Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Not really.  All of the big Nintendo 1st party games are available on Switch and the digital pricing is the same as the physical and are in the $49 - $59 range.  Check Mario Kart & Zelda.  You can see both the physical and digital version prices. 

So Nintendo has opted NOT to give any break on the digital versions of games.  Even though the store makes a 100% mark up on physical AND they don't have packaging, manufacturing, shipping, etc.

In my experience, almost every game that is available both on digital and physical formats on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo systems cost the same in both formats. I was assuming it was some kind of implied agreement with distribution. Mr Beefy was talking about digital only games (like indie games as he said), that usually cost less than $20.

1 hour ago, roots.genoa said:

In my experience, almost every game that is available both on digital and physical formats on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo systems cost the same in both formats. I was assuming it was some kind of implied agreement with distribution. Mr Beefy was talking about digital only games (like indie games as he said), that usually cost less than $20.

True. But sometimes, these digital games can be on sale.

 

I rarely see Nintendo titles on sale though.

 

Everybody here points out games made by Nintendo, but how about other games available on e-shop?

 

Some of them have prices as low as $1. Even few physical games are at $30.

 

Of course, Nintendo titles are high.

3 hours ago, Blarneo said:

Further down on the YT thread, he admits he fails to produce the exchange where you "accused him of being a child abuser", but the curly haired one still pulls a Sean Hannity "Wow! You won't hear this on other news sources!" phony outrage face out of his ass.

Not surprising. Especially considering the way he portrayed it wasn't true at all.  He treated me and anyone who liked Amico as a lowlife moron.  Then... gets all butt hurt (after about 4 attempts at being civil to him) when I hit back.  Then... plays the victim.  Classic!

I don't mind if people don't want or like the system.  I really don't.  It's definitely not for everyone.  And it probably isn't for the folks who listen to negative podcasts all the time. 

It's the folks who lie about it to cause controversy and try to make money off the negativity...  or the folks who dislike it and then demand that everyone else should hate it as well (or else they are morons) where I question the intelligence and maturity level.  It's video games people... LIGHTEN UP!!

 

Another interesting thing to think about.  What if they liked it?  What if they talked positively about it?  Do you think the comments on YouTube would be majority positive?  Of course they would.  We've seen it happen in a ton of other videos online.  So... because those 2 guys hate it... all of their followers want to pile on to try and impress them in hopes of getting a heart from the curly one.   Which side would you say are the "followers" or the "cult" now.  

But in their eyes... it couldn't possibly go both ways.

 

Edited December 14, 2019 by Tommy Tallarico

2 hours ago, roots.genoa said:

In my experience, almost every game that is available both on digital and physical formats on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo systems cost the same in both formats. I was assuming it was some kind of implied agreement with distribution. Mr Beefy was talking about digital only games (like indie games as he said), that usually cost less than $20.

Ah.  Yes... I agree.  I misunderstood what he was trying to convey.  The way I read it was that physical & digital have different prices.  My bad.

 

 

1 hour ago, Serguei2 said:

True. But sometimes, these digital games can be on sale.

 

I rarely see Nintendo titles on sale though.

 

Everybody here points out games made by Nintendo, but how about other games available on e-shop?

 

Some of them have prices as low as $1. Even few physical games are at $30.

 

Of course, Nintendo titles are high.

 

I saw a few games in the e-shop for .49 cents!

I think it's one of the issues with the Switch (that I hear over and over from casual and even hardcore gamers) that the store isn't curated well and its very difficult to find anything.  I certainly can't. 

If a casual family of 4 wanted to find a fun couch co-op game... how would they go about doing that?  This is one of the problems that Amico takes away.  David Jaffe (creator of God of War) loved this about Amico (and tweeted about it).  Having one central console/place where everything is family friendly and couch co-op is a godsend in his (and many others) eyes.

 

 

Edited December 14, 2019 by Tommy Tallarico

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

I saw a few games in the e-shop for .49 cents!

I think it's one of the issues with the Switch (that I hear over and over from casual and even hardcore gamers) that the store isn't curated well and its very difficult to find anything.  I certainly can't. 

If a casual family of 4 wanted to find a fun couch co-op game... how would they go about doing that?  This is one of the problems that Amico takes away.  David Jaffe (creator of God of War) loved this about Amico (and tweeted about it).  Having one central console/place where everything is family friendly and couch co-op is a godsend in his (and many others) eyes.

 

 

To me this is one of the more interesting aspects of the Amico model in that although this is a business and is of course looking to make money instead of that being a driving force “let’s milk as much money per game as we can by just dumping tons of games on the system per week” they decided early on to limit the system to 3 games or so per month which shows more of a dedication to me to the philosophy behind the system than solely on profits which is very nice to see

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Ah.  Yes... I agree.  I misunderstood what he was trying to convey.  The way I read it was that physical & digital have different prices.  My bad.

