Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

26 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

No.  We've never said anything about Coleco.  We looked at their catalogue, but to be honest... they don't really own anything.  I loved Looping (for example) but they don't own it.  Same with Berzerk, Zaxxon or stuff like Smurfs, Rocky boxing, etc.

 

 

Do you know who and if some of these games can be reworked with the licenses can be obtained?

33 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

I wonder how many of those in that press release have already been axed? I know it was mentioned somewhere that they stopped on some games as they didn't think they were good enough.

 

I honestly think it would be good to create a thread with most up to date information. Like the press release says 149-179 but the most recent is under 200. It is getting hard to keep track of everything.

 

I feel like I said this before but this was a fun family multiplayer on the NES from Data East. My family played a lot of Caveman Games it would be cool to see it again reimagined.

 

 

 

Played the hell out of that on C64 as a kid. My mates and I had so much fun throwing our 'wives', haha. You could never make that game these days! Haha. Also, it had a cooler name on C64 - Caveman Ugh-lympics.

17 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Does anyone know what original games Coleco actually owns?  Tradmarking the names doesn't make them theirs.

We were asked what Coleco games we wanted... but I just didn't see anything that they actually owned the rights to.

 

 

I don't think they own any of the original games. 

From my understanding, Coleco Holdings LLC purchased rights to the Trademark, but not the rights to any of the game library (largely licensed properties anyway).  They certainly don't own Cabbage Patch, which I think was sold to Mattel and then to Toys 'R' Us.  Coleco's original trademark expired in 1991, and most of those titles like Looping, Zaxxon, Ladybug, etc. were in fact licensed arcade titles exclusively appearing or most impressively ported to the ColecoVision.

Here's a pretty good write-up on the trademark spats Coleco Holdings has went after concerning it's trademark of the "Coleco" name.  But they haven't made any use of the original titles outside of the older Flashback (with most of those surely licensed pick-ups).  I think they have even had to license to revive the games they're putting out on the revived mini table-top arcades

1 minute ago, Jeffrey Bouchard said:

Do you know who and if some of these games can be reworked with the licenses can be obtained?

Too difficult to be paying 3 different people, the license, Coleco and the developer.  Better to just make a new "Smurf" game or Rocky boxing game for example. 

But if something is really unique and special... then it's worth it.  That's why I asked the question.   Is there anything super unique that is worth it on Coleco?  (that wasn't already in the arcade and owned by them).

Just now, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

I don't think they own any of the original games. 

 

From my understanding, Coleco Holdings LLC purchased rights to the Trademark, but not the rights to any of the game library (largely licensed properties anyway).  They certainly don't own Cabbage Patch, which I think was sold to Mattel and then to Toys 'R' Us.  Coleco's original trademark expired in 1991, and most of those titles like Looping, Zaxxon, Ladybug, etc. were in fact licensed arcade titles exclusively appearing or most impressively ported to the ColecoVision.

 

Here's a pretty good write-up on the trademark spats Coleco Holdings has went after concerning it's trademark of the "Coleco" name.  But they haven't made any use of the original titles outside of the older Flashback (with most of those surely licensed pick-ups).  I think they have even had to license to revive the games they're putting out on the revived mini table-top arcades

 

 

Yeah... seems like a nightmare to work out.  And again... although I had and loved my Colecovision... there isn't any original games that I remember I'd want to port over (that were exclusive for the system).  Loved the sports games (and the Super Action Controller)... but not when Intellivision Baseball exists! 

4 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

We are also considering doing a special FOUNDERS EDITION in the Vintage Woodgrain.  A special hand numbered signed version with a TON of extras (so much cool stuff that you could only get with the Founders Edition).  Thinking about launching that program at the end of this month.  Would only be limited to a few thousand machines.  We would do the Vintage Woodgrain as a normal Special Edition as well... but the Founder's Edition version would be the most special and unique and HUGE value (i.e. tons of free games, etc.).  Just a way to thank all the folks who are currently watching and supporting us.  We must get at least 10 or 15 e-mails a day for people asking us for this.

