The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Mods => Custom Games => Topic started by: swinks on February 17, 2012, 07:59:03 PM
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Pingame Journal haspre-release info about a new machine today to be launched tonight Ben Heck's and John Popadiuk's pinball creation with only 99 to be made. Some very interesting and inovative ideas, 3D glasses, colour lcd and lots of other things, very interesting stuff check out the letter (at the website top right is a link).
Pingame wrote:
"There are many interesting and wondrous things that constantly cross the PinGame Journal "World of Pinball Desk" and this is the place to find out about them all! (Check out STERN PINBALL UPDATE for news about Stern Pinball) Read the words and click the links below to be in the know!
February 16, 2012 PGJ FIRST: Official Zombie Adventureland trailer! The PinGame Journal is FIRST ON THE PLANET to present designers John Popadiuk and Ben Heck's trailer announcing their upcoming game. See it by clicking ZOMBIE! (to enjoy the teaser in its full HD splendor please allow time for the video to download and watch in full screen mode. If you are in a hurry, click this ZOMBIETTE for a smaller file)
BUT THAT's NOT ALL! This video offers just a hint at the innovative game plans and creative design these two have in store for pinball. This release is to be followed by the official unveiling of the game's website at Midnight tonight. HOWEVER-- PGJ supportors have the chance to experience the site FIRST, before anyone else, by clicking LIVING DEAD right NOW ... look around, there's lots of cool stuff there!"
News release here
http://www.pingamejournal.com/world/
HD video teaser
http://www.pingamejournal.com/world/zombiepromo.mp4
small video teaser
http://www.pingamejournal.com/world/zombiepromo.mov
back door access to their website to be released to the public tonight at midnight US time.
http://www.pinballinventor.org/games/benheck/index.html
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made me laugh though it cost $1k more to buy a machine that you have to assemble.
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a pinball machine with zombies, AWESOME
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I think I saw a video a while ago where there is a lcd built into the playfield that recognises the ball going past and you aim for a screen image similar to the reflection style of game like SW ep1 and RFM. They state 3D glasses, so this may work with the lcd in the playfield - interesting stuff.
Hopefully it comes off and can only aid in pushing the bar even higher for Stern and JJP.
You also get to slect the colours of the toys on the playfield making it very custom and LE.
Very cool
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does any one have more images??? because this looks very cool. i love zombies, and think if you were going to make a pinball this would be an awesome theme. the website has some great artwork can only imagine what the playfield would look like.
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I have a bad feeling it is a basic "Future Pinball" system with a screen AS a playfield but its a 3d one instead... well thats the way i see it, bit costly if thats the case
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I have a bad feeling it is a basic "Future Pinball" system with a screen AS a playfield but its a 3d one instead... well thats the way i see it, bit costly if thats the case
i dont know its hard to tell, heres a few pictures http://www.pinballinventor.org/games/benheck/thestudio.html
and
http://www.pinballinventor.org/games/benheck/custom.html
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Zombies and Rollercoasters - now THATS cool ^^^
A fair bit happening lately hey guys ^^^
Great to see - All good for the game I hope @@*
So it is released at midnight tonight?
So over the next 24 hours we should know a lot more I guess.
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I think OJ is on the right track - I think the game is going to be a combo of game ramps and toys and maybe the score and graphics can be seen on the game playfield as they mention neonised ramps etc.
As I understand it Wotto the site hasn't been published anywhere other than on pingamejornal and they are allowed to do the sneak preview release.
In addition the guys on Spooky pinball have been talking up a project with Ben heck and I think he gets one of the earlier ones as he is heavily into the spooky theme and Red Shirt is linked with Spooky and Zombie.
http://www.spookypinball.com/photos-stuff/
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only 99 being made?
seems strange
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Here is the link to the you tube video with the interactive screen in the playfield.......
[ Invalid YouTube link ]!
99 x $10000 = $990k - I could handle that
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Does sound a touch expensive to me?
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99 x $10 000
GOOD MONEY,NO DOUBT
WHAT DO YOU THINK HIS COSTS WOULD BE??
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Sounds COOOOOL ! more manufacturers the better . Great theme and sounds like some sweet technology too . The pinball worlds heart is beating just nicely .
Bit costly , but , one power ball !!!!!!!! Hope it isn,t based on the movie though as I am over the movie tie in stuff , bring back original ideas .
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only 99 being made?
seems strange
sort of makes sense, if its a starter company. would be hard to sell more and might be playing it safe
as for the price you can understand the high costs, you would have to cover all the tooling it would take to produce a pinball factory
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Sent John a email, curious about power supplies, but at the moment only geared for the US market though will be looking at 220v 50hz rated gear in the near future.
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Half have secured deposits in 12 hours - will be interesting to see what new ideas come out of this one.
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thats quick
will be interesting to see how this progresses
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Sent John a email, curious about power supplies, but at the moment only geared for the US market though will be looking at 220v 50hz rated gear in the near future.
I imagine there would be no issue with using a step-down transformer if you really wanted in on this?
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Pre orders closed, seems to have no trouble finding buyers, sight unseen. Did John even finish 'Magic Girl' yet?
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He has just posted in FB that he is working on a large insert for MG
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I have a freind in the States who has a zombie pin on order, along with a WoZ and a BIBLE
far out
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this doesnt look that exciting to me. !@# to be realistic, u need a big company like Stern or JJP to produce something "SPECIAL" today.
money is hard to come by, and people want more and more and more out of every NIB pinball machine they buy. for anything in the $7500 to $10,000 category, it has to be special, and whilst i wish this small operation (and 2 x blokes luck) how could they come up with a absolute winner without the money, back up warehousing/manufacturing base that Stern and JJP (with its casino profits paving the way for its pinball business) how can they produce something to beat a WOZ or the latest Stern title like a AC/DC LE or the next models to come out of Stern etc etc.
Its a very tough road without BIG capital behind you already and without the fifty people both Stern and JJP already have. Only David beats Goliath in a story book, it never happens in real life. But i hope something other than a tricked up "pinmame table" comes out for the 10 grand. !@# @.@ !@# !@# time will tell. hopefully i get proved wrong but how do u compete against Stern and JJP with all that head start they already have. !@#
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Its a very tough road without BIG capital behind you already and without the fifty people both Stern and JJP already have. Only David beats Goliath in a story book, it never happens in real life. But i hope something other than a tricked up "pinmame table" comes out for the 10 grand. !@# @.@ !@# !@# time will tell. hopefully i get proved wrong but how do u compete against Stern and JJP with all that head start they already have. !@#
Who says you have to go up against the big guy?
