Would YOU Pay $1000 for a "Prototype"?

[digitalpress]

I was just thinking. I don't do it often, so humor me.

Imagine, if you will, that you were suddenly in a position to acquire a previously unreleased game for one of your favorite systems. You've never seen the game, but it's from a reliable source. That reliable source has not actually tried the game and has no way to do so, but from the title, you know it's something that wasn't released and was possibly in development at some time. So it could be a dead chip, some other game, or a game not even for the system you think it's for. But for whatever reason - maybe your cross-town rivals at large - you've got to move quickly on it.

Would you drop a grand on it?

Remember, it's "sight unseen", it's "no money back"... but it COULD be a potential grail.

Also keep in mind that your cross-town rivals may have set up a snafu where the "game" is just going to say "ha ha you fell for it", as unlikely as that might seem. Just trying to set you up with the full scenario.

You have to act fast, and you have $1000. Would you do it?

[Ed Oscuro]

Yes...I better not open up a can of worms on my very first post of the month, though. But yeah, I'd do it if I had the cash (which I certainly don't at the moment, though http://www.digitpress.com/forum/images/smiles/Llol.gif)

[buttasuperb]

If I didn't know what the game was, no.

Now some prototype unreleased 2D fighter or something, I'd definately have to at least think about buying.

[Daria]

I have the money? And a reliable source is offering me a copy of Dragon Hopper?

Oh hell yes. But I wouldn't dare tell my boyfriend how much I paid for it. >.>

[Jibbajaba]

Definitely not. I would not spend a grand on anything sight-unseen. That's just asking for it. Plus IMHO no game is worth $1000 except maybe a theatre of magic pinball machine.

Chris

[Cauterize]

prototypes arent really my thing...
a game is a game to me and id rather have $1000 worth of games than a single unfinshed game really... but still would be nice to own one, not jsut at that price!

[Cmosfm]

Honestly, no, because I love my hobby as much as the next person but I just CAN'T imagine dropping a grand on something like this. Actually, I can't imagine dropping a grand on ANYTHING for my collection (although I know if I think hard enough I can find something I would).

So, my answer is no, I just cannot do it.

[-hellvin-]

Haha, sight unseen and a 1000 dollars? No freaking way. I can't think of a single game I'd ever find that I'd know what it actually is AND want to drop a 1000 dollars on it. You can do so much more with all that money.

[Sniderman]

$1,000 for what might potentially be an unworking, untested paperweight? Do I have "stupid" on my forehead?!?! @_@

Unless I've seen it working, no way in hell. Not even for half that. But, if proven to be working, I'd be willing to go even higher (if I had the money).

[Ed Oscuro]

Lynchpin for the whole thing rests on the "cannot test it and has no way of doing so." You can still compile SNES games from source, at least (if you have the tools), but I can't see paying money for source. I wouldn't call any software which needs a dev system to run a simple "prototype;" at least not the way we've been calling alphas and betas "prototypes." A game that only runs on dev hardware would really be the only way this "reliable source" would have no way of testing a game unless this "favorite system" turns out to be something really rare. It can't be that hard to find somebody with a system, can it?

It's just that "can't test" and "reliable source" don't belong together in the same thought with "I'm going to pay $1000 from faith?"

[gamegirl79]

I'm going to say no.

I would rather spend $1,000 towards traveling to parts of the world that I've always wanted to see. I'd get so much more memories from that trip then I would a game that probably won't be played too much.

[Chunky]

i think it's a contradiction in terms of "sight unseen", "no money back guarantee" and the words "reliable source"

[davidleeroth]

I would definitely have to see it working unless it would be the GunBeat PCB proto.

But my life is sweet as I'll never have to bother myself with these kinda things. it's so easy being just a broke-ass poor guy.

[ianoid]

I would definitely and will again pay $1000 for an unreleased prototype.

This untested sight unseen thing is bullshit though. You need to know what your spending money on. Don't bother. Competition or no, any legitimate seller will understand the importance of a functional prototype.

For example, if it was for a SNES, I would buy a SNES and send it to the guy or take it to the guy to test. It's just silly to have a $1000 no refund lump of crap board without spending some money to find out more. Plus you need a little time to research (it's hard to keep track of EVERY released game out there.)

[Funk Buddy]

I hope it's not Worms Pinball for the Dreamcast. LOL

I don't know how I feel about this. If I had the money and could play it then yes, if it's gonna sit then no. That is unless it could be dumped or reproduced for me to make a fortune on. j/k

[Bratwurst]

For example, if it was for a SNES, I would buy a SNES and send it to the guy or take it to the guy to test.

