Game Market 1983

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“Young man… if you could go back in time, what period would you like to be in?”

Kang Junhyuk, a game developer in the year 2015, meets an old man in a run-down arcade store and travels to the year 1983, the era of retro gaming…

Associated Names
One entry per line
Game Market in 1983
게임 마켓 1983
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
God of Music (6)
God of Cooking (5)
I’m Really a Superstar (5)
Big Life (4)
Top Management (3)
I’m in Hollywood (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Rich Protagonist (chaebol)
  2. An actual attempt at ranking
  3. ALLKR+
  4. 2nd to be read...
  5. GAME MAKER / CUSTOMIZER SUPPORT GROUP

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/28/24 Hollywood Novels c214
03/27/24 Hollywood Novels c213
03/26/24 Hollywood Novels c212d-125
03/25/24 Hollywood Novels c211d-125
03/24/24 Hollywood Novels c210d-125
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03/18/24 Hollywood Novels c204
03/17/24 Hollywood Novels c203
03/16/24 Hollywood Novels c202
03/15/24 Hollywood Novels c201
03/14/24 Hollywood Novels c200
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29 Reviews sorted by


rdawv
rdawv rated it
July 15, 2016
Status: c24
Interesting premise about a game developer who traveled back in time to enjoy and influence the Console Wars of the 1980s. The text is decent and the story can be catchy for those who are interested in the history of the video games industry. The translation is good though more notes on the changed names (due to copyright) and some basic info or wiki links would help the uninformed reader. A non-gamer might have a difficult time to connect "Marigee Brothers" to the real "Mario Brothers", for example.

The main weakness... more>> of this story when compared to other time-traveling ones is the inclusion of real world figures and notable gaming titles of the industry. As other reviewers have noted, the MC is content to stay in the background to pull the strings and influence events. However, it also means that his existence is superfluous: the gaming innovations and video games that he had proposed would have been released without his input. He was only there to put an impetus so that the games and systems have an earlier release. Of course, this problem isn't unique to GM1983, other time-travel stories where the MC "discovers" a talented person or technology due to his foreknowledge have this dilemma as well. Perhaps it's because of the real world personages and my familiarity with the history of video games that made this aspect all the more glaring.

Usually, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Historical fiction stories that involve MCs interacting with real figures or their caricatures can be quite enjoyable. The difference is that meeting those historical figures were not the focal point of those stories, whereas it is the main point of this one (at least, so far). It's like watching a movie with the disclaimer "based on actual events", with the film producers deciding to add a fictional character and change the dates a little to tie separate events together and give an excuse for the viewer to see the different scenes.

Suppose there is a fictional story about the creation of the United States Declaration of Independence. One man runs all over the colonies to meet the Founding Fathers and influenced them to write it. It can be interesting, but unless the characters of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are radically different from history, film-goers will be left wondering about the need for a fictional main character at all.

This is still a decent story. It can serve as a fictional introduction to the history of the video gaming industry. <<less
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kozinc
kozinc rated it
June 5, 2016
Status: c2 part4
This story, if had to describe it, is sorta like I'm Really a Superstar for the video-game industry, if the MC went back in time instead of into an alternate reality and didn't get a game-like system. Well, that's what I got from it, at least.
36 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Raneday
Raneday rated it
June 25, 2016
Status: c3 part4
This novel is quite similar to IRAS so if you've enjoyed reading it give this one a try. I also love that the MC is not arrogant and didn't abuse his cheat (money) in bullying others in his present timeline instead he'd chose to travel back in 1980's to pursue his dreams.
22 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Rosver
Rosver rated it
May 29, 2017
Status: --
It starts okay, then it just becomes really slow and boring.

The story starts by focusing on the video game elements and the video game market. The protagonist makes games and deals with the market.

Then, the tone and story suddenly shifts. It is not about video games and the market. It is about romance and bromance and daily life. The story now is about walking and eating and talking and chatting and other mundane things.

... more>> Eh? What happened?

The characters are rather bland. Many are based on real people, but they don't really have the personality of the real person they are supposed to be, nor do they feel like real person. The character are the most common stereotypes and cliches.

The blandness of the characters are especially apparent in the meandering slice-of-life story the story has become. We are bombarded by their cliche interactions, and dull and uninspired dialogue.

The worst thing is, the story is supposed to be about video gaming in the era of retro gaming, but it was thrown out to tell about the snooze-inducing life of the numerous bland characters.

A story that starts okay, then meanders pointlessly around throwing away it premise and populating the story with dull uninteresting characters.

