Faced with the confusion among players, John had already prepared himself psychologically after observing Koch's plans to reveal certain details at the press conference. According to John's original design philosophy, the war's worldview was meant to be conveyed to players through an RTS-style game structure. It was never intended to be a traditional RPG driven solely by storyline.
Because of this, true immersion wouldn't come easily. At first, most players would still approach this newly launched content as nothing more than another PvE experience. Now, during the presentation, only fragments showcased in the promotional video were enough to leave players feeling somewhat puzzled.
"I believe everyone has already seen part of it," John said calmly on stage. "This is our new battle mode. In the updated system, we'll tell players about the wars that once erupted across this world. Players will take control of different nations and complete specific missions."
As John continued, the massive screen behind him switched to live in-game footage, displaying combat scenes from the new mode in real-time.
"At the same time, in multiplayer battles, new countries and specialized military units will be unlocked. This will include a variety of new cosmetic options, all launching alongside this update."
"And within the expansion content," John added with a slight smile toward the camera, "we'll also reveal parts of the background tied to equipment. Plus, there are numerous hidden Easter eggs scattered throughout the game."
This was no empty marketing promise. A vast array of hidden surprises truly existed within the game, and these were all features John had personally requested Koch to implement after bringing him into the development team.
Only John, who retained memories from his dreams, knew their full significance. The rest of the team had no idea what these hidden details truly represented. For instance, above the towering bell spire of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a mysterious figure dressed in a white hooded robe would leap down from the heights.
Meanwhile, during WWII, the United States secretly advanced its weapon programs. Upon discovering this, the Soviet Union quietly established its own research initiative to create a war machine. This project persisted until the war's end, after which the world entered the Cold War era.
All these hidden elements would be embedded into the game as secret missions or obscure Easter eggs, content most players might never encounter in a normal playthrough.
Strictly speaking, these weren't just playful secrets. In John's original plan, if no one uncovered these mysteries naturally, guest accounts would be deliberately used to expose them through discussions and hints.
After all, these Easter eggs weren't merely expressions of the developers' creativity. More importantly, they served as promotional tools. If no one ever found them, or if they were only discovered long after the game had cooled down, their true value would be lost.
On stage, John continued explaining the core gameplay changes. "There are some clear differences from traditional game modes. In the single-player campaign, resource availability will be strictly limited. This will require players to carefully plan strategies and allocate their military and economic power more judiciously."
"Meanwhile, the campaign also supports cooperative multiplayer. After completing the prologue, players can create online rooms and invite friends to challenge missions together."
"In addition, we've introduced several new features," John added, "including an in-game voice communication system and a cleaner, more intuitive UI."
As the demo footage played behind him, John guided the audience through the overall direction of the new content.
The media reporters and viewers watching the live broadcast grew visibly more excited. This was a massive update. Initially, few paid much attention to this DLC. But as John's explanations deepened and more gameplay footage was revealed, opinions among players shifted instantly.
Axis Powers. Allied Powers. A modern-war framework in the sky. Countries worldwide would be pulled into an unprecedented global conflict. If this were a real war, few but fanatics would feel excitement; no one would find joy in such devastation. But when war is transformed into interactive entertainment, players' adrenaline surges. Real war was cruel, but the massive battlefield scenes within the game provided a thrilling rush.
As John spoke, PixelPioneers staff members at the venue began applauding in unison. Soon after, some employees couldn't contain themselves and let out excited cheers.
"The major news has already been announced," John said with a relaxed smile. "Now, I'll take ten minutes to answer questions about this content."
The moment his words ended, the audience of reporters immediately became energized. This was the segment they'd been waiting for. Without the chance to question John directly, they might as well have stayed behind their computers and watched the PixelPioneers live stream.
Scanning the array of media logos below the stage, John selected a reporter from a second-tier outlet. This was an unspoken rule: less explosive questions were usually reserved for weaker media, while major revelations were left for top-tier outlets like Game Starry Sky.
Every reporter understood this silent hierarchy.
The chosen reporter showed no outward expression but immediately stood up, seizing the opportunity. Wasting this moment would only leave a poor impression on PixelPioneers and embarrass him among his peers.
"Mr. John," the reporter asked, "you mentioned that some details from your earlier game will appear in this content. Does that mean the backgrounds of the two works are officially connected?"
What was the hottest topic surrounding PixelPioneers right now? Without question, it was that game. Even during this content reveal, everyone knew comparisons were inevitable. Clearly, this reporter was a seasoned veteran who understood how to ride the wave of attention.
John showed no reaction, but several in the audience cast unfriendly glances toward the reporter. This kid was sharp; he had immediately snagged the most anticipated question from the second- and third-tier reporters.