: Not Arrogant Anymore?

Chapter 26: Not Arrogant Anymore?

Half an hour later, the office of Nolan Bushnell was filled with the rich aroma of coffee.

Ethan Jones leaned back on the sofa with a smile on his face. Opposite him sat two people: one was Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, whom Ethan had known for a long time, and the other was a middle-aged man wearing a suit, a bow tie, and slicked-back hair.

Ethan narrowed his eyes when he first saw the middle-aged man.

Because he always felt that the other person looked very familiar.

After Nolan Bushnell's introduction, Ethan, who was sitting on the sofa, almost jumped up.

Because that guy's name was Don, his surname was Valentine, and his full name was Don Thomas Valentine.

He is an investor in Atari and the founder of Sequoia Capital, a pioneer in the US venture capital field.

When a future figure appears in a finance textbook, it would be a lie to say you're not surprised. At that moment, Ethan could clearly feel his heart pounding.

But when the other person extended their right hand in a friendly manner, indicating that they were very happy to see Ethan, and played "Snake" on the spot, and were immediately stunned by the amazing performance, Ethan found that his heart rate had returned to normal.

In Ethan's past life, these guys were probably all big shots.

While he may not be remembered in history, he has certainly been talked about for fifty years.

But now?

When the tides of history first began, everyone was the same; they were all ordinary people.

At this moment, whoever seizes the opportunity will ascend to the altar.

In that case...

"Why would I get so excited when I'm using cheats?!"

Ethan looked at the two of them with a smile, but he had lost all excitement.

His attitude was also observed by the two people opposite him. After a moment of observation, Nolan Bushnell spoke first.

"Ethan, since you're aware of Atari's current situation, I'll be direct. Yes, Atari won't be able to release any of our self-developed games for the next year, until May of next year. But that doesn't mean Atari will decline because of this, because no other arcade company on the market has the strength to challenge us."

Nolan Bushnell said confidently with a smile, "It's not that I'm belittling them, it's that I utterly despise them. Because according to our research, those traditional arcade manufacturers still want to get into the gambling business. They're trying to combine video games with what they do best—gambling—which I think you've seen today. And their plan is doomed to fail, at least not at this stage."

"Before arcade machines were turned into computers, normal photoelectric feedback could not manipulate the game's outcome. Without the ability to manipulate the game's outcome, gambling games could not be developed. Therefore, all that video games can do now is provide entertainment."

"And when it comes to entertainment..."

At this point, Nolan Bushnell's smile widened even more.

He spread his hands and said, "After we reached a settlement with Mirova, Mirova launched lawsuits against every company that has ever produced a billiards game. I believe that those companies will not have the energy to release games until these lawsuits are over."

Yes! When Milrova realized that it couldn't do anything to Atari, they frantically sued every game company on the market, trying to seize the profits that should have been theirs from those infringers!

On the way to Atari, Steve Jobs had already told Ethan that Exidi and Sega, which he had previously contacted, had received court summonses. If nothing unexpected happened, executives from these companies would frequently appear in court as defendants for a long time to come.

At this moment, they were no longer as arrogant as before.

Because everyone knows that no matter how much Nolan Bushnell plagiarizes, he still has some genuine technology of his own. He truly broke through conventional thinking and opened the door to a new era for all engineers. Therefore, it is completely understandable that Ralph Bell admires him.

And what about these people?

He was just a simple plagiarist.

Upon hearing this news, Ethan was extremely relieved that he hadn't partnered with those guys.

And now...

"So?" Ethan laughed. "Mr. Bushnell, what are your terms?"

"Our conditions are very simple."

Before Nolan Bushnell could speak, Don Valentine, the founder of Sequoia Capital, spoke up.

"Mr. Jones, we hope to reach a long-term cooperation agreement with you, for example... ninety-nine years? We will pay a fixed fee, which may be several thousand or tens of thousands, and then publish 'Snake Game' for you for the next ninety-nine years. Of course, during this process, we will also pay you a certain percentage of the revenue from 'Snake Game'."

A businessman is a businessman!

You can't expect him to voluntarily give up his profits!