If you love retro games, read the first 2 or 3 dozen chapters, then stop. If you like slice-of-life stories look for another story to read cause this one sucks at it. <<less
17 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
sal880612m
sal880612m rated it
June 5, 2016
Status: c2 part4
This novel is something of a time-travel/restart novel, but instead of fixing problems in the characters original life it is focusing on fixing problems within the game industry. While the chapters have been broken into parts they are of a decent enough length that it's okay, and the story has thus far read very fluidly. Like has been mentioned it shares some similarity with I'm Really a Superstar, except where IRAS has a strong focus on humor, Game Market 1983 has up to c2pt4 taken a more serious tone but... more>> it's still early to make a definitive call. At this juncture I really want to give the story about a four and a half but that isn't possible, so I rounded up. <<less
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tides
tides rated it
February 1, 2018
Status: c65
this story is really good but the TL has dropped it.

c65 is the last chapter and c66 is basically a huge FU from the translator. This is because c66 is when the MC starts to change history and create his own 'future'.

the frustrating thing is that c65 is essentially a good end for us unless someone wants to pick it up so don't read c66.

assuming c65 is the end, the novel is about someone who time travel back and helps nintendo create and market the games we love, and enjoy... more>> life in the 80s <<less
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icecream
icecream rated it
September 10, 2016
Status: c9
Instead of IRAS, this feels more like god of music or I am the monarch. For example the atmosphere of the story is totally different as:

- The premise has the MC travel back to the past in the same timeline
- The way the MC approaches and handles situations is different. The MC is very calm, mature, and experienced.
- The story has its own style and plot structure is not as simple as IRAS. The style isn't simply a reactionary type story. It is more realistic and mature. Regardless,... more>> it is not dry because it is realistic, it is still humorous and entertaining in its own charming way
Overall its really good and very worthy of your time! <<less
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Dusk
Dusk rated it
August 14, 2016
Status: c32
Game Market 1983, Game Market 1983... what an awesome, spectacular, brilliant novel. Words alone simply cannot describe my admiration for this novel, it immediately slotted in right into my most favored KR novel, my most favored slice of life novel and is all the way up to 2nd on my novel rankings. This novel just keeps getting better and better.

A lot of people compared it to I'm Really a Superstar, but I beg to differ. Although I do understand the comparisons. The genre of the novel is Workplace novel, which... more>> the only other notable workplace novel in the entire NU is IRAS, hence the comparison.

IRAS focuses much more on comedy, reactions and dealing with xianxia like vilians where GM 1983 deals a lot more with games, game developing, marketing & planning. There is much fewer comedy in the story in comparative to IRAS but there's one every moment or so mostly light-hearted ones though. This is a more serious-slash-casual story than IRAS. It also has lots of small time skips, unlike IRAS.

GM 1983's plot is pretty fresh, but it's not anything new or groundbreaking. In fact, it is how the author executes the story that made my admiration peaked for this novel. Decent plot but wonderful execution of the story, this is a rarity amongst rarities and GM 1983 deserved to be one of the bests.

Character : Kang Junhyuk the MC of the story is a lovable person. He is smart, calm & collected. He plans for the bigger picture much more than we think he does. He ticks every box I have for a calm & collected MC, he is playful at times but knows when to be serious, he is also a kind person.

The only problem I have with this novel, not that it matters a lot but let's say slight slight problem, is the bit lacking of character interaction. I feel that a bit more character interactions would do fine and there are plenty of interesting characters after all.

Story : Just like I said before, the plot of the novel is pretty much decent, but how the author executes it is why it's so awesome. If you are a gamer of the 80s, 90s and early 2000's this novel will be a great reminiscent for most of you and it is simply a joy to read.

If you aren't one though? That is still fine! Because this story is so awesome that you just have to give it a try!

Other than game developing, this novel also lets us peek into how the history of gaming unfolds and not to mention Kang kun's brilliant marketing for the games, both which are an incredible plus for the novel. Just like how in IRAS, we are able to get a peek into the chinese culture, GM 1983 offers us a peek into the gaming culture :D.

But a small warning, be a bit patient, please. I realize most NU members doesn't have this. The first arc of the novel is just the premise to the story so please, please be patient.

Style : Probably one of the best out of KR novels, there is more interaction and you feel closer to Kang Jun Hyuk than most other KR Mcs.

Conclusion : GM 1983 is a masterpiece, READ IT! Especially for olden times gamers this is a good novel to spark up some old memories. Rated 9.7/10 this piece of art. <<less
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Annise
Annise rated it
June 19, 2016
Status: c3
This is similar to IRAS and it is really good. Not as much comedy and is more focus on the game industry and other things
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
bukubuke
bukubuke rated it
June 22, 2016
Status: c3 part4
So far it's quite a refreshing story about a middle aged man longing for the golden age of video games. The MC is a good natured character, would definitely recommend to read when bored.
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
loussi
loussi rated it
December 10, 2020
Status: c79
A very nice slice of life almost novel about a passionate for his profession game developper getting an opportunity to go to a specific time with lots of funds and additional language skills.

