Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991-Chapter 412 - 366: The Investor?

Thursday, 13 November 1992

As usual, Zaboru was deep in his workflow, refining the November game releases and finalizing plans for the ZAGE arcade advertisements. He had already drafted several concepts for the upcoming commercial spots, intending to air them only after the official rollout of ZAGE arcade cabinets at Bakudan and Dream Catcher arcades. Every move was timed with precision, a balance of momentum and strategy.

But one matter loomed on his schedule like a dark cloud: another investor meeting.

Zaboru didn't need investors. ZAGE was self-sustaining, profitable, and most importantly, entirely in his control. Every project, every decision, every risk was his alone to make. The very idea of handing even a fraction of that freedom to outsiders irritated him.

What Zaboru loathed most was seeing wealthy investors ruin the spirit of gaming with their greed, while passionate developers were left powerless. He was determined to avoid that fate entirely by keeping full control of his company and refusing to go public under any circumstances.

"Hopefully this one's polite," Zaboru muttered, scribbling a final note onto a design draft. "So I can decline with some grace."

Then came a knock at the door.

Yumi peeked in, visibly nervous. "Boss, I have... unexpected news."

Zaboru raised a brow. "What kind of news?"

Yumi stepped fully into the office, holding a clipboard. "The investor who requested today's meeting isn't just another venture capitalist. It's Bill Gates. CEO of Microsoft."

Zaboru's pen stopped mid-stroke. His eyes widened. "You're kidding."

"I wish I were." Yumi said with a serious expression.

Across town, Bill Gates adjusted his glasses as his car pulled up to the ZAGE building. He was in Japan on business—part of a broader initiative to promote Windows across Asia. But one of his personal goals for this trip had little to do with operating systems.

ZAGE had caught his eye. Their games were innovative, their consoles ambitious, and their market share in Japan and the U.S. was climbing rapidly. Gates had done his research. ZAGE was completely privately owned. Every share, every asset, all under the sole control of its enigmatic and young CEO: Zaboru Renkonan.

"He's like a younger version of me," Gates mused to his assistant earlier that day. "Except more creative."

For Gates, ZAGE was a wildcard. A rare opportunity. And if Microsoft could acquire them, it would give the company a massive advantage as the tech and entertainment sectors began to converge.

Gates imagined what it would be like if Zaboru worked under him. With their combined vision and innovation under one roof, he believed they could create something truly revolutionary—perhaps even reshape the future of entertainment and technology.

Gates stepped into the ZAGE lobby, where employees whispered in disbelief.

"Is that really Bill Gates?" "What's he doing here?"

Yumi greeted Bill Gates with a composed smile. "Welcome, Mr. Gates. Our boss is already waiting in the meeting room. If you would please follow me."

Bill Gates nodded politely. "Lead the way."

Minutes later, he was shaking hands with Zaboru.

"Mr. Gates," Zaboru said, his tone polite but firm. He couldn't help but notice that Gates appeared to be in his 40s—just like in his previous life. It reminded Zaboru that the unique rules and restrictions of the entertainment sector in this world didn't apply to someone like Gates, whose age and presence mirrored the titan he remembered from before, maybe because Microsoft was not a gaming company in the 1990s.

"Mr. Renkonan. A pleasure," Gates replied, smiling. "Please, call me Bill."

"Then call me Zaboru. Shall we talk?"

They moved to the executive conference room. Tea was served. For a moment, there was silence.

"I won't take much of your time," Gates began. "I'm here with a simple offer. I want to buy ZAGE."

Zaboru blinked. "Just like that?"

Gates chuckled. "I believe in clarity. I've admired what you've built. Your company is on the cutting edge of both hardware and software. And I believe with Microsoft's global infrastructure, we can scale ZAGE into something world-dominating."

Zaboru leaned back, his fingers interlocked. "And your offer?"

Gates passed a folder across the table. Inside was a formal acquisition proposal. The number on the top line made even Zaboru's heart skip for half a second.

Ten billion dollars.

Cash.

"That's a lot of zeroes, Bill."

"You deserve every one of them," Gates said, sincere. "You're a genius, Zaboru. But imagine what you could do with our resources backing you."

