I tried it days ago and after hours of play, I think there's so many aspects that could be improved. I don't know if anyone already shared the same ideas, but here are mine:
- I think the relationship system has so many possibilities, not only between the producer (us) and the idol, but also between idols. For example, if Idol A has a good relationship with Idol B, when the producer does something unfair to one of them, another's relationship (or influence) with the producer will decrease, and the same thing happens if the producer does a good deed to one them. If Idol A and B has a sour relationship, the relationship (influence) will increase to one idol when the producer does something unfair to the other. Also, it's no secret that many otaku likes to see the group they like has a great chemistry with each other. It'll be great if the producer can persuade two members to appear intimate with each other and push them to please the fans, thus raising number of fans and generate more kaching.
- Merchandises. Selling CD is one of the main business of idols, but merchandises is one of the most profitable source of income for group with less members. We can buy the merchandises and sell them in concerts. I think K*irosoft's M*rch to M*llion has a good implementation of this.
- Last, but the most important thing in the industry is recording label. In reality, it's impossible to have self-produced and self-distributed CD to have one million sales. That's why recording label is important. Producer (or manager) may send proposals to recording labels in order to get time-limited contract, which can be renewed. Or if you're great enough for independent idol, proposals from recording label will arrive to you. The advantage of having a contract with recording label is they will set you a fixed budget, thus cutting some amount the expense for releasing CD. Also, it'll be awesome if label allows us to use music producer with high skills outside management and specialized in one genre for a price, resulting in a better music to cater casual audiences. Still, the advantages we get from having a contract with recording label has a high price. The way to renew the contract is by meeting certain sales and completing tasks from the label (the same way if we want to lend money from Fujimoto), and fail to do so means our contract may not be renewed. Recording label is kind of sensitive with public image too, so having too many scandal points will likely be resulted in contract termination.
Due to language barrier, my explanation isn't so detailed, I'm sorry. Hope you can put it to consideration!