Chapter 57 - Metagamer Live Interview (1)

Choi Byunghoon opened his mouth wide as if his jaw had dropped.

"Metagamer? You got an interview offer from there? For real!?"

"For real. It's not a joke."

Park Joo-ho adjusted his glasses and replied. Despite his gruff attitude, Choi Byunghoon grinned widely.

"Wow, this is insane. No, no, it's not! The gold horses are just late! How dare they contact you now?!"

Seeing Choi Byunghoon burst into laughter, Lee Kyungbok was puzzled. He asked Park Joo-ho in a low voice.

"Is the Metagamer interview such a big deal, or is Byunghoon just not getting enough sleep?"

"Both, I think."

"Both?"

"It seems that way. After receiving the email, I looked up who they've interviewed before. Even Jinnom and Daltang were featured."

While Jinnom is already quite famous, Daltang is considered a top-tier streamer, often associated with major corporations.

Receiving an interview offer means that Kyungbok is on par with them.

However, Park Joo-ho wasn't finished.

"But there hasn't been a single streamer interviewed who has been broadcasting for less than a month."

"None at all?"

"None. You'll be the first."

Park Joo-ho smiled faintly. In the meantime, Choi Byunghoon interjected.

"Kids, that's not all. Metagamer isn't just any webzine. It's the absolute center of the community, you know."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Metagamer provides community spaces for different games. Like BarkMeta, MysticMeta, and GergMeta. They're not just the top in terms of scale for no reason!"

"Indeed, once the highlight video spread across each game's community, they must have seen this as an opportunity."

Park Joo-ho nodded, understanding the situation. Choi Byunghoon chuckled.

"Wow, this is amazing. As they say, geniuses are recognized by the world! Even while rocketing to fame, he knows how to add more fuel to the fire!"

After all, he's already gaining popularity. If the interview article is posted on Metagamer, it will attract even more attention.

"It's not just about increasing recognition. There are practical benefits too."

"Practical benefits?"

"Let me show you. I've picked out a few articles."

Park Joo-ho manipulated the smart link to display a hologram.

["V-STAR Festival Special!"] A Perfect Guide by Streamer Jinnom

["E4 is Now!"] Exploring New Releases with Streamer Daltang

["TGX Experience!"] A Year of Great Expectations with Streamer Tenori

Seeing the listed articles, Lee Kyungbok's eyes widened.

"What is this?"

"These are articles about game shows, both domestic and international. Metagamer often collaborates with streamers to write special features."

"Ah, right. If we build a good relationship with Metagamer, we can get such benefits. They often invite us to major industry events."

Choi Byunghoon nodded in agreement. As the top webzine in Korea, Metagamer is often invited by event organizers.

"They don't just write articles; they bring streamers along to add a bit of entertainment, making it less boring."

"But they don't just pick anyone, right? They only choose those who are controversy-free and well-verified. It's like a guarantee! And now, that ticket has come to you!"

Choi Byunghoon explained with a gleam in his eyes, clearly hoping for the interview to happen.

"An interview..."

Lee Kyungbok didn't show much reaction. If there were any issues, he might have felt some discomfort, but there was none.

"They didn't ask for a face reveal. The interview will be conducted in a virtual reality studio. They've already sent over the list of questions, so take a look."

Seeing the positive atmosphere, Park Joo-ho showed the list of questions provided by Metagamer.

The three of them reviewed the items together.

"Nothing seems out of place."

"Right, it's as good as any previous interviews."

"There's no real reason to refuse..."

Lee Kyungbok rolled his eyes for a moment before smiling.

"Let's do the interview."

"Great, man! Good thinking!"

"It will definitely help."

His decision pleased the other two friends. However, Lee Kyungbok wasn't finished.

"But just doing the interview would be boring."

"Just doing it?"

"What do you mean?"

To the puzzled looks of his friends, Lee Kyungbok shared his thoughts.

"I think we can make the most of this interview."

* * *

At the Metagamer editorial department.

The team leader of the influencer team was constantly checking his inbox.

Suddenly, a knock came, and he snapped his head up.

"Come in."

"Yes, Team Leader..."

"Did you get a reply from Purple!?"

"No, not yet."

Hearing the subordinate's response, he couldn't hide his disappointment. After the subordinate finished his task and left, he sighed deeply.

"Man, this is driving me crazy..."

The team leader was under more pressure from the upper management compared to other teams.

The influencer team had written many articles covering various aspects of the industry, such as 'streamer interviews,' 'streamer debuts,' and 'MCN explorations.'

However, the topics were gradually drying up.

'This is the problem. The industry is too insular.'