When Atari was already unable to release new games due to the backlash from Mirova and could only hope that other companies would underperform, after seeing Snake Game, they actually thought of using a long-term agreement to bypass Mirova's copyright restrictions?

Oh, this really is—

Driven by greed!

In that case...

"Okay, I can feel your sincerity, but I cannot accept this outcome."

Ethan clapped his hands regretfully and said, "It seems our negotiations can't continue. So let's leave it at that. We can cooperate again if the opportunity arises..."

As he spoke, Ethan got up to leave.

His state of mind surprised the two people present.

"Ethan? Aren't we going to talk about it anymore?" Nolan Bushnell asked.

"Mr. Jones, what's wrong?" Don Valentine feigned ignorance, saying, "We've only proposed a preliminary cooperation plan; the specific details haven't been formally discussed yet."

"I'm sorry, I think there's no need to discuss it anymore, because that's a waste of time."

Ethan smiled and said bluntly, "It might be because my perspective is limited, or it could be because I haven't been to university and my knowledge is insufficient. After listening to Mr. Valentine's proposal, I just feel that our expectations are like parallel lines. They seem to be on the same level, but they will never intersect."

"In that case, there's no point in continuing the discussion; it will only make things unpleasant for both of us. Therefore, let's say goodbye here and leave each other with a good impression."

The barbed words made Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine frown.

Although they knew in their hearts that their proposal was indeed somewhat outrageous, the key to negotiation was, after all, the tug-of-war.

You talk about your pain, I talk about my difficulties; every word we exchange is a struggle for interests.

But now?

We haven't even started talking yet!

Is Ethan about to run away?

What is this?

Thinking of this, Don Valentine immediately looked displeased.

Because he came all the way from elsewhere after receiving the news.

Seeing that Ethan Jones was really about to leave, he immediately said, "Mr. Jones, I'll say it again: if you have any ideas, you can speak them directly. If we have disagreements, we can sit down and talk it over."

"But at the same time, I can also tell you frankly that if you feel that the terms offered by Atari are not good enough, then I regret to inform you that you may not be able to find a company in this world that is more sincere than us."

"If you leave today, I believe you'll regret it."

"Who cares?" Ethan stopped in his tracks.

"? 』

These words made Don Valentine frown.

Under his gaze, Ethan Jones turned around, a bright smile spreading across his usually calm face.

That smile made the two people present feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Before they could speak, Ethan said, "Mr. Valentine, are you sure Atari is sincere? Are you sure Atari is the best choice for me?"

"Of course," Don Valentine replied with absolute certainty.

"No." However, Ethan shook his head and denied it outright: "That's just wishful thinking on your part. Atari isn't my best choice, because for me, the best choice is HP."

"What?" Don Valentine didn't understand and frowned as he looked at Nolan Bushnell.

At this moment, the founder of Atari was also very puzzled. When asked by investors, he decisively shook his head.

Ethan observed their inquiry and said with a smile, "It seems you two only know that I'm a former employee of Milrova, and know nothing else. If that's the case, then I might understand how the idea for that outrageous 99-year contract came about. Because you don't know that 'Snake Game' isn't just my creation. Its other inventor is at Stanford."

"I think you two gentlemen understand what I mean, right?"

Although it was a question, Ethan didn't give them a chance to speak and continued—

"I've brought Snake Game here not because I desperately need Atari, but because you desperately need me!"

"I'm here with Snake Game, not because I'm limited to Atari, but because you need fun new games!"

"My presence here with 'Snake Game' doesn't mean Atari is number one in the industry! If Ralph Bell can partner with Mirova to make a home console, I can go to HP and ask them if they want to make an arcade game!"

!!!

Before he finished speaking, the pupils of the two men who were looking at Ethan contracted.

They really didn't know the origins of Snake Game.

However, if what Ethan said is true...

"Oh Ethan~ Don't be angry, don't get upset, Don was just joking with you~"

Nolan Bushnell stood up instantly, a bright smile spreading across his face.

"The longest copyright protection period is only fifty-six years! Tang saying ninety-nine years is just trying to liven things up!"

