All right, let's begin the strategy meeting.

Strategy meeting… That has such a nice ring to it. I couldn't be more excited! Be still, my heart!

How do you expect to make it to the end if you're already this worked up?

It's okay. If I fall, I'll at least fall forward!

Just make sure you don't collapse on us…

U-Um, first thing's first. I'll go over the High School Game Creator Contest rules now.

All we have to do is create a complete game based on the theme announced at the event in 48 hours. The winner will be decided based on how well-made the game is.

We will use equipment provided by the event organizers, making this a test of technique and creativity.

Hey, can we really make a game in 48 hours?

We can't make anything complex, of course. We'll have to think of something simple enough to be made in two days.

The simpler the games are, the more obvious their difference in quality will be. So, we'll need good skills and good ideas to set ourselves apart from the others.

I-I see.

The bigger the hurdle, the more exciting the challenge! We'll overcome those hurdles with the power of friendship and hard work. Victory will be ours!

We're going to need a base of operations, somewhere that we can stream us working from.

Participants can enter and leave the room as they please. But, as a rule, nobody else is allowed to go in.

…And that's about it.

Where should we set up our base? Maybe we can ask Shioriko to let us use one of the classrooms?

That's a good idea. Then, when we need to sleep, we can use our clubroom.

This is kind of like a sleepover…

Wait, no! This is a test of our skills and creativity! We can't go into this feeling like we're just here to goof around!

*Laugh* We know.

Okay, let's hurry up and prepare.

What should we do?

First off, game research.

The theme for the game will be announced at the event. Let's familiarize ourselves with all sorts of games so we can adapt to whatever the theme ends up being.

Okay! Let me scope things out.

No, we don't have to do that.

Huh?

The best way to familiarize yourself with games is by playing them. Let's find out what's fun about each game.

I like what you're saying!

Okay, let's start with this one. Let's all play it together!

Don't cut corners just because we're playing a game! Rina-chan Board says, “On fire!”

[Fade in/out.]

You're all waaay too good at this!

Little Baby, you're just way too bad at this. I couldn't get last place every time even if I were trying to!

Ugh… I don't want a record like that!

I've figured out your weakness and I know how to fix it. Listen… *Whisper*

I see… I'll give it a shot.

[Fade in/out.]

Yesss! I didn't come in last!

You're kidding! How could I lose to Little Baby?!

That was a close one, Mia!

Close or not, a loss is a loss! Let's go one more round!

[Fade in/out.]

You know… I think I understand what games are all about now.

Ooh, you've awoken…

That's awesome! Just like a hero's awakening in an anime or movie!

One mooore!

[Fade in/out.]

There, see? Just call me the rhythm game queen!

Well played, Mia!

Ugh, I can't believe my world-class reflexes got beaten…!

You have a great sense of rhythm, Mia.

I know, right? You can count on me for anything musical, Rina!

[Fade in/out.]

Ahhh, that was sooo much fun!

It's truly eye-opening to be reminded of how many different types of games there are out there.

I thought it would be good if I could use one of the ideas I've already come up with for this contest, but maybe It would be better to try something new.

Could I be in charge of handling the worldbuilding and overall design?

All of the games we played today had so much detail packed into them. They were so immersive.

I realized that's something that all of the games I love have in common. I'd also like to make a game where people can get lost in its world.

I'll handle the music, then.

I guess I'll take care of coordination and management just like Rina said at the start. If anyone needs help on more specific tasks, you're welcome to come to me, too.

I'll handle the programming.

And you have another important role too, Rina. Isn't that right, everyone?

Huh?

That's right. A huge role!

It's something only she can do.

You're our leader, Rina! We'll all follow your lead!

I-I'll do my best. Rina-chan Board says, “Super serious!”