Bingo.

1k of coin at this point and time is still a lot to me in one sitting, but I would consider it if the game was something I had heard about in the past and anticipated. IE: My suggestion being, go for it if it will ultimately satisfy a personal curiousity of yours, Mr. DP. After it's been confirmed the damn thing works, of course. ;)

[Kid Ice]

I That reliable source has not actually tried the game and has no way to do so,


Question: What, exactly, is preventing this person from testing the item? If it's worth that much I'm assuming it's for a common system, which could not cost more than $30 to have eBayed (or $10 to ship one of the twenty of them you own). Seems like reasonable insurance on a $1000 purchase.

EDIT: Question 2: Why do you have to act fast? If I find a prototype, I sit on my goldmine until whenever the highest bidder shows up, as long as it takes.

[Balloon Fight]

The only way I'd ever think about dropping 1k on a game is if it was a proto arcade game that works. Other than that I wouldn't even dare. Especially since most protos don't sell for 1k on ebay anymore.

[tholly]

nope...way too much to spend on something that, like others have said, may be a fake or a paperweight. i could spend $1000 on A LOT of other games, or put it towards something else in life that i felt was more important than some electrical boards and plastic

[rolenta]

i may pay $1000 (if I had it) for one of the few released 2600 carts that I don't have. Since I don't collect prototypes, I wouldn't even consider it even if I could afford it.

[PapaStu]

I chose yes. Though I collect for mostly modern systems, getting ahold of some game that went the cycle and didnt make it and has an ability to make it into your hands, I would jump after it. In todays world where there are Rom dumps, and emulations aplenty for unreleased games id still be willing to take the chance on it. Its all a gamble, and i know that im not a reseller, but im willing to walk over that bridge and try to make something mine that has the potential to be incredibly unique.

[Griking]

Honestly if I knew it was legitimate and on top of it I was able to test it beforehand I STILL probably wouldn't spend $1000 on a single proto.

[Geddon_jt]

For certain specific games, I would pay quadruple+ that amount. Can't let the cat out of the bag though on which titles, in case I'm ever in a bidding war when they pop up. 8-)

[rbudrick]

I know the situation is hypothetical, but I would still bring a little portable TV with me and the system to test it on...sight unseen...no way. However, sight-seen, yep. Totally possible.

That reminds me....Anyone got a Gold NWC cart? I got some money burning a hole in my pocket. :-)

-Rob

[Sylentwulf]

No chance, I wouldn't EVER pay $1K for any videogame, PERIOD. But this scenario makes it even more unrealistic in my eyes. I wouldn't pay $100 dollars for a game that I'm not allowed to test.

[Flack]

My past 8 arcade cabinets cost me $1000 total (two separate lots of 4 games for $500). I have to think I'd have more fun banging around on all eight of those than I would a piece of untested plastic.

I know it's eBay syndrome, but in my mind "untested" now means "not working."

[Geddon_jt]

Just reread the first post (as I should have done, originally), and I have to say, no, I would NOT drop $1k unless the seller was able to convince me that he or she actually had the game and it was what they claimed it to be.

For every 1 person who actually has a rare unreleased/proto game there are 50 who claim to have it, but really don't. Protos are a mess, and $1k is a lot.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

I'm kinda siding with Sylentwulf here. At the moment it's hard for me to fathom plunking down a grand for a game, but that aside...I have to say it's the 'sight unseen' thing that REALLY bugs me here.

[Sanriostar]

If it's unreleased and unique, no matter what system, probably.

If there's the chance it's a Lab Loaner of, say 2600 Pac-Man, forget it. I smell scam.

[TRM]

I wouldn't. Unless it was a few select titles...however, the chances of them being discovered is very unlikely.

[norkusa]

I have the money? And a reliable source is offering me a copy of Dragon Hopper?

Oh hell yes. But I wouldn't dare tell my boyfriend how much I paid for it. >.>

At first I checked "no" but after reading your post, I'm changing my mind. I'm a big VB collector and getting a chance to own Dragon Hopper proto would be HUGE. I've never spent anywhere near that amount on games before but if I had a chance to buy an unreleased VB proto for a grand, I'd do it in an instant. I'm not a rich man but I'd find a way to pay for it, believe me.

Sight unseen doesn't bother me. I'd pay with Paypal and if I got ripped off, I'd just do a charge-back. :P

[portnoyd]

I would definitely and will again pay $1000 for an unreleased prototype.