Would be interested in hearing peoples thoughts.

Can be really cool too if we can receive them 2 weeks before everyone. (?? 😏 )

( You never know how long the delivery can take !   )
 

9 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Actually... when we launched the new website everything now says "around" $200.  It is a constant moving target.  Upgrading the screens, other stuff I can't mention and the amazing packaging and extras we are putting together will potentially drive the MSRP past $200... and we still don't know about the tariffs (although it's looking like they will not happen).  But I'm also trying to keep as much stuff as I can in the Americas... which costs a little more as well.

 

These are issues we discuss every single day with our team of people, the retailers, focus groups, our manufacturer, etc. 

The machine quality and build of the machine we have now is actually a lot better than we originally planned for 2 years ago when we made those first press releases. 

 

The goal was to let people know that we are going for AFFORDABLE here without sacrificing quality.  Upgrading the screens on the controller (and wait everyone sees the super cool and unique packaging) was a big deal and a lot more costly for manufacturing.  But it HAD to be done as it makes such a huge difference.  Everyone will thank me later.  

 

We won't know the final retail price until the beginning of April.

Also important to note that the Special Limited Editions will be at a premium because they cost a lot more to make.  

We are also considering doing a special FOUNDERS EDITION in the Vintage Woodgrain.  A special hand numbered signed version with a TON of extras (so much cool stuff that you could only get with the Founders Edition).  Thinking about launching that program at the end of this month.  Would only be limited to a few thousand machines.  We would do the Vintage Woodgrain as a normal Special Edition as well... but the Founder's Edition version would be the most special and unique and HUGE value (i.e. tons of free games, etc.).  Just a way to thank all the folks who are currently watching and supporting us.  We must get at least 10 or 15 e-mails a day for people asking us for this.

Would be interested in hearing peoples thoughts.

 

 

I would love to see this!

Just now, Tommy Tallarico said:

Too difficult to be paying 3 different people, the license, Coleco and the developer.  Better to just make a new "Smurf" game or Rocky boxing game for example. 

 

But if something is really unique and special... then it's worth it.  That's why I asked the question.   Is there anything super unique that is worth it on Coleco?  (that wasn't already in the arcade and owned by them).

 

 

I don't think there's anything unique or special that absolutely must be had from Coleco proper.  Go after the arcade titles instead.

Though I do think there is value in eventually pulling in a few familiar Coleco titles, once out.  Then let the license holders come to you.  If Amico's 20% retro re-imagined is the modern "home" of 80s and 90s era gaming completely reimagined and with all sorts of new twists and play mechanics, that small Coleco community, along with all the Atari titles, will help increase the excitement for this system among two nostalgic bases.  Even if that isn't the target audience, just a facet of it.  You know, for the 5,000 units you guys may even sell 😛

7 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Too difficult to be paying 3 different people, the license, Coleco and the developer.  Better to just make a new "Smurf" game or Rocky boxing game for example. 

 

But if something is really unique and special... then it's worth it.  That's why I asked the question.   Is there anything super unique that is worth it on Coleco?  (that wasn't already in the arcade and owned by them).

 

 

Makes sense. Maybe Amico can have their own?

34 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Berzerk would be totally fun to remake!  But yeah... we would need to get Night Stalker out there first!  And TDD.  But could use the same engine for sure!

 

RUNNING MAN in Berzerk!!  

 

We haven't spent too much time thinking about Tennis quite yet.  I'm guessing because of the 16:9 orientation we would probably make it horizontal... like we did with Breakout.

 

 

Aw yeah! I'd love to do a Berzerk remake, perhaps adding in features from the sequel, Frenzy.

Man, if I had the right team (and the right budget), we could bring out a remake with lots of atmosphere. I'm thinking something like Facepalm Game's The Swapper, which uses clay figures and other real-world elements:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/231160/The_Swapper/

(But keeping the awesome gameplay, of course!)

