Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

Surely he knows single player with competent computer AI is a must. Am thinking it's probably that you can assign 2-8 computer players on some games. And/or play against others online. 

On 9/24/2019 at 9:24 AM, PlaysWithWolves said:

 

If the controllers are limitations then they should re-think the controllers.  But I'm pretty sure Tommy doesn't see them as limitations.

Yes, I acknowledge constraints can inspire creativity.  You both have written "can" and not "will" because, I'd suggest, even subconsciously you know freedom inspires more creativity.

 

 

As I wrote above, limitations can cause creativity but to say that it's exciting and will lead to new genres seems a bit of a stretch.  That's not to say your couch co-op ideas combined with whatever innovations your controllers may bring won't bring on new games. But I believe if you thought the controllers were a limitations, they wouldn't be there.  I suspect they are enhancements to your console.

 

Do the commandments count as limitations? I guess, but they don't seem all that limiting considering the hardware and target audience.

 

I just don't see what's exciting about limitations.  Perhaps parents would be excited for 100% family-friendly content, sure.  But, the post came off a little overenthusiastic and perhaps desperate-sounding.  Like a car salesman saying, "This Yugo is under-powered and doesn't have a radio, power steering or comfortable suspension, but it's exciting you'll get creative with music and build up your forearms!"

 

In fact, I'm a bit surprised you even want to talk about limitations at all when the console is sounds very capable of doing the types of games you've envisioned on the system.  I don't see that as a bug, but a feature.  

 

Thanks for giving me more info about your thoughts.  For the record, I don't see any of our system having limitations for what it is.  For example... we could have easily put in a more powerful chip... but we would have had to lose a ton of other important features and the price would have been over $200.

Value is very very important to me (and to most everyone) and that is a HUGE advantage we have over the current other home consoles.  I'm not saying the other systems don't give value.  But if you equate value to price and time spent (especially with family & friends)... then we will take the lead in the value department in my completely biased opinion. 

Every machine will have "limitations".  The Switch is very much "limited" when compared to the tech inside a PS4 or XBox One.  But they excel in areas that those machines don't.  So I don't see the word limitating as it refers to technology being negative when the ultimate goal and discussion is entertainment with family & friends.  Something NO OTHER platform (including mobile or streaming services) is fully focused on.  This is our sweet spot and this is where we will live and strive.

That being said... because of the way the console was created... (you can call them limitations or features or whatever)... it is having a very positive impact on new game design ideas.  This should be something that everyone should be excited for.  I know I am!  People just need to start to see it.  We have some really cool reveal things planned over the next year... and even by the end of this year!  Stay tuned!!

 

On 9/24/2019 at 9:47 AM, IntelliMission said:

Well, I guess the only way to make these games for the Amico would be to create some kind of additional multiplayer mode, perhaps some co-op alternative "missions". Of course, the controls would have to be adapted and probably pixel hunting removed, but that's probably a good thing after all.

There are "other" ways.   

More info revealed next summer. 

On 9/24/2019 at 10:01 AM, GrudgeQ said:

And just in closing here are the first 5 Google results on the whole 'limited vs freedom' creativity argument. This isn't an unheard of idea from some gamers/developers who remember the days of highly restricted game development environments, and what was accomplished under them:

 

http://thewisdomdaily.com/in-writing-and-in-life-restriction-can-spark-growth-and-creativity/

https://buffer.com/resources/7-examples-of-how-creative-constraints-can-lead-to-amazing-work

https://www.fastcompany.com/3027379/the-psychology-of-limitations-how-and-why-constraints-can-make-you-more-creative

http://launchyourgenius.com/2013/05/13/creative-restrictions-9-action-tips-to-enhance-your-creativity/

http://web-docs.stern.nyu.edu/pa/sellier_dahl_creative_success.pdf

 

 

GREAT articles!  Just finished reading them.  Great stuff!  Thanks for posting.

I agree 100%.

On 9/24/2019 at 10:46 AM, PlaysWithWolves said:

I can't imagine Tommy liking all this talk of limitations.

I'm totally fine with it actually.  And quite honestly... PROUD that we'll be helping to combat the complexity of what has become the home gaming console market.  There's a number of reasons the home console market is losing so badly to mobile (mobile more than DOUBLES the home console market in revenue now and almost TRIPLES the PC market)... and it gains at least 1% market share in each of those 2 markets every year for past few years.  The problem isn't going away... it's only getting bigger.