Especially in the game streaming sector, the market is highly saturated. Most viewers are busy watching already successful and entertaining broadcasts.

There aren't many viewers looking to discover new talent, and even if they do, few new streamers manage to establish themselves.

'Maybe we should explore the entertainment industry.'

Fortunately, the team was named 'influencer' rather than 'streamer' from the start.

They had already started building connections in the entertainment industry, as even celebrities were using capsules with the rise of virtual reality.

"We have to secure this opportunity..."

Purple's appearance was like a breath of fresh air. He was a rising star with both talent and popularity.

Moreover, there was little known about him, and the public was hungry for information. This was the perfect time for a journalist to step in.

"Does he know his value is rising?"

Usually, when Metagamer sends an interview request, a response comes immediately or at least within three hours.

Even Daltang, who is known for his easy-going nature, readily accepted Metagamer's offers.

But Purple remained silent.

'Well, he's only been streaming for less than a month, so he's being cautious.'

The team leader understood his position.

He usually didn't request interviews from new rising stars, as the streaming industry is unpredictable.

"Should I call him directly...?"

But Purple is different.

The team leader was confident that Purple was the real deal. Building a good relationship now would ensure a steady stream of content in the future.

"Ugh, I can't wait."

The team leader shook his head.

This wasn't the time to wait. In this industry, the words 'first' and 'exclusive' carry significant weight. If a competing webzine snatched the opportunity, it would be too late to regret.

Just then.

"Team Leader!"

A subordinate burst in without knocking. However, the team leader didn't reprimand him upon seeing his expression.

"Did you get a response!?"

"Yes! Purple has accepted the interview!"

"Yes! That's it!"

The team leader burst into laughter, and the office filled with applause and laughter.

However, the subordinate didn't join in.

"Um, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

"What? What is it?"

"Purple has requested a condition."

"Condition?"

The team leader's face hardened instantly. His mind raced.

"Is it about the compensation? We've already increased it and got it approved. No, that's not the issue. If we have to go through the approval process again, it will be too late! I'll even use my own money to meet the condition."

The team leader spoke quickly, fearing Purple might change his mind. But the subordinate waved his hands in confusion.

"No, no, it's not about money."

"Then what?"

"It's... well..."

The subordinate scratched his head, looking a bit awkward. This was the first time he had encountered such a request.

"He wants to live-stream the interview."

"Live-stream?"

The team leader laughed nervously.

"This guy, he really has a broadcasting mindset, doesn't he?"

It seemed the interview itself was content for him.

* * *

As Purple's broadcast time approached.

- What's today's broadcast about?

- Jinnom's collab is over, so is he going to play Gerg again?

- Looks like it from the lack of announcement?

- Not necessarily, he could start a new game.

- lol, he was just preparing for Gerg.

Fans who had gathered early were chatting in the chat window. However, they weren't the only ones there.

- It would be nice if he played Elden Ring.

- lol, then the dark spirits will come.

- If the rotten ones gather, it's over lol.

- Newton's Exorcist should cut through Elden Ring too.

- lol, it would be hilarious.

- Let's go, DebaEx!

- The DebaExMeta community welcomes Purple! ^^

- Who appointed you as the representative? lol

- If Newton's Exorcist and Purple team up as spirits, they'll achieve enlightenment.

- I wish he'd play Outro Universe too.

- With Purple's physical abilities, he'd fly around in Ayu lol.

- That game is all about flying around lol.

- Since he balanced Gerg, he should balance Ayu too!

- Does he not play RPGs? LoA is fun...

- Let's join the LightLightLight-run Lost Ark!

- The LoA uncles are here lol.

- Students, this is fun! ^^

- It's a game enjoyed by people of all ages!

Many new viewers had joined after watching the recent highlight video. They filled the chat window with recommendations for their favorite games.

- But I'm a bit worried...

- After Newton's Exorcist, the Apple Team might show up.

- lol, the manager will cut it out.

- lol, the manager is perfect.

Some viewers were concerned about the Apple Team's appearance. After Newton's Exorcist targeted a streamer, the Apple Team often caused chaos in the next broadcast.

Amid the lively chatter, the dark screen began to play the intro.

- Oh, he's starting.

- Everyone, take your seats!

- I'm excited to see what he'll do lol.

- GodPurple, do whatever you want!

As the intro ended, Lee Kyungbok greeted the audience.

"Hello!"

His face was very bright, thanks to the viewer count already surpassing 3,000.

"Today, we have more viewers than usual."

- It's the result of bringing back Newton's Exorcist lol.

- No sign of the Apple Team today.

