Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

5 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Cool!  We just added another person to the party!!

Anyone else in the LA/Orange County area?

 

 

i am.

Edited March 30, 2020 by sanguinesonata

7 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

SO COOL!!!  Thanks for posting pics!  I love this!  And WOW!!  What a collection behind you!!

I'm just bummed you didn't let me know as I could have invited you guys to come down to the office to see the new machine behind closed doors!  Then we could have played some original Intellivision at my house.

 

Next time he's in town... LETS DO IT!!!  Will get @nurmix in on the fun as well!!

 

Tommy,I actually have met Nurmix a couple times,I was fortunate enough to be invited to play some Intellivision at his house If i recall correctly in 2012-2013. Somewhere in there. It was a blast!

So yes,of course if David visits us here again on a visit from Australia (i can speak for him here!)  we would love to get together with you guys and play games.👍

I never actually considered contacting you about getting together because I never dreamed  or assumed in my mind that could actually happen . Wow!!! What a generous offer by you, we would be so honored to have that happen!😃

As for my collection,yes I do have the original 125 collection and all the homebrew games made from 2000-2020 all boxed and mostly in mint condition. A lot of great stories in there....

Oh yes,and I need to mention my best friend Steve who also has the 125 and I have known for 40 years lives 15 minutes from me!

We get together about once a month and always play a game of intellivision baseball. Awesome!!!

Edited March 30, 2020 by wolfy62
Adding info.

let me preface this again by saying i am not a hater. i am not asking these questions to come off hatefully.

 

also tommy i want to thank you for all your kind responses and the civil manner you conduct in your rebuttals.

 

you have 2600 people reserved with a founder's edition which is good. you are about to open up preorders for a new VIP edition, it is effectively april which means your console comes out in 6 months. some of your answers now are saying you are worried about parts limitations due to corona and other issues. rumors are coming out that you may use the coronavirus as an excuse (even tho that is not an excuse it's the truth) but you need to stomp that now.

 

when will you start manufacturing. and when you start that process how much inventory will you have. if this is a pre-order when will the finished product arrive in your warehouses. not in people's homes, your warehouses. give us an answer. you know it or you do not. if you do not tell us why you do not know it as of april. you do not need to say 'i will have 50,000 units in may' but give a rough figure and rough month. expectations. we are your loyal customers and many of us are pre-ordering a VIP (myself included).

 

all the interviews are great and i am loving the content but all that really matters is the question in bold right now. or else it's all talk. 

13 hours ago, GrumpyOl'Guy said:

...I tracked down the Intellivision Lives! collection for the PS2.

I'd happen to remember some interviews being on that disk when we'd played at my friend's house years back, but I can admit we were more about playing the games while we were working on some things for a D&D campaign.

Thinking back on it, however, Intellivision has a very interesting history. Even at its height, the brand always seemed to have an underdog status. At no point was it the most popular or best selling console, but it was innovative and forward thinking. The fans it made, it made for life. Intellivision has managed to endure (in one form or another) from the early days of home console gaming to the present day, and almost always as a labor of love from those who work on it.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is, is there anything in the works to physically curate this history?

 

I've read the "From Intellivision to Amico" ebook from Intellivision Nation (great read), but what I'd be interested in is more of a deep-dive into the games. It seems that with the combination of industry veterans, employees from the Mattel era, and the close nature which the Amico team is working with developers on these games, how interesting would a coffee-table book highlighting the retro re-imagined games be? Seeing some side-by-side comparisons of the games then and now, along with a story or two about the games - interesting things about the game's development, the impact of the game in the market, etc - from the people who have witnessed it first hand.

...