Whizbang pinball's (Whoa Nellie) LINK (http://whizbangpinball.blogspot.com.au/)
Small run of games, not sure how small though, no ramps, no DMD, but something different for those who want it
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IF they can make money, and satisfy a niche market, then why not. I am all for small runs. BUT i hope the guys doing it can make money so they can do it again and again.
Any money making venture today is tough. take my hat off to anyone who can have a big go and make something work. Whilst i am cautious about the idea, I wish them every chance of doing a winner like Big Bang Bar. It can happen. Hopefully the static from Stern and JJP doesnt take up too much of the radio signals being sent out in the pinball universe, redirecting those hard to find pinny dollars. So many choices at the moment, which is good for the end consumer.
look at how many new sterns u can chose from, how many private containers are streaming in. Man there is so much dealer stock, private stock, Stern stock. Great choices with so so much going on..and YES, I LOVE Whoaa Nellies Great big TITs. lol ^^^ ^^^ %.%
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IF they can make money, and satisfy a niche market, then why not. I am all for small runs. BUT i hope the guys doing it can make money so they can do it again and again.
Any money making venture today is tough. take my hat off to anyone who can have a big go and make something work. Whilst i am cautious about the idea, I wish them every chance of doing a winner like Big Bang Bar. It can happen. Hopefully the static from Stern and JJP doesnt take up too much of the radio signals being sent out in the pinball universe, redirecting those hard to find pinny dollars. So many choices at the moment, which is good for the end consumer.
look at how many new sterns u can chose from, how many private containers are streaming in. Man there is so much dealer stock, private stock, Stern stock. Great choices with so so much going on..and YES, I LOVE Whoaa Nellies Great big TITs. lol ^^^ ^^^ %.%
It is not always about making money, but I see your point. This project is a labor of love. I don't think the intention is to rival Stern or JJP. I agree that Stern and JJP have the development team and the resources to make that "special" machine. But sometimes, a new idea can come from the passion of pinball. You can throw all the money you like at a special game done by Stern, but "whoever" comes up with a NEW technology, or a new feature on a game COULD be more important to the buyer.
Never underestimate the great mind of John Popadiuk, and have a look where his inspirations come from - Steve Kordek. Also, one of my favorite designers worked on two masterpieces 15 years apart - Gottlieb Spirit and CFTBL - John Trudeau. So these guys NEVER lose their ability to create - they are often held back by the technology at the time.
I think the proof of the pudding will be to have the three games next to each other - Zombie, WOZ and AC/DC. From a designer perspective, I would look forward to playing Zombie - purely to see the magic of John's creation.
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Quote: "this doesnt look that exciting to me. !@# to be realistic, u need a big company like Stern or JJP to produce something "SPECIAL" today."
I don't agree, a small guy (pinball company) has to start somewhere just like JJP taking orders and have never produced a pinball machine but they are looking to come out with a winner and had some clever marketing strategies to lure lots of people in. Difference with him is he has his other businesses to help float the pinball business, but he wants to hit the market a little more than John / Heck. Consider these guys like Lamborghini to Ferrari, started off as small company, perfectionist, hand built and could be absolutely awesome in the end, known by everyone yet not in everyones price affordability but desired.
I don't see why these guys can't come up with something unique, original and be different. If it's only possibly 2 guys overheads (maybe a few others or contract cabinets out etc) so costs reasonably low and hence the small production run (99) - better than saying they are going to do 1000 then need a big warehouse etc. At least there is no license and the creative juices can flow and not be hindered by upper managements restrictions. Stern stamp there playfields with dimples for screw, John / Heck have a cnc router therefore no reason you do the machining and and dimpling effect - easily machine both sides of a playfield in 80-100 hours, send it elsewhere to be screen printed while you are working on the next parts. Even Jamie off Mythbusters has alot of cool machinery and can make up anything he wants in his own shop - sky is the limit.
John is a very talented designer and Ben is a very smart guy and a big electronics geek and he proved he could do a machine at home and show it off to everyone.
99 x $10K = nearly $1 Million and that was in about 4 days with $2500 to be paid up in 30 days - $250000 to allow production to kick off.
spend 50 - 60% on parts and production / tooling
spend 10% on tax
spend 30 - 40% wages for themselves and the next investment
They then just get some advertising endorsements - "cointaker custom units" and away they go - bloody good on them
I am not really into zombies, but they sound like they have cool new concepts.
Good luck to them
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It should be noted at this point that the KING OF DIAMONDS remake takes more coin onsite that the STERN pins that sit beside it...
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I wanted to clarify something, the idea of them producing the machine was exciting, just the weird screen on the playfield didnt seem appealing (yet). only cause i dont like pinmame stuff. but the rest of it looks great. ^^^
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I do not know if U would buy one of these
With the LCD screen embeded ib the playfield, ehat happens in 10 years when the screen stops working?
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There is a story going around that these guys are not using existing mech for the flipper, pop bumpers, etc..
That they are re-enginering them to JPops design
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IF they can make money, and satisfy a niche market, then why not. I am all for small runs. BUT i hope the guys doing it can make money so they can do it again and again.
Any money making venture today is tough. take my hat off to anyone who can have a big go and make something work. Whilst i am cautious about the idea, I wish them every chance of doing a winner like Big Bang Bar. It can happen. Hopefully the static from Stern and JJP doesnt take up too much of the radio signals being sent out in the pinball universe, redirecting those hard to find pinny dollars. So many choices at the moment, which is good for the end consumer.
look at how many new sterns u can chose from, how many private containers are streaming in. Man there is so much dealer stock, private stock, Stern stock. Great choices with so so much going on..and YES, I LOVE Whoaa Nellies Great big TITs. lol ^^^ ^^^ %.%
one thing he has of woz, a better theme. its already one steap ahead in my books
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Wizard of OZ only exists because it is very big in the USA, and as said before, by Roger Sharpe of the USA who is very switched on, middle aged women are most likely to put coin $$ into a Wizard of OZ Pokie Machine, therefore, the WOZ pinball can take place of pride at every casino in the USA next to a lady with blue hair, putting coins into a pokie faster than she can get the coins into it.