23 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

Can be really cool too if we can receive them 2 weeks before everyone. (?? 😏 )

( You never know how long the delivery can take !   )
 

Yes... that is one of the perks of the Founders Edition.  But it would be a few days before... not weeks. 

35 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Actually... when we launched the new website everything now says "around" $200.  It is a constant moving target.  Upgrading the screens, other stuff I can't mention and the amazing packaging and extras we are putting together will potentially drive the MSRP past $200... and we still don't know about the tariffs (although it's looking like they will not happen).  But I'm also trying to keep as much stuff as I can in the Americas... which costs a little more as well.

 

These are issues we discuss every single day with our team of people, the retailers, focus groups, our manufacturer, etc. 

The machine quality and build of the machine we have now is actually a lot better than we originally planned for 2 years ago when we made those first press releases. 

 

The goal was to let people know that we are going for AFFORDABLE here without sacrificing quality.  Upgrading the screens on the controller (and wait everyone sees the super cool and unique packaging) was a big deal and a lot more costly for manufacturing.  But it HAD to be done as it makes such a huge difference.  Everyone will thank me later.  

 

We won't know the final retail price until the beginning of April.

Also important to note that the Special Limited Editions will be at a premium because they cost a lot more to make.  

We are also considering doing a special FOUNDERS EDITION in the Vintage Woodgrain.  A special hand numbered signed version with a TON of extras (so much cool stuff that you could only get with the Founders Edition).  Thinking about launching that program at the end of this month.  Would only be limited to a few thousand machines.  We would do the Vintage Woodgrain as a normal Special Edition as well... but the Founder's Edition version would be the most special and unique and HUGE value (i.e. tons of free games, etc.).  Just a way to thank all the folks who are currently watching and supporting us.  We must get at least 10 or 15 e-mails a day for people asking us for this.

Would be interested in hearing peoples thoughts.

 

 

If this machine comes in at $229 or $249, it's still offering an immense value.  Obviously sub-$200 is a difference in consumer purchasing decisions, but it's not really going to be as big a deal as people think.  Look at people's Amazon wishlists in the electronics section.. Fire TV Recast at $229.  Apple TV at $200.  If people are so keen to drop $180 more than they would need on a base Fire Stick or Roku player for a similar player with some fancy integration, bells and whistles like DVR and photo streaming from their Apple device, they're more than willing to see a couple hundred as a doable home entertainment purchase.  Especially if there's buzz about what it can do.   

It'll hurt Amico's message a bit about being the affordable home option since Switch Lite will be $199 next Christmas (I don't see it dropping just yet, there's no need with new top-of-the-line Microsoft and Sony systems coming in closer to $400-$600).  But I don't see why you don't stress the advertising focus to the low core cost of the games - Switch and five games?  $500.   Amico and five games?  $220.   

Obviously you've been transparent and pretty clear from the start you're aiming to keep this as economical to the family as possible.  Don't sell the machine short to keep it under an artificial barrier.

And by all means, the people who we KNOW are going to pay a little more for special editions (Woodgrain.  Maybe a future lineup with yellow or pink with an appeal to girls who aren't as smitten with GTO red and black.. get some feedback from the Moms 2.0 conference, maybe there is a partnership, maybe a classy pink little console, part of whose proceeds with every purchase goes to fight breast cancer).. recoup a bit on their purchase of the special edition.  I'd pay Xbox money for the system because of what it promises the family/cooperative focus, and because I'm all in on its approach to supporting game development, focusing on 2d, promoting accessibility, offering games with broader appeal.  Obviously not everybody will want to.  But if that market is there for some exclusive offerings, let us pay.  Otherwise we just gotta buy 4 of the things.  ::checks the page again::  Five. 

