Jiangnan Group was extremely powerful. This time, they didn't even give clubs and players a chance to ask questions or communicate. After the meeting, they simply sent everyone an application form for the International Esports Federation. Whether to fill it out or join was up to the clubs and players themselves.
A portion of the more individualistic players and a very small number of clubs couldn't stand this and left directly. However, most players and clubs obediently filled out the forms and applied to join the International Esports Federation. After all, the prize money for the Jiangnan Cup offered by the Federation was tangible and clearly presented. Who could refuse that?
Moreover, the thoughts of these clubs and players were quite simple. The International Esports Federation could only decide on competitions under its jurisdiction, and bans could only apply to participation in these competitions. As for competitions not affiliated with the International Esports Federation in the future, they could still participate, and there would be no impact.
Conversely, if they refused now, they would lose the qualification to participate in all the games under the International Esports Federation. How could anyone withstand that?
Soon, this matter was posted online, and naturally, the entire internet erupted in a torrent of abuse. Jiangnan Group's ancestors for eighteen generations were once again cursed from beginning to end.
At the same time, many netizens wanted to stand on the side of justice, calling for most players to unite and boycott anything related to the International Esports Federation.
Some players even shouted for a boycott movement, urging a boycott of all games that joined the International Esports Federation, using economic interests to teach these companies to be kind.
These criticisms and various abuses were so overwhelming that the entire OO game company was under immense pressure. Many young OO game employees, upon seeing the online sentiment, were almost reduced to tears by the scolding.
Concurrently, the mood throughout the OO game company seemed to be a bit off. Many OO employees, especially those who had recently joined the International Esports Federation, were questioning the value of their work.
"Another leave request, how many is this!" Luo You was an old employee of OO, currently serving as the executive vice president, responsible for the entire company's administration and human resources.
Yet, in just one morning, he had received over 20 leave requests, and even two resignation letters.
These reports made Luo You furious, not because OO was a black-hearted enterprise or demanded employees work overtime like "771".
Since OO directly exited game development and operation and focused solely on being a platform, overtime within OO had basically been eliminated. All employees adhered to a standard 996 work schedule, not working a single minute more.
Well, this was quite normal.
As for leave requests, three to four a day was considered normal. But now, over 20 leave requests in one morning, and at such a critical juncture when the International Esports Federation was about to be established, Luo You would have to be a ghost to be happy.
"Sir, you don't know, I just went to the restroom and heard crying from two stalls!" the secretary whispered. "They were all crying because they were being scolded!"
"I've tallied it up. These leave requests are almost all from the company's external service departments and those working on the International Esports Federation. They are exposed to a lot of negative online news, which is why this situation is happening!"
"These newcomers are too fragile. Back when we followed President Meng, we'd seen all sorts of situations. To cry over such a small matter now is indeed a problem, but I must report this to President Meng!" Luo You immediately went to Leng Zhimeng's office and reported the day's findings.
"Send a message to all employees, including all overseas employees and employees from various game companies. I want to hold an internal video conference with all employees to explain the current situation!" Leng Zhimeng said after a moment of contemplation.
With the President's command, most of the company's employees began to prepare. An hour later, through a stable network, the video conference, which would later be fondly remembered by many OO employees, commenced.
"I've received word that many employees can't stand the current online environment and the abuse directed at us online. Some employees are even hiding in the restroom crying uncontrollably, and some even want to resign, forcing me to gather you all here today. The purpose is simple: to unify everyone's thinking, lest you want to cry while working!" Upon hearing the President's words, most employees in front of their computers chuckled, but some showed expressions of shame or even greater distress.
"Firstly, I don't know what specific things these incapable employees can't tolerate. If it's purely the online abuse, then don't look at it; if you don't see it, there's no problem. Knowing that others are scolding you and still looking is seeking trouble!"
"However, if you've been influenced by those online comments and believe our company is doing something wrong, then I must correct your thinking!"
"First and foremost, one thing must be made extremely clear: you must have a clear understanding of whether you believe something is right or wrong."
