Intellivision Amico update: CEO Phil Adam details staff cuts, IP licensing and refund processing delays
Intellivision's Amico, the family-focused home console first announced in 2018, hit another public stumble in June 2022 after the company confirmed staffing reductions and slower-than-expected handling of pre-order refunds.
The update, communicated to pre-order customers and reported by VGC and NintendoLife on June 8, 2022, comes amid a prolonged development cycle that has included multiple delays and leadership changes.
In an emailed update to customers, CEO Phil Adam outlined the company's immediate priorities.
He said Intellivision has sharply reduced operating costs and made a significant reduction in staff, and that the remaining resources are concentrated on engineering and testing to produce a quality system.
Adam described this focus as necessary because the company cannot succeed by shipping a substandard product.
Adam also confirmed that Intellivision is actively pursuing licensing deals for its intellectual property.
According to his statement, licensing Intellivision’s IP to third-party developers will help raise funds for Amico development and increase awareness of the company and its franchises.
The staffing reduction has affected customer service and administrative functions.
Adam said Intellivision is processing the influx of pre-order refund requests, but responses and refunds are being handled slowly because of reduced staff and the need to direct financing to ongoing operations.
He reassured customers that the company intends to honor refund requests and will allocate portions of any new funding and staff time to clear the refund queue, while keeping primary focus on funding and completing a manufacturable product.
Despite the operational setbacks, Intellivision reportedly stated that it hopes to begin shipping production units in 2022.
Adam emphasized the importance of demonstrating a sound platform that delivers an in-home family experience to investors, partners and customers.
This update follows public demonstrations earlier in 2022 that included an unboxing of a working Amico unit.
The Amico project has been a high-profile effort for Intellivision since its 2018 reveal, and the company's June 2022 communications formalize short-term steps intended to bring the project to manufacturing while addressing pre-order customer concerns.
Sources: VGC, NintendoLife (original coverage dated June 8, 2022).
Intellivision's Amico, the family-focused home console first announced in 2018, hit another public stumble in June 2022 after the company confirmed staffing reductions and slower-than-expected handling of pre-order refunds.
The update, communicated to pre-order customers and reported by VGC and NintendoLife on June 8, 2022, comes amid a prolonged development cycle that has included multiple delays and leadership changes.
In an emailed update to customers, CEO Phil Adam outlined the company's immediate priorities.
He said Intellivision has sharply reduced operating costs and made a significant reduction in staff, and that the remaining resources are concentrated on engineering and testing to produce a quality system.
Adam described this focus as necessary because the company cannot succeed by shipping a substandard product.
Adam also confirmed that Intellivision is actively pursuing licensing deals for its intellectual property.
According to his statement, licensing Intellivision’s IP to third-party developers will help raise funds for Amico development and increase awareness of the company and its franchises.
The staffing reduction has affected customer service and administrative functions.
Adam said Intellivision is processing the influx of pre-order refund requests, but responses and refunds are being handled slowly because of reduced staff and the need to direct financing to ongoing operations.
He reassured customers that the company intends to honor refund requests and will allocate portions of any new funding and staff time to clear the refund queue, while keeping primary focus on funding and completing a manufacturable product.
Despite the operational setbacks, Intellivision reportedly stated that it hopes to begin shipping production units in 2022.
Adam emphasized the importance of demonstrating a sound platform that delivers an in-home family experience to investors, partners and customers.
This update follows public demonstrations earlier in 2022 that included an unboxing of a working Amico unit.
The Amico project has been a high-profile effort for Intellivision since its 2018 reveal, and the company's June 2022 communications formalize short-term steps intended to bring the project to manufacturing while addressing pre-order customer concerns.
Sources: VGC, NintendoLife (original coverage dated June 8, 2022).
