Mentioned Characters: Nitori, Takane, Chimata

Nitori Kawashiro sells her self-made games at indie game expos across Gensokyo. She handles everything herself, from sound and graphics to level design and programming. Her latest release is always her top recommendation.

On this occasion, Nitori Kawashiro was selling her games at a game bazaar. "Could you tell me a little about this game?" asked Chimata Tenkyuu. The god of markets had "disguised" herself with a new outfit and a pair of glasses. Nitori's eyes lit up. "I'm glad you asked! It's an experimental action game that's part brick breaker, part FPS, part pinball!" "Sounds fun! I'll take a copy." "Fantastic!" Nitori sent Chimata on her way with a smile. She thought to herself that making complicated games was all well and good, but just once, she wouldn't mind focusing on one genre. Luckily, she had the perfect idea.

At the next game bazaar, Nitori Kawashiro was once again selling her games. "Hey, what kinda game is this?" asked Takane Yamashiro. It was a safe bet that she was there to conduct market research. Even though the yamawaro may one day become a business rival, Nitori chose to answer truthfully. "It's an all-new vertically scrolling shooter. Wanna give it a try?" After playing for a while, Takane looked up from the screen. "This is so frustrating... but so good. I'll take a copy!" "There you go," said Nitori, her confidence in the game growing. Vertically scrolling shooters were simple, yet had incredible depth. Perhaps it was a genre worth exploring further.

Another day, another game bazaar, and Nitori was back with a crate of her games. Sales were good. She sold some copies to fans of her previous releases and some to first-time buyers drawn in by the box art. Nitori was happy to sell to anyone who liked games. "I'm really looking forward to your next game!" said Chimata. "What kind of game are you making this time?" asked Takane. Nitori smiled at her bright-eyed fans. "I'm still figuring it out." At this point, she was certain that she could design a solid game. But she wanted to make a game that was more than just its mechanics. "I want to create a whole new world for players to experience."

Then came the New Lunar Capital Expo and its game bazaar. Nitori had stayed true to her word and created a game unlike anything she had made before. Chimata and Takane approached her booth. Their jaws fell ajar as they gazed around at the countless posters and displays. "Wh-What is all this?" "Hey, gamers," said Nitori. "Say hello to Expo Explorer!" Her ultra-immersive expo simulation game was like nothing anyone had ever seen before. "As you know, my games are no cake-walk. They make a mockery of casual gamers. And Expo Explorer is my toughest game yet. So... wanna give it a shot?" Nitori smirked, but neither Chimata nor Takane flinched. They were hooked on Nitori's games and their merciless learning curves. They exchanged a glance, then answered in unison. "You bet we do!"