Jim, I have no information to add. And yes, it is sad that the Predator project has taken longer than anticipated for whatever reason.

I do know that SkitB has subcontracted items out for manufacture. For instance, virtual pins is making the cabinets.

It would be as simple as contacting some of those subcontractors and finding out if any quantity of product has been built and or delivered. Of course If I was a subcontractor, I would tell you it was none of your business, my business with any of my customers. Ethically, they can't tell you anything.

Other than that, drive over to the world headquarters of skitb

If it's a scam it's a pretty sneaky one, since I played the game at Expo last weekend.

I think the reality is no one realizes how complicated making a pinball machine is, and they went in feeling overly optimistic and got in a bit over their heads. It is weird how the communication used to be so good and now it sucks ass though. I've followed the project from the start, and over time Kevin became more and more absent, and now I can't remember the last time he even posted anything here.

Putting down pre-order deposits for boutique pins is certainly not for the faint of heart. You have to be prepared to endure longer than expected waits, blackouts in communication, and the possibility that you may never see the pin or your cash. Having said that, I do hope these pins actually get produced, as that is good for all of us in this hobby.

Hmm, not sneaky. You've played the same Predator protype game theyve been taking to shows now for a few years now. I think honestly this is all they have. Lets see a stack of screened playfields, Ramps or something else to show this project is moving forward. Yes, I've seen the painted skulls & spines, but those were done by back alley.

To further concern anyone about this project I've heard through the grapevine they do not have the license to Predator or the license to use the likeness of Arny. Don't believe? Take notice there is no references what so ever to Predator on the Skit B website.

I'm not in on the game and honestly at this point I'm glad I'm not as I see a Shit storm about to hit full force with those that are buyers.

I received my deposit right away after I cancelled.

...hmmmm...you may have a point! When I spoke to Kevin I heard him cover the phone and yell out..."fill the car with gas and point it toward Mexico!" ....then we got disconnected!

this to all those new companies on the horizon, including DP and TBL. anyone group of guys can sit around and make one game and get people excited but taking it to the next level is an enormous and expensive task.
and in the end, i see only one pinball company still standing.

Calling Whysnow please chime in.

The playfield and cabinet might be the same, but the Expo one had the updated plastics and things fixed over last year's version.

I've heard that too, and I think it all comes from one source, and he has a reason to troll them. So I'm taking it with a grain of salt. The website doesn't mean shit, it's on display at giant public shows, that's got a lot more visibility that some dinky company's website.

Why wouldn't they show their product on their website?

fishy.

Completely overwhelmed and working his ass off is what I hope for those of you that have money invested in this.

I was very happy with the progress Predator had made. It was much farther ahead than the last time I saw it.

At the moment, I'm not too worried. More communication from Skit-B would be great, though...but it is what it is.

The Skit-B team was there at Expo...did any buyers talk to them or get any info? I played the game and just casually shot the shit with them, but I didn't feel right grilling them about it considering I hadn't ordered one.

I did also...maybe 1 week but it came. That was Sept of 2013 though.

Yeah, I talked to them for a while, and asked some questions.

It wasn't "grilling"...but I left the conversation feeling fine.

Pete

Lack of updates is one thing.

This is completely another.

I do not have any stake, but this cannot be a good sign.

I have a date to pick up my game and am in the first batch of 10 being built.

I spoke with Kevin/ team and played the most up to date prototype at expo 1 week ago. It all seems very real to me. I am pumped to get my game.

Sorry to the OP if you did not get your deposit back. It has always taken a little while but so long as I actually email to the correct address I always get back communication from Kevin. Maybe check your spam filters?

Sorry gents, I think some of yall are drinking the Skit B kool aid.
Let me pour you another glass.

Not listed on web site because they are so busy. Seriously?
They had time to put on there site that another expo is over on their main page. I think anyone making such a pinball would have some mention on it on their site.

Lets face it. Predator is not paying these guys salary. Even if they are making it. Its a project they have been working on, on nights and weekends away from the "real" job. I think the reality is they took creative bull by the horns and made a "one off" prototype machine. Gained interest in the collector community, and then figured..."hey lets mass produce these and sell them", without knowing how much of an overwhelming and expensive task it would be.

hassellcastle> care to put any money where you slander?

