UnitedCardists.com - The forum for Cardistry, Magic, Custom Decks and All Things Playing Cards. Sponsored by Mike Ratledge and 'Friends of UC'

VXD wrote:We also have a meeting set up with a very influential table games creator here in LV, to talk over the promotion / advertising potential of this deck (custom artwork / logos within the pips), for use on 3-card poker tables, which is extremely exciting

Well this is good news to me because a casino that could potentially be actively using many decks of cards per day would not want an aluminum case. So if this deal goes through then there will have to be standard tucks created for this deck.

Vasta

Casinos have no need for a tuck at all, of any kind....only the cellophane wrapping for each deck delivered.

But rest assured for the retail edition, I am listening and the standard tuck WILL happen for VXD playing cards. Whether that will be for this first launch or a separate one very soon after to cater for serious collectors requirements, is not certain still. It really complicates our production and also our reward tiers.

Regards

VXD

On the price front:

All I will say is that we have, as you will appreciate, a horrendous number of plates for the playing cards (similar to the number Lotrek will be using to custom 'bling' every single card front individually on Golden Oath) and a totally unique and true world first ever (hence the patent) production system that took years to figure out and arrange.

And yes, the boxes are relatively expensive of course too, being made of 3 separate parts of metal and having lasering on 4 locations, as well as magnets to make the closing / opening really classy. I couldn't make a revolutionary deck of playing cards and put them in a standard tuck only....it just didn't feel appropriate. So everything is totally unique and bespoke. But again, I'm listening and WILL make an option available now or very soon for the standard tuck, despite it causing me rather a headache to add on.

Regards

VXD

And yet...

A few *really really* good decks failed to fund on Kickstarter because they didn't have the option of a standard-sized and -shaped tuckbox right out of the gate.

If the price is right, I'll back the project, regardless, but we've seen a lot of projects come and go, and certain realities have become obvious over time. I'll also note that while I might back for a deck or two as things look now (again, assuming the price isn't beyond my reach), it's hard to imagine buying a brick with this kind of packaging....

Make a standard size/shape tuck out of metal.

By the way the creator try to avoid the question on how much it will cost, I'll assume this is not going to be pricey, but rather extremely pricey. I think that we all here understand this is not something that can be done for $8-$12 a deck, but having the creator just saying that htis is not going to be cheat, doesn't answer anything. So if you have already an extremely expensive deck, why on earth would you add an extremely expensive box to it? Either you don't want to sell any deck, or you are just ok with selling a couple dozen of these decks. So yes, add a standard tuck box, I'm sure you'll get alot more support.

As a collector I need this deck in my collection, but it will very much depend on the price, and the possibility of a standard tuck box. Otherwise will just wait for the version 2 or 3 as I'm sure will be cheaper..

VXD wrote: Casinos have no need for a tuck at all, of any kind....only the cellophane wrapping for each deck delivered.

I take one of these... no problem at all!

sms69x wrote: So if you have already an extremely expensive deck, why on earth would you add an extremely expensive box to it?

My personal belief as to this conundrum is the following. They plan to make the deck so expensive that they don't want to hand it out in cellophane and charge $30 for example, they'd rather make it appear luxurious and charge $40 thinking it's more likely to get sold. The other half of this is an act of: "I had a vision, we're doing it; even if it crashes and burns".

That said, I can understand and even appreciate the strategy... but I just don't like the design. It's a non-rectangular shape holding a rectangular deck. It's big, it's bulky and its shape alone makes it hard to store, which you know, is what collectors do. Also the actual etching on the metal looks a little too simple to be luxurious, and it looks particularly cheesey on that child-friendly shape. If you couldn't tell I really don't like the shape.

If it was a rectangular metallic case I might actually be all in for it. But as is, I will be discriminating pretty heavily based on the price.

I encourage those who are interested to look up the patent. The number is given at the end of the video and although I'm not all that computer search savvy I found it right away. What this deck does is revolutionary. The legal mumbo jumbo is not easy to wade through but when I understood what these guys are doing I think I MUST have a deck in my collection. Simple as that.

Cos (and all)

There is nothing like blowing your own trumpet....but you are right of course. To date, I have been a little surprised on this forum that more have not come to the obvious conclusion, that this WILL change the playing card industry for good. On the custom deck front, I have already been considering which of the iconic custom decks we should target, to speak to the original producer, regarding a re-launch crossover. VXD Black Ghost, VXD Fontaine Red, VXD White Centurions...

For a little wider perspective on what is happening right now, we have spent the last 3 days in Las Vegas speaking to pit bosses, card table game dealers and many tourists inside casinos and outside on the Strip. The reactions have been totally overwhelming. When handing the playing cards to them under the bright lights of the casinos over the card tables or outside in the intense sunlight here, the reaction has been instant, not only on the obvious visual appeal, but also many are quickly seeing the huge potential these playing cards will have for a place like Vegas. It's not hard to see when you consider the powerhouse industries of advertising and casinos combining in a new and visually appealing way that benefits all.

Regarding the retail Las Vegas Edition launch on KS, we are only waiting for the final verification from KS and we are ready to launch!

Regards

VXD

Glad to hear this news. So it should be live on Kickstarter within the next few days, right?

Also, although no one has said outright: "This will change the playing card industry for good," I think all of us already know that so there's no need to say it. This is a "game changer," for sure. Like several of Lotrek's decks (Such as his recent Golden Oath, as well as Gold Venexiana), It is a first of its kind and so It is special. It's why all of us are quite interested in this deck.

Oscar

Yes, generally you're absolutely right, but I can't read minds.

Anyway thank you for the kind message. Re launch, I'm really hoping they verify everything today / tonight / tomorrow, but it's out of my hands now.

