[Game] Chapter 445-446

Chapter 445: First Month’s Update Plan

After launch, Fall Guys’ popularity continued climbing steadily, quickly reaching the top of various streaming platforms.

Of course, Ichin knew it was impossible to keep that level of hype forever. After all, Fall Guys was fundamentally different from traditional competitive games. At the beginning, everyone would be highly invested, but later most players would just log in for a round or two daily, or grind when new skins and maps dropped—nothing more.

His goal for this game was to keep popularity at its peak for the first year. Afterward, it could gradually decline, but as long as the average online player base stabilized around fifty thousand, that would already be a huge success.

But the game had just launched—not even a month yet—so it was far too early to seriously think about those things. For now, everything was just projections.

When Ichin returned from the Fall Guys dev team, he saw Utaha in the office, completely engrossed in grinding the game.

It had only been about ten days since launch, yet Utaha had already unlocked seventeen skins.

According to the data Ichin saw from the backend, that already put her in the top bracket of players. The one with the most skins had unlocked twenty-four.

Players with over fifteen skins were all heavy grinders who spent at least five hours daily, and who also won frequently to pull it off.

And right now, Fall Guys was harder than Ichin remembered—especially the final rounds. Winning required not just skill but also a fair bit of luck.

Still, the game’s popularity was unquestionable. Even streamers who didn’t main Fall Guys would often warm up their streams with a few matches before moving on to new releases or their usual MOBAs and FPS games.

Ichin sat down next to Utaha, who had just entered the final round—a familiar Hex-a-Gone stage.

She carefully hopped from tile to tile. Only three players remained competing with her for first place, and by their movement it was obvious they were veterans.

Ichin stayed silent so as not to disturb her focus.

After a tense minute and a half, Utaha’s superior pathing forced the others to fall one by one. She claimed first place and secured the win.

Seeing the victory screen, Utaha happily waved her controller.

“Another win! That means I can exchange for my next skin!”

After switching into a new costume, she looked at Ichin with a smile.

“Not bad, right, Ichin?”

Ichin chuckled and nodded.

“Yeah, really impressive. You’re already better at this than me.”

He wasn’t particularly skilled at Fall Guys himself. Since launch, his wins had been few, and he’d only managed to trade crowns for three skins total. Most of the time, he just played for relaxation, not to chase victories.

He gently pinched Utaha’s cheek, took the controller from her, and said,

“Alright, you’ve played long enough. Time to rest.”

“Yeah, I am a little tired.”

She shut off the game, stretched, then leaned on Ichin’s shoulder.

Fall Guys is really popular, huh? Are the next updates already planned?”

“Of course,” Ichin replied. “Early August, we’ll push an update. Besides the crossover skins and maps with GARO, there’ll also be three new stages and five new skins. As for Season One’s ranked mode and team mode, those will officially start by the end of August.”

Seasonal ranked play, exclusive season skins—those would roll out gradually. On top of that, the new team-based mode was lined up for release too.

Ichin was determined never to let players feel bored with the gameplay.

Hearing that team mode would arrive by late August, Utaha nodded in satisfaction.

“Perfect. Then we can play with Eriri and Yukino at that time.”

Both Eriri and Yukino had recently become hooked on Fall Guys, spending their free time grinding matches.

“By the way, Ichin, when are we going back to visit your uncle and aunt? I talked to your mom the other day, and she told me she’s already making the final selection for Haruno-san’s blind dates!”

“So soon?”

Ichin blinked in surprise at Utaha.

“And you’re only telling me now?”

Utaha narrowed her eyes playfully.

“Your mom said to keep it a secret! Right now I’m the only one who knows. She even showed me the profiles and photos of the candidates. They all seemed decent, but I don’t know which one she’ll finally pick—or whether he’ll fit Haruno-san’s taste.”

“Well, that’s anyone’s guess. No one can truly predict Haruno’s preferences—not even her mom. Certainly not us.”

After thinking it over, Ichin said,

“Tonight when we’re home, I’ll call Mom to check. I’ll also ask Haruno-san how much free time she has in August. Then we’ll book tickets back.”

Returning in the summer meant enduring the heat, but fruits back home were cheap—eating chilled watermelon to cool off without worrying about the cost.

Even now, with more money coming in, Ichin still thought buying watermelons in Tokyo was outrageously expensive.

That night after dinner, Utaha went to bathe while Ichin video-called his mom.

She quickly answered, her face appearing on the screen.

“Mom, have you eaten?”

“Yes, yes,” she smiled at her son. “Where’s Utaha?”

“She’s taking a bath.”

After replying, Ichin asked about Haruno.

“Mom, how’s the selection for Haruno’s blind dates going? When would be a good time for us to come back?”

His mom thought for a moment.

“Utaha told you, right? You two can come back anytime. I’ve almost finished shortlisting. Do you want to take a look at the candidates I’ve chosen?”

Ichin quickly waved his hand.

“No need. You can just arrange it for Haruno directly. Since anytime works, I’ll ask her about her schedule, then we’ll book tickets together.”

“Alright, just let me know a day ahead. I’ll prepare a big feast for you!”

It was clear she was excited about making the final choice, so Ichin didn’t dampen her mood. After ending the call, he dialed Haruno’s number.