I will make you a bet that Predator is real and I will be playing my game this year.

What is the date?

They have to sell your spot before you get a refund. Could take days or months....right?

I may want in on this bet .. I received my refund but that was a ways back before Kev went awol on info being updated every so often . Good luck to all that are still in,, Be patient even if not done this year .. which I believe it will not, but by no means a scam.. That would make the second pin also a scam in which they are promoting

Where is the slander? Viewpoint/opinion yes. Slander? Hmmm, why say that?

80% of this thread is what I dislike most about this hobby.

If it were a scam I would think they would have asked for a lot more money "up front".

I could use a JM or Dr. Who...
What do you like in my collection that matches up?

Loser pays shipping costs also...

here he is trying to say they are taking the cash and have run away, not even making a product. That sounds like intent to damage a reputation to me???

put up or shut up time

Hey gang, I've been paid in full since 2013. Over a year now. I'm not concerned, as of yet.

Kevin needs to respond to emails a lot better.

Updates on progress need to be better addressed, even if they are random.

Pin looks kick ass, and if SKITB comes on here with a picture of multiple cabinets, that's fine with me.

If Whysnow wants to post a shipping date, that's great too.

Look don't get me wrong, I would hope they make the game. Forget finding time or guys to build them. Who's handling when the games get sent out having issues? Lloyd? I mean who's there parts department, who's spending time on the phones and covering the cost of warranty work. The company as a whole is troubling to put together.

Ballsy. I like it.

Never thought this one would be an easy ride.

For me though way less stress than being in on The Hobbit.

Yes Predator is way behind schedule and Kevins not exactly great at updates but if he's still going to shows etc then that reassuring.

Sadly buying any pin seems to be a leap of faith. I'm also in on the Walking Dead LE. Maybe Stern will deliver a killer or perhaps a total stinker. Do I really have any proof that the game ramps etc will work?

There's no real reason to believe the Predator won't happen anymore than any of the other pins that people are pre-paying for.

Hope we all get to see something concrete soon

I suggest very clearly defining what playable means....

Uh No.

Me, playing MY game. What the hell more do you need to define?

You want in on the action to McLuvin?

this year.

You dont scam folks and then drag a game and yourself to a major show. Cmon folks use a bit of common sense.
Enjoyed playing it and really enjoyed talking to him. Of course we never talked build. Just about our kids loving pinball : )

Balsy yes...but no one really wins in that bet if you know what i mean. We all want to see the game made and distributed.

90%

I don't understand. I am the kind of guy that believes there are always two sides. Also, I believe in opposite extremes. Surely if this gathering place (Pinside) allows fanboy sunshine and rahs rahs (read any thread almost) then certainly it allows the opposite/opposing type post? That's how I read his post...not slander...just not rah rah Predator sunshine!

Really?
I'm not trying to troll, I don't dislike u so please don't take this as me im trying to insult you.
After seeing what jack had to go through up close and hoops to jump through. With preditor not showing cabinets built, play fields stacked, wire harnesses waiting for install, mechs stacked in boxes, ect

No way in hell do u see that game by December unless they give you the one that's done already. I just don't see it man. If they had all that stuff stacked ready to put together they would be flashing pictures of stuff to buyers to keep them in the loop and happy not trying to bail. They also would have collected most of ur money not some guys $250 only

What are you talking about?

there will be multiple winners!

I believe it will be me, when I am playing my new Predator and have one of these big talkers games sitting next to it. It will also be all the others that are looking forward to their Pred in the near future!

Everyone on the buyer's list has at least $3K down at this point.

I hope I'm wrong

How does this guy only have $250 down then?

GUESSING at delivery dates might amuse some...but it's a waste of time and stupid to argue about...

Ill step back, I'm not trying to be a dink. I just haven't seen u guys post pictures of anything stacked in boxes other then Matt who made a ton bone parts early

So Skit B is going to go from zero to having game(s) shipped in 2 months? End of 2014 is fast approaching.

I just don't see it, even most of those in the super secret Predator club don't seem to believe it. Whysnow must be the ultimate optimist.

I mean, if they were less than 100 days from shipping games en masse, wouldn't that have come up during expo?

Lot's of negative drama lately. Robin could probably sell the TV rights to the History Channel. Might make a good show......