Alternate Universe

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Video Game Convention

"I welcome all of the gamers and game developers to the Video Game Convention. We have a lot exciting news to share about upcoming games and new technologies to the gaming world. Coming up after this commercial break, we will be joined by the creator of the most anticipated video game to have come to a console."

"And we're off air." A camera man says as Striker sits as Mark walks up on stage and sits in the couch next to Striker's desk.

"How have you been Mark? It's been a while since you last released a game?" Striker says to Mark who sits comfortably on the couch.

"I'm doing well but busy working on the game. Yes it has been a while since the last interview we had at this very convention."

"Yep and you were just at the developing stages of Alternate Universe."

"Yes I remember that but Alternate Universe has developed quite well and had changed the look of the industry." Mark says as the camera man holds up one finger for one minute warning

"Let's save that for the interview." Striker says as the camera guy counts down. "Welcome back to the Video Game Convention. Before we went to commercial break, the producer of Interaction Gaming Corp., Mark Landon joined us to talk about his studios latest video game Alternate Universe. What can we expect from Alternate Universe?" Striker says facing Mark as the camera pans over to him.

"You can expect multitudes of adventures, creatures, storylines and other things in Alternate Universe and the world is expanse that it takes a couple of days to travel from one village to the next. So lets say we take Korogg and we travel to Firefly, that would take the players about two maybe three days to travel between the distance."

"That's impressive to travel a couple of days to get to your destination."

"Certainly is but there are further villages that may take a whole week just to get there."

"Is there any way for a player to get to their destination quicker if they don't want to travel a week to get there."

"Yes there are ways to fast travel to villages but some may require you to pay a fee or complete a quest to unlock the travel option."

"That is impressive and now a days games are getting very life like and the miles could mean a couple actual days of travel."

"Quite true Striker," Mark says proving his right leg over the left.

"Quite a few viewers are asking about how much you can customize your character and what it means by transforming into your character?"

"Yes we have been getting a lot questions about that but you will find out more later on today at the press conference but you can choose from a lot of different ethnicities. Players can choose what race they want such as half human half animal, fairy, assassins, and hundreds of others. You can also morph the body and make it how you like or change the gender of the character. Finally you can create a linage of your character or decide to be a descendant of royalty in a near by kingdom."

"Hundreds of customization on just a character plus more to experiment on once players get their hands on the game."

"Yes their are multiple ways to make your character unique but as for your second question on what it means by transforming into your character. Players will need to have the full body scanner that you attach to the current gen consoles. When the game starts, your full body will be scanned and you'll find yourself on the create the character screen. Thats where you design your character and once you hit the start your body will be digitized like Tron and you'll find yourself as your own character inside of Alternate Universe."

"I feel like I'm salivating to get my hands on your game but its not out yet." Striker says smiling at the camera.

"Don't get to excited yet because we still have things to tinker with and make sure it runs properly and stress test it but you can see it sometime next summer."

"The gamers are excited for this game and now we have somewhat of an idea of when to expect it but is there anything else you can tells us about the game."

"Not at this moment but stay tuned for the press conference to hear more about what Alternate Universe can do and the endless possibilities within the game." Mark says.

"Well ladies and gentleman there you have it with Interactive Gaming Corp producer Mark Landon and Alternate Universe. If you want to know more about the game just tune in to their press conference later on this week." Striker says as the light turns off on the camera and people move around the set.

"Thanks for taking time out of your schedule at the convention to do the interview," Striker says standing up and extending his hand.

"It was my pleasure to do it and I always enjoy doing the interview with you because you have the passion for the latest development in games," Mark says shaking Striker's extended hand. Mark is escorted off the stage by the crew and is swarmed by gaming magazine reporters and fans a like asking questions or wanting photos. He doesn't stop until he is cleared of the people as Caleb approaches.

"Very good job on the interview," Caleb says patting him on the back as they begin walking.

"Thank you. What did you think of it?"

"I'd say you answered the question very truthfully and gave more informations for people to chew on before release."

"That's what I was going for but is there something you want to ask me," Mark says as they stop outside of the Interactive Gaming Corp. Booth.

"Yes and has to do with your brain child of yours."

"You mean Alternate Universe."

"Yes but think about this and with the technology we have and could use to our advantage. We are able to transport players into the game as their character but can take advantage of that by allowing them to live their life inside of the game and they don't have to come back to the real life. We have access to create a code for that purpose and would make this game so much better."

"It's plausible to do that but don't you think once people get transported into the game that their loved ones would miss them or file a missing person report because the people inside the game wouldn't be able to return."

"I know it could work but people who live off of games would certainly enjoy living inside of a game and playing as their character. Who cares about their loved ones or a missing person report this is about the future of games and virtual reality."

"Alternate Universe is the future of games and virtual reality but I care about the players and loved ones and not solely about the betterment of the games."

"So you only care about the people and not the future of the company."

"I care about both but if we were to implement the always login code than how would we grow as a studio to pay for the upkeep of the studio and the mainframe as people are stuck inside of the game and can't pay for things to keep it interesting."

"Your just to closed minded about this feature and too close to the game for you to see it my way."

"I'm not closed minded but I believe this will not work but could potentially have bigger consequences than what it's worth."

"I don't see it that way and every time I've brought this up you have shot it down."

"We have different opinions but this is your last time bringing this up. Either you go along with the design of it now or I can fire you and find someone to take your place."

"You Can't!"

"I will if I have to, end of discussion." Mark says as they stand outside of the booth staring at each other. Caleb opens his mouth to speak but closes it and stomps off vanishing into the crowds.

A/N

This the second draft of Alternate Universe. I would appreciate any constructive criticism to help me better my writing. Also this will be entered in #SciKick contest. Let me know what you think.

Ian