(But if it means JJP send out 1000 WOZ machines, just to get one shoved in every casino that their pokies are already into. They cant lose even if the machine just sits there as a drawcard, free to play, and adds a little bit of excitement or a competition thingy for a few weeks)
These casino's are always looking for anything/something gimmicky just to change the feel for the place, if even only a few weeks. They take more revenue in on one pokie in a 4 hour stretch, than any WOZ pinball will ever do in a 4 year period. and thats the point. The WOZ pinball doesnt have to make money at the casino.
Now, combine that with the old women half of u unlucky bastards on the forum are married to (only joking only joking). Combine that with the Aussie Pinball market, and what do u get. NO RELEVANCE AT ALL. LOL @.@ %.% %.% %.% %.%
Maybe the WOZ licence has been successful out here with decent sales ONLY because it is so LEFT FIELD. Thats the only reason I have looked at one. Because it is such a spin out of a really left field subject. It had better play friggin good after all this talk i can tell ya. or there will be alot of pissed off midget lovers running around the joint looking for a witch or two to bash. !*! %.% and yes, anything zombie will be good for pinball, once they lose that horrid screen situation on the playfield. !@#
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Yes, the point of WOZ is exactly that..... the theme doesnt really appeal to many including myself... but what Jack has done is make a pinball that lifts the bar on current pinball manufacturers, of which there really is only one. Id go so far as to say that Jack looked long and hard at Stern.. saw what they did wrong and went way out of his way to correct this... Stern of course bounce back with ACDC.. a title that is a seller in itself, and yes, Stern have lifted their game on this one somewhat.
So you have 2 markets... the WOZ appeal and the REAL pinball appeal... with WOZ, pinball progresses.
Now i magine what Jack could have done had he the licence to produce ACDC?
Personally, i want to see what Jack does with WOZ... see the pinball itself and its innovations... then with any luck, he,ll get a title for the next one that is right... roll on JJ's 2nd pin!
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the 2nd is "The Hobit". That doesnt do much for the excitement gland either really if its true. Unless the movie (if and when) it comes out is a blockbuster. But i think the Hobit is really just a diversionary rumnour. Cause even the hobit will always play 2nd fiddle to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
So the 64 million dollar question, is WHAT is the REAL 2nd JJP licence. ANT (Tony) and I only have heard Hobit. It has to be better than that surely / !@#
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thats all well and good, its not really a title however that would interest new people into the market, zombies however that is a huge market. if the machine looks as good as their art on their website, this thing is going to be awesome. wish i had some money to waste and buy this machine, i dont however which is a shame seeing ill most likely never get a chance to see or play one in the flesh without buying one. but if they stick to cool themes like this they should do well, it should do well, its such a popular theme, judging by their website its going to be very comical so it would have a wide appeal for sure. it is a shame big guys arent making titles like this. being that pinballs are almost in a cult for of following, cult style themes would be way more appealing. woz is as boring as watching paint dry. the worst theme since hard bodies lol
if they make the Hobit pinball, then they are virtually doing what stern are doing and make generic themed pinballs, the Hobit would be a safe theme however like many of these new pinball themes, but safe doesn't mean innovative or inspiring, i cant see why a Woz theme is very clever, woz vs zombie, ufo, hotglue gun, rollercoaster crazy theme lol, which theme is seriously more interesting??
oh and killing witches would be fun, but not whilest prancing around in red shinny slippers, and by chucking a bucket of water on them.
if they made some messed up really dark spinoff to the woz, that was clever then that would be cool, very simular to that allice in wonderland computer game, where Alice is a psychopathic killer lol, then you could say they are close to coming up with a cool title, but a musical well thats a little dull imo
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Getting back on track - Zombie Pinball.
I agree with OJ, this is a pinball with a difference and even though I initially wasn't into a zombie theme, I liked the innovation side of it but it sounds like fun and after seeing the BG graphics and the website I think this should look awesome.
I am now wondering if the monitor is in the very back of the cabinet and vertical - same pane as the BG but in the playfield area. This would be a very effective area as long as it is not cluttered with toys and ramps - for creatures to come at you etc, as well as see you score directly in front of you because with dmd style games you are looking at the playfield 95% of the time and miss so much of the dmd show / score.
As for the replacement of the screen, just like WOZ you would hope these guys have a lot of spares just in case. In addition if they are applying a patent to their monitor then it will be something unique to them so it may end up being a standard feature in their future machines which will warrant having a shed load of monitors sitting there to be used.
I think these guys were smart in doing a non licensed theme = freedom and innovation. I wish all the luck to them and hopefully will be able to play it one day somewhere or even better they decide to do a dedicated run for the Europeans and Aussies. ^^^
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Getting back on track - Zombie Pinball.
I agree with OJ, this is a pinball with a difference and even though I initially wasn't into a zombie theme, I liked the innovation side of it but it sounds like fun and after seeing the BG graphics and the website I think this should look awesome.
I am now wondering if the monitor is in the very back of the cabinet and vertical - same pane as the BG but in the playfield area. This would be a very effective area as long as it is not cluttered with toys and ramps - for creatures to come at you etc, as well as see you score directly in front of you because with dmd style games you are looking at the playfield 95% of the time and miss so much of the dmd show / score.
As for the replacement of the screen, just like WOZ you would hope these guys have a lot of spares just in case. In addition if they are applying a patent to their monitor then it will be something unique to them so it may end up being a standard feature in their future machines which will warrant having a shed load of monitors sitting there to be used.
I think these guys were smart in doing a non licensed theme = freedom and innovation. I wish all the luck to them and hopefully will be able to play it one day somewhere or even better they decide to do a dedicated run for the Europeans and Aussies. ^^^
thats a very valid point, if they make some very innovated tech, and guys like stern like the idea, whats to say they wont be paying for rights from these guys to use it if its patented. and yer the dmd you cant see, its good for those who are watching you play but not that great for the player
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for those in the US who ordered pin they get to design there own robot to go into the game - pretty cool idea makes it unique.
