Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

2 hours ago, MrBeefy said:

He wants Amico. His kid is lost to the wasteland and isn't coming back. Should have parented harder and not let him play it in the first place.

 

Not saying it won't happen but those kids already playing and basically addicted to those games will not want to listen to their parents.

 

I see Amico being better as an intro console for younger kids. More of a gateway. Going backwards is going to be harder. Same basic reason I hope my Atari is still kicking by time my 1 year old is old enough to start playing.

But think of the YT tantrum vids when they take the PS4 off him 😁

I believe Tommy said that the controller would not be used for mousing around the screen, but with a cursor or cross-hair it could certainly work well, so i’m curious why it has been written off. N-Corp similarity?

Also, board games on the Amico could use a similar system to Tabletop Simulator, complete with a 3D simulation of rolling the dices. They could even release (simple, easy to control) miniature wargames.

1 hour ago, IntelliMission said:

- Sports games: The system will definitely see many more sports games than other systems. This will be a refreshing change, as most systems nowadays have 25% RPGs and 25% open world/action adventure games. In the "top 100" games list that IGN updates every year, there are no sports games... what is going on? We need more of those.

 

I don't understand where you came to that conclusion. 2K and EA make an entire business out of sports games re-released every year with updated rosters. Those games are so numerous that if you walk into any used/retro game store, you will see shelves upon shelves of them for less than $1 a piece. After a year, Sports games are basically worthless, but they do sell well when new. 

Far cry from an arcade shooter like MUSHA for Genesis at $300 without the box & instructions, or any TurboGrafx card out there.

30 minutes ago, MantaNZ said:

But think of the YT tantrum vids when they take the PS4 off him 😁

My favorite vid is when the Dad took the Xbox out to the grill, poured lighter fluid on it and set it on fire. 😂

1 hour ago, Blarneo said:

I don't understand where you came to that conclusion. 2K and EA make an entire business out of sports games re-released every year with updated rosters. Those games are so numerous that if you walk into any used/retro game store, you will see shelves upon shelves of them for less than $1 a piece. After a year, Sports games are basically worthless, but they do sell well when new. 

 

Far cry from an arcade shooter like MUSHA for Genesis at $300 without the box & instructions, or any TurboGrafx card out there.

Good point! What I mean is that there will more sport games available compared to the total number of games, I wasn't talking about the big ones. Number of games, not revenue. The focus on those games over games that try to be movies is a very interesting aspect of the Amico.

30 minutes ago, IntelliMission said:

Good point! What I mean is that there will more sport games available, I wasn't talking about the big ones. Number of games, not revenue. The focus on those games over games that try to be movies is a very interesting aspect of the Amico.

I don't think there will be more sports games. Just less of the other types/higher percentage ratio to the other types of games.

1 hour ago, MrBeefy said:

I don't think there will be more sports games. Just less of the other types/higher percentage ratio to the other types of games.

Yeah, I have added "compared to the total number of games". It's the focus on those games what makes the Amico special.

A bit offtopic: Check out this crazy graph of total games released by platform (the original Intellivision is the yellow square in the 7th column and, I guess, the yellow line over the Apple II "mountain", only visible when zooming):

EDIT: Wow, I wasn't expecting so many Linux and Mac games since 2012... I guess there will be some interesting exclusives, I will check it out.

On 12/15/2019 at 6:06 AM, mr_me said:

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

It's both.  Helps the developer and us.  And of course the consumer not having to barrel through thousands of things. 

3 for 1 advantage.

On 12/15/2019 at 8:54 AM, IMBerzerk said:

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.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  50 is a cool number... but sucks as you probably don't feel like your 50 at all!!  

 

On 12/15/2019 at 9:48 AM, Serguei2 said:

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.

I disagree slightly.

Would you consider "mobile" gaming in competition with console gaming?  I wouldn't.  It's a much more casual experience with typically a completely different (and more massive) audience.

I would say that we are competing more with mobile and board games than we are with other game consoles.  There are no other game consoles that are doing what we're doing and in the way we are approaching home gaming in the living room.  If we were trying to make an incredible hardcore device with the latest chipset and beautiful photo realistic graphics... then yes.. one could say that we are competing with other consoles.  But we're not doing that. 