This untested sight unseen thing is bullshit though. You need to know what your spending money on. Don't bother. Competition or no, any legitimate seller will understand the importance of a functional prototype.

For example, if it was for a SNES, I would buy a SNES and send it to the guy or take it to the guy to test. It's just silly to have a $1000 no refund lump of crap board without spending some money to find out more. Plus you need a little time to research (it's hard to keep track of EVERY released game out there.)

Well said. I've paid nearly that much for one as well. When it comes to unreleased protos, you take a risk, and you do what you can to minimize it.

dave

[kelma66]

If the source is so reliable, how come there is no information about the cart in question? If there is no information, then that is not particularly 'reliable' and you might as well have been the direct contact yourself, where you could at least size it up for yourself.

And if the urgency is so great due to 'competition', either your competition has more information or it is the seller's way of gettin your (or your competition's) money and runnin using a reliable middle-man's reputation.
You should seek more clarification on the item in this instance, in my view.

But, you certainly could get lucky.
It also really depends on how much $1000 is to you.

[davidleeroth]

For example, if it was for a SNES, I would buy a SNES and send it to the guy or take it to the guy to test.

I'd send the guy a broken SNES and then I'd console him by offering $20 for the "broken" proto. You know, cause I'm just nice like that. LOL

[OldSchoolGamer]

Well if I we're rich to the point that $$$$$$ was no object AND I was guaranteed of getting a working prototype, then and only then MAYBE.....
Really though I am more of a gamer than a collector. I only buy old systems I like that don't emulate at least as well as PSX on the PC, and even when I get the original hardware (IE: Saturn, 3DO) I only get copies/backups because I just want to play the games not collect them, but that is just me personally, I am sure true collectors would consider it....................... :D

[Oobgarm]

Me personally, no. I'm not a big proto fan, so that pretty much decides it for me.

But if proto chasing is something that makes you wet your pants with excitement, and you have that kind of disposable funds, then do it. Just remember that you may end up crapping your pants instead when you find out the pins on it are busted, or if it's a fake burn or something, and your money has gone bye-bye.

But people who hunt for this kind of stuff assume those kind of risks.

[le geek]

I've blown over $500 for a game more than once, and I've done it for a prototype once (Saving Mary), but it was tested and I eventually traded it.

Had to vote no...

In fact my only uber pricy purchase I've kept is Quadrun :D

Granted I'm just getting into Neo Geo MVS <does line of videogame crack>

@_@ SWEEEEEEET

[christianscott27]

no i wouldnt pay $1000 cause i dont have mad money like tempest does. however had i been with joe i (a) would have found it first and (b) would have gotten out the door with it for $1 ;)

i dont like to pay thru the nose for any of my finds, i believe in bira-bira and it has served me well.

[Predatorxs]

$1k is alot to drop on one proto but imagine it's true worth in 5 maybe 10 years!! the damn thing could be worth $10k to the right collector, plus as DP mentioned his info has come from a reliable source?

I'd do it!.. You only live once! and i ain't lookin back on a tiny part of my life "the tiny part - being video gaming" and thinkin, what if, what if??? and i hate money ANYWAYS, i'm always trading it for stuff i need LOL LOL

Think of all the $$$ you'll spend in a life time!! $1k is nothing! and in 100 years we'll all be toast!.. and some other duude will have your games!!

Your alive now go spend that dirty cash! ;) So DP go get you some!!! Unreleased Prototype! duuuuuude!

:vamp:..XS

[Kid Ice]

/me connects the dots

/me says "ahhhh"

/me laughs LOL

[DreamTR]

You guys should be asking Tempest this question. :roll:

[GaijinPunch]

I'd have to say "maybe". DP -- you really made it easy to say "No". You're basically asking who can afford to gamble $1000.

It really depends on the potential game, and the source. Any "good source" of mine would be able to test it, so it's hard to say. If it was any of these, I'd probably take the chance:

PC Cocoron (PC-Engine)
Shenmue Demo (Saturn)
VF3 (Saturn)
Sonic the Fighters (Saturn)
Monika no Shiro (Saturn)

I don't know that any of these exist (except for PC Cocoron) but we've all seen the Saturn Shenmue, and apparently VF3 and Sonic Fighters were running on a Saturn within AM2's dev house at one point, so there's at least hope.

Something like Castlevania Resurrection is iffy, as it was only reported as 30% complete, althought some say more.

