Some thoughts:
1. I thought his last game was being sold for $US15k. Is that correct?
If so I presume the $US16k, is saying that the new investor wants an additional $US1k. If there is any saving grace for those with a deposit, its that an extra & 7% is not much to pay. If its is a reputable manufacture, I'd throw in the extra 7%.
2. ...so the big question is now, who will be taking over production. Given they are all LE games (100 or so of each of the three games?), I can't see a big company getting involved. The relatively small run could suit Spooky Pinball.
3. The lesson of pre-order is being learnt again. I'm beginning to think that JJP may not survive. Though JJP may have a loyal customer base, it is now limited to just that. If JJP was now to announce pre-order of their third unthemed title that Pat Lawler is working on, I can't see many people paying a deposit until they know the machine is in production, or even more so, is in the distributors showroom. JJP's business model is based on pre-order for now. JJP has to start producing more titles per year, or their revenue stream is going to be Zero for the next year or two.
4. So is J Pop going to end up working for one of the new start up companies? He is a great designer, so I hope that happens, but I fear his name is tainted.