A PS5 or XBOX X is like a Formula One car.  It gets you from point A to point B,  it's the fastest in the world, the most expensive and pretty much a single seater.  And although millions of people around the world watch others drive it (Twitch & YouTube)... the majority of folks would like to... but don't have the required skills or access (mobile/casual gamers).

We are not building a Prius to their Ferrari.  This is something that most people don't realize.  We are not just building a slower car.

We are building a BICYCLE!  It also gets you from point A to point B... but in a much different way.  You can ride along with friends, you can take your time and smell the fresh air, stop to take in the scenery, talk to others while your traveling, do it together as a family.  And the majority of people can afford and ride a bike. 

If people started looking at what we're doing more like that (and that is exactly how our marketing is going to portray what we're doing)... then I think less people would "hate" what we're doing and understand it for what it is.  But folks in their own bubbles can't get out because they aren't typically capable to see that others may not enjoy the same things as they do.  It's perfectly okay to say... "I hate Amico and think it's a stupid idea."  But it's naive and unintelligent to say... "I hate Amico and think it's a stupid idea... and so is everyone else in the world so it's going to fail."

We try not to call it a video game console.  We refer to it more as a "family entertainment device".  For the majority of the world (whether you want to believe it or not) there is a LOT of negativity towards video game consoles.  We don't want it to be viewed in the same category as the others... and our marketing will show that.  Our entire team of marketing folks are female and mom's.  They've come from places like Nintendo, Mattel, Disney & Lego.  They know what they're doing and are taking my vision to the next level as they live the life of a parent each and every day.

Anyone ever notice that the HATERS of Amico are not people who even play mobile or casual games to any extent?  So keep in mind... there are 200 million hardcore gamers in the world... but 3 billion people who play casual/mobile.  So even if every single hardcore gamer on the planet hated us... we still have 3 billion others who are interested and don't mind if some of our games look like "mobile" experiences.  People forget that it's BETTER for us that they look like that as opposed to scaring people away with the latest PS5 or XBOX X demo.  Fun to watch... but they would never play it or buy it for themselves in a million years.

On 12/15/2019 at 11:44 AM, Jeffrey Bouchard said:

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. 

Hi Jeffrey!,

First time seeing you here.  Thanks for joining the conversation!  Great question.

It will affect certain original games... but because we have better technology now... we can use the controller in different ways to make it better.

I'll give you a perfect example... Baseball!!

In the original baseball the top button was "hit/swing" and the bottom button was "bunt".  Obviously, the way the new controller is set up it would be very difficult to press the "bunt" button.  But the new baseball will not be set up like the old one.  Imagine the controller horizontal with the screen on the left!  Having the screen on the left gives you more space to pick your infielders (the most important part).  How many of us would accidentally hit an outfielder or the 2nd baseman when we really wanted to get the shortstop?  Having the playfield horizontal gives more space for the most important players on defense... and we're also able to spread the area to press (as opposed to a single circle).  When holding it this way you also can easily pick if you want to hit or bunt (with the top 2 shoulder buttons). 

I'm sure some folks might be hating me right now as they have played Intellivision baseball the same way for 40 years.  But when you play the new one... it will make sense and feel a lot smoother and slicker.  But it may take folks who have been playing it a certain way for 40 years to get used to the new way.  I totally get it.  But I can tell you that picking fielders is a LOT quicker with a touch screen as opposed to going from pressing down keypad buttons over and over.  Some folks may also be concerned with the fact that we don't have those circle keypad buttons to feel around.  So how will you know where you are on the screen without having to look down?  First of all.. when the overlay was on the controller... it was a smooth surface... but lets face it... not many of us probably played with the overalays on baseball as we got better!  Our memories helped us to know exactly where the fielders were without looking.  As long as we had our thumb on the pitcher... everything else fell into place.  Make sure to look carefully at the controller design.  You'll see a tiny dimple right in the middle of the screen (where the pitcher would be positioned!).  So your brain will always know where the center of the controller screen is (whether you're horizontal or vertical).

If you go back and play... there aren't actually that many original Intellivision games (at least that we are remaking) that utilize 2 buttons on the same side.  I mean... did anyone really use the "pass" button in hockey?  