"So, first, let me state my understanding: the company's actions this time are immensely correct, correct to the point of being absolutely correct, and actions that can benefit the entire esports industry!"
"The entire esports industry has been developing since the late 1980s, and it's been almost 20 years now. But look at the state of the entire esports industry today. Most competitions are held in random internet cafes without even a poster. And the WCg, representing the highest level of the industry, merely rents a stadium, sets up a few computers, and the competition ends!"
"Is this the highest level of competition in the esports industry?"
"Not at all. You could say it's not even enough for a campus league. The top esports league should be like the World Cup. Before the competition begins, national teams from all over the world would be fighting tooth and nail for qualification. All media worldwide would be vying to report on the World Cup, and simultaneously, numerous TV stations would spend billions of dollars to compete for broadcasting rights!"
"In addition, the marketing and operational work for the World Cup should commence long before the World Cup begins. The earliest would be the bidding for the hosting rights. Renowned cities and countries worldwide would compete for the hosting rights without regard for cost!"
"World Cup advertising licenses should be distributed everywhere, even on a bottle of Coke, with the World Cup logo emblazoned on it."
"Countless young people should aspire to become World Cup players, and billions of people worldwide should watch World Cup matches on television. Corporations like Mercedes-Benz, UnionPay, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft should all compete to become sponsors of the World Cup!"
"And more importantly, under the attraction of the World Cup, regional leagues should be established worldwide, ensuring that all clubs have endless matches to play each year, and all esports players receive a basic monthly salary exceeding five figures."
"We want esports to become the most widespread sport, and we want esports stars to become idols and role models for many, just like Messi, Zidane, and Ronaldo. Even if you don't like football, you've heard of these names!"
"Finally, and most importantly, we want parents of these players, when talking to their neighbors, not to hang their heads in shame and only vaguely say their child plays games. Instead, they should proudly raise their heads and tell them, 'My son is a professional esports player,' and then all the neighbors will look on with envy!"
"This is the ultimate form of esports in my vision, and the goal that esports will achieve in the future. But can the current state of the entire esports industry reach this goal?"
"No, because the entire esports industry lacks unified action and management structures. Most critically, there's no capital investment, so they simply cannot grow into the appearance we dream of!"
"And now, we at OO are investing massive capital to help the industry establish such an organization. So, tell me, is our OO doing the right thing or the wrong thing? Are we wrong for wanting to make the future of esports better?"
"Now, please think independently. If you still believe the company's actions this time are wrong, then you are not wrong, the company is wrong. The company is not worthy of you. You can immediately submit your resignation report to your superior. The company will strictly compensate you according to labor laws based on your years of service, not a penny less. You can go pursue what you believe is right!"
"And if you believe the company's actions are just, then don't pay attention to what people say or curse online. They are all fools with only keyboards in their hands, eyes that can only see computer screens, and a range of less than two miles. Besides scolding people, they are useless. You can't even call them dogs. Dogs at least have the courage to bark in the street, but these people don't even dare to shout in reality. They can only output furiously at their computers and keyboards. These are a bunch of trash, a bunch of failed losers."
"They don't see our efforts, they don't see the great goals that OO wants to achieve, and they certainly don't see the future where, through our efforts, esports becomes a top-tier sports league comparable to football and basketball. They only see what others want them to see in front of their eyes, and then they whine and bark."
"If the words of such people can unbalance your mentality, then I consider you to be just like them, losers!" Leng Zhimeng's words left all the staff with their mouths agape. They had never expected their seemingly cute President Meng to be so fierce and powerful. This was far stronger than any troll!
At the same time, unconsciously, everyone's hearts didn't feel as heavy anymore.
Thus, the internal sentiment issues within OO were resolved by Leng Zhimeng's passionate speech. However, someone, unbeknownst to them, leaked the video recording of Leng Zhimeng's speech and its transcript online, where it went viral on platforms like Weibo and Facebook, allowing everyone online who had been angrily trolling OO to hear Leng Zhimeng's sharp and unapologetic address.
Then, the trolls exploded.