VXD Mk1: Las Vegas Edition ('VERTEX DECK')

[VXD]

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

[MagikFingerz]

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]

VXD Mk1: Las Vegas Edition is now LIVE!

[VXD]

Here is the link folks:

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

Regards

VXD

[vasta41]

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

[rousselle]

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.

[Azid]

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

[Bruno]

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.

[VXD]

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

[rousselle]

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!

[VXD]

Thank you Rousselle

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

Regards

VXD

[shermjack]

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?

[vincero]

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?

[VXD]

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

[vincero]

Thanks for the clarification

[VXD]

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

[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.

Completely understand, was just hoping that it might be possible

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

[VXD]

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!

[shermjack]

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.

[badpete69]

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

[shaitani]

To make it easier for people to have a look and compare themselves.
Left is Las Vegas edition, right is London edition backs.


I'm not sure if they ever plan to produce or offer the London ones, or if it's mainly being used for marketing purposes.

I suspect the response to the artistic criticism is going to be that this deck is mainly used as an example of what the technology can produce and it's up to whoever commissions VXD to determine how to design the cards.

I think whether or not this KS project funds, VXD needs to collaborate with an artist (*cough* imagine what Lotrek can do with this *cough*) as part of a serious end to end project to really show us what this tech can look like.

[VXD]

Shaitani

You are right, in that any casino, company or individual commissioning VXD playing cards for the purpose of customising the holographic artwork elements (to promote or advertise on the fronts), will also of course be commissioning the standard artwork on the back.

So a casino for example, if they use VXD cards for a number of their tables....we would use their standard card back to match the normal cards they use. A company or an individual would tell us exactly what they would like to have on their custom deck and we would have artists draw this.

We could have gone more 'abstract' with the artwork....but it was a conscious choice for the Las Vegas Edition, to go with more a more commercial looking card back artwork, as Las Vegas is such a commercial place itself. I think it would be a shame to miss out on this first ever edition based on a preference for more abstract standard artwork, when this deck seeks to offer something new and different entirely, but I have noted the opinion.

Kind regards

[VXD]

Also....the Las Vegas card back does look a lot lot better when its lit up with its holographics of course. Maybe I should add an image or two of this. It is only very briefly shown on the video and maybe the still shots just give the wrong impression. I think I should add a lit up image or two yes, as it's another ball-game entirely.

[shermjack]

We could have gone more 'abstract' with the artwork....but it was a conscious choice for the Las Vegas Edition, to go with more a more commercial looking card back artwork, as Las Vegas is such a commercial place itself. I think it would be a shame to miss out on this first ever edition based on a preference for more abstract standard artwork, when this deck seeks to offer something new and different entirely, but I have noted the opinion.

Thanks for the response. Please don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with commercial looking artwork if it is done well, but to be totally honest, the image of the Bellagio Fountain with people standing in front of it is just not attractive and takes away from the overall 'awesomeness' of the deck. The back 'as-is' will not prevent me from backing as I don't want to miss out on these cards, but it will definitely influence how much I back the project for and I will most likely only back for the Basic Black Deck now instead of the First Day of Issues.

Nevertheless, I am glad that you have reached your funding goal and look forward to seeing more projects with this technology and when I see that perfect combination of art and technology, I will break the bank!

[Cardician_82]

@Creator

You mention on the campaign page:
Add-ons are coming very soon....meaning you will be able to add further units to your existing single pledge, so please look back in to add more units.

Just wanted to know if this was still happening?

I'm a bit confused as to the pledging tiers. If I get this right, your offering a traditional black tuck for $39 and/or I can pledge for $49 for the Original Black Deck. Is that the Black Aluminum case for $49?? When can we see a add-on chart or something posted regarding adding more decks??

You also state:
The traditional tucks will be available in all three colors (tuck color to match) and can be specified at a later date. The current image seen is a digital rendering and may be further refined. Traditional tuck decks will be limited to 1500 in total (all three colors combined).

So are you going to offer a 2 deck traditional tier / 3 deck traditional tier as well??

Thanks in advance,

[TGunitedcardists]

(snip)... and the fact that i am supposed to stop collecting which i am struggling with

Tell me about it. I've slowed down, but something keeps me going, yet more slowly these days.

[TGunitedcardists]

To make it easier for people to have a look and compare themselves.
Left is Las Vegas edition, right is London edition backs.

I think the backs on the right are clearly better. I'm out on this project, but I wish the artist the best of luck. I couldn't get past the LV in the hearts and the price for one or two decks is a little outside my comfort zone, unless I really, really, really love everything.

I hope this technology makes it to a more traditional deck or something with a theme that interests me more.

Good luck Mr. Diz.

[VXD]

Hi Guys & Gals

Following a very busy couple of weeks discussing the potentials of these new playing cards with the casinos in Las Vegas....I am now back on terra firma and will be able to address KS thoughts and issues again.

Regarding the layout / descriptions / details of the KS campaign...I understand there is a little confusion still as to what is being offered. I apologise if anyone has been in any doubt. I would have tweaked the language and indeed did try to many times on the existing tiers, but once just one person backs the tier, the wording cannot be changed. On the Add-on front, I posted a table very briefly, then realised it was not correct (as no limited items can be offered as add-ons of course)....we are still working on it and will include it asap. Still considering whether or how to offer uncut sheets.....they would look incredible with a light shining on them on a wall, but as noted our production is unusual (narrower machines for precision holographics, used in security / ID industry) and we have two sheets.....tricky to think how to do it, if at all?? Would there be appetite??

Anyway, I will do the housekeeping that needs doing on KS, to make things as clear as possible for everyone, now I have a tiny bit more time and am at home.

Regarding the standard artwork card back design....I take on board your points totally. This is the first ever VXD edition and I believe it will find its place as such, down the line. I am fully open to working with more traditional custom playing card designers and even non-playing card artists for the next world city editions to come. We may also release a Mark2 of Las Vegas in future I believe.

I believe this very first edition will serve as more of a successful proof of the new playing card tech we have invented and developed, rather than of an artistic triumph perhaps. So it will likely be of relevance to the industry when looking back in years to come....particularly if / when VXD does find its way into the casino industry (which I believe is inevitable).

Kind regards all and thank you all again who have pledged support.

[VXD]

Cardician

Yes, the $39 is the deck in the traditional tuck (these are non-First Day Issue units)
The $49 tier is the black (color card back) deck in the all-metal case (these are non-First Day Issue units)
The $60 tier is the same black (color card back) deck in the all-metal case, (these are First Day Issue units) - i.e limited to 499 numbered units total, has 'First Day Issue' laser etched on the metal case & printed on the Ace of Spades and with the 'secret' holographic signatures of the creators on the AoS too.

I hope that helps to clarify.

Regards

[VXD]

Rousselle

Thank you very much for taking time to advise on the add on method. Still learning all the KS ways. Apologies for not thanking you earlier.....I had read it and meant to thank you, then got side-tracked clearly.

Regards