 

 

Reminds me of the way certain limited publishers act. People get caught off-guard at first, but it really helps ease the pain of additional physical costs.

 

(and helps prevent a $10 Steam game from selling for 3x as much on the eShop...)

9 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Its interesting that most folks I meet our age (45+) who grew up on the west coast are into that style of music.  Yet the folks I meet who grew up on the east coast (same age range) grew up with more Classic Rock 'n Roll (Van Halen, Boston, Zepp, etc.).  I suppose it's regional for sure.  I bet folks from the south had more Country music playing. 

Any data to add to my theory? 

How old are you?

Where did you grow up?

What kind of music did you listen to and still love?

 

 

 

47, Southern California , LED Zeppelin, the Damned, Misfits 

5 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

I saw a few games in the e-shop for .49 cents!

I think it's one of the issues with the Switch (that I hear over and over from casual and even hardcore gamers) that the store isn't curated well and its very difficult to find anything.  I certainly can't. 

If a casual family of 4 wanted to find a fun couch co-op game... how would they go about doing that?  This is one of the problems that Amico takes away.  David Jaffe (creator of God of War) loved this about Amico (and tweeted about it).  Having one central console/place where everything is family friendly and couch co-op is a godsend in his (and many others) eyes.

 

 

I think these arguments being directed toward you are a lot of re-hashes and stretches into left field lately.

13 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Its interesting that most folks I meet our age (45+) who grew up on the west coast are into that style of music.  Yet the folks I meet who grew up on the east coast (same age range) grew up with more Classic Rock 'n Roll (Van Halen, Boston, Zepp, etc.).  I suppose it's regional for sure.  I bet folks from the south had more Country music playing. 

Any data to add to my theory? 

How old are you?

Where did you grow up?

What kind of music did you listen to and still love?

 

 

 

51 

Chicago

i still listen to 80's music exclusively Prince,Duran Duran,Def Leppard,Motley Crue 

14 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Its interesting that most folks I meet our age (45+) who grew up on the west coast are into that style of music.  Yet the folks I meet who grew up on the east coast (same age range) grew up with more Classic Rock 'n Roll (Van Halen, Boston, Zepp, etc.).  I suppose it's regional for sure.  I bet folks from the south had more Country music playing. 

Any data to add to my theory? 

How old are you?

Where did you grow up?

What kind of music did you listen to and still love?

 

 

 

43

Auckland, New Zealand (pretty bloody south but no country music! - lol).

Poison, Guns 'N' Roses, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Motley Crue, Skid Row

 

Those who know New Zealand would know from my taste in music that I lived in West Auckland - the native inhabitants are known simply as "westies" or "bogans" and listen to hard rock/metal and wear black jeans and black woollen jumpers, no matter the weather. And don't get me started on the hair! I grew out of that stage

Edited December 15, 2019 by MantaNZ

51

Northern Minnesota

Mostly 70s music with a couple years on either side, though I have a few favorites from other decades

For instance, Fogelberg sounds very 70s, but was at the top in 79 to 81.

12 hours ago, Alpha82 said:

To me this is one of the more interesting aspects of the Amico model in that although this is a business and is of course looking to make money instead of that being a driving force “let’s milk as much money per game as we can by just dumping tons of games on the system per week” they decided early on to limit the system to 3 games or so per month which shows more of a dedication to me to the philosophy behind the system than solely on profits which is very nice to see

I thought the idea behind this strategy is to maximise sales for each and every game.

21 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Its interesting that most folks I meet our age (45+) who grew up on the west coast are into that style of music.  Yet the folks I meet who grew up on the east coast (same age range) grew up with more Classic Rock 'n Roll (Van Halen, Boston, Zepp, etc.).  I suppose it's regional for sure.  I bet folks from the south had more Country music playing. 

Any data to add to my theory? 

How old are you?

Where did you grow up?

What kind of music did you listen to and still love?

First it is very cool to see the musical influences of the folks here, also TIL a region of New Zealand is full of head bangers. That makes me want to go to NZ even more.

 

Age: 56

Grew Up: rural Southern Missouri/Northern Arkansas (same thing really)

Music: I am going to be the weird one, my musical tastes covers 1920s to today and was not really based on what I listened to as a child because all that was available on the radio there was contemporary country - and I hate most country. So for period music that I still listen to here goes: old country (Gene Autry, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash), 70's & 80s rock: Queen, Styx, Journey, Boston, Led Zeppelin, Eagles) and comedy/parody (really, still a huge mix in my listening): Weird Al & a lot of one hit wonders featured on Dr Demento

22 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Its interesting that most folks I meet our age (45+) who grew up on the west coast are into that style of music.  Yet the folks I meet who grew up on the east coast (same age range) grew up with more Classic Rock 'n Roll (Van Halen, Boston, Zepp, etc.).  I suppose it's regional for sure.  I bet folks from the south had more Country music playing. 

