The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => New developments => New Developments => Topic started by: swinks on October 17, 2015, 05:59:05 PM

Title: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: swinks on October 17, 2015, 05:59:05 PM
I know there is a thread some where but couldn't find it so he is a new 2 player video from the Chicago Expo 2016

utoplay=1&rel=0
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Toads on October 17, 2015, 07:41:34 PM
Looks really stop start too me.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Pinballer on October 17, 2015, 07:44:59 PM
Wow that's a real achievement, considering the 2016 Chicago Expo is a little under 12 months away  :D
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: GORGAR 1 on October 17, 2015, 07:56:12 PM
Looks really stop start too me.

Thought the same lol-when's this getting released? It was at last years expo and looks like they are still having reliability issues like last year :)
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: swinks on October 17, 2015, 08:15:00 PM
sorry, video was from this weekend Chicago Expo 2015 &^&
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cursed on October 17, 2015, 08:55:55 PM
They also announced that the music from the movie will no longer be in the game. Which is a real shame

It also looks like they are trying to impersonate people from the movie with the callouts.
Title: Re:
Post by: delarge on October 19, 2015, 12:23:18 AM
It's been a bit disappointing with the news about no music from the original movie soundtrack and 12 months onwards and no major code development. I'm a huge fan of the movie, but with no firm idea on release date and production of machines, I've pretty much been avoiding this machine for the time being.

Good to see Heighway Pinball have an Aussie distributor now. If Dutch Pinball did the same, I'd be more inclined to think about a Big Lebowski purchase.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: solar value on November 07, 2015, 09:25:45 AM
5 new engineering samples at the Dutch Pinball Open in Drunen, the Netherlands this weekend:

(https://img-f.pinside.com/201511/2784037/472028-i.jpeg)
(https://img-f.pinside.com/201511/2784037/472031-i.jpeg)

Apron has been modified to allow for score cards:

(https://img-f.pinside.com/201511/2784035/472029-i.jpg)

Latest newsletter just released:

November 6, 2015 - The Big Lebowski™ Pinball - November Update

Your feedback helps us creating the most awesome The Big Lebowski™ Pinball machine ever! Also during (and after) Expo we received a lot of very valuable feedback. Thank you so much achievers! Dutch Pinball abides (although it is impossible to fulfill every one’s wish).
One of the things we got feedback on was the female voice. Most of you didn’t like her and we therefore decided to replace her by the dark male voice. Coming weekend you can play TBL at the Dutch Pinball Open Expo with this new voice and we look forward to your feedback.
We also created an alternative for the soundtrack of the machine. Jules did his magic and there will be five songs in the game (instrumental versions).
Then we worked out an alternative for the apron. Some of you likee the stars, others really wanted rule sheets so… This is our solution and we hope you’ll like it! (This version of the apron will also be shown at the DPO Expo).

Seminar Expo
Jean Paul, Koen and Jaap gave a presentation at Pinball Expo. In case you missed it, you can click here for the audio. (Audio and picture are courtesy of pinballnews.com).

Dutch Pinball Open
Last couple of weeks we worked very hard to finish five Engineering Samples. We are showing these five ES's at the Dutch Pinball Open which will take place in Drunen, the Netherlands on November 7th and 8th. We hope that our ES's will be played a lot so we get a lot of testing data. If all this works out the way we expect it will do, we are ready to assemble the first production machines. We know we are late but we prefer to check and double check before we start shipping.
Five in a row at the Dutch Pinball Open (...and yes, the rugs will be added too).

Distributors
At Pinball Expo we announced the first two Preferred Distributors of The Big Lebowski™ Pinball, Cointaker for the USA and Nitro Amusements for Canada. For other countries we have no Preferred Distributor yet. As you have seen, we like to do things right and don’t rush into sales. We do this for the first time and we believe it is better to take one step at a time. We first will ship the pre-orders and then the new orders from Cointaker and Nitro will follow.
We'll send out more updates as soon as we have more 'new shit' to show you guys!
Until then, stay tuned.

Best regards,
Team Dutch Pinball

Barry and Jaap being interviewed for local radio:

(https://img-f.pinside.com/201511/2784032/472027-i.jpg)
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: solar value on November 08, 2015, 01:30:16 PM
Here's a video from the show:

Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: swinks on November 08, 2015, 01:58:50 PM
it's a beautiful game and price is probably now good compared to a Stern LE
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: solar value on November 08, 2015, 03:18:35 PM
By the way, this is still very early code, according to the software guy. There's a lot to be added.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cow Corner on November 09, 2015, 10:42:00 AM
 <..>

Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: oldskool1969 on November 10, 2015, 02:05:17 AM
I never get sick of hitler video's.
How many suckers are left in the world? record how many are preordering boutique pins.  !^!
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cow Corner on November 10, 2015, 07:24:06 AM
I never get sick of hitler video's.
How many suckers are left in the world? record how many are preordering boutique pins.  !^!