Hope that helps to answer your question and feel free to ask me more.

 

3 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

Yeah, I have added "compared to the total number of games". It's the focus on those games what makes the Amico special.

 

A bit offtopic: Check out this crazy graph of total games released by platform (the original Intellivision is the yellow square in the 7th column and, I guess, the yellow line over the Apple II "mountain", only visible when zooming):

 

 

EDIT: Wow, I wasn't expecting so many Linux and Mac games since 2012... I guess there will be some interesting exclusives, I will check it out.

Computers/pads kill consoles. Shovelware tanks computers/pads. 

On 12/15/2019 at 11:54 AM, 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.

That is such an unfair and biased statement (and also completely incorrect).

You are only equating people who like Amico to folks who had the original machine.  You said "others" (implying everyone else) thinks its an underpowered video game system.

First... where do you get your data?  Who do you define as "others" exactly?  Hardcore gamers?  Cause I can tell you that a lot of hardcore gamers love the idea of Amico also.  It will be their 2nd system in the next gen.  But lets assume for a second you are correct and not a single hardcore gamer will purchase the machine.  Tell me how your theory holds up for the 3 billion people who do enjoy playing mobile and don't care about how "powerful" a machine is?  What do you say about them?  Do you say that those people will never buy a home console?  Then explain the Wii.  Do you think they are mobile players and they don't spend money on games?  Then explain why 55% of the revenue in the game industry comes from mobile.  More than DOUBLING all the current home console money and almost TRIPLING PC gaming.

I'm not trying to be confrontational with you.  So please don't read my words with "anger" in my voice. 

But I'm interested how you (or anyone else) would rebut my statements. 

See... one of the issues is that when people think of "gaming" they think of home consoles and PC's because they get all of the gaming attention.  But what you need to come to terms with (whether you like it or not) is that home consoles and the PC market ARE THE NICHE MARKET when it comes to the video game industry!  And both of them combined still don't equal the amount of money that is made in mobile and from a "player" standpoint I once again bring up the 200 million hardcore gamers vs. 3 billion people.  Which one of those segments would be consider "niche"?? 

So to say that Amico "might have a niche" market really doesn't make sense when you look at the reality of the situation and the current market.  I'll tell you what is "niche".... the Atari VCS.  THAT is only appealing to a subset of a subset of hardcore gamers.  People who care about and know Atari and who are into modding systems.  Creating a system that everyone can play easily is not "niche".  Just like mobile is not "niche" in any way, shape or form.

Let me know your thoughts to my rebuttal.

Thanks!  Good debate and I appreciate you taking the time to discuss.

On 12/15/2019 at 12:15 PM, 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.

You said it perfectly.

On 12/15/2019 at 12:35 PM, 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.

Who cares if it's underpowered to other consoles.  So wasn't the Wii... yet it beat the hell out of the Xbox.  So is mobile... yet it DESTROYS every PC & home console for the past 10 years.  Speed means nothing when it comes to fun.  Like my example before.  Having a Formula One car isn't the only way to have fun getting from point A to point B.  Ride a bicycle is much more enjoyable (and less intimated) for the majority of the people on planet Earth.

Yes... we pride ourselves on no open world 3D.  Not sure why you would think that is a negative.  It's actually a HUGE positive as the majority of people who play video games do NOT like 3D controls.  Not opinion... just a fact.

No... it can't run Fortnite and Minecraft... and that's the point.  We don't want it to!  But then you say "today games?".  Yes... we can run today games.  No problem.  All of the amazing games and most popular games of today are done on consoles.  In fact, it's the opposite.  The most popular and biggest money making games of "today" are done on mobile... and we can handle any and all of them. 

I highly doubt Microsoft & Sony would say their consoles are different and attracting a different audience.  Nintendo... yes to some extent.  But Sony & Microsoft (and now Google Stadia)... no.  PS4 has sold over 110 million units. Super impressive!!  But mobile has 3 billion people playing every day.  A lot more impressive wouldn't you say?

On 12/15/2019 at 1:01 PM, Machine said:

Absolutely love the idea of this system and the concept(s) behind it. (Family, Two player, etc.)