The book Tommy mentioned is going to be good.  In the meantime there's a bit about intellivision games history here.

https://history.blueskyrangers.com

 

And there use to be an intellivision podcast series that has some "deep-dive" into the games and programmer interviews.

http://intellivisionaries.com/podcast-archive/

 

 

 

I would appreciate people wanting to know how much inventory they will have on launch day but let's be fair here:

 

- actual numbers will never be released, that's insider info

- No legit console manufacturer has ever released such specific info in advance of release 

- The usual "limited quantities" is likely the answer you will get and that's acceptable per industry norm

- they wouldn't make the decision of a full on delay until just a couple of months before hand

 

I'm just speculating here but I think the launch is probably going to go ahead but with limited quantities.  That's not limited to Amico it's an industry issue, but it's not shut down, China's producing a lot of hardware right now so unless the Coronavirus has a comeback in China that forces a full shutdown (which is always possible) right now I'd guess they will produce some.  No matter what, Tommy has said they have some big box retailers lined up so it's costly to delay it completely.  

 

Limited shortage is always seen as a negative from the fans POV but it's not always seen as a negative from the console manufacturers POV.  

 

Off subject:  real life has had me away so caught up on the thread.  man, I wish I could get that time back.  People are way to hung up on minor youtubers opinions, both pros and cons.  Glad to see all the game footage, IMHO they are meeting my expectations of what I understand is the target audience.  Well done.

Edited March 30, 2020 by Loafer

20 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

WOW!!  Thank you so much for your story.  495!!  That's more than me!!!  (and almost 1/10th of @cmart604 & @Lathe26!!  

 

Please stay safe in Italy my amico!

 

What part of Italy are you from and/or living???

 

 

Hi Tommy, I live in TRIESTE, in north-east Italy. Fortunately, our region, Friuli Venezia Giulia, is not a very affected region, TRIESTE which is on the border with Slovenia, even less ...
But anyway we are all at home.
But it's nice for me to talk to you.
I know you have a lot to do ... but like all collectors, I would like to show you my collection ... yes, I know that you know Intellivision tapes and games well ... but I would like your opinion ... however, when you have time ...

...take a look at this link;).  

Do you think that just yesterday, on Ebay, I bought a mint game box from Space Armada, from Intellivision, INK that I was missing ... and I am in negotiations to buy a box of always Space armada, blue, but with ACTION written on the side NETWORK, and not SPACE NETWORK ....
Simply fantastic that even after 40 years, I have "pleasure" to see the shelves of my Intellivision box room full .... more and more ...

I also wanted to show you my art and my love, when I was a child ... I was only 11 years old ... hours and hours to draw magnificent screens of the games most dear to me ... I wanted your opinion on these mine drawings... 

...

I can't wait to buy the gray version of AMICO tomorrow at 10 .... What a beautiful word you have chosen!
In addition, I will allow myself to send you a private message, because I wanted to bring to your attention, a game title that I own, and that I don't know ...... soon;)...

Edited March 30, 2020 by lorenzogino69

12 minutes ago, Loafer said:

I would appreciate people wanting to know how much inventory they will have on launch day but let's be fair here:

 

- actual numbers will never be released, that's insider info

- No legit console manufacturer has ever released such specific info in advance of release 

- The usual "limited quantities" is likely the answer you will get and that's acceptable per industry norm

- they wouldn't make the decision of a full on delay until just a couple of months before hand

 

I'm just speculating here but I think the launch is probably going to go ahead but with limited quantities.  That's not limited to Amico it's an industry issue, but it's not shut down, China's producing a lot of hardware right now so unless the Coronavirus has a comeback in China that forces a full shutdown (which is always possible) right now I'd guess they will produce some.  No matter what, Tommy has said they have some big box retailers lined up so it's costly to delay it completely.  

 

Limited shortage is always seen as a negative from the fans POV but it's not always seen as a negative from the console manufacturers POV.  

 

Off subject:  real life has had me away so caught up on the thread.  man, I wish I could get that time back.  People are way to hung up on minor youtubers opinions, both pros and cons.  Glad to see all the game footage, IMHO they are meeting my expectations of what I understand is the target audience.  Well done.

Great post as always.

 

I would completely agree. It's entirely unrealistic to expect Tommy to give us the concrete detail on when they will produce a specific number of units. That isn't even helpful to us. He could tell us when they will start manufacturing but beyond that, any other info is way too insider for us to just know or to be posted publicly.

 

I would also agree - it seems like the launch will go ahead but we will see, possibly, only a very small number of units beyond the FE and VIP preorders, with a more wide release in 2021. 