Here is the site for the custom robot.
http://www.myrobotnation.com/
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I love the retro 50's style artwork on this ( well what ive seen.. LOL - website is cool)!
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He does have some really cool colours and retro look about it.
I have been reading on the website and when you consider that the lcd is 19 inches = 482mm wide though probably diagonal so little narrower in actual width but would fit neatly across the width of the playfield, convinced myself that the monitor will go as the vertical backdrop of the playfield - great for the player - who cares about the spectators they can crowd around a little more - it's about the experience of playing the game.
This is all good, as it steps up the bar for Stern soon to be not the only pinball manufacturer on earth.
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He does have some really cool colours and retro look about it.
I have been reading on the website and when you consider that the lcd is 19 inches = 482mm wide though probably diagonal so little narrower in actual width but would fit neatly across the width of the playfield, convinced myself that the monitor will go as the vertical backdrop of the playfield - great for the player - who cares about the spectators they can crowd around a little more - it's about the experience of playing the game.
This is all good, as it steps up the bar for Stern soon to be not the only pinball manufacturer on earth.
swinks can you posts some pics up?? cheers mate
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I can't offer much than screen shots from there website, may help those locating certain images as the site does tend to change viewing options once your in there.
Check out the first image with the pointer going to the back of the playfield.... wild guessing really but a new fresh approach.
edit - stupid me finally sees the detail on the right hand side of first image - back panel...... there you go something new, see if goes well and then see who else follows with the right playfield layout to allow a clear visual - though they may make the cabinet a little higher ????
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Here is a interview with the guys, prototype machine be ready by the 24th March for a gaming show.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/140333073.html
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I emailed John and he is a man of very few words, he is not doing a larger run with a different power supply. If you ordered a machine that needed a power upgrade he would have modified for yours in that total of 99
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Has anyone ordered one of these pins??/
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Has anyone ordered one of these pins??/
Nope, I couldn't buy anything sight unseen or unplayed.
I hope it's a cracker...I love the zombie genre, most of my dvd/blu ray collection is zombie related.
Can't wait for World War Z and Zombieland 2 to hit the screens.
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Good interview with J Pop on the latest episode of spooky pinball - last 1/4 of the interview. Great historical info as well as his 2 pinballs in the works - magic girl and zombie.
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Good interview with J Pop on the latest episode (24) of spooky pinball - last 1/4 of the interview. Great historical info as well as his 2 pinballs in the works - magic girl and zombie.
http://www.spookypinball.com/podcast-2/
Also can download from iTunes
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Has anyone ordered one of these pins??/
i wish i had the cash to blow, i recon this will be a great machine. with only 99 made it will certainly be rare.
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There should be some info of a proto type machine at the Midwest Gaming Classic, the weekend of the 24th coming up.
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only 99 being made?
seems strange
sort of makes sense, if its a starter company. would be hard to sell more and might be playing it safe
as for the price you can understand the high costs, you would have to cover all the tooling it would take to produce a pinball factory
If you make something Limited Edition, you are pretty much guaranteed it will sell out. Collectors LOVE limited numbers of things.. each owning number X of # etc.
Record collecting is/was huge in the UK.. many bands would let it be known that the next pressing would be limited to X numbers..... record was pretty much sold out by pre orders... idea is to try and get very low numbers or last number... its worth more then to a collector. Odd thing is that none of us ever sold anything... it just got collected.
Pinball aint no different, just bigger toys that command deeper pockets.
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Here is a recent interview
http://www.gamersdailynews.com/article-3306-Interview-with-Pinball-Designer-John-A-Popadiuk-Jr-on-His-Work-and-the-Ben-Hecks-Zombie-Adventureland-Project.html
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a little teaser - Pingame journal interview with
JPop at his studio
utoplay=1&rel=0
Ben Heck at the MGC
http://youtu.be/1CyuEK7xmio
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JPop has released a statement on pinside clearing the air about speculation of the contents of the packet being released in the next week to the 124 people that ave signed up. A lot of discussion about a NDA and what people can share to the world (us pinheads).
"We are looking at 2 options....one under NDA and the other not. So people can choose their flavor. Then we would use FB or the web to get out general news and the nda'ers can hang around more at the studio and stuff. Again main thing is it is a new concept in design, so we are learning too the best way to move forward and not spoil the "end game" fun. Also all this is not real quick but new pinball is being made. Jpop"
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Well the 100 people that put deposits on BHZA have received there information packages which has a Non Disclosure Agreement -
Speculation is
"The first rule of Zombie Adventureland is you don't talk about Zombie Adventureland.
The second rule of Zombie Adventureland is you don't talk about Zombie Adventureland.
The third rule of Zombie Adventureland is don't rub it in the rest of our faces you got one ordered and say you can't talk about it with a NDA."
The only info released was that it has areal projected build plan and that a 100% refund is offered at the end if you are not impressed.
We will just have to wait and see what it looks like and how it plays with a extremely slim chance of ever playing one.
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Jpop talk at the recent pinball show - nearly 90minutes covering history, magic girl and zombie adventure land.
Source: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23200121
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hear is some art, looks cool - definitely going to be a bright coloured zombie machine
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a tid bit
"our new playfield hardcoat with real metal"
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it is believed at the 29minute mark is the mock up of BHZL but could be another machine as well.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25967283
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here is a old video that I just found that doesn't have alot about the game but a little peak into how he designs his games and his lucky cat.
&feature=player_embedded
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a recent comment from jpop about his approach to a game
"Well our concept was making a small run of games, truly limited. like orange county choppers. not a manufacturing plant with deadlines deciding design. If we change something (ie: redraw art) and it takes another month, then that is what is **best** for the game. As these games will be here 25 years from now. Price, quality, speed...pick any 2?
Also we know all our customers by name and not just serial numbers. we care about their input, ideas and suggestions and frustrations. it's not about production numbers (or money) it's about making amazing pinball loading with inventive features....as the **standard** game. The UE or Ultimate Edition. So we do not make an LE with a skimped-out low cost model, but just **one** design (One Ring to Rule Them All) with as much crap as we can fit in (afford).
