Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

What do witches do when they work from their residence?

Homebrew

9 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I agree.  And yeah... the idea would be that literally NOTHING would be the same.  The consoles would not be numbered and signed.  In fact... no real reason to even put a limited number on the VIP pre-orders (it's not like we're going to sell millions at this point!  Only doing something cool for the super early followers... which are mostly hardcore retro gamers).  Maybe FE folks have an issue with the fact that we would "limit" them (to 5200 or whatever).  If it was just an open-ended VIP pre-order... maybe the FE folks will still feel super special.

Thoughts?

 

 

 

Since those who ordered the FE seem concerned that their "limited" status is threatened... make a super-simple edition for the thousands of customers who missed the presale. 
Now, here's the twist: make it the wooden grain console ofc, plus an exclusive t-shirt (this shirt won't be sold later in the store). That way they have a differentiating element, but the value is not very high.  Although I assure you there will be people who bought the FE and will buy this new "VIP" edition just for having that exclusive t-shirt. It's a win-win.
I think the price should be lower, something like $250. And the down payment for it should be $50. That way you get commitment from ppl, and it doesn't seem like a money grabbing move. And make it open-ended. If you sell 10k, better for you and the people who bought FE. If you sell 5200 or less, well, no one will know (you don't have to reveal your numbers) that they bought a niche item, so FE crowd will keep their *rare* status.

Just my 2 cents.
Tommy, I honestly don't think it's wise to consult with customers who've already been served. Especially something as sensitive as hardware manufacturing. And especially when feedback you get is going to be colored by their personal bias (and even selfish interest).

Come on! A guy like you? Who has an input into everything that goes on in the company, from screen material to a game logo? You have to make the call, man! You hold all the cards. You have the real demand of thousands of customers. You have the numbers and the excel spreadsheets of what's financially feasible. You have your site analytics. You've been too supportive of the AtariAge guys. Maybe too much. Do your CEO thing, make up your mind and don't listen to these guys, they know less than you do anyway. Just don't fuck with the FE's exclusivity. It's simple.

6 minutes ago, mr_me said:

If they do, they're not exactly homebrew.  I don't consider game hacks/modifications homebrew either.

I think it’s over 200 either way. There’s a master list somewhere. 

40 minutes ago, Michael Garvey said:

If so, will it be similar to their Lode Runner Legacy game that was released last year on Steam and the consoles?

I hope not. I did not like the game on the switch ! ( Play the demo ) 😕

46 minutes ago, mr_me said:

If they do, they're not exactly homebrew.  I don't consider game hacks/modifications homebrew either.

I can say that if the old code games are hacks they are unusual in that they are totally new to the system, and also that they have graphical and timing enhancements along with bug fixes and smoothing out of glitchy or irksome gameplay elements.  They are not the typical Santa Kong. 

Just now, Guy said:

Since those who ordered the FE seem concerned that their "limited" status is threatened... make a super-simple edition for the thousands of customers who missed the presale. 
Now, here's the twist: make it the wooden grain console ofc, plus an exclusive t-shirt (this shirt won't be sold later in the store). That way they have a differentiating element, but the value is not very high.  Although I assure you there will be people who bought the FE and will buy this new "VIP" edition just for having that exclusive t-shirt. It's a win-win.
I think the price should be lower, something like $250. And the down payment for it should be $50. That way you get commitment from ppl, and it doesn't seem like a money grabbing move. And make it open-ended. If you sell 10k, better for you and the people who bought FE. If you sell 5200 or less, well, no one will know (you don't have to reveal your numbers) that they bought a niche item, so FE crowd will keep their *rare* status.

 

Just my 2 cents.
Tommy, I honestly don't think it's wise to consult with customers who've already been served. Especially something as sensitive as hardware manufacturing. And especially when feedback you get is going to be colored by their personal bias (and even selfish interest).

 

Come on! A guy like you? Who has an input into everything that goes on in the company, from screen material to a game logo? You have to make the call, man! You hold all the cards. You have the real demand of thousands of customers. You have the numbers and the excel spreadsheets of what's financially feasible. You have your site analytics. You've been too supportive of the AtariAge guys. Maybe too much. Do your CEO thing, make up your mind and don't listen to these guys, they know less than you do anyway. Just don't fuck with the FE's exclusivity. It's simple.

