5 PM! I think EST (their HQ in Toronto, Canada, after all) so plan accordingly!
They’re at 41k now, so the kickstarter campaign with 10 days to go is ALMOST THERE! Here’s hoping this contests puts it over the top.
EDIT:
THE RULES
“Tek Recon Troops, we’ve raised over $42K which means we’re 82% funded on Kickstarter (http://kck.st/ZLhk9x). If we reach $50K by Sunday night (11:59PM). We’re going to GIVEAWAY 2 FREE Limited Edition Black Chrome Havoks! These are worth $250 each!
All you have to do to enter is: 1) Share this post on your wall and encourage your friends to check us out and buy a blaster. Tag a friend you think would like our page! 2) Tell Kickstarter on Facebook or email (press@kickstarter.com) what you love most about Tek Recon (be sure to tag us).
Monday morning we’ll announce the 2 random winners so make sure we know you’ve entered and done the above!
Tek Recon released a first look at the beta of their gaming app today, showcasing how the devices will interact in gameplay and a peek at some of the powerups, scopes, sound effects, gametypes, AMMO COUNTER, etc. I’m really curious how the Medic and Drone powerups are going to work, as I’m assuming hits and removal from gameplay is still on the honor system.
The other question is will players have to use their data plans when wi-fi isn’t available. And if the “host” of the game’s device freezes up, I assume the game drops out?
All in all though, the Tek Recon line is looking sharper and sharper with each update, and on top of that they are now just under $20,000 of their goal! (As of this writing, they are at $34,000.)
Some other quick notes – if the original metallic green isn’t your color, check out the “Agent Orange” pack (as suggested by a backer, showing how Tek Recon once again is taking early feedback very seriously)!
Don’t forget, continue to email/tweet/Facebook kickstarter to get Tek Recon on their weekly email blast! It’s going to need all the help it can get to hit goal to finish the race!
Update from Tek Recon after the break – I’ll put my 2 cents in a little later when I have a bit more time. But… wow. The movie start pledges got picked up, and there will be some new products possibly by 2014!
“We are excited to know that we recently had 2 of the 5 “Movie Star” pledges get scooped up by fans. These 2 people are in for a real treat, and timing is perfect as we have just finished our first commercial shoot and we want to share with all of you a “sizzle” that we have produced. This spot has many of of the key shots that will be used in the final commercial that we intend to air later this year.
We think you are going to love the sizzle reel as it really helps demonstrate the product performance and convey how we envision team play and collaboration could work. You should note the following features in the spot:
Magazine swap out. Check out the flip and clip action on the Havok. We had much feedback from the community that you want more ammo and you want it fast. We are happy to to offer you up this, in a slick system that has quick access. Per the video, simply un-clip, flip and lock in the opposite end of magazine and you are good to go with another 36 rounds. Based on additional feedback we are planning on developing more ways to get ammo fast, in future developments of the project. Communication via the app. One of the coolest features in the app is the walkie talkies. Your team is all linked via a comm system and when you press the screen icon, you are instantly connected and sharing intel. HINT – When used in game play, you will need to be careful as there are some power ups that the opposing team can acquire and when deployed “hack” into the comm system to listen in on your teams plans.
Distance of the ammo. In the video you will see a point where there is a 2 way battle over a concrete barracade. This should give you an idea of the distance that the blaster can achieve. In a recent blog post; one of our fans described Tek Recon as “friendly airsoft for the masses”. We are confident you will be very happy with the performance but also knowing that it is safe to use and play with. Bank Shots. Another key advantage of the NRG rounds vs other projectiles is that they are dynamic and as a result you can “ricochet” the ammo to strike your target. We think that is a big idea and helps separate the men from the boyz!
Recoil. For those of you who have not had a clear look at what the recoil looks like there is some nice close ups of the product in action. We have just got to say it feels awesome and you cannot help but have a smile on your face every round you squeeze out!
Dynamic Targets. Yes we already had a video on this but thought we would give you a couple angles to look at it from. There is a “big” pay-off when you hit the target that we are pretty sure you will think is cool. These are included in our battle packs, squad leader and envoy pledges. Girls! We love the fact that we have both genders featured in the forthcoming spot. Yes this is a shout out to all the ladies who hate the stereo type that girls are not interested in blaster play. We know there are a bunch fo you who believe they can outwit and outplay their male counter parts and do not need a special pink or purple blaster to do it. [Unless you really like pink….in which case you can make a custom metallic pink blaster as part of our “Custom Havok” pledge:)]
We aspire to create a product we are proud of and deliver “wow” with Tek Recon and the play experience it will offer. We hope by now that we have demonstrated that we in fact are breathing life into this project and doing so by taking feedback from you, our fans, to shape what we finally produce.
We have had a lot of questions about the app and different operating systems etc that can be supported. What is important to note is that the blaster on it’s own is an incredible product; it has a unique design with features that are truly stand out and will provide the best performance on the market. That said we have taken Tek Recon from “good to great” by creating a “digital layer” that enhances the play experience. The Tek Recon app on an IOS or Android smart device will give you a first of its kind FPS video game experience in live action play!
Thanks to those who have supported us thus far. The “movie star” still has 3 of the 5 positions available and if after seeing the sizzle you want to be part of the next commercial then you can either change your pledge or let your network know there are a limited number still available. The plan is to film the next spot with our top secret new Tek Recon blaster design in January of 2014. Thanks for helping us spread the word and for your efforts in making Tek Recon a reality!”
So…. it happened. some enterprising individuals picked among the biggest prize packs on Tek Recon’s kickstarter (the E3 pass as a spokesperson, and now 2 of the 5 “movie star” commercial spots) and are going to benefit HUGE. Exposure, lots of product and in the case of the movie stars, advance product. Here’s are the exact details of those prizes:
Pledge $3,500 or more
1 backer All gone!
