Video Game Tycoon in Tokyo-Chapter 1021: Trailer

Having an outstanding script to base an anime on is a rare blessing for any animation director. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

In Shinji Asami's view, Takayuki's script was already more than qualified.

And more importantly, the story's tone aligned perfectly with Asami's personal taste.

A cold, cruel world, full of tragedy and devoid of hope. A place where people couldn't even be said to be drifting with the tide—because at any moment, the tide might drown them.

"Mr. Takayuki, rest assured. I'll do everything I can to make this anime the best it can be. But during the process, I might need to ask about more details of the worldbuilding. The script doesn't fully explain everything, and I want to recreate the world as accurately as possible."

Takayuki nodded.

"Of course. That's exactly what I hope you'll do. This anime's primary goal is to promote my upcoming video game. But beyond that, I want it to expand the game's universe. If possible, I'd like to build a massive world like... Middle-earth."

"You mean... like that Middle-earth?" Asami's eyes lit up.

"Yes. Something like that."

In this world, Middle-earth was on the same level as Marvel or Star Wars—a top-tier IP. Its world structure closely resembled the Lord of the Rings universe from Takayuki's original world. Though Lord of the Rings wasn't quite as commercially powerful as Marvel, Middle-earth in this timeline stood shoulder to shoulder with the biggest IPs.

Takayuki's ambitions sounded lofty. Whether he could really build something that big was still uncertain—but he definitely had the potential.

Asami grew even more excited. If he could be part of building such a universe, his own reputation would skyrocket.

He had the money. He had the resources. And now he was already imagining the fame this project might bring.

"By the way, I need a 30-second teaser trailer from you soon. I plan to release the anime all at once on Facebook's official video platform. Production should be finished within a year and a half. Is that doable?"

"Absolutely no problem!"

As long as the funding was solid, nothing else mattered.

In fact, with this kind of support, Asami thought they could finish everything in just a year. Normally, a high-budget live-action effects film takes about that long. Delays only happen when investors are stingy or scheduling conflicts arise.

But Takayuki was the perfect backer—generous, decisive, and even provided a great script. Asami would never drag his feet with such support—it would be an insult to his own professionalism.

"Will that 30-second teaser be part of the anime's actual footage, or just for promo use?" Asami asked.

"That's up to you. I won't micromanage. I just care about the final result."

Takayuki had plenty of game projects to juggle. Now that the anime team was settled, he could shift focus back to Cyberpunk 2077's game development.

After all, the anime was just a tool to boost the game's popularity. His ultimate goal was to make Cyberpunk 2077 a top-tier game.

Asami promised to deliver the teaser within a week.

That timing lined up perfectly—just as the hype from the previous three game-to-film adaptations would begin to fade, Cyberpunk 2077 could launch its marketing blitz.

And the first step was releasing two game trailers simultaneously.

After the development of GTA: Liberty City Stories wrapped, the dev team still had tons of momentum. Takayuki initially wanted to give them a month off—but they asked to immediately start another project, feeling creatively energized.

Takayuki happily agreed, assigning them to a new game right away. Judging by their motivation, he figured they could finish within three years—far faster than the original Rockstar's famously slow pace.

Of course, Takayuki's advantage was that he could guide development clearly, avoiding detours and inefficiencies. Most game studios suffer from internal problems and trial-and-error setbacks. He had skipped those with proven pipelines and clear direction.

Without that, even he might've spent 7–8 years fumbling to produce something good.

So just as the buzz around the three movies began to quiet, the development teams delivered a pair of game teasers that left Takayuki very satisfied.

He decided to release both games' previews at once.

No fancy release date or press event—just two trailers dropped casually on Facebook's official channel, only seconds apart.

The first trailer was for Liberty City Stories.

With a relaxed tune playing in the background, the trailer opened on a city street.

People moved about, each doing their own thing.

A girl in summer clothes, wearing sunglasses and holding a drink, strolled along the seaside sidewalk.

Nearby, a group of muscled men in shorts struck bodybuilder poses, showing off for the girl.

She giggled, and the men moved in to chat her up.

But the camera panned away, leaving them behind.

Now the focus shifted to a nearby shop, where a hooded man wearing a mask suddenly burst out the door.

One hand held a canvas bag, the other a gun.

Another man rushed out behind him, shouting that he'd been robbed.

The bystanders quickly scattered—no one dared get involved.

But a city marshal nearby, who'd been chatting with locals, sprang into action. He dashed forward, drew his weapon, and aimed at the fleeing thief.

Then—a gunshot. The screen cut to chaos. People screamed and fled.