BTW , what credentials do you have to tell Tommy how to conduct himself and his business.  As you can tell from Tommy's past and from his post's here on AA. He and IE are a made of a different mold from the typical company and CEO. He cares,shares,listens and has integrity. And from the this post  complete opposite of you. It seems like your just here to stir up things.. Wow .   

Was a pretty ballsy post. Obviously doesn't know many of us (which combined and all told, have untold years of experience in this and like-minded industries), which left me wondering just:
 

...but it's all good. Just his $.02 anyway. Which is worth much less here, given the obligatory AA discount.      

1 hour ago, LePionnier said:

I hope not. I did not like the game on the switch ! ( Play the demo ) 😕

Thanks for the heads up. I was going to buy it on ps4 but may be I'll wait for the amico version. 

58 minutes ago, m-crew said:

BTW , what credentials do you have to tell Tommy how to conduct himself and his business.  As you can tell from Tommy's past and from his post's here on AA. He and IE are a made of a different mold from the typical company and CEO. He cares,shares,listens and has integrity. And from the this post  complete opposite of you. It seems like your just here to stir up things.. Wow .   

I'm a nobody also.  My days involve dirty fingernails, hearing protection, and a facemask.  Am I not allowed to comment on interpreting the actions of people, and the likely bias and unintended self-interest everyone expresses?  You don't need to be a gaming industry expert to sort out human behavior and anticipate likely outcomes.  His post isn't far off as far as this noob is concerned.  The input of the general public in a forum setting is always suspect-both positive and negative.  People act funny when they get to rub elbows with the boss.

I think the only mistake with a subsequent run of special pre-orders is making the price too close to the FE edition.  The distinction between the two should be obvious and not just about whether it's signed or not.  Post-FE buzz made people feel left out enough to send an email and ask if there would be another pre-order, but how many of those people are going to really pull the trigger and buy one?  25%? 

For me that's where the risk would be, but with all the analytics and data out there I'm sure Tommy and the team have a good idea what that percentage is.  My self interest is suggesting a larger price/features distinction between the FE and a subsequent special release, because I want to buy another but would feel very guilty dropping another $300!

See what I mean about listening to people on forums?

I am eagerly waiting this console. Much of my childhood was spent in arcades with space invaders , asteroids etc . I have been waiting for a console with classic , simple to play but hard to master score based games with LOCAL high scores that save permanently with initials and Tommy has confirmed that the Amico will support this feature. For me it increases the playability of games based on high scores 100 percent. Without high scores , I have no reason to keep coming back. This was what it was all about in the 80’s at arcades !! Anyone feel this way ?

20 minutes ago, supahwally said:

 

See what I mean about listening to people on forums?

We outta plug a bomb up everyones’ arse. 😇  - (Accept, Balls to the Wall)

1 to 8 players. 

9 minutes ago, Swami said:

We outta plug a bomb up everyones’ arse. 😇  - (Accept, Balls to the Wall)

Do that and we will have explosive diarrhea. 

😄

8 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 
Agreed! 

 

And I'm still waiting to hear who they tried contacting in order to get refunded... which in turn gave them the impression that our customer service is "non-existent". 

 

 

Actually just to weigh in on this here...I had asked question...just a question about an order that i had made on the Amico website for a mug and shirt I had ordered. I filled out the contact form and I had a response in my inbox in less than 2 hours from a very polite guy named Nick. To be fair my question didn't involve a refund on and item that is wait listed but I found it to be one of the best online experiences in the past few years.  

Thanks for the good service

Gee, guys. I didn't think my comment would ruffle any feathers. In no way did I mean to tell Tommy how to run his business. 

I'm actually saying that he's the person to figure out how to do the VIP edition. He has been right so many times, against broad consensus, so why should he be wrong this time?

He asked for feedback, he got it, but the image is a little blurry. I gave my opinion, too. Middle of the road. Middle of the road perks, middle of the road price, middle of the road down payment. You keep og supporters happy and new customers happy. But I don't pretend that my feedback is above anyone else's. Of course I think what I am advocating for is a good thing, but I understand that it is not necessarily the best thing to do, because I am not seeing the big picture. Tommy is -and I think he's already made up his mind- 

I feel, and this is strictly personal, that it would be a shame for Tommy to pass up an opportunity like this. It's not every day you see thousands of people pushing to become paying customers. It would not make much sense that in order to satisfy less than 1% of your current customers, you would miss out on selling to 100% of your new customers.