Putting limitations on things are a good thing in my eyes.  Again... we're not trying to compete with Sony, Microsoft & Nintendo.  If we're known as the Simple, Affordable, Family, Entertainment console... then I've done my job. 

The word "limitation" in our case can easily be replaced with "simple". 

 

1 hour ago, IntelliMission said:

I have some terrible news about the Amico from Tommy's Twitter:

 

 

This console looks worse everyday. 😄

Only half 8 players! - the octopus crowd isn’t going to be happy

23 hours ago, Loafer said:

The devs who wouldn't like Amico controllers would probably be trying to shoe horn old style control instead of adapting.  This is where Intellivision entertainment, in their shepherd role, can ensure the devs "get" how to use the new controllers.

 

Historically in my 40 + years of video gaming, I'm a big believer in either the proven directional pad or a good old joysticks (and spinners... and trackballs... and lightguns…).  In saying that, until we see what Amico devs come up with, there's not much point in speculation in this area IMHO. For now, I trust in the Amico team that we will love the new controller and I'm ready to open up my perceptions to something new, just like I had to with their disc controller back in the day.  I mean it's not like I crowd funded the thing and their failure will have a direct impact on me financially. Rather they're confidence in their product without even receiving a dime from us gives me great optimism on the entire project.

Yeah... it's kinda funny to me when people say how horrible the controls are when they've never played a single game and see how they operate yet.  Again... a lot of people said the same exact thing about the Wii.  So lets hope the same things happen to Amico as did the Wii. 

People must assume that a huge amount of super talented video game industry experienced folks are sitting around saying... lets figure out how to get this really crappy controller design to play games because we're so stubborn about the old controller that we need to find a way to make this new crap work.

or...

That we're spending millions of dollars without ever once testing the controller design with casual, non- and hardcore gamers.

Idiocy! 

 

20 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

This is why I'm not interested in GTAV or RDR2. Too many things to do. It gets stressing. I would love a game with those graphics where you could only explore the scenery. Yeah, some kind of real walking simulation. Exploring is what is all about, these combat experiences feel forced. I rather play a short and original game than a neverending game with the same old mechanics.

 

Yes.  I've heard that a LOT over the years from people who used to play games... but now don't.  It just takes too much time to get into them and learn them.  They are too long and folks have lives to live.  I am being very specific about the value and time that people will/may spend on each product.  It's a GOOD thing for casuals, non-gamers, party throwers, etc. to have something that is easy in and out and that everyone can play at once.

 

20 hours ago, Loafer said:

I like it but its not proven to the 2019 casuals.  In saying that casuals use touch screens so they'll adapt

To be fair... it has in our market & focus testing! 

Casuals and non-gamers absolutely dislike analog sticks, D-Pads and any kind of joystick.  This is partly a reason why mobile gaming has become so popular (but it also limits the types of game you can do with just a screen).  But in ALL of our testing... people LOVE the disc.  A lot easier to use and understand than even a D-pad.

10 hours ago, roots.genoa said:

"When forced to work within a strict framework, the imagination is taxed to its utmost and will produce its richest ideas. Given total freedom, the work is likely to sprawl." T.S. Eliot

And I could find several similar quotes. It's really difficult to come up with an idea of a game (or a film, a novel, etc.) starting from scratch.

Wow!  Powerful statement!  I love it!!

I'm sending this to everyone in the company and our developers.  Also gotta try and find a poster of this so we can frame and put in the office!

Thanks for posting!

10 hours ago, cmart604 said:

What was this thread about again? 

Oh yes.... 🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓

Not tacos?



Maybe bacon tacos?

How about vegan bacon tacos!

 

6 hours ago, PlaysWithWolves said:

My intention was never to derail the thread.  It was to point out the absurdity of a statement in a thread where the fanboysim has gotten a bit fanatic (OP, case-in-point). 

 

I think there may be a lot of good things yet to come from the Amico front.  I, personally, am curious about the controllers and how they'll interact with the games.  

I don't think it derailed the thread at all.  I'm glad you brought up the things you did and everyone is having a great and respectful conversation about it.  Great stuff!  This is the kind of things that make Message Boards interesting for me. 