4 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Actually... when we launched the new website everything now says "around" $200.  It is a constant moving target.  Upgrading the screens, other stuff I can't mention and the amazing packaging and extras we are putting together will potentially drive the MSRP past $200... and we still don't know about the tariffs (although it's looking like they will not happen).  But I'm also trying to keep as much stuff as I can in the Americas... which costs a little more as well.

 

These are issues we discuss every single day with our team of people, the retailers, focus groups, our manufacturer, etc. 

The machine quality and build of the machine we have now is actually a lot better than we originally planned for 2 years ago when we made those first press releases. 

 

The goal was to let people know that we are going for AFFORDABLE here without sacrificing quality.  Upgrading the screens on the controller (and wait everyone sees the super cool and unique packaging) was a big deal and a lot more costly for manufacturing.  But it HAD to be done as it makes such a huge difference.  Everyone will thank me later.  

 

We won't know the final retail price until the beginning of April.

Also important to note that the Special Limited Editions will be at a premium because they cost a lot more to make.  

We are also considering doing a special FOUNDERS EDITION in the Vintage Woodgrain.  A special hand numbered signed version with a TON of extras (so much cool stuff that you could only get with the Founders Edition).  Thinking about launching that program at the end of this month.  Would only be limited to a few thousand machines.  We would do the Vintage Woodgrain as a normal Special Edition as well... but the Founder's Edition version would be the most special and unique and HUGE value (i.e. tons of free games, etc.).  Just a way to thank all the folks who are currently watching and supporting us.  We must get at least 10 or 15 e-mails a day for people asking us for this.

Would be interested in hearing peoples thoughts. 

I think it is very important to hold to $199.99 for the base retail model even if some sacrifices must be made because the inevitable comparison to (have to be careful here because otherwise fanboys of a billion dollar, but obviously delicate, corporation will descend uninvited into this conversation) lets just call it the "Nintendporn Lite". As far as the special editions maybe $249 ish and the Founders could go $299 to $349 because you are in the PS4 price range and even with a ton of bundled games it gets to be a stretch in the 'market mind' of people. Just my personal feelings on what could fly price-wise.

27 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

52 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

Can be really cool too if we can receive them 2 weeks before everyone. (?? 😏 )

( You never know how long the delivery can take !   )
 

Yes... that is one of the perks of the Founders Edition.  But it would be a few days before... not weeks. 

I'm in if it's guaranteed that I will have Amico a few days before launch. I would not like the same thing to happen as what happened with Google and Stadia !!

So let us know all the details when you are ready ! I am sure a lot of us will want the founders Edition. ( But probably many of us will want to know all the secrets before making their decisions !? )

So January is a big month ! A longer demo for Moon Patrol, and launching this program ! Great news. Thank you.

21 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

If this machine comes in at $229 or $249, it's still offering an immense value.  Obviously sub-$200 is a difference in consumer purchasing decisions, but it's not really going to be as big a deal as people think.  Look at people's Amazon wishlists in the electronics section.. Fire TV Recast at $229.  Apple TV at $200.  If people are so keen to drop $180 more than they would need on a base Fire Stick or Roku player for a similar player with some fancy integration, bells and whistles like DVR and photo streaming from their Apple device, they're more than willing to see a couple hundred as a doable home entertainment purchase.  Especially if there's buzz about what it can do.   

 

It'll hurt Amico's message a bit about being the affordable home option since Switch Lite will be $199 next Christmas (I don't see it dropping just yet, there's no need with new top-of-the-line Microsoft and Sony systems coming in closer to $400-$600).  But I don't see why you don't stress the advertising focus to the low core cost of the games - Switch and five games?  $500.   Amico and five games?  $220.   

 

Obviously you've been transparent and pretty clear from the start you're aiming to keep this as economical to the family as possible.  Don't sell the machine short to keep it under an artificial barrier.