Any data to add to my theory? 

How old are you?

Where did you grow up?

What kind of music did you listen to and still love?

 

 

 

50 (in 8 days 🤬😢🥺😬)

Lindenhurst, Long Island, NY (home of Pat Benatar)

Priest, Zeppelin, Zebra, Rush, Motorhead, Def Leppard, Yes.. some 80s Hair Bands.. and of course someone's cousin's band... Toys in the Attic!!

 

I miss the days of WBAB's Bob Buckmann, Homegrown and The Sundance in Bay Shore.  Good times.

 

Edited December 15, 2019 by IMBerzerk

Its interesting that most folks I meet our age (45+) who grew up on the west coast are into that style of music.  Yet the folks I meet who grew up on the east coast (same age range) grew up with more Classic Rock 'n Roll (Van Halen, Boston, Zepp, etc.).  I suppose it's regional for sure.  I bet folks from the south had more Country music playing. 

Any data to add to my theory? 

How old are you?
Where did you grow up?
What kind of music did you listen to and still love?

Yeah, I don’t think you and I have talked about our musical interests / history much, Tommy.

In my previous post, I was just talking about the ‘80s (I’m 52 - I graduated from high school in 1985).

In the mid to late ‘70s it was Led Zeppelin, ELO, Queen, Van Halen. I was buying 7” singles and albums as a kid. Then I sort of transitioned into the New Wave / alternative stuff and got into DJ’ing and buying 12” singles, which led to making my own mixes then getting into composing electronic music.

These days I listen to pretty much all of it.



•Sent from my Intellivision keypad phone

On 12/14/2019 at 6:57 AM, Tommy Tallarico said:

Hi Everyone,

 

I take one 15 hour flight to China and this place really lit up!  Lots to unpack and explain... lets start...

In regards to our Commandments that you have problems with.

 

I think you are viewing our console like all the others.  Please don't.  Everything we do with our developers is very unique and benefits both them and us.
 

Think of our developers as all 2nd party...  NOT 3rd party.  That is where the mistake and confusion comes in I believe.

 

We are paying developers to make games that we are asking for and typically we (or other publishers) own the rights to. 

We get the game license (or we already own it), we find the developer to make it, we pay them to create a game that I (in most cases) are personally designing (and doing the sound design/Audio Director), we give art direction, we tell them how we want the controls, how the couch co-op will work, etc., etc., etc...  They are getting paid (and in most cases a royalty) to create games for us.  They are not getting ripped off in any way.  They are getting paid to create an exclusive game for us at our direction.  There is no unfairness about putting it on other consoles/platforms... because it's 100% ours.  And we are passing on the savings to our customers.  So although it would be very easy for me to charge $15 - $20 for the games we're doing (yes... contrary to the belief of some... they are a LOT more in depth than mobile games)...  I won't.  You see, my 2 biggest and most important objectives with our customers is TRUST and VALUE.  This is why we need to be in control and curate EVERY game that comes out.  Unlike the constant cheap garbage that you see on the Switch, mobile & Steam.  And a part of that TRUST with our customers is knowing that they will be receiving VALUE for their purchase.  A family of 4 goes to the movies and sits in a dark room for 2 hours not talking to each other.  The parent will easily spend $50 - $60 to do that (including popcorn, etc.)... for 2 hours of non-interaction with their family.  If I can provide hours and hours and hours of enjoyment to a family of 4 for under $10... then VALUE is built.

 

Now there are some cases where developers come to us with their own IP's.  In those cases we fund the project, give them a higher royalty... but only if it is an exclusive for our console.  It is their choice.  We don't force them into anything.  Most developers are very happy to find a company/publisher (especially a 1st party console manufacturer) that is willing to fund their dream.  Their other choices are to fund the entire project themselves and put it out on all the platforms with zero marketing and zero visibility... or... attempt a Kickstarter project. 

The proof is in the pudding as they say... if we didn't have any big developers then maybe we would be worried (just look at the way AtariVCS is being handled).  But we have over 50 developers already.  They LOVE what we are doing and they LOVE the entire concept of the console.

 

The big differentiating factor here is that we are paying the devs to create for our console.  We spend our own marketing dollars on promoting their products.  It is a true partnership. 

Hope this makes better sense.  Feel free to ask more questions about it.

 

 

If all games are digital at the release of Amico and no 3rd party, that make sense.

 

Based what I understand, Amico is more like a Mario party console, all games can be played for the whole family.

 

Judging by screenshots from this thread, Moon Patrol, Breakout, ... these games can be repetitive over the time.

I won't pay them for over $10. 

 

For me, Amico is just another console competing with other consoles. That's why I act this way.

 

After all, Amico is meant to play. So it's a console, a video game system.

