“Hello, everybody, this is PLM and Big B again, with another round of Eden’s Doom. In the last session we played the first levels, and the jury is still out on how we found them.” Laughing emojis filled the comments. “Big B, have you changed your mind?”
Barion grinned at him. “Nope. I still think the first level is completely wasted. But let’s see what the next ones have in store. It can only get better.”
They played another two levels, and Jon had to admit the game was rather boring. The graphics were solid, as was the programming, but the entire game lacked the charm he had expected. Barion was equally unimpressed, voicing his thoughts clearly.
“Damn, this demon looks so lame…and unrealistic. I mean, please. What self-respecting demon would wear armor that tacky when going into battle? There’s nothing to protect his stomach, which also happens to be one of his weak points. How is this supposed to be a real fight if the opponents have such blatant weaknesses?”
He’s right.
That demon looks ridiculous.
Hey, Big B, what do you think should a demon look like?
Oh, yeah, what kind of armor would you suggest?
I don’t think I’m going to buy this game.
Barion could read the comments more easily because this time Jon had set the smaller screen between the two of them to give his friend a better chance to interact with the audience. Jon nodded at him, urging him to answer the questions.
“Yes, Big B, what kind of armor would you suggest?” He grinned.
Barion leaned back, letting his angel avatar do a spinning motion to kill off the demon he had just criticized. “Well, first of all, I would protect his vulnerable parts, not that real demons have any, just saying. But the armor would be made of bewitched steel forged in one of the hell dimensions, impenetrable and with the markings of the demon’s heritage on it, since he can’t show them off on his skin, what with having to protect it.”
Jon listened, fascinated, while Barion spun a tale of truth and fantasy, mixing the two so expertly that he had the audience eating out of his hands in no time flat. With a glance at the comments, Jon added his two cents.
“What would you do if you could design your own game, Big B? I certainly would choose a different story, and in my game, the opponents would be worth the name.”
“Yeah.” Barion paused the game. “I think I would model my game after the demon wars. Actually, that’s what I’d name it, Demon Wars. And it would be demons against demons, no angels involved. They tend to solve their problems with sex rather than violence anyway. A bit like bonobos in that respect.”
This guy is so funny.
Demon Wars is a great idea! Sounds like a fun game.
I want a game like that! PLM, can’t you create a game with Big B?
Oooh, yes, that would be great. I’d certainly buy that.
Big B’s ideas sound great. As if there were real demons and angels. So authentic.
Jon raised his brows at Barion, who was staring at the screen with his mouth open. Then a smile stretched his lips.
“That’s actually not a bad idea at all, PLM. Let’s do our own video game. I’ve got tons of inspiration, and you’re the definition of experience. We should be able to create a killer game.”
The comments exploded with encouragement, and the longer Jon thought about it, the better he thought the idea was. He did have a lot of experience, certainly to invent and program something better than this. And Barion had the entire history of his species to draw from. This could be so much fun.
“Fine, let’s give it a try. It’ll take some time, though.”
The awws and ooohs from the comments had him smiling. “We want the end product to be perfect and to your liking. But we will get your input during different stages of the process. How does that sound?”
There was a cascade of cheers in the comments. Barion put his hand on Jon’s and the touch was very welcome, much to his never-ending surprise.
“Well, then, fellow gamers, we have work to do! See you soon and happy gaming!” Jon cut the camera and turned to Barion. “Looks as if we have a game to create.”
Barion appeared to be a bit dazed. “Are you fine? Would you rather we don’t do this?”
The demon shook his head. “No, I love the idea. It’s just…wow. That’s the first time in centuries that I have a real project, you know, not just goofing around. We are serious about this, aren’t we?”
“Totally. To be honest, I’m hyped. All these years, I’ve just commented on games. Building one myself from scratch feels good.” Jon got up from his place on the couch, craning his neck left and right to work out the kinks. “Tell me about the demon wars?”