This is how I was taught how to design games at WMS and the only way I really want to work. I think it makes the best pinball for my fans and the community. Jpop"
BHZA should be a nice game
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He said all that, then he threw the word "afford" into it which brought it back to a commercial reality.
Perhaps getting some pre-orders, and maybe taking some deposits from people who dont care about timelines, would/could make the pinball machine better in the long run cause it gives them more working capital. I know he said he wasnt doing this for money, but its not a charity either.
Will be interesting to see what happens, but I am also starting to get confused as to who is Heck, Jpop and the other few names which keep appearing on all these homebrew pinnys. I cant keep up with who is who, and who is working for who and on what title. They should pool their collective monies n talents and start a super company to give JJP and Stern a run for their monies.lol
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I think basically these guys do it out of passion and have a vision and dream to chase, more so Charlie as he has about 25 to 30 predominantly horror based pins in his basement and has done a custom retheme Godzilla so I am sure his pin will be a beauty but it will be his style and maybe not for all of us, combining efforts might come later but might not as then you have to keep more people happy, some people just gotta do there thing and I think these 3 guys are all helping each other in various ways - hats off to all of them.
like I wrote in Ghost Squad's thread (I think) was
- Ben stars in BHZA made by Jpop
- Ben is creating GS which is seperate to Jpop - his own venture but he is not geared up or wanting to mass produce ? so could be seeing Charlie to make
- Charlie is creating PZFBTG and his services are offering to make other boutique pins in which he has been quoted that he could make GS for Ben
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A pinball friend in Canada posted this on pinside
content is absically a mash of Zombie Adventureland and Magic girl so I will highlight Zombie Adventureland here and repost and highlight the other in Magic Girl thread.
"Hey guys,
So, I had an impromptu trip to Chicago this week for business.
I immediately seized the opportunity and contacted John Popadiuk to see if I could sneak a peak into the studios of Zidware Inc to get a behind the scenes look at the development of Magic Girl and Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (yes, Ben Heck's name is no longer part of the title).
As a buyer on RAZA I have had access to plenty of online updates on that project via a private blog, but John's willingness to let owners come down and visit in person is something that I'd hoped to take advantage of.
If you haven't heard of these projects or their details, John has asked all buyers to sign an NDA so, sorry, no pictures and I can't discuss actual game details. Heres a link to John's site. theres a bit of stuff on RAZA link, but be prepared to he dissapointed for lack of content. He's keeping the whole process pretty secret.
http://pinballinventor.org/games.html
Now, here's a quick overview of my impressions from this visit.
-The studio. It's a fair size but this is not a "manufacturing facility" in the grand sense. It's a mixed use office/commercial space that was outfitted from floor to ceiling with materials, prototyping tools, design sketches, models, proof of concept mechanisms being put through their paces and, of course, games in various stages of completion. Its a great space to build a boutique run of games... not an assembly line. i would love to work in a studio like this! I suggested that John post a large wide angle shot of the space because it really made me feel a lot more at ease as a buyer.
-Magic Girl! since I'm not a buyer on MG, I'm sure John had tucked away a few things I did not see any playfield materials, but I did see plenty of cabinets, mechanisms in progress and lots of drawings. John loosely described it as a prequel to Theater of Magic. A theme that goes back to an older time "A blend of magic and alchemy" were his exact words. The prototype cabinets I saw were fantastically built and you can tell that John and company are not sparing any expense.
-Artwork is phenomenal! No joke. Both games have THE best artwork I have ever seen on any pinball machine bar none. John's got a great team of artists and illustrators that are going to breath new life into this industry... I have no doubt. It's all hand drawn/coloured and its fantastic! The MG cabinet was gorgeous and John snuck in a lot of references to his BW heritage with many characters and objects from TOM, CV and TOTAN appearing in minor cameo roles in the art.
-John knows what he's doing (duh!) I saw racks and racks of parts all neatly categorized and labeled. All of his newly designed and fabricated proprietary parts were undergoing their own coding system and, after handling some of them, I have No Fear about damage or longevity. This stuff is made to last... and every Zidware part carries their signature thunderbolt. Very nice, and very sharp... literally. His favourite line was "careful, you will bleed"
I also got a close look at the professionally made wiring harnesses being installed in MG. these are all being locally outsourced and it sounds like there is a great network of suppliers and professionals supporting John's efforts.
I saw tons of great exploration in materials and processes being employed into the all the games in general. It was cool to learn how they are engineering all of this and even trying to get UL approvals for everything... even the cleanliness and efficiency of the under-playfield wiring is important to them.
-Time. I think there was a massive learning curve here for the team. MG took months of development just to get the cabinet designed and realized.... now John says that process is a matter of weeks for RAZA and all future pins. John described the scope and size of the teams they had at BW back in the day and how quickly stuff could be prototyped and engineered. Obviously this is a totally different animal and the R&D time required is huge.
-And finally, Design! I did get to see a foamcore mockup of RAZA in progress. The game has a unique layout, new and never before seen features, re-imagined mechanisms from the past and its just chock full of fun. In fact, that's the one word I would use to define John's space and projects, FUN! A friend jokingly suggested I was going to meet Willy Wonka and I think it was a fitting de******ion. I did feel like a kid in a candy factory
I know some customers are getting impatient, but I'm enjoying the process and only wish more could be revealed so that everyone could get as excited as the owner groups on both pins.
Some guys live close enough to pop by, others may get the occasional visit like me, but for most owners this will be a remote process. For them I can only say that the wait will definitely be worth it.
It may still be a few months before we see the first 3 prototype Magic Girl games... and who knows how long RAZA will stretch.... but I know everyone will be floored when these games hit the scene.
From what I can gauge at this early stage, they will be in a league of their own.
John had some other cool mini-projects in the studio which he will only reveal once completed, but there is a heap of creativity and drive in that space and John seems super driven. The man works 7 days a week!
So, I'll close by wishing John and his team good luck, and thanks again for your hospitality.
I look forward to the rest of the ride and hopefully I'll get to stop in again during expo in October!"
attached suggests Ben Heck is still part of the theme just not on the game name which is probably better for that timeless factor
also attached is a image of what could be the JPop cabinet structure - a few interesting features like 5 speaker system, screen in the back of the playfield
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how are these for cool pops for Jpop's pins
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here is some art, kind of freaky looking clown, but awesome art.
