Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

I have not read all the posts yet about holidays #s but I will throw out mine... 113,000.

We will all come back here at the end to see how accurate I am.

😂

TJ

1 hour ago, IntelliMission said:

Hey Tommy, here's an idea for promotion and two ideas for soccer games:

 

- Don't you think you should try to appear on other Youtube channels with more views? Closer to 100,000 or 10,000 instead of 1,000. There must be some bigger Youtube channels that see the Amico with an open mind (Gamesack?).

- Will there be any soccer game where you control cars? Like Bumperball.

- What do you think about Haxball? I think its simplicity could inspire a great soccer game for the Amico.

Yeah... for sure. 

I've done ReviewTechUSA (900,000 subs) and other big ones.  At this point I'm basically doing everyone who asks.  So if the big folks aren't asking... I'm not seeking them out.  The smaller folks ask... so I give them the interviews.

Currently not a car soccer game in production... but if someone brings us one, I wouldn't complain.

I'll check out Haxball.  I'm not familiar with it.

40 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

We're all excited about Intellivision being a share of the overall market and designing games and hardware again. 

 

But let's not set expectations to unachievable places right off the bat.  Michael Pachter discussed sales predictions for Holiday 2020 for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5... 1 to 1.5 million units over November and December, up to 2 million at the very most. 

 

Intellivision is going to want to sell enough units to be a smashing success.  But not stretch too thin early in production and cause retailers to balk at large reorders and increased manufacturing.  A steady, consistent manufacturing run can save the company tens of millions in production costs in the long run, and make so much more in met demand.  But an inconsistent manufacturing run where supply noticeably exceeds demand can sink them within the year.  There is no rebound from that.

 

The smartest move here is to, again, approach this like Nintendo does with its products.  Undershoot your production.  Amico needs to be a talked about, hard-to-find product with some shortage of availability.  You don't want thirty Amico consoles sitting on shelves in December and January.  You want 5.  Maybe 8.  You want people to see it's a product and has shelf-space, but you want to see sales and see that there aren't infinite amounts.  A product shortage not meeting demand, for a short period, will be great for Intellivision.  Think of the Wii.  Think of the Switch.  Everybody was talking about the fun, innovative must-have system, and they were hard to find that first launch and first holiday season.  Even the Wii had shortages its second year.  Same with the NES Classic.  Undershooting just drove demand, drove that social media base craving and talking about and sharing, and sales rocketed even after supply more-or-less met demand.

 

Realistically, if Microsoft is playing it safe this holiday with around 750,000-1,000,000 consoles, and Sony reads its market right and produces around 1.5 million, with plans to move to about 1m and 1.5m per month, respectively (12m - 18m per year), then Intellivision really should be looking closer to 100,000-250,000 units globally that first holiday season.  Closer to 100,000-125,000 may be more prudent, but their summer/fall pre-orders (not next week's FE) will tell retailers a lot more about how many they think they can move in early 2021 if it's high demand.  Retailers will place their orders this spring for holiday, but E3 and summer marketing are going to help gauge how early they can ramp up production and how much they can plan for the later quarters of 2021.  And 150,000 units over the holiday is still going to be the surprise success story of the season (even if this is a conservative number, I think it could do much better.. could also just need more hands-on and time to incubate, maybe it's even a little aggressive.. we just don't know).  But Intellivision emerging out of nowhere to post 20-25% of the expected sales of Microsoft in their big release year?  That's more than a foot in the door, that's a statement of intent.

 

We don't want them to overshoot the mark.  Too much of an undershoot, leaving demand unmet, leaves too much money on the table.  No pressure on Intellivision, but the fate of the universe is on them marketing right and getting those numbers right and getting those games to stand out and pull people.  No pressure, just don't disappoint us.

 

Don't.  Disappoint.  😶

 

 

You're 100% correct!

Oh trust me... I know the pressure is on.  All of us at Intellivision do. 

I can see how the pressure would be on this final step...you have the ideas and funding, the execution must be spot on!

And speaking about predictions, here's a new article that just appeared in Spain:

Predicciones para 2020 en la industria del videojuego (Google translation: Predictions for 2020 in the video game industry).

Here's the interesting part:

Quote

 

Atari VCS and Intellivision will not be able to find a market

 

It looks like the snake that bites its tail, but the real challenge for a console is to get an installed base that makes it a profitable target for developers, and that is only achieved by giving customers a value through the catalog of available titles. And for this, a strong initial impulse is needed in the form of multi-platform and exclusive first and third party titles that roll the snowball.

