Greatest Swordsmaster’s Game Streaming - GSGS Chapter 3: Real-Life Issues
“Streaming?” Geomseong tilted his head with a puzzled expression. A cheat code-like solution to solve his problems was streaming?
“Yeah. Don’t you know what streaming is?”
“I do know, but…”
Despite his focus on exercise and body management, Geomseong was familiar with streaming. Everyone had their time in school enjoying communities and games. Personal broadcasting has been well-known for a while, so it was impossible not to know about it. He also knew that streaming had both hopeful and despairing aspects.
“Can you explain it in detail?”
Geomseong was curious about how participating in tournaments related to broadcasting. His knowledge was limited to what he had learned before the current situation.
“Well, if you want to compete, you need to become famous first, right? That way, you can catch the eye of companies that run and sponsor teams.”
Her statement wasn’t wrong. Geomseong nodded and listened.
“And streaming is a way to earn money through subscriptions and sponsorships while also gaining recognition.”
Personal broadcasting on the internet gained tremendous popularity due to its unique freedom and stimulation. Maintaining a certain number of viewers could result in monthly income from subscriptions and sponsorships. However, this was only a hopeful scenario if everything went well.
“I heard from a friend that many people became famous through streaming and then participated in tournaments. They do both streaming and tournament activities simultaneously.”
How many ways are there to solve the issue of maintaining a livelihood while pursuing goals? According to her, streaming was indeed the best option for Geumseong. However, broadcasters are people with special appeal to attract viewers. Could he really do that too? Geomseong muttered with a hesitant voice.
“…Hmm. There’s something that bothers me…”
“Huh? What is it?”
“Those people usually have good communication skills or ideas. I don’t have any of that.”
At that, Hayun let out a laugh.
“Why wouldn’t you have the charm to captivate viewers? You have skills!”
There are other ways to achieve the goal of participating in tournaments while maintaining a livelihood. One way is to reach the top ranks in specific games and then get contacted by professional teams operated by companies. However, Hayun didn’t want to waste her brother’s talent using that method.
‘It’s a shame to show this only in tournaments.’
Hayun believed that Geomseong’s streaming would attract immense popularity. A user with a 100% critical hit rate who had never existed before would emerge. Hayun wished her brother to shine even brighter than he had been able to before.
“Did you know that every attack you made was a ‘Perfect Critical Hit’?”
“A Perfect Critical Hit?”
Come to think of it, his attacks had been smooth. Geomseong nodded and focused on her words.
“It means you have to attack perfectly. When you do, the player’s attack power is tripled.”
In other words, it’s a perfect attack with no mistakes, requiring the user’s posture and concentration to be flawless.
“That’s not something anyone can do. Even famous pro players in major games can’t consistently achieve Perfect Critical Hits. It’s really difficult. But what about you? You did it as easily as eating.”
Hearing Hayun’s words, Geomseong immediately understood what his sister was trying to say.
“So you’re saying that I can show something that can’t be seen anywhere else? Like other streamers?”
Hayun grinned and nodded.
“That’s right.”
A broadcast of his genius-level skills. It was a good choice.
Additionally, Geomseong enjoyed receiving people’s attention, which made it even better. Being recognized and receiving awe from others was always thrilling and new.
‘Okay, the direction is set.’
Now, the most important real-life issue.
“So, first I need to get a capsule, but until then, I’ll have to cut down on food expenses and go to a capsule room.”
He had saved money to buy a capsule for the future, but he had spent it all after repeatedly failing to make connections. Unfortunately, to start personal broadcasting, he had to cut down on food expenses and use a capsule room.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll buy it for you.”
“What? Do you know how much that costs?”
Geomseong’s eyes widened. He knew that the basic price of a capsule was over ten million won. How much would it be now? However, Hayun smiled as if it was nothing.
“Do you remember how much you did for me before? You not only gave me living expenses but also helped me find a place to live and paid my tuition.”
The art college Hayun attended had tuition fees that far exceeded the average for other universities. At that time, Geomseong could support his sister with the help and support of a company. Although kendo was a niche sport and didn’t earn as much as other sports.
“I should repay that. I’m making good money now.”
Her nose was held high. After graduating from a prestigious art school, she created several portfolios and joined a large company. Even now, she held a fairly high position despite her young age. Moreover, she was in the booming field of avatar design in virtual reality.
Hayun’s salary was much higher than Geomseong could imagine.
“Still…”
Geomseong was reluctant to accept a large sum of money, not knowing the exact amount, as he hadn’t helped his sister with the expectation of getting repaid someday.
“Oh, don’t refuse it here. Just say thank you.”
Hayun smiled. Although they often fought as siblings, they were the only ones left of their bloodline. Besides, her brother had always helped her, so now was the time to repay him.
“So, don’t worry about the capsule and just focus on the broadcast.”