FYI: A *GOOD* proto usually does go for this. There was an N64 proto on Yahoo Japan not long ago. It wasn't even a major title (some flight sim game) and it ran 66,000 yen. Just think if it had Mario in it. :) I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a proto of a system I don't own... even if it would carry bragging rights.

[Crush Crawfish]

I'd never pay $1000 for one single game. Unless it was a game that would grant me infinite wishes for life. Then I'd plunk down the 1K right away. LOL

[TheRedEye]

You guys should be asking Tempest this question. :roll:

But he started the same thread (http://www.atariage.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=55162) at Atari Age...

[Predatorxs]

There was an N64 proto on Yahoo Japan not long ago. It wasn't even a major title (some flight sim game) and it ran 66,000 yen. Just think if it had Mario in it. I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a proto of a system I don't own... even if it would carry bragging rights.

If i'm not incorrect?! 66,OOO Yen is only around $500.. O_O

:vamp:..XS

[gamergary]

660,00 yen is around $600.

[Predatorxs]

660,00 yen is around $600.

I stand corrected, by around $40 LOL

:vamp:..XS

[suppafly]

No Sir!! I´d rather take a vacations instead of buying one videogame

[dj898]

no ways...

even my Saturn Prototype cost me less than $100...

cheers

[wberdan]

i agree with ianoids whole post.

i would weigh the odds, and i would pass.
at least without any way of testing

willie

[MattyXB]

No, because I don't have the money. When I am rich or win the money I would maybe buy one. :o
But then it must be a good one, like Final Fantasy II (NES) or some other unreleased game which I like.

[leonk]

It depends..

if you're into collecting for the history of preservation.. than 1000$ is nothing in the long term (Especially if it's one of a kind).

If you're just a gamer that wants to play the game.. I'd rather wait for the game to be dumped and play it on an emulator or a reproduction.

As you can imagine, you know where I fall about this subject. :D

[tholly]

I was just thinking. I don't do it often, so humor me.

Imagine, if you will, that you were suddenly in a position to acquire a previously unreleased game for one of your favorite systems. You've never seen the game, but it's from a reliable source. That reliable source has not actually tried the game and has no way to do so, but from the title, you know it's something that wasn't released and was possibly in development at some time. So it could be a dead chip, some other game, or a game not even for the system you think it's for. But for whatever reason - maybe your cross-town rivals at large - you've got to move quickly on it.

Would you drop a grand on it?

Remember, it's "sight unseen", it's "no money back"... but it COULD be a potential grail.

Also keep in mind that your cross-town rivals may have set up a snafu where the "game" is just going to say "ha ha you fell for it", as unlikely as that might seem. Just trying to set you up with the full scenario.

You have to act fast, and you have $1000. Would you do it?


hey joe....did such an opportunity for a proto present itself to you, or were you truly "just thinking"????

[Buyatari]

Got me thinking.....

Sounds like the setup for a "perfect scam" for some broke gamer.

Some guy no one has heard of comes out of the woodwork with some unlabeled prototypes.

He tells people its very possible he has atleast one unreleased game but no system to test it on. 2-3 people surely send him a system out of greed to be the one with first dibs on these games.

Then he is never heard from again.

If the thought crossed my mind I'm sure it has crossed others out there. Look out.

Adam

[GaijinPunch]

If they game was good enough, and the source was in Japan, and they didn't have anything against white people, I would probably just take the train to see them. Chances are they're within a 10,000 yen trip away, and you get to see a new spot. Then again, as DP said, you have "no way to test it out" which kinda throws that possibility out... at least in this thread.


even my Saturn Prototype cost me less than $100...

Not to piss on your proto Saturn or anything DJ, but a proto system really doesn't do much different than a real system. It's damn cool to have, but I'd take even the crappiest unreleased game over released proto hardware anyday. Now, a Blackbelt or the original pre-Saturn Saturn is a different story.

[NE146]

I've never been one to hurt for money.. but I still hold fast to my rule of "never pay more than what the game was when it was new".

But I guess for a prototype that wouldn't really apply.. but still, 1 grand? :? Nah, I'm not that hardcore. :P

[classicb]

At first I said no but then I thought about it. I thought about it being a Virtual Boy game. I thought about the games that weren't realeased and I thought if I had $1000 I would do it because their is no chance that their would ever be another Virtual Boy game again and the most promissing games were never released. So once again YES I would do it if I had the money granted that's a big if.