52 y/o, life long musician (well, for 49 years.) Favorites from back in the day (and still today) include Yes, Kansas, ELO, Men at Work, Kraftwerk, Michael W. Smith, Petra and WhiteHeart. 

1 hour ago, Serguei2 said:

If all games are digital at the release of Amico and no 3rd party, that make sense.

 

Based what I understand, Amico is more like a Mario party console, all games can be played for the whole family.

 

Judging by screenshots from this thread, Moon Patrol, Breakout, ... these games can be repetitive over the time.

I won't pay them for over $10. 

 

For me, Amico is just another console competing with other consoles. That's why I act this way.

 

After all, Amico is meant to play. So it's a console, a video game system.

A Toyota Corolla is a car. So is a Ferrari F8. You drive them. Does that mean they’re in competition with each other? 

Tommy,

 

Really looking forward to playing the Amico. With the old games, is the new side button placement going to be a problem? It seems that having the buttons far apart will work for some games but I’m not sure how this will work for some of the older games. Still definitely a purchase from what I have seen and how playing the moon patrol demo. Can’t wait for more playable game demos and news. 

7 minutes ago, MantaNZ said:

A Toyota Corolla is a car. So is a Ferrari F8. You drive them. Does that mean they’re in competition with each other? 

Of course, yes.

 

I understand you, atariage members, love Amico. It's a new console and gets hype here and everybody is exited about it.

 

That's why Amico is a different console for you all.

 

Also we are familiar with old games and Amico provides them.

 

For others, Amico is just an underpowered video game system. It might have a niche at the market.

 

Only time will tell.

11 hours ago, Swami said:

51

Northern Minnesota

Mostly 70s music with a couple years on either side, though I have a few favorites from other decades

For instance, Fogelberg sounds very 70s, but was at the top in 79 to 81.

What part of northern Minnesota?  Anywhere near Duluth?

21 minutes ago, Serguei2 said:

Of course, yes.

 

I understand you, atariage members, love Amico. It's a new console and gets hype here and everybody is exited about it.

 

That's why Amico is a different console for you all.

 

Also we are familiar with old games and Amico provides them.

 

For others, Amico is just an underpowered video game system. It might have a niche at the market.

 

Only time will tell.

The fact that they're different target audiences means by definition they're not in competition with each other. I severely doubt anyone ever went looking for a family car and came home with a Ferrari and vice versa.

 

Of course there will be some crossover in regards to the Amico/PS5/Switch etc. I mean I'm not really the target market for the Amico but I still want one because it looks like a way to get my partner (and son when he's old enough) into gaming and I'm looking forward to couch co-op with mates. Hehe, so maybe I am the target market. 

 

Also I don't see it as underpowered. It's probably capable of playing 99% of available indie titles now. Next gen AAA titles? No... but that's kinda the point.

 

EDIT: You're right - it will have a niche market in the hardcore gamer realm. When it comes to casual gamers - that arena is wide open so it could do very, very well.

Edited December 15, 2019 by MantaNZ

10 minutes ago, MantaNZ said:

The fact that they're different target audiences means by definition they're not in competition with each other. I severely doubt anyone ever went looking for a family car and came home with a Ferrari and vice versa.

 

Of course there will be some crossover in regards to the Amico/PS5/Switch etc. I mean I'm not really the target market for the Amico but I still want one because it looks like a way to get my partner (and son when he's old enough) into gaming and I'm looking forward to couch co-op with mates. Hehe, so maybe I am the target market. 

 

Also I don't see it as underpowered. It's probably capable of playing 99% of available indie titles now. Next gen AAA titles? No... but that's kinda the point.

 

EDIT: You're right - it will have a niche market in the hardcore gamer realm. When it comes to casual gamers - that arena is wide open so it could do very, very well.

 

Comparing with other consoles, Amico is underpowered.

 

Of course, Amico can run any 1980s and 1990s games with enhanced and co-op.

 

Can it run Minecraft, Fortnite, ... today games? I doubt it. And these games might break some commandments.

 

Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo would say their consoles are different to others too. The same with Amico.

 

It's a point of view from developers consoles.

8 minutes ago, Serguei2 said:

 

Comparing with other consoles, Amico is underpowered.

 

Of course, Amico can run any 1980s and 1990s games with enhanced and co-op.

 

Can it run Minecraft, Fortnite, ... today games? I doubt it. And these games might break some commandments.

 

Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo would say their consoles are different to others too. The same with Amico.

 

It's a point of view from developers consoles.

I'd be very surprised if it couldn't run Minecraft as that runs on a Raspberry Pi. But yeah, those are exactly the type of games Intellivision wants to avoid. Kids locking themselves in their rooms for hours on end is hardly casual gaming family time 😂

 

You know some other consoles that were "underpowered"? Wii and Switch. They seemed to do okay 😁