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Zidware is no more, sent by the company taking over Zidware's investments etc.
Dear Fellow Zidware Customers,
Pintasia Design Inc. is the Licensee to MG, RAZA and AIW. We want to share with you who we are and why we are here. We are in the same boat as you. We have interests in both RAZA and MG. By investing our own resources of time, money and efforts, Pintasia on a best efforts basis will do everything that they possibly can to help get back what we all lost to Zidware. To be clear, Pintasia is a third party, and is not a part of Zidware the company or their liabilities.
Pintasia is a newly formed company set up to bring the best talent in all necessary facets of pinball to produce extraordinary games ready for production:
• Business Development - Bill Brandes: business restructuring, real estate holdings, commodities, investment fund
• Finance & Operations - Sabrina Wei: investment banker, business consultant, Deloitte & Touche alumni
• Art Design - Zombie Yeti, artist for MG, RAZA and AIW
• Technical Support - Jim Martin, service and support for machines
• Consultant* (Game Design) - John Popadiuk, Zidware Inc.
• Legal Counsel (USA) – Jordan Litwin, Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC
• Manufacturer – TBD, must be proven quality manufacturer
• Programmer – TBD, must have experience with deep rule sets
* John Popadiuk is strictly a Consultant, he has no interest in Pintasia and does not make any business decisions. His role is strictly defined as artistic design for the completion of the 3 machines in progress.
The agreement provided by our attorney was to quantify Zidware customers enabling us to plan a viable business structure. We have extended the deadline to June 30, 2015, please use updated agreement attached.
We are not asking for money now, and we hope to delay additional payments until production is confirmed. This will largely depend on the manufacturing agreement we enter into. We will release the information upon successful execution.
The Collector's Edition was set at 199, not to encourage an upsell but to allow the opportunity for all Zidware customers to get in on the limited run which will feature special elements. We stress, it is not necessary to have 199 MG-Collector’s Edition ordered to commence production, nor are we forcing anyone to convert from their current title.
The reason we created the Magic Girl Classic is to get possible new sales quicker on a machine that is nearly complete, these potential profits in turn will allow us now to confirm 1:1 credit for RAZA and AIW purchasers.
Our next communication will be strictly answering questions arising from this correspondence. This endeavor was strictly born out of the desire to get the money we all lost to Zidware. We have spoken to many of you personally in the last few days, the positive responses and encouraging words have been absolutely amazing. We want to thank everyone who has lent a hand to help out. For those who we haven’t talked to yet, we invite you to call at your earliest convenience.
Look forward to speaking with you personally,
PINTASIA DESIGN INC.
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They have more names working for the USA Legal Counsel than any other area.
I wish them well but it's a impossible pipe dream and just another load of BS in a long line of promises, excuses and stall tactics.
The actual previous release from Zidware themselves was even more "fingers down your throat" and dry reaching than this. It still stinks of everything that a company being wound up and facing imminent bankruptcy would release.
Notice how the "press release" didn't mention the hundreds of angry and pissed off people who want their money back.
They spun this to sound like everyone is giving them a standing ovation for saving the day.
You only get standing ovations when you give people back 100 percent of their money back.
It's still a cow shit sandwich made to look like a banquet. But I could be wrong......
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I purely posted to cap off these projects and though I was on the list a while back for RAZA I bailed a while ago as it just didn't sound right. I am not encouraging anyone to buy any of these pins but posted purely for awareness for anyone thinking. The stuff that has happened in the last 12 months with Bumper with JJP pins, Skitb Pinball, the kickstarter attempt of the other pin company (can't remember the names at the moment), Dutch Pinball debacle, Jpop (Zidware) brings me and sure many others to the point of not investing in a new pin unless it could be delivered by a reputation proven company in a few months max from when a deposit is issued.
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Thanks Swinks for the update. So just to clarify and wade through all the legal statement, John Popadiuk is out of business? Has all his work amounted to nothing?
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A good question.
His work amounted to him keeping apparently over One Million Dollars of people's money so his work should have made him very comfy over the years.
Will his design work live on, probably, if the "new" company keep paying him the $$ he wants on a weekly or quarterly or yearly basis from them.
Will anyone ever get their $17,000 USA and climbing proto type pinny ? Who knows.
If JPop pulls the pin at any stage, the whole future is again down the toilet.
That's why Pintasia would be mad to get into bed with someone who has already failed so highly of a grand scale.
It's only another 2 to 5 years minimum according to Zidware.
The whole thing is such a letdown and smells bad of dishonesty.
I am waiting to see the PinballNews story on the whole debacle. Martin from PinballNews writes a great article about these types of stories. Will have to check his site again cause he always gets to the real story.
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J pop is a contractor to the new company. He will be paid to develop RAZA and AIWL over the next two years. MG is done as far as the J Pop's design is concerned.
If everyone signs up to loose some of their deposit, Jpop looses nothing.
...Skit b is sounding like a saint.
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yeh, Skit B refunded monies apparently so kudos to him if correct.
JPop only taking in a million dollars and not even offering partial refunds let alone full refunds is criminal to me.
They act like they were victims of circumstance and it was all just a little mistake or slight error of judgement. No way, not to me. It's the wolf pretending to be the dumb accidental sheep when it comes to JPop and Zidware to me.
1 million dollars worth.
Would like to see what he drives, what his house looks like, what's in his house, and what boats/toys/cars/jetskis are in the garage and where the million has gone.
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pretty sure skitB haven't given any refunds when the #hit hit the fan and he stopped communicating, but sure it was paypal that issued refunds to people that used paypal to pay for deposits.
bet he wasted a crap load of money on trademarking and patents, all useless when you don't make and sell anything.
sounds like he was crap at project managing when he works on and designs 3 games plus a proto-type kiss pinball, he should of built MG and then move on to the next.
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yeh, Skit B refunded monies apparently so kudos to him if correct.
Skit B have not refunded monies and neither have paypal. Only monies people are getting back are through credit card charge backs.