Geomseong was bewildered but nodded, acknowledging her. Hayun, who knew more about the broadcasting ecosystem, began to explain.
“Currently, the streaming market is unfortunately a red ocean. As there are many viewers, the competition is fierce.”
This was a common statement in any field. Geomseong took it lightly and listened to her words.
“But you have a clear advantage in what you can show, so you have tremendous competitiveness.”
Although Hayun wasn’t a heavy viewer who watched broadcasts all the time, she was able to make this judgment. A 100% critical hit rate in virtual reality was an extraordinary feat.
“The content you’ll create is simple. Just choose a game with a sword and do what you want. The broadcast will grow on its own.”
Hayun then added.
“The RPG genre like ‘Altmate’ you’re currently playing might not be suitable. There’s a difference in control, and items and stats can just overpower you.”
Unfortunately, this was all the information Hayun could provide. She regretted not being able to give more details.
“Hmm, got it. I have a rough idea of what to do.”
Geomseong understood and had no problem broadening his thoughts. Personal broadcasting had never had a stagnation period since its inception, so he had some basic knowledge.
“Really? I thought you’d be clueless since you only swung a sword all your life.”
Hayun laughed. Geomseong let out a chuckle.
“What are you saying? I also played games and watched broadcasts during my school days, you know.”
Geomseong gave a small smile as he looked at his sister, who seemed to see him as someone from an earlier era.
“Anyway, this is all I can tell you…”
As Hayun gestured, a white screen appeared in the air. Almost an hour had passed without them realizing it.
“There’s not much time left. Let’s talk again at the café.”
* * *
The two moved to a nearby café.
When they ordered from the kiosk at the table, a serving robot quickly brought the Americano.
Geomseong took a sip and said,
“Well, I’ve thought about it, and there are a lot of things I need.”
“Things you need?”
Geomseong stroked his chin and furrowed his brows. This was a habit of his when he was deep in thought.
“Aside from the capsule, I need people too. Like a manager or an editor to manage the broadcast.”
Hayun laughed out loud.
“Are you already looking for people? You just need a streaming capsule.”
“Really? Isn’t it usually like that? I thought there were always editors and managers.”
Though it was a while ago, most broadcasts he had seen were like that. It was an essential element for broadcast success…
“Well, you don’t need to go that far yet, but I’ll introduce you to someone. I was planning to do it anyway.”
Hayun smiled lightly and asked,
“Do you know my friend Hyunjeong? Lee Hyunjeong.”
“Lee Hyunjeong?”
“Yes. She used to visit our house often.”
Geomseong racked his brain but couldn’t remember. It was too long ago, and he had lived away from home at that time.
“Sorry, I don’t remember.”
“Really? I even introduced her to you…”
Hayun shook her head and continued. Since it was just a casual introduction, it was understandable that he might not remember.
“Anyway, she majored in video editing. But she didn’t like working for a company, so she only took freelance jobs and ended up joining a famous YouTube channel.”
This was welcome news. A YouTube editor would certainly know a lot about broadcasting.
“I’ll introduce her to you. Hyunjeong will provide various information and even help with video editing for free.”
Geomseong was shocked by the mention of free editing.
“What? Free video editing?”
Even though technology had advanced, he had heard that video editing took a lot of effort and time. Accepting it for free, even with the chance given by a friend, felt too embarrassing.
“It’s okay. I heard she left the channel she was working at recently. Now
she’s enjoying some free time and working on her portfolio, so she’ll help you if you ask.”
Isn’t a portfolio usually built through paid freelance work? Geomseong still felt uneasy, so Hayun added,
“I make her avatars for practice and fun. So, just think of it as a trade of talents.”
Ah, it’s not one-sided. Only then did Geomseong feel reassured and nodded.
“Then I’ll talk to her.”
“Yes. I’ll send you her contact information later.”
Hayun then added,
“By the way, she’s a bit shy, so please be considerate.”
“Shy?”
Geomseong couldn’t hide his discomfort. He himself wasn’t great at interacting with people.
‘…Well, I’ll just have to do it.’
Even though he was already receiving a lot of help and support, asking for more would be too dependent.
Geomseong nodded and turned on his old smartphone to check the latest capsule prices.
Even if his sister was buying it, he needed to know the price. He was determined to repay her somehow.
“What are you looking at?”
“Capsule prices.”
“Oh.”
Hayun immediately checked the equipment with the hologram watch on her wrist.
Unlike Geomseong, who was unfamiliar with the latest technology, she found the price quickly.
“Well, a capsule with streaming functions costs an additional 3 million won. It’s not as expensive as I thought.”
3 million won. While it wasn’t an enormous investment amount, it was still a significant sum for him.
“…So, how much is the capsule right now?”
“Just over 20 million won.”
“What? How much?”
Geomseong’s eyes widened in disbelief, unsure if he had heard correctly.
“Just over 20 million won.”