What I like most about this character is that doesn't just steal other peoples ideas as his own, not only that he encourage the real makers of the games by giving them hints and suggestions.

Overall I love it and I wish someone would seriously translate it.
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
introparadox
introparadox rated it
May 17, 2017
Status: c20
What can I say, it's a boring story, it's like a history book about games where the MC participates in make it flourish earlier on. The MC didn't have any sense of friendship toward his colleagues maybe due to them being Japanese, maybe the author couldn't do it fearing the public reaction due to historical enmity. Well he didn't say anything bad about Japaneses though, but you can feel that he just sees them as a stepping stone, even those that he supposedly respect in the games history he didn't... more>> really respect them when he gets to know them personally, especially when he thinks to himself.
Spoiler

even when he goes to USA, after a year he decide to go back to Japan without saying goodbye to his supposed closest friends, his secretary and a shop owner, and when his secretary followed him to the airport crying that she loves him, what did he do!!! He kissed her and said goodbye without accepting her feeling and thought to himself "Its great to have a passionate kiss with a blonde beauty~! It was worth it to come to America" yeah it's greet but she's supposed to be a trustworthy friend of yours bastard

[collapse]

so I think that if there is going to be a friendship or love in this story it's gonna start when he goes back to Korea but why the hell did you start in japan if you can't get over the past, wasting 20 emotionless chapters or more I don't even know if it gonna change <<less
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efelios
efelios rated it
January 30, 2018
Status: c227
After reading this I cant be mor dissapointed. Such a good start but there many problems with this novel, the author should have investigated more.

... more>>
Spoiler

In the age of NES there is not castlevania, not metroid, not megaman, the author just mention Super Mario, Dragon quest and Final fantasy. At least the MC dont plagiariza other works but then again in the age of SNES the MC left nintendo and start to buy Square soft. Then again the author dont even know the games of this generation. Lately in the age of Playstation the MC create an Idol videogame but things go wrong and one of the voices of the virtual idols die of cancer and 5 peoples then decide to su*cide (WTF japan?). The MC decide to stop making games and thats the end of the novel.

[collapse]

Is s*upid how a "business management" novel mutate in forced drama garbage. Dont even think about read this. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
SwiftFate
SwiftFate rated it
July 31, 2016
Status: c28
Let me just start off by saying I created this account 'solely' for the purpose of making this review. Up until now, no other series has prompted me to spend the effort. So yes, in short I believe this series to be worth the time of everyone looking to try it.

Well written/translated, interesting and unique story despite there being a few other similar series around right now. This one takes a more interesting route than the others and does it much better in my opinion, especially with regards to characterization..... more>> The MC is simply put, 'real'. He is a completely normal human being with no over the top/cliche character traits you'll find in god knows how many stories being translated right now. What I mean by this is the fact that we, as readers, are able to relate extremely well to this type of character. Where as other series tend to go the route of "wish-fulfilment", this story does thing in a way that still gives that sense of excitement and 'hype' without completely destroying the thought-processes of the character and how they act. He is completely and utterly 'normal' in real world terms, but at the same time he is 'exceptional' by what I can only call invisible standards.

Some of what I said may sound strange, but the simplest way I can put it is that the main character is not some over the top idiot that completely ignores the society around him. It is easy to place ourselves in his position without imagining too many ridiculous scenarios, and that really helps the story I think.

Anyway I've rambled on enough. Long story short, I give this series a 5 star rating because it deserves it. As it stands, the most I would probably give to the other series I read is 4.5. And even then, only one or two of them. Give this series a try and consider supporting it if you like it.. We need faster releases :P <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
woofhart
woofhart rated it
December 29, 2018
Status: c52
If I view this as a reader wanting to look for some action, drama, thriller, and other forms of excitement, then this novel would just be average.

But the thing is, I am an open-minded person, so upon reading this until my latest chapter (c52) I forgot everything and enjoyed reading about the history of gaming (or at least the concept of how the gaming industry came to be).
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
UnknownSaint171
UnknownSaint171 rated it
March 19, 2017
Status: c55
Perfect for readers of manga "High Score Girl". The first KN that feels Japanese. Seeing different races coming together is nice. This is really good.

What I didn't like is the 'Time Travel'. MC pretty much gave everything away to go back in time. Even his life span! He wont be 30 but an old grandpa in modern timeline! I was expecting the MC to work his way up with the new cheats in Modern Society. And show his former boss how its truly done! The story doesn't feel real... more>> because he's pretty much breaking the 4th wall. MC intervenes with history and works with historical figures in gaming. In the chapter 20s he's already messing with history and ruining businesses. I am disappointed but at least its entertaining. I would rate this 3 stars but Its too unique as a KN.