***

Chapter 446: Nene’s Plan

Haruno, of course, had her own fixed vacation time. And since there weren’t many projects in August, plus after dealing with a few troublemakers in the company, things were firmly under her control—leaving for a few days wasn’t a problem.

Going to China with Ichin meant she’d have to face the blind dates her godmother arranged for her, but to Haruno that wasn’t anything hard to handle. More than anything, it was simply a chance to relax and take a holiday.

After weighing things, Haruno quickly set the departure date: next Friday.

“Today’s Thursday, so that’s about a week. Time to book tickets.”

After hanging up the call, Ichin opened his laptop and started booking flights.

As for Yukino—no questions there. She had already promised to come along. All she needed was a date. Among them, Yukino had it the easiest during summer break.

Ten minutes later, Utaha came out of the bathroom, hair still damp from blow-drying.

She walked over, glanced at Ichin’s screen, and asked curiously:

“Already decided when we’re going back?”

“Yeah. Next Friday. I just talked with Mom and Haruno.”

Ichin nodded. “Since we’ve got a week to go, better to lock the tickets now so everything else is easier to arrange.”

Leaning lightly on his shoulder, Utaha smiled.

“How long do you plan for us to stay this time?”

“Hmm… maybe ten days to half a month. Fall Guys is already out, August’s updates are set, Dark Souls and Titanfall just got new content drops. This month I can afford to relax a bit. Oh, right—I can also arrange a summer company trip. I’ll bring it up tomorrow at the office and see where everyone wants to go.”

“You’re right, it’s about time for the annual retreat.”

Utaha nodded. “But since we’ll be in your home country, we can’t join. I bet Kou-senpai and the others will be disappointed—especially Hajime and Aoba. They love hanging out with you.”

Ichin shrugged. “Nothing I can do. Can’t exactly skip going home, right? Anyway, forget that. Utaha, should we take a morning or afternoon flight?”

“Afternoon. Eat lunch first, then head to the airport. I don’t want to eat airplane food. Even in first class, lunch isn’t that great. Better to eat your mom’s cooking once we arrive.”

“Alright, afternoon it is.”

The next day at the office, Ichin called the senior staff into a meeting.

“Relax,” he said once everyone was seated. “This isn’t about work.”

At once, Kou’s face lit up.

“Summer retreat, right?”

“Exactly.”

His confirmation made the whole room brighten.

Work at their company was already enjoyable. Even when things got busy, no one felt drained. But the words company retreat were enough to spark excitement in everyone.

Ichin smiled.

“First thing: the retreat. But this year I won’t be joining. You all decide together. The budget is about the same as last year—plenty for a good trip. As for me, I’ll be going home next week to visit family.”

Kou rested her chin on her hand, looking regretful.

“Oh, so no chance then. I thought summer would be the perfect time for you to enjoy everyone’s swimsuits. Guess I’ll have to enjoy them alone.”

Ichin rolled his eyes at her.

“Anyway, retreat planning is up to you. Discuss and finalize it with HR, then show me the budget. Once it looks good, you can pack your bags. Second thing: I’ll be gone about half a month. Aside from the retreat days, the team leads need to keep your groups in check. Don’t slack off. And if anything urgent happens, don’t hesitate—just call me.”

Once everyone promised, Ichin left the room, giving them space to discuss the retreat.

Half an hour later, the internal company chat launched a poll about the retreat destination.

As Ichin expected, everyone got to vote. The options were the ones brainstormed earlier in the meeting—solid travel spots, not too far, affordable, perfect for a relaxing trip.

After watching the lively chat for a bit, Ichin closed it and went back to work.

But only a few minutes later, someone knocked on his office door.

Utaha opened it and blinked in surprise.

“Nene? Here to see Ichin?”

Nene nodded. “Yeah, I’ve got something.”

“Come on in.”

As she entered, Kou from the art team glanced over curiously and whispered to Aoba:

“Do you know what Nene wants to talk about?”

Aoba shook her head.

“No idea. But the past couple days she’s seemed… troubled. Not sure if it’s something she can solve.”

“Troubled, huh…”

Kou rubbed her chin, then her expression shifted as though she understood.

“I see. So that’s what it is.”

Flicking her long hair back, she dropped the matter and returned to modeling.

Meanwhile, Ichin gestured to the sofa for Nene.

“Sit. So what’s bothering you enough to weigh so heavily on your mind?”

Her expression froze.

“Huh? Was it that obvious?”

Utaha chimed in with a nod.

“Yep. Written all over your face!”

“Ahaha… so it was like that.”

Sitting down, Nene placed her hands on her knees, looking a little nervous.

“Um… Ichin-kun, you’re going back next week, right?”

“Yeah. Kou mentioned it? Wait… don’t tell me what you’re about to say is—”

Ichin already had a guess.

Nene nodded.

“Mm. I was wondering if… I could come along.”

As expected.

Ichin smiled, eyeing her with interest.

“Looks like Umiko being stuck in Shanghai these past months has really been hard on you, huh?”

At that, Utaha immediately understood.

“Ohhh~~ lovesick, are we?”

“It’s not that bad!!!”

Now that he knew it was about wanting to see Umiko, Ichin had no doubts. He readily agreed to let Nene join them next week.

Of course—she’d need to book her own ticket.

***