Chapter 182 - Becoming an Honorary Member

Qiu Hengyang arrived soon after Chen Mo and sat next to him.

The seats were predetermined by the officials. Other than the front row which was reserved for leaders, the other seats were determined more or less by grade, with higher grade in the front. The relationship between designers are also taken into account when assigning seats.

As Chen Mo and Qiu Hengyang were both A-grade designers and knew each other well, they were sat in the same row.

Qiu Hengyang introduced the other attendees to Chen Mo.

“The ones in front are all leaders in the Game Committee, you’ll have to deal with them sooner or later. You should get to know them early as your game will have to go through them.

“That Mr Zhang is responsible for the official appstore.

“Mr Liu over there is responsible for the Illusion Game Editor.

Chen Mo struggled to remember each of them.

Qiu Hengyang went on to introduce the video game designers behind them.

“Those are the three S-grade videogame designers from Emperor Dynasty Entertainment. You’ve met Qiu Jiang, and the other two are Yan Zhang and Qin Xiao. Three of them are working on their own VR games, and others on that side are Zen Entertainment…

“That’s Ran He, the designer behind Heavy Assault, you’ve seen him yesterday…

Chen Mo tried to remember their names as Qiu Hengyang introduced them. He didn’t really care, but Chen Mo knows that it’d be beneficial to know them. It’d be awkward if they cross paths in the future but he didn’t know their names.

As there weren’t many S-grade videogame designers, Qiu Hengyang introduced a few more prominent A-grade video game designers. By the time he was done, it was almost time to start.

Chen Mo came to a realisation, “There are so many incredible people here. I’ve been shut-in working on my games, but I just realised now many talented people there are after attending this award ceremony.”

Qiu Hengyang nodded, “Yeah, the best videogame designers in China are all gathered here, of course there would be many talented people here.”

As the host stepped onto the stage, the chatter died down, followed by roaring applause.

The leaders have also all arrived. The leaders were heads of different departments within the Game Committee.

Chen Mo also noticed Qiao Hua who contacted him before. He was a man in his forties, skinny, elegant, and seemed quite well maintained, a big contrast from the other middle aged men with huge pot-bellies.

Zhang Zhongxiang, Chairman of the Game Committee, delivered a speech.

The speech lasted for ten minutes and was quite similar to the speeches of other leaders. They focused on last year’s result, pointing out some places that needed work, and their plans for the future.

Soon, the speeches ended, and the award ceremony finally started.

Chen Mo could tell that this award ceremony wasn’t as serious as the likes of science award ceremonies as the atmosphere felt quite lax.

The ceremony started by announcing the honorary Game Committee members of this year.

“I’m proud to announce this year’s honorary Game Committee members: Designer of Protoss Wings, Li Feng, designer of Heavenly Three Kingdoms Zhang Xiaokong, designer of Wulin Legend and Onmyoji Chen Mo, designer of Death Walk Zhu Fanglin, designer of Sword of Dreams… Please make your way onto the stage!”

There were members of staff locating the respective designers to guide them onto the stage.

The Game Committee inducts ten honorary members every year. These members are usually quite young, and must have made a high quality game.

Obviously the designers who received the awards were quite shocked, some even struggled to walk, other than Chen Mo of course.

The other designers watched on with envy.

“Honorary member. That’s like making yourself known in front of all the Game Committee heads and being inducted to be part of the department.”

“How long has Li Feng been waiting for this? He’s been in industry for almost eight years now, and has had plenty of decent games. He finally made with with Protoss Wings this year huh.”

“Yeah, it’s because of how many considerations the officials take into account. It’s not just based on how profitable the game is, it must have a certain amount of impact and look professional. Death Walk probably got included because it contained traditional elements.

“But this Chen Mo guys is a freak! He just became a B-grade videogame designer this year, he’s now an A-grade, and an honorary member no less!”

“You’re comparing yourself to Chen Mo? He’s not human!”

“Yeah. He probably made a huge impression with the Game Committee with Warcraft and Wulin Legend. Onmyoji’s monthly revenue was probably the last nail in the coffin.”

“It’s crazy that he could do western fantasy and Wuxia. I’m so jealous.”

Chen Mo walked onto the stage with the fest of the designers to receive a certificate from one of the leaders.

As they weren’t expected to deliver a speech, they walked down the stage after receiving their award and grabbing a photo.

Qiu Hengyang asked, “How did it feel to be on stage?”

“Not much.”

Qiu Hengyang laughed, “Don’t worry, it’s just the beginning. The main course is up next.”

The awards of various categories followed the induction of honorary members.

The A and S-grade videogame designers were nervously looking at the stage. This award meant a lot to them as it was an acknowledgement of their year’s work from the officials.

Soon, the first award: Best Sound Effects.

The leader on stage cleared their throat, “I’m proud to announce, this year’s winner of best sound effects is—Dream Journey by Zhou Haibin!”

A loud round of applause followed!

Zhou Haibin stood up filled with shock and disbelief.

Qiu Hengyang was also clapping as he whispered to Chen Mo, “This is an indie game. Zhou Haibin has really high requirements on music, so this wasn’t really surprising. However, being able to make a game of this quality as an independent developer is quite amazing.”

Chen Mo was clapping too, a designer that treats games like a work of art did deserve respect.

Zhou Haibin got up on stage to accept the award before delivering his speech.

“Thank you, thank you. I didn’t expect to receive this award because it was an indie game with a niche target audience. The gameplay wasn’t anything new either, and the highlight of the game was the music and sound effects. This award means a lot to be as it’s a recognition for Dreams Journey, and a recognition for me. Thanks to everyone at the Game Committee and my loyal fans. Thank you!”

Another wave of applause followed.

Although they were competitors in the same industry, an indie developer like Zhou Haibin was most definitely out of the ordinary, most were happy for him to receive the award.