"In his mind, when you hear this number, you'll definitely exclaim 'Wow!' in surprise, then loudly ask us if we understand copyright law. At that moment, Don will shout 'Surprise!' and then we'll start formal negotiations in a more lively atmosphere, right, Don?"

"Yeah!" Don Valentine nodded, affirming, "We're a game company! We make the latest and most cutting-edge video games! Even if we have business collaborations, we should do so in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere!"

"Ethan, you've completely misunderstood me!"

"However, my words may have been ambiguous, and I apologize for that."

"Really?" Ethan looked surprised. "You did this on purpose?"

"..." This question made Nolan Bushnell pause for a moment, then he nodded vigorously.

"Of course!" Nolan Bushnell replied confidently, patting Ethan on the shoulder and pulling him to sit down. He added, "If you don't believe me, I can call Steve Jobs in and have him tell you about our work environment at Atari. The atmosphere here is very relaxed! Really! You have to believe me!"

Ha ha!

Ethan didn't believe their nonsense.

His so-called ease was nothing more than a compromise after he revealed his trump card.

Don Valentine wanted to use Atari's market share to negotiate with him?

Are you kidding me!

What's the difference between Atari, which lacks independent distribution rights, and countries where kids are doing quite well?

Nolan Bushnell said that even if Atari didn't release a game for a year, they would still be the kings of the industry? Neither traditional arcade manufacturers nor newcomers could pose a threat to them? So, our choice of *Snake Game* is an act of kindness towards you?

sure!

The labor-management idiots turned around and went to Stanford to get HP to help them issue the product. Aren't you scared?

Yes! HP doesn't make arcade games. They make printers, counters, provide computer systems for large organizations, and sell high-performance workstations...

But that doesn't matter, right?

As long as no one alters the historical record to change the fact that HP's founders came from Stanford, those who were students of Fred Terman will certainly continue to support Stanford's own projects!

While HP's sales channels and video games aren't entirely unrelated, they're diametrically opposed, but HP is a global company! The size of just one of its subsidiaries could crush Atari!

Even if Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine knew that whether HP would make arcade machines was still an unknown, in San Francisco, they knew even more clearly that you can bet with everyone, but you can't bet with that crazy college next door!

Especially since Atari can't release new games!

So when Ethan dumped HP, Nolan Bushnell pulled him down to sit with a forced smile.

Don Valentine then conveniently pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and offered it to Ethan.

Seeing that Ethan wasn't smoking, he also got up, using the excuse of not wanting to disturb the two of them, and said that he was going out to have a smoke, asking Nolan and Ethan to wait a moment.

About five minutes later, when Don Valentine returned, he sat down rubbing his hands together and nodded to Nolan with a smile.

Having already chatted with Ethan for quite some time, the founder of Atari understood perfectly and said, "Ethan, brother! To be honest, the moment I saw you, I knew our reunion must be God's will! It must be He who brought you to Atari!"

"Since we have God's guidance, our cooperation will surely be incredibly sacred! So, I'm telling you very frankly here that I want to cooperate with you. As for the specifics..." He paused, then gritted his teeth and said, "I believe that, with God as our witness, He will hope that this is a short-term, sincere collaboration!"

Hearing this, Ethan laughed.

Not arrogant anymore?

Stop talking nonsense?

Sometimes people are just like that!

You have to slap him twice before he'll behave!

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I received a private message from the site administrator saying that I'll be featured on the recommendation page starting tomorrow. I'd really appreciate it if you guys could give me a chance to read this; it's very important for a newbie like me. Thank you.

Note: ① Don Valentine's first investment in Sequoia Capital was Atari. While he's the most famous angel investor in the venture capital world, he's also notorious for his interference in company operations. At Apple, he ousted Steve Jobs; at Cisco… that was a disaster. ② Milrova has a nickname in the gaming industry: the "litigation guzzler." Although Atari survived, Milrova earned over $100 million from 1974 to 1994 through lawsuits based solely on the copyrights and patents licensed to them by Ralph Bell. Frankly, in terms of litigation, Disney and Nintendo should call them teachers; their actions were outrageous.

(End of this chapter)