Majic Girl and Predator........ :lol
Still plenty of the pre-order crew around...and they are still waiting on a TBL, TH, TAG or a whatever else!
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: swinks on February 14, 2016, 12:37:51 PM
factory tour

&feature=youtu.be&autoplay=1&rel=0

&feature=youtu.be&autoplay=1&rel=0

&feature=youtu.be&autoplay=1&rel=0

and a slide show of all the pictures taken

&feature=youtu.be&autoplay=1&rel=0
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cow Corner on February 24, 2016, 10:06:10 AM
And still no aussie distributor............ :tumble:
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Crashramp on March 01, 2016, 10:31:20 PM
I haven't been following this closely but I like the theme. Anyone know how close to finished it is?
Title: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: GORGAR 1 on March 01, 2016, 11:03:04 PM
It's been on the go for years :) my mates ordered one in the states he's expecting it around June/July but some are saying it may never ship. Hopefully he gets it and I get to play his later this year :)
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Crashramp on March 01, 2016, 11:35:12 PM
Gutsy move preordering anything pinball these days. I hope for all involved it gets finished, it looks like it's going to be a great game.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cow Corner on March 02, 2016, 09:18:28 AM
Gutsy move preordering anything pinball these days. I hope for all involved it gets finished, it looks like it's going to be a great game.

+1
Only I wouldn't call it gutsy, I would call it stupid!
Title: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: GORGAR 1 on March 02, 2016, 12:27:33 PM
Gutsy move preordering anything pinball these days. I hope for all involved it gets finished, it looks like it's going to be a great game.

He has a game number but no money has changed hands :) only Stern are a safe bet these days.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: pinball god on March 02, 2016, 02:09:58 PM
A bit like buying off the plan. Not my way of doing business.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Strangeways on March 02, 2016, 02:21:05 PM
Gutsy move preordering anything pinball these days. I hope for all involved it gets finished, it looks like it's going to be a great game.

He has a game number but no money has changed hands :) only Stern are a safe bet these days.

I concur. At least with Stern you know a game will be released in a short period of time and you won't lose your money. I still cannot believe it is a good idea to pay for something you may never receive !
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: pinsanity on March 02, 2016, 04:08:07 PM
It is a niche market with very little capital behind it.

If you went with cap in hand to a traditional lender with this type of business plan they would laugh you out of the office.

Even the big kid on the block had to rely on other people's money (twice) to stay in business.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cow Corner on March 02, 2016, 09:52:13 PM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Retropin on March 02, 2016, 10:45:27 PM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:

Ive always found that the "all or nothing" ultimatum ends in...... nothing.
probably the most stupid thing anyone can say
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Cow Corner on March 02, 2016, 10:56:37 PM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:

Ive always found that the "all or nothing" ultimatum ends in...... nothing.
probably the most stupid thing anyone can say

I was ok with having to pay a deposit and then pay the balance on the game when shipped but DP wouldn't play ball on that.
Also no distributor set up in Aus, at the time I had to work out shipping myself or try and find others who were in on the game and bulk ship if I wanted one.
Bugger that!
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Strangeways on March 03, 2016, 09:29:00 AM
From experience it is not easy to keep a distributorship for such a small project running and supported when the games are made overseas by a small company. Supply to customers is not that hard, but you need the tech support behind the product and the spare parts to keep the warranty claims under control. With warranty support, as a distributor, you need to get paid for the work conducted. If the games are poor quality, or have no QA done at the factory, then the customers will blame the distributor.

For Stern, they have this process worked out from years of distribution. The other manufacturer - JJP - No one was interested in distribution.

The only way Dutch Pinball's game can be distributed in Australia is after they have released several titles and have their place in the market. They can't send out 20 games for Australia and hope they sell. that's why no one has put their hand up to become a distributor.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: pinsanity on March 03, 2016, 09:17:16 PM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:

But was it passed to the left hand side?  ()

From experience it is not easy to keep a distributorship for such a small project running and supported when the games are made overseas by a small company. Supply to customers is not that hard, but you need the tech support behind the product and the spare parts to keep the warranty claims under control. With warranty support, as a distributor, you need to get paid for the work conducted. If the games are poor quality, or have no QA done at the factory, then the customers will blame the distributor.

Sounds like "mission impossible".
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: GORGAR 1 on March 04, 2016, 12:06:18 AM
Hopefully it does make it into people's homes :) it sure looks nice. Perfect LCD size also take note Jack.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Strangeways on March 04, 2016, 10:32:21 AM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:

But was it passed to the left hand side?  ()

From experience it is not easy to keep a distributorship for such a small project running and supported when the games are made overseas by a small company. Supply to customers is not that hard, but you need the tech support behind the product and the spare parts to keep the warranty claims under control. With warranty support, as a distributor, you need to get paid for the work conducted. If the games are poor quality, or have no QA done at the factory, then the customers will blame the distributor.

