Jurassic Park: The Game promo Jeep deal causes dino-sized kerfuffle on Reddit
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Yesterday, we received a flood of tips from Redditors and other folks urging us to report on a post at the community site, titled, "I let TellTale borrow my Jurassic Park Jeep and all I got was this lousy Dino-Damage." Written by Jurassic Park-themed Jeep Wrangler owner Kevin "Boomerjinks" Henry of the Jurassic Jeep group, he recounts the events that transpired upon arranging a deal with Telltale Games to use his vehicle for promotion at this past September's PAX, where the studio was showing attendees its upcoming Jurassic Park game.
Henry alleges that a variety of communication issues transpired prior to shipment of the Jeep from his location in Colorado to the convention in Washington, and that upon arrival, the vehicle itself had been damaged (scuffs and chips, mostly). Though he says he was assured that he'd be compensated for the damages, the company apparently went dark on him after several exchanges in the weeks following PAX. So he took to Reddit, but we'd only heard one side of the story.
But after a minor uproar ensued, Telltale head Kevin Bruner took to Reddit himself to air his company's side of things, even agreeing to pay the damages in full out of pocket immediately. While he says he doesn't like "the circumstances this is going down in," he'd rather move things along. "This way we won't need to hash this out publicly any longer." As Telltale has been going through the vehicle transport's insurance holder, things haven't been speeding along for Henry's Jeep fix, Bruner claims.
Meanwhile, as a fallout from the initial report, the ex-Telltale employee who organized the Jeep deal with Henry has been virtually mobbed by angry Redditors -- one of which posted the former employee's name, which resulted in "83 phone calls (according to Google voice), 41 Facebook messages, and 19 emails." Also, Jurassic Park: The Game is out today, in case you were wondering.
Update: Apparently Henry himself outed the former Telltale employee, according to this Reddit comment.
Henry alleges that a variety of communication issues transpired prior to shipment of the Jeep from his location in Colorado to the convention in Washington, and that upon arrival, the vehicle itself had been damaged (scuffs and chips, mostly). Though he says he was assured that he'd be compensated for the damages, the company apparently went dark on him after several exchanges in the weeks following PAX. So he took to Reddit, but we'd only heard one side of the story.
But after a minor uproar ensued, Telltale head Kevin Bruner took to Reddit himself to air his company's side of things, even agreeing to pay the damages in full out of pocket immediately. While he says he doesn't like "the circumstances this is going down in," he'd rather move things along. "This way we won't need to hash this out publicly any longer." As Telltale has been going through the vehicle transport's insurance holder, things haven't been speeding along for Henry's Jeep fix, Bruner claims.
Meanwhile, as a fallout from the initial report, the ex-Telltale employee who organized the Jeep deal with Henry has been virtually mobbed by angry Redditors -- one of which posted the former employee's name, which resulted in "83 phone calls (according to Google voice), 41 Facebook messages, and 19 emails." Also, Jurassic Park: The Game is out today, in case you were wondering.
Update: Apparently Henry himself outed the former Telltale employee, according to this Reddit comment.
Reader Comments (42)
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:04PM King Johngie the Fourth said
I greatly dislike Reddit
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:07PM SkizzNutt509 said
@King Johngie the Fourth I will take the bait, well why don't you like Reddit?
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Posted: Nov 15th 2011 7:47PM PantsParty said
@freaparn
Actually they don't have jailbait anymore.
The Atheism sub Reddit is one giant bukkake scene with atheists taking turns at being the middle.
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Actually they don't have jailbait anymore.
The Atheism sub Reddit is one giant bukkake scene with atheists taking turns at being the middle.
Posted: Nov 16th 2011 10:36AM Coco Bananas said
@freaparn
They also have a subreddit called r/spacedicks. No one forces you to read or subscribe to them.
Reply
They also have a subreddit called r/spacedicks. No one forces you to read or subscribe to them.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:04PM CaptainProtonX said
Jesus Christ...it's just a jeep with a paint job.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:13PM hanger3com said
@CaptainProtonX If there's one thing I've learned about people and cars, you don't mess with someone elses vehicle. No matter what you think of it. And professional paint jobs aren't cheap.