 

(Here they inserted the the Atari VCS Official Launch trailer)

 

That is the challenge faced by two new platforms that go on sale this 2020. On the one hand the new Atari with its VGS (sic), a system that, in order to give value to its proposal, opens the door to installing Windows and Steam on it, but of which for now it is only known for sure that it will offer access to a hundred classic Atari titles and the promise of accessing "thousands" of classic games, some exclusive, through a subscription and thanks to the agreement with the Antstream service. Of course, for now there are no new titles announced for the platform.

 

Three years after its announcement and suffering continuous delays, without a global marketing or distribution plan announced, it is difficult to think that this platform will be more than an anecdote for collectors

 

(Here they inserted the the Intellivision Amico Reveal trailer)

 

More complex is the strategy of the new Intellivision. Mattel's console, now commanded by the head of the Video Games Live, Tommy Tallarico, went on sale on January 10 with a very original proposal: a machine whose games necessarily have to be for the whole family, without being able to have a grade higher than PEGI 7 or ESRB Everyone 10+. It also explicitly prohibits advertising, DLC, in-game purchases and of course gacha games or loot boxes. Meanwhile, the controls have an LCD screen and motion control. Among its exclusives, it features a new Earthworm Jim.

 

However, it is difficult to venture the success of a machine that again has limited promotion and distribution and an uncertain future regarding the support of developers, especially given the need to adapt their games specifically for the peculiar features and controls of this Intellivision.

 

This article publication is curious and complex:

- Meristation is the most important video game portal in Spain, being among the 100 most visited websites in our country.

- However, the article is now the video game news article of choice featured in the sports news portal As, which is the 17th most visited website in Spain. It will remain there for a day or two.

- For some reason, the author is anonymous: "Dedede", which apparently is the name of a Nintendo character. No Twitter account, no nothing. Only articles in that web.

- These news articles are closed to comments, probably in an attempt to maintain a "clean" aspect to avoid haters and brand damaging.

The article contains several major mistakes (the most important being Mattel as the company behind the Amico). I have already contacted them to let them know. 😑

Talked to a teen yesterday. We got talking about gaming. Showed her the Amico and talked a few bullet points about it. Showed the small Breakout footage and told her she could check out the Moon Patrol stuff but that its currently a short demo but a bigger one is coming. Also skimmed the controller footage. She seemed genuinely interested and liked the concept of it. She liked the Wii'ness of it.

4 minutes ago, IntelliMission said:

The article contains several major mistakes (the most important being Mattel as the company behind the Amico). I have already contacted them to let them know.

Thanks to our Spy from Spain, this mistake will likely be corrected  ! 😁

34 minutes ago, IntelliMission said:

Quote

... but the real challenge for a console is to get an installed base that makes it a profitable target for developers, and that is only achieved by giving customers a value through the catalog of available titles ...

 

You might also want to point out that Intellivision Entertainment is paying developers up-front for developing games.  Granted, the big money happens when the games go on sale but this helps avoid the problem the article is pointing out.

Haha, too late! I do however have taken the chance to let them know about the required 4 player offline multiplayer in all games. 😑 This line is my favorite:

Quote

Mattel's console, now commanded by the head of the Video Games Live ("the" being masculine plural, only used for award ceremonies or musical bands in Spanish but never an orchestra, which is a feminine noun), Tommy Tallarico, went on sale on January 10

In totally unrelated news, 75% of job offers in Spain are never published and only appear "internally" (i. e. contact network i. e. the cousin of my friend).

Anyone else here all yesterday checking emails, the Amico app on mobile, social media... like every few minutes to see if info has dropped on the FE sale.  

Yeh... that was me all yesterday.

🤣

TJ

2 minutes ago, AtariSociety said:

Anyone else here all yesterday checking emails, the Amico app on mobile, social media... like every few minutes to see if info has dropped on the FE sale.  

 

Yeh... that was me all yesterday.

 

🤣

 

TJ

That was me every day of this week.

Now I am telling you guys because I thought I was the only one doing this !  lol

Now we are two !! 😅

1 minute ago, LePionnier said:

That was me every day of this week.

Now I am telling you guys because I thought I was the only one doing this !  lol

Now we are two !! 😅

Make it three - tres Amicos!

I was lucky that I was busy yesterday then. Would have been probably been hitting the refresh button a lot otherwise. 😋

1 hour ago, LePionnier said:

That was me every day of this week.

Now I am telling you guys because I thought I was the only one doing this !  lol

Now we are two !! 😅

Yeh, I am not bashful... where my pride on my sleeve, and not afraid to admit I am, well, ready to pull the trigger on my 1st Intellivision.

Quite exciting!

TJ

2 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

The article contains several major mistakes (the most important being Mattel as the company behind the Amico). I have already contacted them to let them know. 😑

Well, in the translation, the article refers to Amico as the "new Intellivision". Mattel did create the Intellivision console, and they go on to say that it's now headed by Tommy Tallarico.  Maybe something got lost in translation.  Still the article doesn't mention the name Amico or Intellivision Entertainment at all.