 

Unfortunately it is looking like some people in Wuhan who tested negative are testing positive again. And there's no real way to fully know the Chinese infection numbers. They did however enforce strict lockdowns as soon as it broke out.

 

And - agreed again. Minor youtubers spouting random negative opinions really means nothing. Get a few big time Youtubers and don't focus on anyone throwing hate that gets 50 views.

 

Pat and Ian are a conundrum though, and I'm not sure how to deal with them beyond totally ignoring them or confronting them. Part of me thinks they want the confrontation and attention because they are running a dying Youtube channel and need any negative or positive publicity they can get, and they seem to be taking the ball with Amico and running for as much controversy as they can get for views. 

32 minutes ago, lorenzogino69 said:

I also wanted to show you my art and my love, when I was a child ... I was only 11 years old ... hours and hours to draw magnificent screens of the games most dear to me ... I wanted your opinion on these mine drawings...

 

33 minutes ago, lorenzogino69 said:

 

Really Cool ! 👍

1 hour ago, LordRayken said:

when will you start manufacturing.

He said in June if everything is fine.

It's called "doubling down" and there is no way out for them anymore. Even if Amico sells 100K before end of the year, then it just becomes "change the narrative / shift the goal posts" so what was once "they won't sell 5000" becomes "there are ZERO games for us gamers", "the store shelves are full", "the sales don't compare to the big 3", "Moms love it, we aren't moms", "there are no system sellers", "these are mobile games".  I mean we already hear about some of these criticism now. I laugh at some of these because "mobile gaming look" is like a horrid thing.  As long as the production values are there, mobile games look great, especially for the more casual fanbase Amico appears to be aiming for and I'm good with that.  Just let them be controller better and not block my screen and it's already a win for me.  Let them take as much advantage of the hardware and it's a win (phones have to take into account so many different hardware configs).  The systems seller argument, they are missing the point. In the case of Amico, the system seller isn't one game, it's the platform itself. IE is taking aim completely away from what the big 3 are. Of course there is overlap (there will be some games that classic gamers appreciate)

 

I agree it's a matter of POV, no matter pro or con, you can always find info that supports your position.  That's why it's important not to give too much shite about the noise

Are you as excited for the VIP Edition as these two guys are?

 

bunch of shills

 

9 hours ago, Swami said:

Any idea when the mall tours and in-store displays will start? Summer or Fall?

 

I remember Nintendo having Wii's set up in tents everywhere back in 2006-2007. Check out paragraph 5 of this article for a snowboarding convention.

 

https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/heavenly-hosts-burton-demo-days-snowboard-event-at-california-lodge-features-jam-session-aprs-snow-party/

 

Everything marketing related is tied to manufacturing (which is tied to corona) which is still very much up in the air because we don't know how many units we'll be able to produce.  For example.... if we can manufacture 200,000 units... then the appropriate budget would be spent.  But if we're only able to get out 50,000 units then the marketing budget would love VERY different. 

The good news is that the Mom 2.0 Summit (that we are the main sponsor for) has moved to the end of September.  So perfect timing for us if we can hit the 10/10 date. 

Everything still out of our control.

 

11 hours ago, mr_me said:

Sounds like the Missile Command touchpad control uses absolute positioning, as opposed to relative positioning.  Curious if both types were tried and one found to be better than the other.

 

Yep!  And we're still messing with it.  6 more months to go and lots of focus testing. 

 

 

11 hours ago, mr_me said:

Intellivoice cartridges use prerecorded words and phrases.  In my unprofessional opinion they are copyrighted like any sound effect to its creator.  If the speech is not prerecorded words and phrases but based on sound units and synthesized speech the user set, its copyright to the user.  That's unless there is a license agreement that says otherwise.

"Oof!"

 

 

 

11 hours ago, Ramey butler said:

I really want the woodgrain edition amico. It will tastefully compliment my home. I wonder why no one does wood grain anymore?

 

 By the way marvel has the "true believers" i think amico needs something simular l nominate "Amico Amigos" thats roughly translated into

"family and friends" i dont know how about some suggestions? 

Tommy you can be the judge and pick the best.

