clad in an elegant pantsuit with sheer black stockings accentuating her slender legs, she exudes both sophistication and youthful charm - the epitome of an elegant older sister.
"I'm not the star here," Li Xue lightly lifts her stocking-clad legs with a smile. "Besides, I wore black stockings as you requested."
"..."
Tang Yao suddenly grasps the faintly visible flesh-toned legs threateningly. "Then I'll make you stand before the camera alone! You'll be the star!"
"..."
The sudden motion forces Li Xue's petite feet partially out of her heels, leaving her tiptoeing awkwardly - an unexpectedly vulnerable look. She merely rolls her eyes, unfazed. "Would you really? These were meant for your eyes only..."
"That trick won't work on me." Tang Yao squeezes the incredibly elastic legs. "I'll make you livestream properly, going with the flow..."
Li Xue blinks. "...Do it then, if you dare."
"..."
Tang Yao keeps glaring but ultimately releases her. If only she could actually go through with it.
Not that she really wants to, anyway. While others might see Li Xue in stockings at the office, Tang Yao inexplicably dislikes the idea of more people seeing this.
"Don't I get to be with you?" Adjusting her skirt and slipping back into her heels, Li Xue recognizes Tang Yao's resistance stems from nervousness and slight embarrassment. Softly, she adds, "Besides, we'll use avatars. Who knows what we're really doing behind the scenes?"
"...Fine." Tang Yao takes a deep breath and surrenders. "Tell ANF to proceed with the promotional release."
Her complaints were just last-minute jitters. There's no real escape - she'll have to power through. At least Li Xue will be there with her. That's some consolation.
They can't possibly let Jiuxiao seize the advantage, after all.
Tang Yao does rather anticipate Jiuxiao's reaction when ANF's gaming division establishes itself.
So they're targeting FGO? Coveting the mobile game market?
Well... so is she!