Sounds like "mission impossible".

For a "start up" venture it is challenging. The biggest problem is that the will always be doubt with the viability of the manufacturer in the short term. Not many last, and the ones that have, have been bailed out by investors (Stern and JJP). So it is a huge risk. Not a risk for Stern, all others have the same issue. Given most boutique manufacturers want pre order $ and then bail - there's a huge financial risk becoming a distributor and then paying pre orders for a container.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Crashramp on March 04, 2016, 07:58:14 PM
Hopefully it does make it into people's homes :) it sure looks nice. Perfect LCD size also take note Jack.

+1 DMD up to Sega DMD is fine. Any bigger is too big.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: pinsanity on March 04, 2016, 08:28:40 PM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:

But was it passed to the left hand side?  ()

From experience it is not easy to keep a distributorship for such a small project running and supported when the games are made overseas by a small company. Supply to customers is not that hard, but you need the tech support behind the product and the spare parts to keep the warranty claims under control. With warranty support, as a distributor, you need to get paid for the work conducted. If the games are poor quality, or have no QA done at the factory, then the customers will blame the distributor.

Sounds like "mission impossible".

For a "start up" venture it is challenging. The biggest problem is that the will always be doubt with the viability of the manufacturer in the short term. Not many last, and the ones that have, have been bailed out by investors (Stern and JJP). So it is a huge risk. Not a risk for Stern, all others have the same issue. Given most boutique manufacturers want pre order $ and then bail - there's a huge financial risk becoming a distributor and then paying pre orders for a container.

For sure, but in saying that there are ways to minimise personal risk as a distributor to a new startup.

For example, doing due diligence prior to entering any type of business relationship with the manufacturer and asking the appropriate questions for yourself. What kind of other business arrangements did the manufacturer enter into, in say the last five years, how were they funded, who were they with and more importantly how did they turn out in terms of both product quality and delivery to the end consumer. Did they actually receive the goods they were originally promised or was it just an exercise in raising capital for a future venture using a less than scrupulous method (e.g. online crowdfunding).

Also as a distributor I would be leaning heavily towards non refundable deposits from my customer base before I handed over one single dollar of my own money to a new boutique manufacturer for a prepaid container of goods instead of relying on faith that customers will actually follow through. For starters, you don't know the actual demand for a new product and using the online community as a benchmark for demand would be business suicide.
Title: Re: Dutch Pinball - The Big Lebowski
Post by: Strangeways on March 04, 2016, 11:53:09 PM
I had a number with no money down ages ago before the cut off point and then DP said pay in full by this date or no game for you, so I said get stuffed dutchy!
The cut off point is long gone.
 :tumble:

But was it passed to the left hand side?  ()

From experience it is not easy to keep a distributorship for such a small project running and supported when the games are made overseas by a small company. Supply to customers is not that hard, but you need the tech support behind the product and the spare parts to keep the warranty claims under control. With warranty support, as a distributor, you need to get paid for the work conducted. If the games are poor quality, or have no QA done at the factory, then the customers will blame the distributor.

Sounds like "mission impossible".

For a "start up" venture it is challenging. The biggest problem is that the will always be doubt with the viability of the manufacturer in the short term. Not many last, and the ones that have, have been bailed out by investors (Stern and JJP). So it is a huge risk. Not a risk for Stern, all others have the same issue. Given most boutique manufacturers want pre order $ and then bail - there's a huge financial risk becoming a distributor and then paying pre orders for a container.

For sure, but in saying that there are ways to minimise personal risk as a distributor to a new startup.

For example, doing due diligence prior to entering any type of business relationship with the manufacturer and asking the appropriate questions for yourself. What kind of other business arrangements did the manufacturer enter into, in say the last five years, how were they funded, who were they with and more importantly how did they turn out in terms of both product quality and delivery to the end consumer. Did they actually receive the goods they were originally promised or was it just an exercise in raising capital for a future venture using a less than scrupulous method (e.g. online crowdfunding).

Also as a distributor I would be leaning heavily towards non refundable deposits from my customer base before I handed over one single dollar of my own money to a new boutique manufacturer for a prepaid container of goods instead of relying on faith that customers will actually follow through. For starters, you don't know the actual demand for a new product and using the online community as a benchmark for demand would be business suicide.

There's no doubt that TBL is a very well presented game. Looking at the work behind the scenes, it appears to conduct business professionally. From experience, and I've already learnt the valuable lesson, you need any agreement in writing, so that both parties understand all the minute details.

The only distributorship APR / RTBB are interested in are established and secure business'. Asking for deposits up front creates issues for prospective distributors. Genuine business' fund the projects until the very end, so that the problem of the project failing, is an internal issue that will never affect the pre order customers. We are looking at a distributorship that will not even be announced to the public, until a prototype or early production machine is physically in the showroom.

I do think TBL will sell well overseas, but it is difficult to sell here based moreso on geography.