Regards

VXD

ChumpofSpades wrote:I encourage those who are interested to look up the patent. The number is given at the end of the video and although I'm not all that computer search savvy I found it right away. What this deck does is revolutionary. The legal mumbo jumbo is not easy to wade through but when I understood what these guys are doing I think I MUST have a deck in my collection. Simple as that.

Didn't really have to wade through anything, but I did learn that Google has its own patent search

For the lazy folks

VXD Mk1: Las Vegas Edition is now LIVE!

Here is the link folks:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ze ... as-edition" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards

VXD

Thank you so much for offering a standard tuck. Backed!

The way you have currently set up the project, it is not possible for one person to order a complete set (black plus red plus blue) of decks without maintaining multiple Kickstarter accounts. Allow me to suggest that you allow people to "add-on" to their pledge to add decks of other colors, or as was mentioned in the comments section, uncut sheets.

I'm assuming you're familiar with out "add-ons" work on Kickstarter. If not, we'll be happy to explain!

Backed for a black deck for now. Might add a red & blue if that option becomes available....

Updating the original post to include a link to the Kickstarter page.

I would be in for all 3 decks (1 of each color) but unfortunately this isn't possible right now like rousselle said.

@VXD:
You should add a lot of new tiers for this campaign. 2 decks, 3 decks, half brick, full brick or whatever you want.
Right now backers are limited to that rewards you offer and can't go for multiples. Adding new tiers will possibly give the campaign a big boost. Or like rouselle said with add ons

Set.
These guys are gearing up for large scale perduction.
Its the big time.
Thinking this KS is an afterthought and consideration for UC/Collectors, most of their attention will be on the power play/shift.
Grab 'em quick.

Rousselle and all

Yes, I noticed the issue and am unfamiliar with the intricacies of KS. I'll figure it out and sort it by the end of today, to allow add-ons.

Thank you for the alert / advice.

Regards

VXD

For what it's worth:

To allow add-ons, all you have to do in your project description is say, "If you'd like to add-on other decks, here's how much money to add to your pledge per (black/blue/red/whatever) deck:" and then put up a little chart showing what you want people to add to their money pledge in exchange for what rewards. Some project creators also put up a graphic to make the chart all nice and readable, and give that section a heading to indicate "Add-ons".

Some project creators even link to a youtube video that explains to new pledgers how to add add-ons to their pledge (look at any Kings Wild project for an example.)

As Azid mentioned above, you can also create additional tiers for pairs of decks, or sets of all three, or half a brick (6 decks) or the like. You will also get more bidders if you allow for a bulk discount (it, knock a few dollars off the total if the person buys three or four or six or a dozen, etc.)

Hope this helps!

Thank you Rousselle

I'm going to try to sort it all out over the next day or two.

Regards

VXD

I am in ... look forward the the add-on list

Couple questions:
1. Will the numbers for the decks in the 'First Day Issue Combo' be matching?
2. Will you be able to identify what color deck you get in the traditional tuck without opening it?

The back design in the KS is different to the one in the drafting section thread on UC. There it had holographic foil on the backs as well. Can you confirm if there is foil on the backs in KS?

Vincero and all

That old thread showed the back for the 'London' edition. Maybe it should be removed now, to avoid any confusion.

Yes, both back and fronts are holographic, as the video shows.

Regards

VXD

Thanks for the clarification

Hi Shermjack

I am wary of trying to complicate my shipping arrangements with number requests. I am sorry, but I don't think I will be able to do that unfortunately...i.e match the numbers on 'First Day Issue' orders.

I'm extremely tired after a very long day here.

Thank you kindly for your backing sir.

Regards

VXD

VXD wrote: I am wary of trying to complicate my shipping arrangements with number requests. I am sorry, but I don't think I will be able to do that unfortunately...i.e match the numbers on 'First Day Issue' orders.

Completely understand, was just hoping that it might be possible

Anyways, get some rest and best of luck with the campaign!

All

We will be making add-ons available very soon, so please check back in to your pledges. Due to the fact that the 'First Day Issue' decks will always be in very limited supply on the market after the campaign (499 black, 299 blue & red only), we have decided to have a non-limited paper-sleeve sealed deck available (i.e no traditional tuck, no metal case) for the lowest we can manufacture and sell at - $35. This way people will be able to swap out their valuable 'First Day Issue' decks for these decks, for general use and handling.

I am really looking forward to the feedback on the handling, once backers receive their VXD decks. They have a big advantage over the numerous gold-foiled decks made. Transparent holographics were developed for use in the ID security industry and these ID's get roughly handled an shoved in wallets all over the world. Of course, casinos require good handling from their decks as well, so things have fallen into place on the handling front. I think that is why we have never seen gold-foils used either on ID cards or in casinos, despite it being around for so long now in the custom playing card market. So for all the cardists and magicians and home-gamers out there....we want you to be able to use your flashy precious deck, as well as stare at its beauty!

Next month I have a meeting with the agent of the magician 'Dynamo' (he's similar to David Blaine in the US) in London, to offer him personalised holographic artwork.....it would certainly be nice to hear his approval on handling!

OK, I know that the creator might not want to hear this, but I have to say it now while there still might be a chance to change. I have been very excited about this project from the start and am not put off by the prices due to this new technology, but there is something that bothers me with this deck and it is making me question my pledge. It's the card backs...simply put, they are unattractive to say the least.

Creator, I know that you have spent a lot of time and energy with the making of these cards, but I truly think that the card backs need an overhaul (the original backs were better) and hope you are willing to consider this like you did with the other suggestions from the group (i.e. standard tuck). Though the decks might be revolutionary, the design is also very important and the current back is making me consider reducing my pledge to a standard tuck and wait for the next deck with this technology.

The back is the reason I am not pledging that and the fact that i am supposed to stop collecting which i am struggling with