V: Pivots — Chapter 1

Summary

• The chapter starts with a debate over the title of a new game being developed by a company called Unfair. The working title, "Love Doppelgängers", is seen as unappealing and unattractive to a wide audience, thereby posing a commercial risk. Simon, the person who came up with the title, defends it strenuously. He argues it is as "cryptic" as other successful game titles and relevant to the game's plot which centres on a love story featuring doppelgängers.
• A final decision is made to change the title after a brainstorming session among the team. New suggestions range from "Love Doubles" to "Dirty Crazy Sexy High".
• After a romp with his girlfriend, Zoe, Marx comes up with the winning title, Counterpart High, which is inspired by a chess tournament during his high school years in Japan.
• The game, released in February 2001, becomes an immediate success, selling significantly more copies than the previous one, Both Sides. Plans are on for sequels and porting the game to other platforms. The sequel will also utilise an improved version of Sadie's engine, Oneiric.
• In contrast to counterparts Simon and Ant, Sadie and Sam struggle to settle on an idea for their next game and don't regard a sequel as a sellout. Sadie notes the generational divide between them, admitting she feels out of touch with the gaming world.
• Sadie, who played an integral role in the creation of Counterpart High, seeks guidance from Dov, her past romantic partner and mentor. She questions how to overcome public failure, he advises her to use the downtime to work on new projects. He reassures her that the success of the company is largely due to her efforts.
• Sadie further reflects on her relationship with her sister Alice, who is set to marry soon. Alice praises Sadie's game, but Sadie repeatedly credits Sam for the elements that Alice found particularly appealing. Sam is also considered a stronger contender for Alice's wedding invite.
• Sam's side of the game, Mapletown, becomes more popular with gamers who identify as "Mapletownies", while critics generally prefer Sadie's part, Myre Landing.