But again, my opinion could be summed up as: leave it to Tommy, he'll know what to do.

1 hour ago, save2600 said:

Was a pretty ballsy post. Obviously doesn't know many of us (which combined and all told, have untold years of experience in this and like-minded industries), which left me wondering just:
 

 

...but it's all good. Just $.02 anyway. Which is worth much less here, given the obligatory AA discount.      

Since we're posting vinyl album covers... 

I hope that camping in Canada with Big Bird and the Grouch is an Amico exclusive edutainment game!

33 minutes ago, Guy said:

Gee, guys. I didn't think my comment would ruffle any feathers. In no way did I mean to tell Tommy how to run his business. 

I'm actually saying that he's the person to figure out how to do the VIP edition. He has been right so many times, against broad consensus, so why should he be wrong this time?

He asked for feedback, he got it, but the image is a little blurry. I gave my opinion, too. Middle of the road. Middle of the road perks, middle of the road price, middle of the road down payment. You keep og supporters happy and new customers happy. But I don't pretend that my feedback is above anyone else's. Of course I think what I am advocating for is a good thing, but I understand that it is not necessarily the best thing to do, because I am not seeing the big picture. Tommy is -and I think he's already made up his mind- 

I feel, and this is strictly personal, that it would be a shame for Tommy to pass up an opportunity like this. It's not every day you see thousands of people pushing to become paying customers. It would not make much sense that in order to satisfy less than 1% of your current customers, you would miss out on selling to 100% of your new customers.

But again, my opinion could be summed up as: leave it to Tommy, he'll know what to do.

 

You're fine. I was only mildly offended. I broke my pitchfork in anger.

12 minutes ago, 1001lives said:

You're fine. I was only mildly offended. I broke my pitchfork in anger.

Wait, were you offended too? I thought only save2600 and m-crew were offended. For what it's worth, just read my messages in Tommy's upbeat voice.

Not "offended", just defending. Thought you just came to troll.  
 

29 minutes ago, Guy said:

Wait, were you offended too? I thought only save2600 and m-crew were offended. For what it's worth, just read my messages in Tommy's upbeat voice.

yes, I was heavily offended. 

Tommy Tallarico,

I have some questions when you have the time:

1) Can anyone ever be too Italian?
2) Can you ever have too much Spiderman memorabilia?
3) Can you really dance on a star AND carry moonbeams home in a jar?
4) Is 42 ALWAYS the answer???
5) Can I get an autograph...cough cough of John Alvarado...cough cough?
6) If a Blackhole and a MASShole were to collide, what would happen?
and finally...
7) If there truly aren't enough hours in the day then what would be the perfect amount of hours in the day?

15 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Am I supposed to be reading this in a Sandlot voice or "Sit & Sleep" commercial?

Must reconcile this in my head.

 

Please

Thank-you

 

 

Lol! Sandlot of course. 

13 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I think we're also going to open pre-orders for VIP White and Black ones as well (but at a cheaper price than the VIP Woodgrain).

Lots of folks have been asking about the white & black ones for pre-order.

 

 

Yikes. Canada Post is not going to like me or you if these all come at once. Lol. 

7 hours ago, Guy said:

Gee, guys. I didn't think my comment would ruffle any feathers. In no way did I mean to tell Tommy how to run his business. 

I'm actually saying that he's the person to figure out how to do the VIP edition. He has been right so many times, against broad consensus, so why should he be wrong this time?

He asked for feedback, he got it, but the image is a little blurry. I gave my opinion, too. Middle of the road. Middle of the road perks, middle of the road price, middle of the road down payment. You keep og supporters happy and new customers happy. But I don't pretend that my feedback is above anyone else's. Of course I think what I am advocating for is a good thing, but I understand that it is not necessarily the best thing to do, because I am not seeing the big picture. Tommy is -and I think he's already made up his mind- 

I feel, and this is strictly personal, that it would be a shame for Tommy to pass up an opportunity like this. It's not every day you see thousands of people pushing to become paying customers. It would not make much sense that in order to satisfy less than 1% of your current customers, you would miss out on selling to 100% of your new customers.

But again, my opinion could be summed up as: leave it to Tommy, he'll know what to do.

 

I think I got it that way. Tommy is in charge, but I like the way he's interacting and discussing topics here. That doesn't necessarily mean he is weakening his position or losing authority.