The Vintage Woodgrain edition has actually been the most requested one!  But that is mostly because the only folks really paying attention at this point are retro lovers like ourselves. 

Will be interesting to see which ones the average general public will gravitate to.

 

 

9 hours ago, The Wren said:

Honestly i wish you had a documentary crew with you while this was going on. If "Indie Game: The Movie" can exist..why not "Indie Console". Not as snappy a title I admit but i'd watch it  

Don't worry... there is something in the works.  

 

All to be revealed in time...

 

 

36 minutes ago, CurlyQ said:

Are you as excited for the VIP Edition as these two guys are?

 

Love the detail right down to the lanyard. You win the internet today! 

I confess I laughed a bit when I remembered that they read this topic. Imagine their faces when they see these images. They will be like "Wait a minute...". 🤨

Edited March 30, 2020 by IntelliMission

8 hours ago, cmart604 said:

As long as someone is keeping track when the first 2400 are sold so you can send Pat the great news that his prediction of 5000 units sold has been achieved. I'm sure he'll be thrilled and want to send you his sincere congrats. 👍🏻

Yeah!  They'll do an entire video saying how wrong they were. 

 

Totally their personality to apologize and say they may have made a mistake.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, wolfy62 said:

Tommy,I actually have met Nurmix a couple times,I was fortunate enough to be invited to play some Intellivision at his house If i recall correctly in 2012-2013. Somewhere in there. It was a blast!

So yes,of course if David visits us here again on a visit from Australia (i can speak for him here!)  we would love to get together with you guys and play games.👍

I never actually considered contacting you about getting together because I never dreamed  or assumed in my mind that could actually happen . Wow!!! What a generous offer by you, we would be so honored to have that happen!😃

As for my collection,yes I do have the original 125 collection and all the homebrew games made from 2000-2020 all boxed and mostly in mint condition. A lot of great stories in there....

Oh yes,and I need to mention my best friend Steve who also has the 125 and I have known for 40 years lives 15 minutes from me!

We get together about once a month and always play a game of intellivision baseball. Awesome!!!

Awesome!  Okay... once this virus shit ends... me, you, Paul, your buddy and anyone else near us will have a big Intellivision party at my house!  Lets do some tournaments as well!  Baseball, hockey, etc.

And I'd also love to whip everyone's ASSES in Utopia.  I have a few nasty moves that pretty much destroy folks who aren't prepared for my wrath.  Just ask @nurmix!!  

 

3 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Awesome!  Okay... once this virus shit ends... me, you, Paul, your buddy and anyone else near us will have a big Intellivision party at my house!  Lets do some tournaments as well!  Baseball, hockey, etc.

And I'd also love to whip everyone's ASSES in Utopia.  I have a few nasty moves that pretty much destroy folks who aren't prepared for my wrath.  Just ask @nurmix!!  

 

You got it!

I know Paul is awesome at Hockey,he kicked my ass at that. And I thought I was pretty good.😟

Baseball both Steve and I do well at,but Utopia we both suck at. (Gotta read the booklet).Of,course we will try and watch you destroy our countries!!!

Thanks for the offer Tommy,very kind of you!👍

Awesome!  Okay... once this virus shit ends... me, you, Paul, your buddy and anyone else near us will have a big Intellivision party at my house!  Lets do some tournaments as well!  Baseball, hockey, etc.

And I'd also love to whip everyone's ASSES in Utopia.  I have a few nasty moves that pretty much destroy folks who aren't prepared for my wrath.  Just ask [mention=19229]nurmix[/mention]!!  

 

As a fairly new Intellivision fan, I am loving reading these stories. I was an Atari kid. Always loved the graphics on the original Intellivision. Tommy converted me over to Intellivision. Proud to say I pre-ordered the Founder's Edition and have been watching every single video I can find on Amico. Especially, the Tommy interviews!

Get together's to play Amico sound like a ton of fun. Just like the old days with my family.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

For those not on social media, we just released this pic...

 

 

 

17 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

For those not on social media, we just released this pic...

 

 

 

Looking good Tommy.  It's the 3 Amicos!  😃