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Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:17PM The Aquacharger said
@CaptainProtonX
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's one of the official jeeps used in the JP movie.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's one of the official jeeps used in the JP movie.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:18PM Horuko said
@CaptainProtonX
Wow? The point is TellTale damaged his jeep and then they did nothing about it. If you paid to get a paint job upon your vehicle then you lent your vehicle to someone and when they returned it it looked like sh1t and they did nothing to compensate for the damage , you'll probably be pissed off too.
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Wow? The point is TellTale damaged his jeep and then they did nothing about it. If you paid to get a paint job upon your vehicle then you lent your vehicle to someone and when they returned it it looked like sh1t and they did nothing to compensate for the damage , you'll probably be pissed off too.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:19PM Cleric said
@CaptainProtonX
It's a car that a man who has passion for a movie put a lot of his time and money into. A car that he lent out to be nice and ended up with damages to something he spent a lot of money and/or effort on. Just a car and a paint job... God, shut up.
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It's a car that a man who has passion for a movie put a lot of his time and money into. A car that he lent out to be nice and ended up with damages to something he spent a lot of money and/or effort on. Just a car and a paint job... God, shut up.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:30PM The Great Cornholio said
@Horuko
Did you even read the source articles?
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Did you even read the source articles?
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:34PM Drakkenfyre said
@CaptainProtonX
If it's an exact replica, it's not "just a paintjob."
The Jeep would be a '93 Jeep Sahara, with the custom paintjob, decals, saddle bags, whip antenna, lightbar support, roll bar covers, custom spare cover tire, and CB radio, plus various other things like vehicle ID tag, and license plate.
We don't know the exact damage. It could be just scrapes and dings, or could be some more body damage. Point is, it's his custom vehicle. He let them borrow it to promote a product, and doesn't sound like he charged them anything.
If on return he gets a damaged car, and the company claims they will fix it, then says nothing else nor tries to pay for the repairs, he has every right to complain about it.
Aquacharger, I don't think this is one of the movie Jeeps. If he didn't repaint it, it's not Jeep #18. That was Nedry's Jeep, and it's still in Universal Studios.
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If it's an exact replica, it's not "just a paintjob."
The Jeep would be a '93 Jeep Sahara, with the custom paintjob, decals, saddle bags, whip antenna, lightbar support, roll bar covers, custom spare cover tire, and CB radio, plus various other things like vehicle ID tag, and license plate.
We don't know the exact damage. It could be just scrapes and dings, or could be some more body damage. Point is, it's his custom vehicle. He let them borrow it to promote a product, and doesn't sound like he charged them anything.
If on return he gets a damaged car, and the company claims they will fix it, then says nothing else nor tries to pay for the repairs, he has every right to complain about it.
Aquacharger, I don't think this is one of the movie Jeeps. If he didn't repaint it, it's not Jeep #18. That was Nedry's Jeep, and it's still in Universal Studios.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:45PM baddates77 said
@Drakkenfyre It can't be healthy to have that much information about one jeep floating around in your head...
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Posted: Nov 15th 2011 7:00PM commonperson said
@Horuko Actually you are wrong, the shipping agency damaged it and they were seeking restitution via the insurance company. So yeah, calm down a bit. Telltale are a company yes but they are not able to work miracles.
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Posted: Nov 15th 2011 7:11PM Drakkenfyre said
@baddates77
I am a fan of the movie.
I can also tell you what would go into a General Lee or K.I.T.T. replica.
There are entire industries sprung up about replicating cars from things like this.
Reply
I am a fan of the movie.
I can also tell you what would go into a General Lee or K.I.T.T. replica.
There are entire industries sprung up about replicating cars from things like this.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 8:47PM The Cole Train said
@CaptainProtonX
If it was your car, you'd probably be pissed off too.
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If it was your car, you'd probably be pissed off too.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:10PM commonperson said
Ah internet mob rule, how you remind me Humans are a bunch of ignorant rabble searching for a witch to burn and that if the wheel squeeks loud enough it will get it's grease.
What I took from this is that the shipping agency screwed up and damaged the paint, as such Telltale were not directly responsbile and were seeking compensation from the shipping agency's insurance company which as all insurance companies especially those in the United States dragged it's heels. We do not have a list of correspondence going on back and forth, the owner claims there was a "black out" but without further knowledge of his communications it's hard to tell.