Zaboru closed the folder and looked him in the eye.

"Bill, let me be blunt. ZAGE isn't just a company to me. It's not a project. It's my life's work. I didn't build it just to sell it the moment someone dangled a shiny number in front of me."

Bill nodded, unfazed. "I thought you might say that. Still, I had to try."

"I respect that," Zaboru said. "And I respect you. But I can't be bought. Not now. Not ever."

Gates sipped his tea. "Then let me propose an alternative. Partnership. Microsoft can support ZAGE in areas like computer softwar, distribution, marketing ,operating systems. No ownership. Just synergy."

Zaboru thought for a moment. That was a different conversation entirely.

"Maybe," he said slowly. "That, I'd be open to exploring." Then he added, "But when it comes to distribution, I'm afraid I already have long-term partners in place. Emerald Wings handles our U.S. operations—in fact, I own the company now. Their founders were passionate about staying independent, and I agreed to take over only to preserve their legacy. Because of that, I can't allow Microsoft to take over distribution in the States."

Bill Gates nodded thoughtfully. "I know about them—they're impressive."

He sipped his tea and leaned forward slightly. "But what about global distribution beyond the U.S.? I'm sure Microsoft could offer strong logistical support in Europe, South America, and emerging Asian markets."

Zaboru tapped his fingers on the table. "That is an interesting proposal, but I'd need to consult with the CEO of Emerald Wings first. We built a mutual trust, and even international expansion is something I want to approach with their input."

Bill Gates nodded and smiled. "Fine by me. By the way, I'm a big fan of your games—especially the PC titles. Tetris is brilliant, and Doom? Absolutely revolutionary. The Doom code for me is thing of beauty And the way you implemented motion capture in Prince of Persia... it's genius, Zaboru. I sincerely hope we can collaborate on creating something groundbreaking. Budget won't be an issue."

Zaboru chuckled. "Maybe someday in the future, Bill. If I ever have a project where our visions align, you'll be the first to know."

Bill Gates smiled warmly. "That's all I ask."

Zaboru smiled and asked, "So, how's Japan treating you so far?"

Bill Gates returned the smile and nodded. "It's a beautiful country. I just wish I had more time to explore it. But work keeps me constantly on the move—I'm sure you can relate."

Zaboru chuckled. "I really do, Bill. Running a company leaves very little time for sightseeing."

The two continued with some light-hearted small talk, exchanging views on travel, business cultures, and their favorite cuisines. After a few pleasant minutes, Bill glanced at his watch.

"Unfortunately, I have to run. Tight schedule," he said apologetically.

"Of course," Zaboru replied. "Thanks for dropping by. It was truly an honor."

The two exchanged another handshake, this one longer, more genuine.

As Gates departed, he turned back. "If you ever change your mind, Zaboru, my door's open."

Zaboru smiled. "Same to you, Bill."

Back in his office, Zaboru sat down and let out a long breath. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Ten billion dollars.

He then back to his workshop and He looked at the notes for the arcade campaign, then at the sketches for Warcraft.

"Nope. Still not for sale."

For Zaboru, ZAGE was worth far more than any offer. Shortly after Gates left, Shinsuke, Sayuri, and Yumi stepped into Zaboru's workspace. Shinsuke, the head manager of ZAGE, grinned and asked, "So Boss, are we working under Microsoft now?"

Zaboru let out a loud chuckle. "Not in a million years. You know what ZAGE stands for, right? 'Zaboru Animation Game Enterprise.' I'm always at the front!"

Shinsuke smirked. "Yeah, yeah. The name still sucks though. I thought we were finally going to change it to something cool like MAGE or something."

Sayuri, Shinsuke's wife and ZAGE's head of finance, burst into laughter, and Yumi couldn't help but giggle either.

Zaboru raised an eyebrow, mock-annoyed. "Shut it, old man. Get back to work. And let me tell you, ZAGE is an amazing name!"

The room echoed with laughter. Despite the teasing, everyone in that room knew one thing: working under Zaboru was a privilege. None of them wanted it any other way.

To be continued...

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