He has said that he is refunding back but hasn't walked the walk yet
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I don't think people should say too much about John Popadiuk until it all washes out. I'm more concerned that what looks to be a liquidation firm (ex-accountants & investment bankers) are running Pintasia - there is NO manufacturer at all. Putting out a press release like this is astounding - half of it is a "help wanted" ad. "We're gunna make great pinballs, just need all the manufacturing side & someone to do the programming. And we'll keep the designer from the last failure but don't worry he's not touching any money, we're just paying him". Far out. Might be some smart cookies in terms of banking & legal but they need some marketing & strategic advice.
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listening to C2C podcast it seems like Pintasia is a guy who is a customer of John's for one of the games (probably MG) and his profession is saving companies from ruin
the dodegy thing is each person has to decide which direction they are going, go with Pintasia but you need to sign a form saying you won't take legal action against John or opt out for Pintasia and take legal action. ???? !@#
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listening to C2C podcast it seems like Pintasia is a guy who is a customer of John's for one of the games (probably MG) and his profession is saving companies from ruin
the dodegy thing is each person has to decide which direction they are going, go with Pintasia but you need to sign a form saying you won't take legal action against John or opt out for Pintasia and take legal action. ???? !@#
both are great options........not! How about option 3 just give back people's money.
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listening to C2C podcast it seems like Pintasia is a guy who is a customer of John's for one of the games (probably MG) and his profession is saving companies from ruin
the dodegy thing is each person has to decide which direction they are going, go with Pintasia but you need to sign a form saying you won't take legal action against John or opt out for Pintasia and take legal action. ???? !@#
both are great options........not! How about option 3 just give back people's money.
totally agree, option 3
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There is no option 3 as the money has been spent.
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There is no option 3 as the money has been spent.
we know, but it would be nice for those that invested and believed....
I still don't know about Pintasia hiring jpop as he could still drag the chain, earn a income etc and who knows when all the games will be released. He is talented but think it leaves a very bad taste...
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[...]
sounds like he was crap at project managing when he works on and designs 3 games plus a proto-type kiss pinball, he should of built MG and then move on to the next.
Moving onto game 2 and 3 indicates what his work and personality traits are like. Once the fun stuff was done for Magic Girl, he lost interest and moved on to a new game.
The hard part for him was sorting out the manufacturing. So he simply put the manufacturing to the side, and started designing a new game while taking more deposits.
...those who put a deposit on Magic Girl were naive, as at no point was there a manufacturing plan. Apologies for offending some, but those who put a deposit on RAZA or Alice in Wonder Land, with no evidence of Magic Girl manufacturing being underway, were simply foolish.
As for J Pop - he was hallucinating in wonder land, and still is.
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Far out - Who knew pinball was so complex! Im currently doing my Masters and trying to keep up and understand all this seems beyond me!
If we were into simpler products like a Billiard table, we wouldn't have all this drama. Just goes to show that building a pinball machine is a massive undertaking that utilises a huge spectrum of skills and materials all needing to come together. Should never be left to a small group would be my advice!
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I don't think the small group concept is a big concern, rather I think it is the funding model.
If a small team were to design, play and test a game in their spare time, have a thorough manufacturing strategy plan, a BOM, all quotes in for manufacturing and sourcing of parts and not ask for a cent ready to hit the manufacturing GO button things would be safer for the people ordering games, yes may take a little longer for the team to bring their machine to the public but less risk for everyone including the team members. The team could also then take out a loan to cover the parts / manufacturing for the first 10-20 games so when games are purchased they are delivered quickly and the income earned pays back a good portion of the loan as well as re-invested into the next batch of 10-20 games - similar to how spooky are doing it. This approach keeps the team motivated and driven to finish. I think (speculation) that Jpop got a $1 million and just designed away perfecting the look and function and ran out of funds to build the games but he owes $1 million to his customers and lots of money owed to suppliers etc as it is obvious that he lacks skills in project management, and budgeting.
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Admirable but your post suggests that you can go to the corner store and buy 20 x mechanisms for EVERYTHING in the machine - this is not always the case.
I don't think the small group concept is a big concern, rather I think it is the funding model.
If a small team were to design, play and test a game in their spare time, have a thorough manufacturing strategy plan, a BOM, all quotes in for manufacturing and sourcing of parts and not ask for a cent ready to hit the manufacturing GO button things would be safer for the people ordering games, yes may take a little longer for the team to bring their machine to the public but less risk for everyone including the team members. The team could also then take out a loan to cover the parts / manufacturing for the first 10-20 games so when games are purchased they are delivered quickly and the income earned pays back a good portion of the loan as well as re-invested into the next batch of 10-20 games - similar to how spooky are doing it. This approach keeps the team motivated and driven to finish. I think (speculation) that Jpop got a $1 million and just designed away perfecting the look and function and ran out of funds to build the games but he owes $1 million to his customers and lots of money owed to suppliers etc as it is obvious that he lacks skills in project management, and budgeting.
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Apologies if posted elsewhere but this was the "update" sent to those with deposits lodged with Zidware.
May 21, 2015
RE: PLAN OF ACTION FOR PURCHASERS OF MAGIC GIRL™, RAZA AND AIW
It is with great excitement, determination and love for pinball that has led me to pursue and find a possible solution that can be announced to you today. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who believed in the magical designs that have been created. I acknowledge and appreciate the faith you have in placing deposits with Zidware, Inc. (“Zidware”) to deliver to you incredible machines that take pinball to another level. Thank you for your patience and support …this well-deserved update will give you a good idea of where we have been and where we are headed in the future.
First and foremost, my apologies for not being a better businessman. In the past, great success was accomplished by focusing on what I do best… design and artistic direction of games. The business mechanics were left to the executives at companies such as Williams and Bally. I did not realize what it entails to run a company and get a machine designed and produced from start to finish. At the rate that I have been going, bankruptcy would be inevitable absent some type of corrective action. Zidware no longer has the ability to get Magic Girl™ (“MG”) into production let alone Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland™ (“RAZA”) and Alice in Wonderland The Pinball™ (“AIW”). A copy of current financials will be available evidencing the impossible predicament Zidware currently faces. Further, the delivery of machines to my customers who have placed orders and provided deposits has always been my primary concern and a responsibility that I take very seriously.
