Kingpin

[pindoc]

Is there any new news from Gene about Kingpin at his show?
Thanks,
Bruce

[BBB94]

Cross posted from the "Project is on hold thread" (http://www.robertwinter.com/pinball/kingpin/forum/viewtopic.php?p=249#249)

A little birdie told me that they expect sample chips in 4-5 weeks. Once those test out in a few real machines, then all of the pre-production hurdles will have been addressed. They probably need to get new quotes form all the suppliers and can then send the requests for deposit, perhaps in 6-8 weeks with a 2-3 week deadline. So, in 6-11 weeks interested parties will need approximately $4,000 - if all goes well and the price doesn't change, etc.

[jadziedzic]

Quite frankly, this is a pretty stupid way to run the project. Absolutely no direct word from anyone at IPB for months (years, actually), and then a statement from an "outsider" (no offense intended) that interested parties will need to pony up $4k in a few months.

In today's economy many people will not be able to scrape up that money in that short of a time, which will likely make a serious dent in the number of people who will be able to put down a deposit on the game. Contrast this with Jersey Jack Pinball's deposit plan for Wizard of Oz and I have to wonder just how much interest there will actually be in Kingpin. Sure, a number of die-hards from the BBB run will likely stick around for Kingpin, but the number of others who buy into the game is likely going to be seriously impacted.

[BBB94]

No offense taken. Gene's lack of willingness to use email and the internet is certainly a problem for many, and I think, hurt the project overall. Time will tell if there are enough people that understand or don't mind (too much) the way things are done - and can swing the payments. I do what I can from the fringes to try and make things a little better/clearer for folks. I understand most of the frustration and share a great deal of it.

[Bertl]

Sad, but absolutely the truth.
brgds
_________________
If there is a chance, i'll take it.

[BBB94]

Apparently the arrival of the sample PPGA chip for testing is still several weeks off (which means still slowly moving forward).

[tmc]

this project is as good as dead. even if its feasible to eventually make this machine, there's no way 150 people will sign up since these rich folks have signed up for acdc le, woz, zombieland or magic girl instead

[pindoc]

I disagree.
Kingpin is a cool game. If enough lead time is given, people will come up with the money.
I do hope we hear some news one way or the other soon.
Bruce

[Bertl]

If the chip thing cant be solved, i still vote for a conversion kit.
_________________
If there is a chance, i'll take it.

[BBB94]

I keep hearing that the chip sample should be forthcoming, but nothing concrete. Not sure what to make of that; just thought I'd toss that out for whatever it is or is not worth.

I think 150 buyers would be easy (that's only 3 per state); maybe some different ones, but there are plenty of people out there that can regularly swing high dollar machines, buying all three Transformer LEs, both AC/DC LEs, and the other new games.

That said, I'm not sure if I will be in or out.

[pindoc]

Was there any news at the Texas Pinball Festival?
I read on the TPF web site tha IPB would be there. I did not make it
Bruce

[Bertl]

Pls refer to this rgp Thread:

https://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.pinball/browse_thread/thread/7c766931fe27bc8f/e49def571194e925?hl=de&lnk=gst&q=kingpin#e49def571194e925

brgds
Norbert
_________________
If there is a chance, i'll take it.

[awarner]

Gene told me at Allentown that he plans to take orders soon. We'll see!
_________________
Former BBB #95
Pins and Vids #4, A New Hoax DVD, Available NOW at www.pinsandvids.com for only $12.00 plus shipping.

[jadziedzic]

Geez, Al, hasn't Gene been saying more or less the same thing for three+ years now?

[pindoc]

I am still hoping.
Bruce