Grew up with the Atari. My neighbor had an Odyssey 2 and my Uncle bought the Intellivision. I loved them all for different reasons.

I currently own all the retro systems and the games that get played the most are the games we play together.

 

Here are our favorites 2 player games for each system:

Atari: Maze Craze, Slot Racers, Indy 500, Downfall

Intellivison: Burgertime, Baseball

Odyssey 2: Smithereens!

 

I would love to see these types of games re-made today.

Oh btw Tommy.....My wife an I took our son to "Video Games Live" 7-8 years ago in Colorado Springs and he won the costum contest. That still is one of our favorite family outtings/memories!

Hi!,

Thanks so much for the post.  Appreciate you coming here and joining the conversation. 

So glad you and your family enjoyed Video Games Live!!  Colorado Springs is such a beautiful place!  I remember how bummed I was that we had to leave the next day and I didn't get a chance to enjoy it more.  I remember going there as a kid with my dad and we went to this awesome wildlife type zoo.  Is that still around?  I remember it not feeling like a typical zoo... but more like a reserve.  I would have been in the early 80's. 

I'm using the same ideas behind Video Games Live with Intellivision as well.  Making something for everyone (no matter if you're a hardcore gamer or not). 

I never had an Odyssey 2 back in the day so I definitely need to check out Smithereens!  Thanks for the tip!  Also don't know the Atari stuff you mentioned so I'll check those concepts out as well.

Thanks again for stopping by and I hope you'll check in and comment from time to time.  Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions about Amico.

Thanks!

On 12/15/2019 at 1:21 PM, GrudgeQ said:

The Amico is targeted at several markets - none of whom need a super powerful machine and all of whom appreciate a lower cost console (especially if you include the total ownership costs which includes the console, games & accessories). *One* of those is retro gamers, about 25% of the library are going to be re-imagined classics and yes, AtariAge being the home of retro gamers, that means we are getting a new console that caters *somewhat* to us - and yeah a lot of us are excited for that. Gee 25% of games seems rather small, what about the other 75%? Well that is the market that Intellivision will be spending it's marketing money on come summer of 2020. Not us retro folks - the primary market is families with young children and then past that causal gamers. Got 2 or 3 kids? You can buy a single 100% family friendly console (no having to monitor or fiddle with parent controls) for less than $200 (or maybe $250 if you need an extra controller or want to pick up *several* more games beyond the 5 built in ones) and entertain them all. Then when the kids invariable get bored of that, pick up a new game for the price a McDonalds drive through meal. Hate typical gaming consoles with dual analog sticks & complicated controls but loved the Wii - unfortunately it's in a box upstairs because your new TV doesn't have composite input? Well then the Amico is a modern, supported machine and has simple motion controls & fun, casual games. It also has simple, entertaining menus and graphics & is easy to setup & use.

 

You are assuming that the Amico is targeting "retro" or "gamers" and is in the "console" market ala the Xbox, PSx or Switch. The competitor the Amico is the Wii, not the Switch or any other machine sold today. The Wii is nearly 14 years old, unsupported and a game release rate of one or two every few years at maximum - in other words "on life support" for a non retro fan (retro fans will keep anything going). That is the core market of the Amico, not the retro scene. You are right, only time will tell but you will be surprised when [insert name of trendy celebrity] is on Facebook ads pitching the Amico to soccer moms & Tommy is on The View telling parents this is the safe, fun, inexpensive machine you need for your family this Christmas.

This is all exactly correct.  You nailed it 100%.

On 12/15/2019 at 2:26 PM, MrBeefy said:

I'm sure it won't be rocket science to hook it up, but you talk like you have experience already with hooking it up and the UI. Did some systems go out already and I miss something?

 

I find the TV talk funny. My 2600 Jr. Can plug into my 55 inch flatscreen and my system isn't modded. Like I said I'm sure it will hook up just fine but I know there have been some problems with the Phoenix and I'm sure everyone thought it would be a easy hook up to their TV. 😅

He's probably heard me say over and over that hooking up the system will be extremely easy... the exact OPPOSITE of the current machines.

The first couple minutes of people trying out the machine will be absolutely crucial.  We understand that 100%.  In no way will we go through all the trouble of making this machine... then make the user UI complicated and off-putting.