Therefore, I have sought out a solution to bring these games into production and to benefit all purchasers who have continued to believe in me. Apologies for the lack of communication, however it was best to find a workable solution first, rather than to string everyone along on false hopes. At this point I have a plan in place and therefore am taking this opportunity to share it with you. My hope is that with this solid plan, you, as a purchaser, will be supportive of this endeavor and remain patient and work with this plan to achieve the desired goal of producing MG, RAZA and AIW machines.
What is the plan and how will it help the purchasers of Zidware products?
In a call for help, one of my customers, a businessman specializing in the restructuring of companies, realized that there was no way Zidware could get this project over the finish line and into production. He was saddened by the fact that many would suffer a loss and it would be a black eye for the pinball industry and my reputation.
Over the last month or so, this individual and his associates have done extensive due diligence on Zidware to determine the best plan of action. They have assembled a team of professionals capable in bringing pinball machines to production under a new, unrelated company. I have granted this new company (“Licensee”) an exclusive license for MG, RAZA and AIW. They will then be able to take MG from its current state to the point of production, along with potential orders for RAZA and AIW. Once these machines are produced, the Licensee plans to continue and grow to become an industry leader in creative unique pinball design.
What can you expect next?
The Licensee is now underway to complete a master prototype Magic Girl™. An announcement will be made as to when this will be, however the goal is to have it ready in time to unveil at an upcoming show. From this point forward, information and progress will be provided by the Licensee as Zidware is no longer in control.
This group is currently in the process of negotiating with proven known quality manufacturers to get the games produced. As soon as this is contracted, purchasers will be notified and given a forecast of the timeline to complete development as well as release dates for final product. As it stands today, the anticipated timeframe until production of MG is approximately 2 years or sooner.
As for the other 2 games, art work will be under the Licensee’s direction and prototypes will be forthcoming. I have agreed to independently consult with the Licensee for continuity to complete the pinball designs for all 3 games. The timeframe until production of AZA and AIW product is 2 to 3 years post MG production.
I encourage fellow Pinheads to allow this team to help make these games come to life. The Licensee has already made significant investment in both time and money to get where we are today. They have acquired the licenses for these games not motivated by profit, but to make the designs a reality and forge a viable path for production of these products to Zidware customers. The only other alternative is that Zidware would be forced to file for bankruptcy, resulting in virtually nothing to the purchasers and none of the games that we have worked on all these years will ever be produced.
We need patience, positive input and support from you and all of Zidware’s customers. Once each purchaser has responded back with positive intentions, the Licensee will be formally announced and be able to continue to move forward. However if there are any clarification uestions regarding this letter or agreement, please do not contact the attorneys directly, instead you may send an email to: Magic Girl Info <magicgirl.raza.aiw@gmail.com>. The Licensee has already indicated that they will be opening the doors to share the progress with customers and welcoming everyone with open arms!
To be clear, there will not be any refunds as Zidware lacks the cash reserves necessary to return any customer deposits. The Licensee is here to create and build pinball machines and it is not responsible for Zidware’s liabilities. Nonetheless, working together, the Licensee will have the ability to produce machines and Zidware customers will be provided credits for deposits made. We are very lucky that the
Licensee started down this path to help the pinball community by trying to rectify this situation.
This is what we need in order for the Licensee to move forward, please take advantage of this opportunity and complete the attached agreement prepared by the attorney for the Licensee. This is what is required from you in the attached agreement in order for the plan to succeed:
1) Confirmation of your intent to complete the purchase of the ordered item(s) by executing and returning the attached agreement so that the Licensee does not expend resources for customers who may not wish to complete their order.
a. Magic Girl™ – original purchasers. The Licensee is already in talks with potential manufacturers to create a Magic Girl™–Collector’s Edition, limited to only 199 worldwide for those who have already purchased or provided deposits. This is first come first serve
as we will close off as soon as we reach 199 orders. Zidware deposits will be converted to credits dollar for dollar.
b. RAZA or AIW purchasers. For those who have placed a deposit on RAZA or AIW, the Licensee is allowing these purchasers to convert their deposits to credits towards:
i. Magic Girl™–Collector’s Edition ($15,995) – Limited to only 199 worldwide, this is first come first serve as we will close off as soon as we reach 199 orders. Zidware deposits will be converted dollar for dollar, 1:1 (eg. $6,500 deposit = $6,500 credits).
ii. Magic Girl™-Classic (TBD estimated at between $9,995 to $11,995) – We are offering a new edition of Magic Girl™ with all of the same functionality and quality, since the final product is yet to be finalized and we don’t have actual BOM, we can only provide the price range. Any customers interested in this option will have opportunity to confirm their purchase at time of release of actual price. Zidware deposits will be converted 1:2 (eg. $6,500 deposit = $3,250 credits) for this option.
Once you take delivery of your machine, you have an asset in hand and the ability to keep it or sell it for cash. You will also have the ability to sell your position. Should you wish to wait for the possible creation of a RAZA or AIW, that option is also available.
2) Agreement that you will not bring any action for money damages or specific performance against Zidware, the Licensee, the manufacturer, or any of their directors, officers or members during the earlier of:
(i) delivery of the product or
(ii) 4 years
This is what we need to move forward; we ask your cooperation to support us and allow Zidware to get the Licensee what is needed at this time. This is the only plan that will possibly get these machines produced. It is time sensitive as we need to move quickly or I will have no choice but to pursue a chapter 7 bankruptcy filing resulting in the liquidation of Zidware without delivery of any of the games and virtually no cash to Zidware customers.
This plan is for you, the Pinheads that want something that is a true work of art, quality built that can be treasured for years to come. I have now found the right business team that is dedicated to try to get my work to the finish line and into production. Help me to help you get what you came to Zidware for…a pinball machine that you will be very proud of to have in your collection!
To Our Success!
Best Personal Regards,
ZIDWARE, INC.
John Popadiuk
President
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what a joke, j pop nearly makes me want to torch my ToM and I didn't pay any deposits. Its like feel sorry for him but wait there's a light at the end of the tunnel......and there is.......a big f@#king train.
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How does the saying go ?
"Never throw good money at bad money" ?
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How does the saying go ?
"Never throw good money at bad money" ?
Vegas is full of people chasing their losses
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How does the saying go ?
"Never throw good money at bad money" ?
Vegas is full of people chasing their losses
So is the pinball community.
*)*
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what the playfield was going to look like for historical sake