6 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Just wanted to give a heads up to the folks in here that we're thinking the Founder's Edition will be going on sale on Monday.  Which is why you haven't seen anything on social media, etc.

We're still gathering the content as everyday something new & cool gets put into one of the games that we want to show off.  Hahaha! 

A lot of times in this thread I'm thinking/typing out loud.  The hope was for this Friday... but looking like next Monday or potentially Tuesday instead.  Definitely NOT past Tuesday as I have a trip to the Middle East on Wednesday.  Really pushing for Monday if possible.  Lots to do and set-up... making great progress, but don't want to officially announce to the public a date... and then have it slide.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up.

 

Video's coming today, tomorrow and over the weekend!  I think you'll be pleased.

 

 

Boo!  Hiss!  I’m off Friday and working Monday.  It’s a conspiracy I tell you, A CONSPIRACY!  Lol

Quote

Shooting to start releasing new gameplay footage today and every day after that. Going to have the Founder's Edition available for pre-sale on Tuesday morning. Lots of exciting stuff happening over the next 5 days!

Caught this post from Tommy on a recent Youtube video. Seems to be confirming the later date. 

2 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

2 hours ago, LePionnier said:

That was me every day of this week.

Now I am telling you guys because I thought I was the only one doing this !  lol

Now we are two !! 😅

Make it three - tres Amicos!

I am looking everywhere, but nothing. So what can I do ?

I am looking for old stuff ...

I am trying to find secrets, something we missed ...

Like in this video, when we almost knew what was special about the "disc pad" ... 

Note that he hesitantly presses 3 times in the same direction...

I Believe that if he maintains the position for 2 or 3 seconds, something happens.

Maybe the controller memorizes the direction that was pressed ? I don't know but it's intriguing ! 🤗

So Tommy, you have to give us something before I find out a secret ! 😉🙄   lol  lol

Great Avatar ColdCoffee

21 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

I am looking everywhere, but nothing. So what can I do ?

I am looking for old stuff ...

I am trying to find secrets, something we missed ...

Like in this video, when we almost knew what was special about the "disc pad" ... 

Note that he hesitantly presses 3 times in the same direction...

I Believe that if he maintains the position for 2 or 3 seconds, something happens.

Maybe the controller memorizes the direction that was pressed ? I don't know but it's intriguing ! 🤗

 

 

So Tommy, you have to give us something before I find out a secret ! 😉🙄   lol  lol

 

 

That is probably just a coincidence. My guess he is talking about the sharing of games and stuff.

7 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

That is probably just a coincidence. My guess he is talking about the sharing of games and stuff.

I don't think so !

Smash JT who already try Amico said this during a chat.

"My favorite part for Amico is something not many people are talking about ! That CIRCLE PAD on the controller is WAY more advanced than you think "

That's from someone who played some games with Tommy ! 😉

2 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

I don't think so !

Smash JT who already try Amico said this during a chat.

"My favorite part for Amico is something not many people are talking about ! That CIRCLE PAD on the controller is WAY more advanced than you think "

That's from someone who played some games with Tommy ! 😉

Once again I would assume that is in comparison to the old circle pad. Which while neat could be a pain sometimes. My question would be what is so special about it that could also be replicated from the phone controller? If it is something gameplay related the phone would need to be able to replicate it.

A special feature for holding the direction for a few seconds would see to be more of a hindrance for game play. Kind of like how my wireless keyboard+mouse(trackpad) can't disable the show all windows if I swipe too quickly. Yeah its a neat feature except I does it ALL THE TIME even when I'm deliberately trying not too. He also said talk about and not show so that is why I think that. Maybe you could replace/add a thumbstick or mini joystick????

18 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Maybe you could replace/add a thumbstick or mini joystick????

Why not.

Those who live will see ! ( 138 days before E3 )

41 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Maybe you could replace/add a thumbstick or mini joystick????

There was a post somewhere from Tommy. He said that the grooves on the disc are more than just for grip.
Maybe some kind of magnetic clip on? A 'literal' game changer.
Who knows!

1 hour ago, LePionnier said:

I am looking everywhere, but nothing. So what can I do ?

I am looking for old stuff ...

I am trying to find secrets, something we missed ...

Like in this video, when we almost knew what was special about the "disc pad" ... 

Note that he hesitantly presses 3 times in the same direction...

I Believe that if he maintains the position for 2 or 3 seconds, something happens.

Maybe the controller memorizes the direction that was pressed ? I don't know but it's intriguing ! 🤗

 

 

So Tommy, you have to give us something before I find out a secret ! 😉🙄   lol  lol

 

 

Oh.... I see Intellivision Amico also has conspiracy theories too!  I am in for a treat now that I joined.

🤣

TJ