243 Concerns
After 'IAmJohnnyCage' posted a theory about Resident Evil (RE1) in the discussion forum, fellow fans began sharing similar theories. While these discussions were not widely popular among console gamers initially, only gaining traction within the KiShin website community, the buzz gradually spread through word of mouth to friends and families of console gamers.
Even though some of these friends or family members hadn't played Resident Evil, their curiosity led them to experience the game. After playing and encountering the theories, they too started feeling a sense of unease.
While Resident Evil theories were gaining popularity within the console gaming and Resident Evil player community, it's worth noting that theories about other games existed before Resident Evil. However, these earlier theories didn't delve into real-life implications or pose potential dangers, unlike Resident Evil's theory, which touches on public safety. Consequently, this particular theory slowly but surely gained momentum.
As a few weeks passed, the situation became more serious than 'IAmJohnnyCage' initially anticipated before making the post.
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Meanwhile, Shin found himself at home engrossed in a game of Super Mario with his child, blissfully unaware that his company, KiShin, was slowly becoming entangled in a conspiracy theory involving bio-weapons, biowarfare, and virus experimentation by a pharmaceutical company similar to the T-Virus of Resident Evil. Ironically, KiShin emerged as a societal hero for issuing a warning through their game Resident Evil.
"Oops... Game Over..." Shin chuckled as his child's palm landed on his cheek.
"I guess you've won the milk this time," Shin conceded, handing over a bottle to Shinichi in a playful sign of defeat.
While enjoying this moment with his child, Shin's phone interrupted the scene. Without much thought, he answered, "Hello? What do you want?" Recognizing it was Orio Masayoshi, he spoke informally, having grown accustomed to Orio Masayoshi, much like with Han Lee.
"Mr. Suzuki, I'm not sure if you're aware, but we might be facing some trouble at the moment..." Orio Masayoshi's voice conveyed concern.
Shin frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"
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Orio Masayoshi, situated in the USA, occupied his office while glancing at the newspaper spread across his desk.
The headline read: Zombie Outbreak?
"After the release of the KS1 by KiShin in the USA, it quickly became a hot topic among video game enthusiasts. While the KS1 video games gained significant attention, the most controversial one, just a few weeks post-release, was undoubtedly Resident Evil... What stirred the controversy? It originated in the community forum of the KiShin website, concerning a virus element reminiscent of Resident Evil..." Below the headline, a series of words explained the situation.
"What do you mean?" Shin inquired over Orio Masayoshi's phone.
"Mr. Suzuki, it's about our video game, Resident Evil..." Orio Masayoshi began, proceeding to outline the unfolding circumstances to Shin.
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As Shin held the phone to his right ear, he absorbed Orio Masayoshi's explanation, unable to suppress a furrowed brow.
"How did it come to this situation? How did it escalate to the point where even newspaper companies are covering it? Don't they have more pressing stories to attend to?" Shin inquired with a hint of disbelief in his voice.
"It's connected to KiShin, Mr. Suzuki. As you're aware, our company holds a high profile, engaging in various ventures. Other media outlets and newspapers find it hard to overlook anything that casts us in a negative light," Orio Masayoshi explained, pausing for emphasis.
He continued, "Furthermore, news involving a virus capable of turning people into zombies sells well among the general public."
Shin acknowledged the validity of Orio Masayoshi's words, stating, "That's quite reasonable. Human instincts gravitate toward intriguing topics like that."
Indeed, negative news tends to spread faster and wider than positive news. It's unsurprising that newspaper publishers seized the opportunity to disseminate information about the supposed zombie outbreak.
They could have merely expressed their opinions on the matter without confirming its truth, allowing readers to decide for themselves. However, this approach fueled the rapid growth in popularity.
One of the tactics employed by these newspaper publishers was to refrain from completely debunking the matter. This strategy aimed to prolong the discussion, and as the topic reached more people, it ensured longer profitability for the publishers, with readers eagerly anticipating updates on the latest news.
"Sigh... I guess it's happened. We'll just handle it according to the situation. I never thought people would entertain such thoughts about a game," Shin sighed.
"Mr. Suzuki, it could have a negative impact on our KS1 and video game sales. Not only that, our reputation might suffer due to the perception that we somehow caused public unrest," Orio Masayoshi hurriedly reminded Shin.
Shin, upon hearing this, smiled and remarked, "You have a point." He paused to gently place his sleeping child, who had fallen asleep while drinking from a bottle, on the soft sofa. Sitting beside his peacefully sleeping child, he continued speaking into the phone, "It could indeed have a negative impact on our product sales and reputation. However, how it affects us depends on KiShin's reactions."
Shin noticed Orio Masayoshi's silence, briefly thinking the call had ended. Upon realizing it was still connected, he continued, "As you know, this 'Zombie Outbreak' topic is spreading because of these newspaper companies. We're not the cause of this unrest. Moreover, if you're interviewed by the media, don't overly defend yourself; it might raise suspicion. Just speak naturally and avoid showing too much concern. Instead of worrying, let's view this problem as an opportunity and capitalize on the free promotion these newspapers are giving us." Shin chuckled as he spoke.
Orio Masayoshi, hearing this, sighed and eased up. He replied, "I understand."
