Intellivision Amico’s Tommy Tallarico Triumphs at Backgammon World Championship Amidst Industry Turmoil

The ongoing story of the Intellivision Amico remains a cautionary tale within the gaming industry.

Launched with ambitious plans in 2018 to revive the historic Intellivision brand, the Amico console was initially targeted for release in 2020.

However, multiple delays, leadership changes, and financial woes have left the project indefinitely stalled as of October 2024.

Notably, Tommy Tallarico—renowned video game composer and industry veteran—served as the driving force behind the Amico initiative until stepping down from his CEO role at the start of 2022. Following his departure, Intellivision faced mounting challenges.

Despite securing 10,000 pre-orders and raising $5.5 million in crowdfunding, the company announced in 2023 that it could not afford to manufacture the Amico.

In May 2024, Atari acquired the Intellivision brand and assets, notably omitting the troubled console itself, which now faces an uncertain future and would require rebranding should it ever release.

These developments have left many fans and backers disheartened, with industry experts citing the Amico's turbulent saga as a stark reminder of the complexity surrounding hardware development and market re-entry. While Intellivision grappled with its commercial hurdles, Tommy Tallarico faced profound personal challenges.

Around the same period as his departure, Tallarico suffered the loss of his father—a deeply difficult experience that he has now discussed publicly for the first time in over two years.

In a heartfelt message shared via Facebook, Tallarico recounted the close bond he shared with his father, especially during his final months, when they frequently played backgammon together. After his father passed, Tallarico dedicated himself to honoring his memory by pursuing excellence in the game they cherished.

"In the wake of personal loss, I found strength in immersing myself in backgammon," Tallarico explained.

He committed to studying the game rigorously, often for eight to ten hours a day, and credits this discipline as a crucial source of resilience during his grief. His dedication quickly bore fruit.

Over the past two years, Tallarico has claimed eight trophies in national backgammon tournaments, culminating in his recent victory at the highly competitive Backgammon World Championship held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The event, streamed live with expert commentary, saw Tallarico reach the Intermediate Championship Final.

He marked the occasion with sophistication, sharing, "I suited up for the ceremony, adding a sense of occasion and respect to the experience." After more than two hours of intense play in a 15-point match, Tallarico emerged as the champion.

He expressed profound gratitude to the supportive backgammon community, acknowledging their encouragement during his most trying times.

"Achieving this title feels surreal, and I know my father would be proud.

I hope my journey offers hope to anyone facing depression or personal loss." Tallarico’s story stands as a testament to perseverance—offering both a poignant personal victory and a source of inspiration for the gaming and competitive communities. As the gaming world continues to monitor the fate of the Intellivision Amico, Tallarico’s triumph provides a positive narrative amid ongoing industry challenges, reinforcing the enduring power of passion and community that defines not only gaming, but also life beyond the console.

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