Romance: I hate love triangles.

Spoiler

Its pretty funny but there's Secretary, News Girl, Gamer Girl. All girls have their unique qualities. News girl is a tsundere. Secretary is amazing intelligent. Gamer girl is funny. But the Writer is so indecisive. He keeps changing script to much that he doesn't use these girls. Secretary girl tried so hard for MC. Learnt new language, joined his side and stayed loyal against her company.. Gamer girl. I was expecting more from her considering she's the only gamer out of the 3. Hardly gives her input and is just there.

[collapse]

Its just Author venting his feelings about how awesome old games are. I really think the Author could had taken a better approach in all this.

It feels like MC just stuck living on the past. I hope in the end he chooses his old life.. Who knows maybe that girl will find him? Ah.. but she'll be as old as his mom... lol.

He's basically stealing ideas of the future and making it his own... Where are those skills he said he had? Its not even challenging to him; nor is he showing any of his skills he was boastly proud of in chapter 1. He's just using stolen ideas and calling himself a genius... So what's the point of rivaling and competing with famous programmers when you got all this in the bag? Its completely unfair. <<less
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Zeikfried
Zeikfried rated it
August 28, 2016
Status: c107
Maybe it's jumping the gun to give story a 5* rating, but thus far it holds that much promise. If you are a game enthusiast, then even if the main character didn't exist and you were simply following the narrated tale of Shigeru Miyamoto and company, this would still be a fantastic story.

The author doesn't dwell too much on the logistics, the relationships, the market and so on; it just casually breezes you through the history the way a youtube gamer documentary does it in 15 minutes. And if you... more>> frequent novelupdates and enjoy all the time traveling, body swapping, main character bias and so on, well that's icing for you in this tale. In fact it's quite refreshing when all is put together since the setting and plot escape the traditional tropes on this site. However, it has to reach a turning point. Like many people have said, once the timelines diverge it's difficult to see what direction the author can take to prolong the longevity of the story. The main character isn't exactly a multifaceted deep individual. He's still your regular joe-schmoe, smug, gary-stu-i-fied, protagonist. The author has to rely on the video game development aspect to maintain interest in this story and the chapters just haven't reached the "problem" of the plot yet. (Ch 79)

All in all, keep an eye on this one; it could be good. *Note: Mentally fix all the names in your head when reading. Nintendo is Nintendo. Sega is Sega. Final Fantasy is Final Fantasy. I wish the translator just straight up fixed all the trademark infringement precautions. They are annoying as balls.*

________________________

Damn it, I knew it. This was updated to chapter 210 400 days ago. You can't trust Novelupdates to be up to date anymore. <<less
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Gadget
Gadget rated it
August 12, 2016
Status: c31
A good novel.

Entertaining, and with its share of comedy here and there (especially chap 30-31 XD)

The only thing that is a bit disappointing is that, even though he went back in time to make his own games, all that he's done so far is giving a hand to notable gaming companies to make them go out of the 83s gaming crisis faster.

... more>> So far, even though he has resources and knowledge, he hasn't started his own gaming company. At least, he made his first real steps toward that goal.

I recommand to gaming enthusiat who want to see the story of someone rising in the game industry and bringing small and big changes in gaming history <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
JustDiededed
JustDiededed rated it
July 28, 2016
Status: c23
For starters, let me just say that my reason for not giving a 5 stars is the english translation release rate. That aside, it's awesome for anyone that likes novels with game elements, but without really too OP characters. The characters are well thought and if you like games, no matter if you're an old gamer like me, or a new one. It'll be an interesting read for you and the characters are really interesting. As was said before, MC is a disgruntled game developer that gets a chance to... more>> travel in time after finding a 'secret' game store (kinda like that manga of the video girl) and chooses to go to the 80s, where he gets to meet and work with people who are, today, legends. Even if you don't know their names or played their games, you've certainly know of Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Metal Gear Solid, etc.
It's good, just go for it. <<less
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serguis
serguis rated it
July 13, 2016
Status: v1c23
Once again an amazing novel to read.

Very few cliffhanger making each chapter a clear part of the full story which allow us to enjoy reading without frustration. Amazing facts corresponding with the true story of the game-making world creating a believable background. Presence of a limited supernatural/magic actions pushing the story to become even more enjoying to read. Writing very clean so no long and annoying sentences/chapters/... however still maintain a certain complexity to form an attaching and real main character.

-->Read if you want a good story where you won't... more>> have headache concerning overly complicated thoughts. <<less
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