 

And by all means, the people who we KNOW are going to pay a little more for special editions (Woodgrain.  Maybe a future lineup with yellow or pink with an appeal to girls who aren't as smitten with GTO red and black.. get some feedback from the Moms 2.0 conference, maybe there is a partnership, maybe a classy pink little console, part of whose proceeds with every purchase goes to fight breast cancer).. recoup a bit on their purchase of the special edition.  I'd pay Xbox money for the system because of what it promises the family/cooperative focus, and because I'm all in on its approach to supporting game development, focusing on 2d, promoting accessibility, offering games with broader appeal.  Obviously not everybody will want to.  But if that market is there for some exclusive offerings, let us pay.  Otherwise we just gotta buy 4 of the things.  ::checks the page again::  Five. 

Thanks for the feedback.  Yep!  We are definitely working on a pink one for sure!!! 

How much of a price premium would this Founder's Edition garner in comparison to the standard editions?

Interested in getting more ideas about the potential of a Founders Edition.

What other small "perks" do you think would make it really cool?

$50 digital game certificate

Signed & Numbered console

Limited Edition 3D Lenticular Running Man poster signed by the entire team

Getting the console a few days before everyone else

Special drawing ONLY for Founding Members... Grand Prize is trip for 2 to California to get tour of Intellivision & help us create/design a game.

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.

What else!!??!??! 

Please let me know!!

24 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

 maybe a classy pink little console, part of whose proceeds with every purchase goes to fight breast cancer)

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Thanks for the feedback.  Yep!  We are definitely working on a pink one for sure!!! 

 

+1 on pink Amico for breast cancer - would be Amico #2 for me.

3 minutes ago, Battlefish said:

How much of a price premium would this Founder's Edition garner in comparison to the standard editions?

 

Probably around $75 more.  But again... the idea would be to include a TON more value than the $75 premium price.  So for example... yeah... it may cost $75 more... but it includes a $50 gift certificate to use in the store!

Maybe something like $299 for the Founders Edition.  I'm just thinking out loud here. 

7 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Interested in getting more ideas about the potential of a Founders Edition.

What other small "perks" do you think would make it really cool?

$50 digital game certificate

Signed & Numbered console

Limited Edition 3D Lenticular Running Man poster signed by the entire team

Getting the console a few days before everyone else

Special drawing ONLY for Founding Members... Grand Prize is trip for 2 to California to get tour of Intellivision & help us create/design a game.

 

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.

 

What else!!??!??! 

Please let me know!!

 

 

Personal hand delivery by @nurmix

4 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Interested in getting more ideas about the potential of a Founders Edition.

What other small "perks" do you think would make it really cool?

$50 digital game certificate

Signed & Numbered console

Limited Edition 3D Lenticular Running Man poster signed by the entire team

Getting the console a few days before everyone else

Special drawing ONLY for Founding Members... Grand Prize is trip for 2 to California to get tour of Intellivision & help us create/design a game.

 

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.

 

What else!!??!??! 

Please let me know!!

 

 

I think if possible, early release dates on certain games would be cool. Maybe a certain percentage of discount on every Amico digital purchase?

(However, these could become a liability over time...)

Some other ideas:

Retro-styled box

Exclusive boot screen (could even be personalized with text!)

DVD or Blu-ray with game trailers and interviiews

26 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Probably around $75 more.  But again... the idea would be to include a TON more value than the $75 premium price.  So for example... yeah... it may cost $75 more... but it includes a $50 gift certificate to use in the store!

 

Maybe something like $299 for the Founders Edition.  I'm just thinking out loud here. 

As for the founders edition I’m ALL IN!!!

I was thinking have the box signed by the entire team if a customer wants(option for someone like myself who is getting one for his brother since I accidentally tore up his Intellivision years ago 🤣)

Let the lucky winner tour the factory where the Amico is assembled(if in the US). Tons of press and social media photos showing that lucky winner taking the console home that day(few days early)

Special software maybe customized with your name or other neat OS founders edition perks the team could use to make the “extra” charge justified and not on the millions(positive thought here) of other Amico consoles sold around the globe.