I TOTALLY understand the curiosity about the controllers!  It's the #1 thing on most folks minds when they think of the system (especially folks who are very wary of the system in general).  That is why we have decided to make our next video/trailer focuses and featured on the controllers themselves.  I think when we have the opportunity to show them off a little more that people will be excited as SmashJT was.  Still some major and important patents happening and we are still tweaking a few things here and there.  I'm hoping to have the next trailer available for Intellivisions 40th birthday in December.  I can't promise right now... but that is my current plan.

Thanks for the great discussion!

45 minutes ago, atarifan88 said:

I was under the impression that Tommy said you would be able to play games as 1 player AND multi-player (2-8 players).  If all the games are not going to have the option for one player in the case that nobody else is around to play...

 

Even the Wii had an option for 1 player only.  I hope this is fake news or something has been terribly misunderstood!

Yes.  Terribly misunderstood I believe.

The question I was answering was specifically about how many of our games are going to be 8 player capable. 

Of course they will all have single player as well.  But my answer was in regards to how many of our games are 8 player.  I didn't feel the need to address single player as it wasn't asked and only so many character in Twitter, etc. 

I have more terrible news about this boring console, folks.

By interacting with the CEO of the company and having him like some of our ideas, we are effectively affecting the design of the Amico.

If this was a movie, the end credits will now feature a special thanks for the user roots.genoa.

The Amico will be made of a portion of the heart of each of their fans.

Love has no limitations.

Yes, my friends, I am deliberately exaggerating this whole thing. But, as in everything except for the 'global warming is a lie' and 'the Eath is flat' conspiracies, there is also a part of truth.

35 minutes ago, save2600 said:

Surely he knows single player with competent computer AI is a must. Am thinking it's probably that you can assign 2-8 computer players on some games. And/or play against others online. 

 

 

Yes.  Everything has single player...

5 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yes.  Terribly misunderstood I believe.

The question I was answering was specifically about how many of our games are going to be 8 player capable. 

Of course they will all have single player as well.  But my answer was in regards to how many of our games are 8 player.  I didn't feel the need to address single player as it wasn't asked and only so many character in Twitter, etc. 

 

 

 

 

Well then that changes everything!  For that reason...

😁😀😁

50 minutes ago, atarifan88 said:

I was under the impression that Tommy said you would be able to play games as 1 player AND multi-player (2-8 players).  If all the games are not going to have the option for one player in the case that nobody else is around to play...

 

Even the Wii had an option for 1 player only.  I hope this is fake news or something has been terribly misunderstood!

Just now, atarifan88 said:

Well then, for that reason...

 

😁😀😁

Oh crap... you're gonna want a ROYALTY DEAL aren't you?!??!

I'm gonna go with Laurie cause she has QVC and Bed, Bath & Beyond!  

I am a bit scared, because the topics I bring up (limitations, 8 players) create intense debates.

In my original post about the 8 player thing, I included a link to Tommy's tweet where you could clearly see that he was replying to that question... The truth was only one click away, my friends.

6 minutes ago, Blarneo said:

 

Thanks!  I guess that clears that up.

7 minutes ago, IntelliMission said:

By interacting with the CEO of the company and having him like some of our ideas, we are effectively affecting the design of the Amico.

 

Oh no! We're getting Homer Simpson's car design! 😥

10 hours ago, cmart604 said:

What was this thread about again? 

Oh yes.... 🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓

Your Canada is showing 

1 hour ago, ColecoJoe said:

Your Canada is showing 

I don't think so. Those are the right way. 

Really? Who told Canadians they were allowed to make their bacon round?😡

1 hour ago, Blarneo said:

Oh no! We're getting Homer Simpson's car design! 😥

That would be the Atari vcs lol. Gotta have things that don't benefit the company ,or make buyers weiry of the companies faith in a console having much software inits future , especially when you need to hype sandbox mode as a feature. 

1 hour ago, Blarneo said:

Oh no! We're getting Homer Simpson's car design! 😥

We can design it as a community and call it crowdsourcing.  What could go wrong?

I'll start by giving it a nice bright color and lots of chrome.  Power button is accessed by tilting up the ornament, 60s-Batman style.  Bright buttons so we can easily see them.