On March 31, 1998, a game was released.
Developed by Snow Entertainment in the RTS (Real-time Strategy) genre, this game caused a massive sensation in Korea and became a national game that many users continued to enjoy until the moment I died.
Starting with this game, PC room culture became fully established in Korea, leading to the emergence of new sports and professions such as ‘eSports’ and ‘pro gamers,’ and the creation of specialized TV channels. The age range of gamers expanded from children and teenagers to young adults and middle-aged people, making the game a true cultural icon that established gaming as entertainment in South Korea.
That game is the masterpiece of the century, selling 7 million copies in Korea out of 11 million copies sold worldwide – a Korean folk game, ‘Galaxy Craft.’
*
‘Galaxy Craft’ is not the first RTS game. Before the development of ‘Galaxy Craft,’ Snow Entertainment created a war simulation game called ‘Warrior Craft,’ featuring orcs and elves, and the game ‘Stalkers,’ which appeared in 1983, could be considered the origin of RTS games.
However, for me and all the gamers of that time, the best strategic simulation game was undoubtedly ‘Galaxy Craft.’
During the difficult times of the IMF, ‘Galaxy Craft’ gave many people hope to live their everyday lives. While it might seem contradictory that a war game could provide hope, that’s exactly how it was.
The pungent smell of cigarette smoke mixed with the spicy aroma of ramen filled the PC room, and amidst that, I also enjoyed my time playing ‘Galaxy Craft’ with my friends.
‘Galaxy Craft’ wasn’t a perfect strategic simulation game, but it was more than just perfect in those times.
So when I started game development in this other world, I made a vow. I would definitely create this game.
And the opportunity came knocking.
I passionately explained ‘Galaxy Craft’ and strategic simulation games to Commander Odilson and those present.
After listening to my explanation, Commander Odilson asked with a perplexed expression.
“Um… Yuren, can I ask one thing?”
“Yes, Commander.”
“While simulating war, why do we need those aliens called ‘Proto’ and the strange monster race called ‘Zergs’ that I’ve never seen before?”
Commander Odilson’s question was completely understandable. From his perspective, after requesting a war simulation, hearing that I wanted to add weird alien races and unfamiliar monster races must have been bewildering.
The reason is simple: “Because it’s fun!!!” But saying that would cause a riot, so…
I utilized the skills of my well-trained mouth developed through countless meetings in my previous life.
“To prepare more thoroughly.”
“Thorough preparation?”
Commander Odilson blinked his one remaining eye.
I cranked up my persuasive skills.
“Think about it, Commander. When will our enemies only ever be ‘other countries’ or ‘demons’?”
In all the significant military records of the Zers War I knew, only other countries and demons were mentioned.
But could it be that they will forever be our only enemies?
“The world is vast, and there are many unknown beings. Even if it seems fine now, surely, in the future, unknown aliens could invade from the sky, and unknown monster races might emerge from the earth.”
“Hmm…”
Commander’s gaze turned serious.
In my previous life, such a theory would have earned me laughter, but here, in this other world, it made sense.
In a world where slimes roamed near villages and someone could summon demons in the middle of the city, it seemed reasonable to Commander.
“But if we imagine and prepare for unknown enemies in advance, we’ll be able to respond when those unknown enemies do invade!!!”
“Indeed… You make a good point.”
It seemed my well-honed rhetoric had convinced the Commander.
In the background, Mineva and Lord Herness exchanged looks that said, “Here we go again,” but I tried to ignore them as much as I could.
Once Commander appeared to gather his thoughts, he spoke to me with a satisfied expression.
“You are indeed a disciple of Sage Irene, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“That explains it. You seem quite knowledgeable, and it’s clear Irene has taught you well.”
Hmm… While I definitely learned a lot about magic from my Master… knowledge…
I merely nodded at Commander’s words.
Some truths are better left unknown in this world.
“Well then, I will trust you with this. If you need military support, do contact us here.”
With that, the Commander handed me the Black Communication Crystal Ball.
Following the Minister’s Office, it was now the Commander’s Department direct line, so if I root around a bit more, I’ll have collected all the direct lines of the empire’s power institutions.
Ha ha ha…!
Thinking about it, this is no laughing matter.
That just means my workload has tripled, and that’s hardly a good thing…
Anyway, I left with a mission from the Commander, which also acted as a bucket list item.
Once again, it was time for cheerful game development.
*
After going on a date and returning with a gigantic task in hand, I gathered everyone to announce.
“And so, the game our Irene School will develop next will be a ‘strategic simulation game.’ Everyone, applause!!”
“Wow…”
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
Everyone responded with lackluster voices to my announcement.
With the construction of Irene Land and house building essentially over, I guess the thought of having to work again drained everyone’s energy.
Except for Sora, who was clapping enthusiastically with sparkling eyes.
“So, what do we do now, Master? Do we jump right into development?”
“Let’s do proper research before starting development.”
“What kind of research?”
If we were merely developing ‘Galaxy Craft,’ we could start immediately. But that alone wouldn’t satisfy the need for war simulation.
To meet the conditions requested by the Commander’s Department, there was something we needed to research first.
That was…
“Wargame.”
The Wargame of this other world.
“Delivery is here!!!”
As soon as I finished speaking, what I requested arrived.
Once I stepped outside amid the announcement of a delivery, there were about ten large wooden boxes in front of the building.
Seeing this, Sora’s eyes widened.
“What in the world is all this?”
“I asked the Commander’s Department, requesting the combat simulation game they use, the Wargame.”
Simulating war in a game-like manner has a very long history.
The oldest records mention fictional wars, such as the ‘Meditation’ described in ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu, written during China’s Warring States period.
Additionally, Go, Chess, and Checkers all stemmed from warfare.
Naturally, I thought there would be something similar here, and I requested it from the Commander’s Department to ensure proper game development, and this is what was delivered.
I was pleased it arrived the next day; the processing was sharp and swift.
We began unpacking the “Zers Empire Version Wargame.”
Inside, there were flexible terrain boards and various figures representing different types of units.
Surprisingly, there were figures equipped with shotguns as well.
It’s astounding that shotguns were already added as an official unit.
While we were setting it up, Julia exclaimed.
“Yuren… didn’t you just want this for yourself?”
Gulp!
“Wh-what are you talking about!!! I am only focused on developing a higher-quality game!!!”
“…Right, let’s go with that.”
With an expression that said “I know everything,” Julia stared at me.
Scary Julia, she knows me too well.
To confess, I had wanted to get my hands on the ‘Miniature Game’ story that could only be played within the Imperial Army.
However, because it was classified within the Imperial Army, I couldn’t obtain it due to legal issues, not just money.
But now, I was able to acquire it for free!
“Let’s see, is everything set up?”
“It seems to be so, Master.”
We had finally set up all the ‘Imperial Army Wargame’ components.
Setting up the battlefield conditions and terrain on a mat nearly the size of 30 pyeong, arranging the units to execute a simulation, it was strikingly similar to the ‘Miniature Game’ from my previous life.
The difference was…
“Wow!! Yuren, look at this! The figures are moving!?”
The figures created by magic moved on their own and fought!
I thought the ‘Warhammers’ fans back in my life would have loved this.
Once all the setup was complete, and I confirmed it was working properly, I turned to Jiren.
“Hey Jiren, let’s have a match.”
It was time to enjoy the Wargame of this other world.