Making something simple isn't rocket science.  And again... constant testing with non-gamers and casual gamers to ensure that everything we're doing is correct.

I totally understand that no one has seen it yet and you only have my words (and some YouTubers who have seen our UI) to fall back on.  So I understand the potential skepticism.  It's totally fair.  But just know that we understand 100% that your concerns are valid and we have a really cool and simple solution.  All will be revealed at E3 in 2020. 

5 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

Also, board games on the Amico could use a similar system to Tabletop Simulator, complete with a 3D simulation of rolling the dices. They could even release (simple, easy to control) miniature wargames.

I like the idea of shaking the dice in your hand (controller) then throwing it into the table (TV screen). Haha.

On 12/15/2019 at 3:17 PM, MrBeefy said:

I have a limited Intv collection. What I have played has been fun. I like the retro stuff but I'm really more curious about the new games and possibly card type games.

 

Remind me if I have % breakdown correct...

 

25% retro (includes old and reimagined)

25% New 

25% Sports

25% Card/board games

 

Yeah... the card games bring a really cool and unique aspect to that genre (which I'm sure you can imagine by everyone having cards in their hands on screen and a main screen that everyone can look at).

The list you gave above is typically what I've been saying in interviews... but is changing and evolving all the time.  I don't know what games are going to make it to launch because if we don't feel a game is good enough... we won't release it right away.  Another thing that really isn't represented in that list is "edutainment".  So I think there is probably 5 main categories which we'll try to make about 20% each. 

 

On 12/15/2019 at 3:27 PM, Battlefish said:

Y'know what would be neat? Offering a print-on-demand service for physical Amico games, something like Warner Archive for WB's DVDs and Blu-ray

Can you expand on this idea a little more.  I'm not sure I totally understand.  Would like to hear and understand more.

On 12/15/2019 at 2:29 PM, Serguei2 said:

Competitive against a system is no longer supported of their owners is not right.

 

Customers would always judge any consoles are available. They won't care if Amico is more advanced than Wii.

 

Yeah. There are some kids are playing video games all day in their bedrooms/playrooms, mostly when they're playing on-line games.

 

Seeing Amico ads on Facebook and elsewhere are not guaranteed of success.

 

I saw plenty of the sims 4 ads everywhere and today, ts4 is considerate as a failure.

 

I which Amico best luck. 

Hi,

I'm not understanding what you are trying to say here.  Can you please expand and tell me more.  I think maybe some things are getting lost in translation?

Trying to understand your concerns.  Please advise.

Thanks!

23 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

Not sure what the first statement means but I think you mean this: The main market Intellivision has publicly stated they are going after and has raised tens of million of dollars on isn't the one they are going after. Wow some very wealthy people are going to be very angry.

 

Customers are going to judge the Amico on features & price (like all products). The price to value ratio is excellent (never before seen in a console in fact) because the game prices are so low while still being curate for quality. The 100% family friendly guarantee is also unique - it is an idiot proof choice for young children. That alone makes it attractive to gift givers who really don't understand game consoles but want to do the right thing for their children.

 

Yes almost every parent worries about that and knows it is toxic. Offering worried parent an alternative would be genius - oh look - the Amico does.

 

No ad is a guarantee of success however the fact that companies spend money on them means they are *often* a success. In fact, the foundation of many a million/billion dollar business. 

 

Sure enough not every product succeeds. Cancel the Shark Tank and close Wall Street - it is hopeless!

 

I sure Tommy appreciates it.

VALUE and TRUST are the 2 most important things to me when it comes to our customers.  I tell this to everyone at Intellivision all the time. 

It's in everything we do and the reason we do it.

This fact alone is what makes us so different from every other "console" and mobile gaming.

23 hours ago, Machine said:

 

Yeah, you are right. We do play it a lot with two people, taking turns. It would make a great two-player co-op game!

Burgertime co-op and a burgertime battle mode would be cool. Dropping patties and pushing baddies onto each other....

 

I would love to see an updated Ladybug game. Two player co-op would be a blast! Mr. Do, Qix, Mappy, the list goes on & on!

 

Coming Soon to an Amico near you!!