So as all people do now adays he made his grievence public and unleashed the rabid hounds upon the company and then bullyed and harassed people even a person who was fired and no longer with the company. Classy internet, real classy. Now why don't some of you turn this internet rage against people who deserve it like jerks who bully homosexuals in to suicide or racists on xbox live.
What I took from this is that the shipping agency screwed up and damaged the paint, as such Telltale were not directly responsbile and were seeking compensation from the shipping agency's insurance company which as all insurance companies especially those in the United States dragged it's heels. We do not have a list of correspondence going on back and forth, the owner claims there was a "black out" but without further knowledge of his communications it's hard to tell.
So as all people do now adays he made his grievence public and unleashed the rabid hounds upon the company and then bullyed and harassed people even a person who was fired and no longer with the company. Classy internet, real classy. Now why don't some of you turn this internet rage against people who deserve it like jerks who bully homosexuals in to suicide or racists on xbox live.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 6:04PM jackal said
@commonperson
"What I took from this is that the shipping agency screwed up and damaged the paint, as such Telltale were not directly responsbile"
While the damage isn't Telltale's fault, they should've inspected the vehicle thoroughly, noted any damage on the BOL, and then notified both the shipping company as well as the owner of that damage; they didn't do that. They signed off on the BOL as if the shipment arrived in flawless condition and that's enough to stop or stall an insurance claim.
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"What I took from this is that the shipping agency screwed up and damaged the paint, as such Telltale were not directly responsbile"
While the damage isn't Telltale's fault, they should've inspected the vehicle thoroughly, noted any damage on the BOL, and then notified both the shipping company as well as the owner of that damage; they didn't do that. They signed off on the BOL as if the shipment arrived in flawless condition and that's enough to stop or stall an insurance claim.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 7:07PM commonperson said
@Kevadu LOL I know, I should know better but I'm still an idealist who remembers when people tried to treat the internet as a forum of discussion and growth not a place to get your dirty movies and cats doing amusing things pictures. Oh and a safe place to release their built up vitrol for the day. :-P Ah well, c'est la vie. :-)
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Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:18PM Gibbeynator said
Doesn't really seem fair. They scratch his car's paint job, he tries to destroy their company.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:19PM EeK85 said
This may not be the case, but I'll say one thing: TellTale has been seriously lacking in the customer service department. Anyone who tried to benefit from their last big sale knows why. They had just one poor girl taking care of ALL the purchases that went wrong (and there were A LOT), which caused major delays in response time (sometimes with no replies at all) and headaches all over.
It seems to me (and I've always felt like that, especially after announcing 5 new games at once) that TellTale is always trying to do more that they can handle. They still are a relatively small company, but act like EA, UbiSoft or goddamn Activision in some aspects. Don't take me wrong, I'm a longtime adventure games fan and simply love their stuff, which is why I think they should take it easy sometimes.
It seems to me (and I've always felt like that, especially after announcing 5 new games at once) that TellTale is always trying to do more that they can handle. They still are a relatively small company, but act like EA, UbiSoft or goddamn Activision in some aspects. Don't take me wrong, I'm a longtime adventure games fan and simply love their stuff, which is why I think they should take it easy sometimes.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:22PM The Nasty Nick said
I sort of don't really like the internet or a lot of people on it anymore :/
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 7:10PM GordoJones88 said
@The Nasty Nick
That's because you're always so nasty.
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That's because you're always so nasty.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:38PM baddates77 said
I'm not really a fan of their style of game but I did enjoy Back To The Future immensely. I may have to look into the Jurassic Park game.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:50PM joer22784 said
This jeep was at mw3 midnight release in swampscott, MA. I have pics to prove it........ Weird
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:52PM Shockwave said
I've done a custom car based off a piece of media that was very dear to me. Let's see you guys put in over a year of back breaking work, thousands of dollars, months of research etc into a vehicle that is your pride and joy, let an appreciative company borrow it for no monetary compensation what so ever, and get it back all damaged. I'd bet you'd be ticked off, too.
While it's pretty obvious the main fault is with the insurance company, the fact that TellTale didn't let him know what was happening each step of the way to assure him that everything would be fine is despicable. How was he supposed to know what actions were being taken? He was mad that it seemed the company was trying to wash their hands of it.
