Chapter 1029 – Overbearing
“Congratulations, Feng. Wind and Rain Games’ opening ceremony is a success.” Not only many of Hong Kong’s tycoon was there to congratulate Feng Yu, many representatives of world-renowned electronics, online technologies, and software firms were also invited.
Those people who weren’t invited tried their means to enter the venue. To them, this gathering is a testimonial of their status.
“We are only making ourselves known. Our first game is still undergoing testing, and the Beta testing will start next year.”
“I heard that you all are trying to acquire Blizzard?” Blizzard is a world-renowned North America game developer firm, and its mission statement is “Dedicated to creating the most epic entertainment experiences.”
But Blizzard does not lack funds, and it will not be easy to acquire them unless Feng Yu is willing to pay a high price. After all, Blizzard’s games are popular and had racked in hundreds of millions of profits.
“That’s right. We had spoken to Blizzard’s parent company, and after our Gbox is launched, we can download their games.”
Feng Yu likes Blizzard’s brand, technologies, and products, and he is confident he can make it more popular compared to his previous life.
“Then I will congratulate you first. Our Gbox will be more successful in the future.”
Ballmer did not mention about the terms of their cooperation as the first party who mentioned it, will be at a disadvantage.
“Thank you.”
The room suddenly becomes quiet. Ballmer was getting anxious. With just a simple “Thank you,” Feng Yu stopped the conversation.
“Feng, will you be attending next month’s director’s meeting?” Ballmer asked.
“I will if I am free.” Feng Yu replied nonchalantly. He acted as if he had entered the board for the status and is not interested in the company’s management.
“Feng, Bill said that our operating system sales in China are doing well and will give you more shares at the end of the year as your bonus.”
“Oh…”
Ballmer is going nuts. What does “Oh” means? Can we have a proper conversation? Microsoft is giving you more shares, and even when you don’t lack money, you should not show this attitude.
Didn’t you argue with Paul last year for getting lesser shares?
“Feng, you are also one of the directors in Microsoft and also one of the major shareholders. When Microsoft makes money, you will also make money.” Ballmer decided to start the negotiation, or else Feng Yu will not say anything.
“Feng, Microsoft is the biggest company in the world and has a brand advantage.” Ballmer said.
“I don’t think so. Microsoft is only the highest value company in the world now. The staff and scale cannot be considered the world’s biggest. As for brand advantage, I cannot see it.”
“We have the experience of developing operating systems.”
“But no one is buying Sega’s latest console that is using Microsoft’s system. If not, why would Bill want to find a new partner? It is because he knows Sega will fail.”
Both men did not mention Gbox, but they are talking about the terms of their cooperation.
“By comparison, you all don’t have much advantage either.”
“No. Although we do not have the latest technology, we are not far from the top companies, and this is something you all don’t have. We also own some of the best technology in the world, and we are the ones who set the standards. These technologies have a significant impact on the product. Our electronic products’ brands are also more popular with consumers and are stronger than Microsoft. I remember Bill Gates also likes our Wind and Rain Super VCD player, right?”
Bill Gates always has this problem. He likes the latest electronic products because of the conveniences and experiences.
In Feng Yu’s previous life, after Microsoft fallout with Apple, both companies started attacking each other. Some media reported Bill Gates uses Apple MP3 at home. This report increases Apple’s sales greatly.
This is equivalent to Bill Gates advertising for Apple. Even the World’s Richest man is using this product. It must be the best available product on the market!
Now, Feng Yu is using the same tactic. Bill Gates also likes our Wind and Rain products!
Ballmer is speechless. Why did Bill Gates buy Wind and Rain Super VCD players?
Feng Yu continued. “When you buy a PC, will you focus on the hardware or the operating system? How much does a PC cost, and how much does an operating system cost?”
Feng Yu is trying to tell Ballmer the value and cost of hardware is higher than software. Thus, Microsoft is not that important.
If Feng Yu wants, he can get Lenovo Kingsoft to develop the operating system. Still, he cannot use the free Linux system. Microsoft will not allow one of their directors and shareholders to do that.
“Feng, just tell me what you have in mind.”
“I had given in on the product’s name, but I will not give in on the control of the product. I want the majority share of this Gbox!”
The majority share is not 51%, but two-thirds of the shares. That means Feng Yu wants at least 67% of the shares.
Ballmer’s heart skipped a beat. What do you mean by you have given in on the naming of the product? This Gbox is also not using our Microsoft name.
Also, we might not agree to let you own 51% of the shares, and you are asking for the majority share? Since when have you heard Microsoft’s partners owning the majority shares?
We had acquired many small software development companies, and they can only become one of our departments.
“Feng, you should know our bottom line is each party getting 50% of the shares, and we will discuss all major decisions.”
“Impossible. If that’s the case, we should split and develop our own consoles. I want to see, even if Microsoft acquire Sega, what console can you all develop. We are the ones who set the standards for DVD related technologies, and Sony and their allies are setting another set of standards. I don’t think you all can get the DVD patents without paying a heavy price. If you all are not afraid of losing money, go ahead. Even if my consoles are lousy, I still have the Chinese market.”
Ballmer suddenly realized that Feng Yu is too overbearing. From his attitude, Ballmer knows Feng Yu will not give in. But Feng Yu also mentioned something important. Microsoft cannot develop their own console without Feng Yu. If their console is still using CD-Rom technology like Sega, they will lose to Sony, Nintendo, and even Feng Yu.
Working with Feng Yu seems to be the only solution for Microsoft.