Special boxes signed by the hard working developers who made the games you include with this special bundle. This is right up alley for folks like me who collect physical media and box variations.

Let me know when to sign up, I’ll take #1 founders edition please 😄

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Interested in getting more ideas about the potential of a Founders Edition.

What other small "perks" do you think would make it really cool?

$50 digital game certificate

Signed & Numbered console

Limited Edition 3D Lenticular Running Man poster signed by the entire team

Getting the console a few days before everyone else

Special drawing ONLY for Founding Members... Grand Prize is trip for 2 to California to get tour of Intellivision & help us create/design a game.

 

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.

What else!!??!??! 
Please let me know!!

1 hour ago, ColecoJoe said:

Personal hand delivery by @nurmix

For me it is all about the experience (or even potential experience) over 'stuff' so the most attractive offers are:

- Signed & Numbered console

- Getting the console a few days before everyone else

- Special drawing ONLY for Founding Members... Grand Prize is trip for 2 to California to get tour of Intellivision & help us create/design a game.

NEW

- Drawing to get you/your child's name/caricature built into a future Amico game

- "Backstage Pass" or "Inside Track" status where you get some special behind the scenes stuff like videos of Amico's being assembled or a sneak peak at the new in store display - just info earlier or a maybe step beyond the normal press release stuff

- Name on an early supporters "thank you" list after maybe a credits scroll of IE staff in some sort of "About" screen on the store (i.e. not burned into the firmware)

EDIT: Forgot this one - early digital download of some Amico game soundtracks before the console's release so you could jam at least before you get to play

- And finally ColecoJoe winning with - Personal hand deliver by @nurmix - will add on though - in the 'official' Intellivision mascot costume (which looks suspiciously like a cheap Halloween outfit Tommy got off eBay as a joke)

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Does anyone know what original games Coleco actually owns?  Tradmarking the names doesn't make them theirs.

We were asked what Coleco games we wanted... but I just didn't see anything that they actually owned the rights to.

 

 

There's Coleco Industries that closed in the 1980s.  And there's Coleco Holdings that recently produced a tabletop rainbow brite game.  The latter does not own what the other created.

What exactly was Coleco Holdings offering; just titles I assume.  Because as RetroAdvisoryBoard pointed out I don't think they have the rights to any of the old games.  Were any Imagic titles on there because I thought they claimed some trademarks for the flashback a few years ago; e.g. Dragonfire, Nova Blast, Fathom, Wing War.  Have you registered any Imagic trademarks for Amico?

A game like Smurf Rescue was a Coleco Industries creation although the characters and title were licensed.  But it was their game.  There's a few cartridges like that, Rocky is another example.  Super Action Baseball and Football would have been completely Coleco's.  If you wanted to re-publish any of these old games, you'd have to track down whoever owns them today.    They might have been sold to Hasbro when Coleco closed and, who knows, Atari SA might even own them today.

1 hour ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

I don't think they own any of the original games. 

 

From my understanding, Coleco Holdings LLC purchased rights to the Trademark, but not the rights to any of the game library (largely licensed properties anyway).  ...

 

 

Coleco Holdings claimed unused trademarks.  I don't think they purchased any.

26 minutes ago, MarioMan88 said:

As for the founders edition I’m ALL IN!!!

 

I was thinking have the box signed by the entire team if a customer wants(option for someone like myself who is getting one for his brother since I accidentally tore up his Intellivision years ago 🤣)

 

Let the lucky winner tour the factory where the Amico is assembled(if in the US). Tons of press and social media photos showing that lucky winner taking the console home that day(few days early)

 

Special software maybe customized with your name or other neat OS founders edition perks the team could use to make the “extra” charge justified and not on the millions(positive thought here) of other Amico consoles sold around the globe.

 

Special boxes signed by the hard working developers who made the games you include with this special bundle. This is right up alley for folks like me who collect physical media and box variations.

 

Let me know when to sign up, I’ll take #1 founders edition please 😄

 

I would also be in on this if possible.