While it wasn't TellTale's fault, they should have known that since they borrowed it they should have at least talked to the guy frequently so that there wasn't a misunderstanding. Insurance company or not, Telltale took the responsibility of the Jeep when they borrowed it. It's their responsibility to also make sure the original owner is happy when it's returned.
While it's pretty obvious the main fault is with the insurance company, the fact that TellTale didn't let him know what was happening each step of the way to assure him that everything would be fine is despicable. How was he supposed to know what actions were being taken? He was mad that it seemed the company was trying to wash their hands of it.
While it wasn't TellTale's fault, they should have known that since they borrowed it they should have at least talked to the guy frequently so that there wasn't a misunderstanding. Insurance company or not, Telltale took the responsibility of the Jeep when they borrowed it. It's their responsibility to also make sure the original owner is happy when it's returned.
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 6:39PM swooded said
@Shockwave
I've actually done a lot of personal work to my vehicle too & you're right, I'd be livid if someone did anything too it. But, per Kevin Bruner's post, Telltale actually had been in regular contact with him & wsa under the understanding that he was getting everything finalized with the Insurance Co himself (which is common with freight claims). It sounds more like the insurance process pissed him off, so he blew up at Telltale.
"Telltale (though not myself, personally) has in fact been in regular contact with the owner of the Jeep and the last we heard, he was in the process of completing an insurance claim.
The Jeep was damaged on the way to Seattle, before anyone from Telltale ever saw or touched it. Telltale used the shipping company that the owner asked us to use. When it arrived we just saw an awesome, well loved, but also well used, Jeep. We had no way of knowing that anything had happened to the Jeep in transport, as it appeared in reasonable condition. Anyone who came by the show and took a picture with the Jeep can attest that the Jeep looked pretty damn cool, and not obviously damaged.
The fact that the Jeep was damaged before we had access to it, and some dispute over the amount of damage caused in transport vs. existing damage has complicated the claim, which has made the process take a long time"
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I've actually done a lot of personal work to my vehicle too & you're right, I'd be livid if someone did anything too it. But, per Kevin Bruner's post, Telltale actually had been in regular contact with him & wsa under the understanding that he was getting everything finalized with the Insurance Co himself (which is common with freight claims). It sounds more like the insurance process pissed him off, so he blew up at Telltale.
"Telltale (though not myself, personally) has in fact been in regular contact with the owner of the Jeep and the last we heard, he was in the process of completing an insurance claim.
The Jeep was damaged on the way to Seattle, before anyone from Telltale ever saw or touched it. Telltale used the shipping company that the owner asked us to use. When it arrived we just saw an awesome, well loved, but also well used, Jeep. We had no way of knowing that anything had happened to the Jeep in transport, as it appeared in reasonable condition. Anyone who came by the show and took a picture with the Jeep can attest that the Jeep looked pretty damn cool, and not obviously damaged.
The fact that the Jeep was damaged before we had access to it, and some dispute over the amount of damage caused in transport vs. existing damage has complicated the claim, which has made the process take a long time"
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:52PM Fermie Prime said
There's a "Jurrasic Jeep" group? Awesome!
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 5:59PM Faenix said
I assumed the paint was scratched up but on the Jurassic Jeep site it more resembles the usual wear and tear
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 6:00PM johnvonhugendong said
Isn't reddit that one website that steals content from other sites and hates jewish people like a lot?
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 6:19PM Jason B said
Are they trespassing at a Verizon cell tower ?
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 6:51PM OnToGloryReturns said
Here's the bottom line on that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdzLspuvHo
Plus it's a Wrangler - I own one and make no mistake - see the link above
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdzLspuvHo
Plus it's a Wrangler - I own one and make no mistake - see the link above
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 8:20PM RickGhastly said
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 9:27PM benheckendorn said
I think shipping vehicles is actually more dangerous than driving them places, as far as damage. My friend in the Coast Guard had some horror stories.
That said, saw this Jeep at PAX and it was pretty sweet. Must go faster...
That said, saw this Jeep at PAX and it was pretty sweet. Must go faster...
Posted: Nov 15th 2011 10:19PM Xoonaka said
I can't wait to see this thing on Pawn Stars