[maxlords]

I'd vote no except for a few very specific titles. Thing is, most games flat out aren't worth that, and the untested sight-unseen is the icing on the cake. When you hit the 1K mark, scammers start popping out of the woodwork.

If it were:

1. Gunbeat proto cart
2. Star Odyssey proto cart

I'd consider it, IF it was from a 100% reliable source, and I only have maybe 10 of those tops. There are VERY few people I'd trust with $1000 sight unseen. I'm just not that trusting. But other than those two, forget it. It's just not worth the risk involved....and I can get 10 rare games I want for that price.

[slip81]

I don't really collect protos, and if I did I still wouldn't buy it, mainly because I would never spend a grand on any game, much less one that might be a fake.

[Buyatari]

Ok now that we have things all figured out those who said yes..........

Send your thousand dollars to me.

You might get an unreleased game of your favorite system or you might get a Mario Dunk Hunt cart or even an Atari 2600 Combat cart. I can't make any promises. Opening your package will be like Christmas as you won't know what to expect !!

Who is first to start in the fun?

[rbudrick]

Buyatari,

WHat's your paypal addy? LOL

-ROb

[Queen Of The Felines]

If I still lived with my parents and had no financial concerns at all and had money to burn, I MIGHT go for it. But I unfortunately had to move out on my own and I can barely afford my rent let alone take a risk on a thousand bucks.

Kristine

[d4s]

never EVER!

however, im not exactly into prototype collecting.
its a bit too easy to fake them for my taste.
thats why i've been adding barebone protocarts (just the pcbs, without games on them) to my snes collection.
may sound a bit dull, but im more into hardware and stuff.
im still lacking super fx and dsp though, but i doubt i'll ever get my hands on one of these anyway. ~_=

[GaijinPunch]

Who is first to start in the fun?

Reliable source was a stipulation in the original post.

[Azazel]

Not me.

[rick weis]

i may pay $1000 (if I had it) for one of the few released 2600 carts that I don't have. Since I don't collect prototypes, I wouldn't even consider it even if I could afford it.

i'm with Leonard on this one! ;)

but what i would do is offer more $$$ then anyone else if he gets it tested, and is "handled" by someone i trust! (or go and pick it up in person) 8-)

Rick

[MegaManFan]

Heck no. For a G I could probably buy every TG-16 game I don't have, a TurboDuo, and a few imports too. I'd enjoy all of them a lot more. Hell for three-fourths that much I could get round trip tickets, a hotel, and a front row seat at Wrestlemania.

[Orpent]

Imagine, if you will, that you were suddenly in a position to acquire a previously unreleased game for one of your favorite systems. You've never seen the game, but it's from a reliable source. That reliable source has not actually tried the game and has no way to do so, but from the title, you know it's something that wasn't released and was possibly in development at some time. So it could be a dead chip, some other game, or a game not even for the system you think it's for. But for whatever reason - maybe your cross-town rivals at large - you've got to move quickly on it.

Actually, I think I know what "possible prototype"/"goldmine" you are talking about. I have also heard rumours about this. I know what game could be on this media, I know why and fully understand why the "reliable source" have not been able to test it (no it's not as simple as a missing SNES, DUH), and I also know this "reliable source" is, indeed, reliable. I'm not saying I would spend 1000$ on it, because frankly I'm just not that interested in the game. BUT, persons who like this game (series) would not be as quick to turn down this offer as many of the people in this thread. As for the title/system of the game, I'll let digitalpress answer that...

[DreamTR]

Unreleased prototypes for $1000. Who wants to buy some???? 8-)

[NESaholic]

Heheheh yeah you got some hah! Well maybe within a couple of months. :-P

[DreamTR]

Yeah I got a few @_@

[Predatorxs]

Yeah I got a few @_@

DreamTR eats the damnn things for breakfast!... he probably has more proto's... than, than.... well! all of us put together dammnit!! LOL

:vamp:..XS

[dj898]

ok slightly OT but would you pay close to $1000 for Sega Saturn Prototype Console? :p

one of small pre-production batch assembled by Sega Japan prior of Saturn launch. These were often used in trade show or big game house demo...

[NESaholic]

Yeah I got a few @_@

DreamTR eats the damnn things for breakfast!... he probably has more proto's... than, than.... well! all of us put together dammnit!! LOL

:vamp:..XS

Corse i know he has a shitload, yeah dude you rock the shit!! 8-) First a month thailand and then we'll see....

[sku_u]

If I had the money on hand and I knew it was a holy grail, yes I'd go for it as long as it was for a system I actually collect for. :D