- lol, they're probably too embarrassed to show up after Newton's Exorcist.

- ??? : Do they have a reason or a list?

- lol, they might just be lurking.

- lol, this is perfect.

There was no one causing trouble, contrary to the viewers' concerns. However, those who had experienced the Apple Team's chaos remained on high alert.

"Today's content isn't a game. Instead, we have a special guest."

The mention of a guest filled the chat window with question marks.

"Let's welcome Ms. Shin Hye-rim from Metagamer. Please give her a warm welcome!"

Following Lee Kyungbok's words, a woman appeared on screen. She bowed slightly with a somewhat stiff smile.

"Hello, I'm Shin Hye-rim from Metagamer, and I'll be conducting today's live interview."

- An interview?

- From Metagamer?

- Live?

- lol, what's this all about?

- This is unexpected!

- lol, this will make it hard for the Apple Team to cause trouble.

Viewers, being gamers themselves, were well aware of Metagamer's status.

"You all seem surprised. Today, we're honored to have an interview request from Metagamer. I thought it would be better to have a Q&A session with you all rather than doing it alone."

"Yes, this is our first live interview. Today, we'll be taking questions from the audience, unlike previous streamer interviews."

Shin Hye-rim, looking a bit more relaxed, began her explanation with clear pronunciation.

"To ensure we don't miss any of your voices, we'll be checking the chat window thoroughly. We'll compile your questions and present them."

"That's right. If there are any 'doubts,' we'll verify them under Metagamer's supervision."

The chat window filled with laughter at her words.

- Our GodPurple has a plan.

- The Metagamer suppression system is amazing.

- lol, I can watch the stream more comfortably now.

Amid the laughter, Lee Kyungbok turned to the journalist, who still looked a bit stiff, not fully adapted to the broadcast atmosphere.

"Let's get started."

"Ah, yes!"

Lee Kyungbok took over the proceedings, seeing her struggle. Shin Hye-rim cleared her throat a couple of times and smiled.

"Let's begin the interview with Purple, the most famous but mysterious streamer."

- lol, he's famous but unknown.

- That's what gods are like.

- lol, he's really a god.

- Tell us more!

Viewers agreed with the opening statement. Shin Hye-rim, gaining confidence, spoke more clearly.

"Let's start with the known facts. Your first game was Bio Crisis, and you achieved the true ending on your first play, which drew a response from the developers."

"Yes, that's right."

"Because of that, you gained attention from both domestic and international gamers, and you set a record for the fastest 100,000 subscribers on YouTube."

"Seems like it happened overnight."

Lee Kyungbok answered calmly, making Shin Hye-rim blink.

- lol, the journalist can't adapt to the streamer vibe.

- Drop the human perspective!

- lol, becoming a 100,000 subscriber YouTuber overnight, what's so hard about that?

- (GameTalk)(GameTalk)(GameTalk)

- He's already at 400,000 lol.

Viewers were satisfied, as if watching a newbie.

"Yes, but that's not all. The community heated up again when you rediscovered the infamous troll champion, 'Yami,' from Mystic League!"

"Oh, did it?"

Lee Kyungbok wasn't particularly interested in Mystic. He had finished the placement test and immediately prepared for the collab with Jinnom.

- Was it a king's raid?

- GodPurple released Yami in Mystic!

- lol, the next day was hell.

- Yami was everywhere...

- But there was only one perfect Yami.

Shin Hye-rim, surprised by his nonchalant attitude, continued with her prepared script.

"Finally, the hottest reason now! You achieved the first-ever victory against the notorious 'Newton's Exorcist' in Gerground, and all of this happened within just a month of starting your broadcasts."

- Actually, it's been less than a month, only three weeks lol.

- No way! Who would believe that!

- You've completely revolutionized the streaming industry.

- Why didn't you mention the 1 million won bet!

- Million-streamer lol.

Lee Kyungbok smiled at Shin Hye-rim's and the viewers' reactions.

"First-ever victory, but it's not that surprising."

"Really?"

"Every time we meet in the future."

Lee Kyungbok looked directly at the camera.

"I will win."

His confident voice.

- lol, the streamer vibe is ON!

- The interview is [P][E][R][F][E][C][T].

- Streaming is divided into before and after Purple.

- Like the Old and New Testaments lol.

- ???: He will rewrite history.

- Breaking news: South Korea decides to change the date notation to 'Purple Era' 1 year 1 month 1 day.

- Not AD, but PE lol.

- lol, the streamers are all drunk on Purple's vibe.

The chat window was filled with cheers.

It was an exciting interview from the start.

Except for one person who was unusually nervous.