Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991-Chapter 432 - 386: Zaboru Interviews Sakaki

Thursday, 27 November 1992 – Morning

Sakaki inhaled deeply, steadying his breath as he stood before the looming glass facade of ZAGE HQ. "Alright, I need to ace this interview with Zaboru," he told himself. It had been a nerve-wracking wait since Monday when he had spoken with ZAGE's HR department. They'd told him he would need to return Thursday for a final interview with Zaboru Renkonan himself. What exactly Zaboru intended to ask was anyone's guess.

Sakaki had tried to play it cool, telling himself, "Heh, maybe Zaboru's just a shy guy who wants me on his team." He grinned, puffing out his chest with confidence—but how wrong he was.

Upon arriving, he checked in with the receptionist and was promptly directed to the waiting area. Moments later, a poised woman in a sleek gray business suit and wearing glasses approached him.

"Sakaki Yukimura-san?" she asked, her smile graceful.

Sakaki blinked at her beauty. 'Whoa, what a beautiful woman... is she Zaboru's secretary? Man, I'm jealous!' he thought.

"Y-Yes, that's me," he said, straightening his posture.

"I'm Yumi Ichijou. Please follow me—Zaboru Renkonan-san is waiting for you in his office."

He followed her through ZAGE's minimalist but elegant hallways, his nerves beginning to flutter. When they reached the door with "Zaboru" engraved on a polished plaque, Yumi opened it and announced, "Excuse me, boss—Sakaki Yukimura has arrived."

Zaboru didn't look up at first. He was scribbling something in a notebook—concept sketches, from what Sakaki could glimpse. Then he gestured calmly.

"You can leave us, Yumi-san. Thank you." freeweɓnøvel.com

Yumi gave a polite bow and closed the door behind her. The air grew still.

Zaboru finally looked up. His eyes, cold and analytical, locked onto Sakaki's. There was no hint of friendliness in his demeanor—only a calculating presence that instantly erased all of Sakaki's earlier bravado.

'Damn... he's so intense. Totally different from when we met at Bakudan Arcade!' Sakaki thought, sweat beginning to bead on his temple.

"First of all," Zaboru said evenly, "you can just call me Zaboru. Second, I want you to answer truthfully—no flattery. Understood?"

Sakaki swallowed hard and nodded. Then, as he glanced at Zaboru again, something strange caught his attention. For a brief moment—just a blink—Zaboru's eyes shimmered with a faint blue glow.

Sakaki rubbed his eyes and looked again. They were back to normal. 'Wait... was that a glow? Am I seeing things? Maybe I'm just nervous. There's no way eyes can shine like that... right?' he reasoned.

"Yes, Zaboru," he said clearly.

"Good," Zaboru continued. "Let's begin. Do you love video games?"

"With all my heart," Sakaki replied without hesitation.

"Can you give detailed feedback on the games you play if asked?"

"Yes. I'll do my best."

Zaboru nodded. "You're applying to our Quality Control division as a game tester, correct? In your opinion, what's the most important trait a good game tester should have?"

Sakaki paused, organizing his thoughts. 'Don't mess this up, Sakaki. This is your shot.'

"Technical knowledge and analytical thinking are great, but above all else, passion matters most," he said. "Testing games means hours of playing buggy, incomplete builds. If the tester doesn't genuinely love games, they'll burn out. But if they love it, they'll stay motivated and have responsibilities for the game they test while also looking forward for the final versions of the game they test"

Zaboru cracked a slight smile. "That's a great answer. Technical skills can be taught, but passion? That's something you either have or you don't." He leaned forward slightly, his tone firmer. "People think being a game tester means playing for fun and getting paid. But in reality, you're not playing for fun—you're playing for work. And it's not easy. You dissect every detail, report every bug, and repeat the same sequences over and over. It's a job that demands focus, patience, and most of all, genuine passion."

Sakaki exhaled and agree with Zaboru while slightly relieved.

"Next what is your Opinion on ZAGE game releases so far in general?" Zaboru ask sakaki.

Sakaki inhale his breath "In general, ZAGE's game releases are always revolutionary, and they inspire other developers to create their games based on ZAGE's new mechanics. The way ZAGE is able to produce so many games in a single month feels like a myth to me. I still can't fathom how they do it but somehow, ZAGE able to do it."

Zaboru smiled and nodded. "Great answer. But let me ask—do you have any ZAGE games you dislike?"

Sakaki thought for a moment, then said, "There aren't any ZAGE games I hate, but I kind of dislike Nightshade. For me, it's too complicated. Even though it's still fun, I don't love it but i don`t hate it either"

Zaboru chuckle "Very well that's Nice answer," Zaboru said. "I wont waste your time and Just one final question. Answer it properly and you're hired."

Sakaki nodded, spine straightening.

"You've played Street Fighter on our ZAS-Street fighter arcade system, right?"

"Yes! I've been hooked since launch—15 November. I love it."

"Then here's your final task," Zaboru said. "Tell me how it can be improved. What adjustments would you suggest, from a game tester's perspective? Don't rush. You have six minutes. Pen and paper are in front of you—use them."

Sakaki picked up the pen and paper and began writing immediately. Meanwhile, Zaboru leaned back and closed his eyes for a rare moment of rest. Even with his Enlightenment ability enhancing his body functions, the stress of working still weighed heavily.

After the timer ticked down, Zaboru opened his eyes. Sakaki looked up, his expression sharpened by focus.

"Let me hear it," Zaboru said.

Sakaki placed the paper down and took a breath.

"Here's my assessment of Street Fighter—and how I believe it can evolve..."

To be continued.

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