Intellivision’s Amico Faces Problem after Problem
The Amico has had a rough time of it. Intellivision‘s console-for-non-gamers has already faced numerous production delays, and a less-than-stellar reputation among the gaming public. But none of these things are a death knell, there are plenty of things that “gamers” dislike that end up reaching financial success.
But staff cuts? Licensing out IP? That can’t be a good sign. Intellivision CEO Phil Adams sent out a wave of emails to those who pre-ordered the console. The contents left quite an impression, aiming to give certainty to the uncertain. Even if it wasn’t all good news.
“We have dramatically reined in operating costs, which unfortunately required a significant reduction in staff.”
“Our resources are focused on engineering and testing to ensure we have a quality system, as we cannot succeed by producing anything less.”
Adams continues, saying: “A broader distribution of Intellivision classic IP will also help raise awareness of Intellivision while not directly competing with Amico because of Amico’s unique controllers and family-focused gaming adaptations”.
According to VideoGamesChronicle, many of these financial issues are a result of people cancelling pre-orders. To that end, Adams does make a statement directly to that audience.
“We are slowly processing refund requests,” Adam says. “The public’s uncertainty of our status in the last few months have understandably led to an influx of pre-order refund requests.”
“Because of reduced staff and financing requirements for continued operation, our responses to and processing of these requests has been delayed. Rest assured that our intention is to honor all refund requests.”
“We will allocate a portion of all new funding and staff time to winding down the refund queue, while our primary focus is funding and completing a quality product ready for manufacturing.”