ATTEND E3! Flight and Hotel included to attend E3 in LA June 11-13, 2013 to help present Tek Recon at its premier launch event! As well as a MASSIVE Tek Recon prize pack, to ship Aug 2013. (US/Canada Only)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013
Pledge $5,000 or more
2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)
MOVIE STAR Receive 1 Flight and Hotel room for anyone under 18 to fly to our film set so you can appear in the next Tek Recon commercial! Oh, and you’ll get a ton of free product. The perfect gift for the blaster fanatic or aspiring actor in your family (US/Canada Only – Anyone under 14 requires chaperone). MASSIVE Tek Recon starter pack to ship Aug 2013. Commercial set to film Jan 2014.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
These are some great packages, for sure! And they helped get Tek Recon over the 50% funding mark with a good amount of time left. It’s almost a guarantee we’re going to see a whole lot more news and features before the kickstarter is over.
As for the video, you kind of get a feel for the action pace they expect with Tek Recon, and the one feature not ready at Toy Fair was the recoil. But it’s the little touches that matter like the flip clip, the recoil, and the semi auto. Either way, this is exciting! Can’t wait to see everything.
Fresh update from Tek Recon. Pretty much says it all right there. And holy crap. A proper semi-auto trigger pull OR pump-action fires the blaster, you can use either mode. The pump-action works a bit better for rapid fire, while the trigger I guess allows for that steady shot.
What I wonder is if there is a range distance between either mechanism, as that is what it sounded like in some earlier updates. No priming the blaster like a shotgun then pulling the trigger as I initially reported/thought, but just straight up semi-auto action. No flywheels, no priming, no additional steps. Just point and shoot. Havok or Hammer Head, take your pick.
Well done, Tek Recon. Well done.
KICKSTARTER STATUS:
$19,000+ raised with 24 days to go! Not too shabby at all.
And from their FAQ:
“I have had a number of questions as it relates to the NRG Rounds with there performance and safety. First off know that the product will meet all the safety requirements for CPSIA, CHPA and EN protocols. The NRG Rounds not only describes the shape and performance of the product but stands for: N – Non Marking R – Reusable G – Gaming They make a firm impact but are safe There will be refills available and they will retail for $4.99 for a pack of 25 units.”
Got word of this from the fine folks at Tek Recon – they’re launching a little early, and ON KICKSTARTER. I’ll let them explain in the press release below.
“TEK RECON: BRINGING VIDEO GAMES TO LIFE! One of the most anticipated product launches of 2013 hits KICKSTARTER on May 9th
TORONTO, May 8, 2013 – TEK RECON, one of the most anticipated new product launches of 2013 will be available for the first time through KICKSTARTER.COM on May 9th @ 8am eastern standard time. The goal of the KICKSTARTER campaign is designed to further enhance the development of the TEK RECON blaster and free app, and to get the product into the hands of early adopters and key influencers helping to create the first real life online video game. Through the course of 31 days fans will be able to fund the project through purchasing product, exclusive rewards, and bid on great prizes that include appearances in the television commercial and an all expense paid trip to present at E3; all contributing towards our KICKSTARTER funding goal of raising $50,000.
“Bringing TEK RECON to market through this KICKSTARTER project is the most ambitious and exciting launch in our company history,” stated Brad Pedersen President and CEO of TEK RECON Inc. “Two years ago we set out on a mission to bring video games, online connectivity and social interactive play together through innovation and great product design. The outcome, TEK RECON has come to life and created a phenomenal play experience that has exceeded our expectations.”
Gamers, adventure seekers and fans of technology, we need your help to create a revolutionary new way to connect and play video games with your friends IN REAL LIFE! Get off the couch and into the game with the newest and most realistic way to blast away on the field or anywhere. TEK RECON Blasters feature a first of its kind design with real trigger action and specially designed reusable “NRG Rounds” that blast up to 75 feet.
To optimize the battle and team experience TEK RECON developed a free “Real-Life Online Gaming” app to enhance blaster battles. Simply connect your mobile device to the blaster to bring video game styled play to life through mobile and GPS technology. The free TEK RECON App will be available for iOS and Android devices, enhancing real battle experience through an interactive heads up display, live chat, vision modes, and more.
The time is now to be one of the first to experience Real Life Online Gaming and change the way you play. For more information on this product and KICKSTARTER campaign please visit TekRecon.com.”
A look at the OS of the Tek Recon app
The Tek Recon Hammer Head. Approx. $19.99, 30 round capacity in a mag in the handle.
The Tek Recon Havok blaster, pump-action. Approx. $34.99 as of the listing I saw at Toy Fair. 90 round capacity last I saw.
So there you have it. On May 9th Tech4Kids (makers of Tek Recon) is willing to let fans endorse the product, assist in the development, and in return you can get the blaster early, or any number of other bonuses, including possibly a trip to E3? Interesting, indeed!
Tek Recon wants to make sure they get the blasters done properly, so here they are opening up to the wonderful world of crowdfunding. Their kickstarter page launches May 9th, so if you’ve been yelling “TAKE MY MONEY” since news on Tek Recon first came out, here’s your chance.
Between the interactivity of the mobile app, the new ammo type, and some of the neatest touches when it comes to aesthetics and user experience, I’m intrigued to try it out and see how it all works. I’ve been itching to get a more in-depth look at this since New York Toy Fair, and it looks close, so, so close.
I’ll post the link once the kickstarter goes live and definitely keep an eye on Tek Recon’s Facebook Page.
Onward, to May 9th! And good luck to Tek Recon in making this work!
Foam From Above 