With Christmas just around the corner, 53 days to go as I am writing this, we all start to think about our Christmas Wish List. I know I have started to think about mine and I have already started dropping hints to the Long Haired General! So I thought I would do a piece on Insert Coin Clothing, seeing as I have one or two of their products on my Wish List (and one or two in my wardrobe!).
For those of you who are unaware of Insert Coin (shame on you!) they are a gaming orientated clothing design company, who have been in the business of keeping us gamers happy and warm now for just over a year.
Insert Coin Clothing came about when Dan Long (Head of Comms) and Jon Rhodes (Creative Director) used to work side by side as a creative double act at an agency. They both loved games and tees and they used to talk how there weren't any good ones out there. They started to buy a few of them, but they were shocked by the quality. The prints were poor, the tees cheap and flimsy and the overall customer experience was terrible, and it turns out these companies were run as side projects - one guy in his room, running three or four businesses and pretending it was some huge company.
They were so disappointed by the whole experience that is when they realised and decided that they could do better. So they started planning, drew on all their knowledge and contacts and brought together something that gamers and geeks deserved - bespoke, high quality tees with great prints, all wrapped up with an awesome customer experience.
Over the past 12 months, they have done about 30 designs which is not bad for a relatively small company in its founding year! Their overall aim was to create 12-18 designs every year, but due to their unique design and quality, the last few months have been busy and things have exploded.
Dan Long believes that: ‘It's not just 'us' and 'them' like with other companies, we interact, we talk to our fans and followers. We've also been extremely lucky that people within the gaming industry have taken us to their hearts. I guess it's just because we offer something that no one else has before - people like what we do and how we do it. And we don't take any of that for granted. We're always striving to give a better service, make better designs, tweak the tee specs... we always want to do better. It is genuinely touching though; we never grow tired of talking to people who come up to us at shows... everyone's so lovely. We couldn't believe it when they started chanting our name at Eurogamer Expo!’
So I have decided to give you a rundown of my five favourite Insertcoin products, which will make it onto my Christmas list this year, so without further ado, here is my Christmas List Top 5:
Afterlife
Inspired by Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Colour - Shockwave Purple
This tee is at the top of my list. It is my favourite place (no pun intended) in Mass Effect 2, I love the music in the Club, and I have actually stopped my game and let the music play. When you walk into the club the first thing you see it the girls dancing with the bar lighting behind them, and this image is depicted on the tee.
The Illusive Man: Shepard, you're making a habit of costing me more than time and money.
Commander Shepard: I'm sorry, I'm having trouble hearing you - I'm getting a lot of bullshit this line.
Monteriggioni
Inspired by Assassin's Creed 2 (2009)
Colour - Auditore Grey/Eagle Red
There's nothing like being proud of your hometown - especially when you've helped restore it to its former glory. In 1499, Monteriggioni was at the height of its splendour, all thanks to a certain Ezio. Celebrate his hard work with this official hoodie, with discreet Assassin mark and unique eagle-vision hood.
"This place just keeps getting better" ~
Ezio while returning to the city in 1500
Pillar of Autumn
Inspired by Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Colour - Chief Green
At 1.17km, the Pillar of Autumn isn't the most agile of starships - but with Master Chief onboard it doesn't need to be! Playing a pivotal role in the whole 'Halo' storyline, it is a home, a battleground and our last hope for life across the universe. Time to get ready SPARTAN - pick up this cool design and keep it clean!
Yes. They called it the Pillar of Autumn. ~ Thel 'Vadamee
Animus
Inspired by Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
Colour - Pitch Black
Espionage! Battles! Flying Machines! Parkour! Whoever said history was dull obviously never lived through it! And if you want to sample those events first-hand, then lie down, relax and take a spin in the Animus. Follow in the footsteps of your ancestors and make history with this awesome official tee.
“Your’re inside the Animus. It’s a projector which renders genetic memoires in thee dimensions” ~ Warren Vidic to Desmond
Space Dynamics
Inspired by Starfox 64 (1997)
Colour - Pitch Black
If you want to take a trip around the Lylat System, then there's only one ride for you - the Arwing from Space Dynamics. With sleek angular styling, it's perfect - whether you're popping to another sector or taking down an evil supervillain. Show your allegiance to space-faring woodland creatures with this retro design.
General Pepper: It's about time you showed up, Fox. You're the only hope for our world.
Fox McCloud: I'll do my best. Andross won't have his way with me.
So there you have it, my top five for Christmas! These are not the only Hoodies/Tees available from Insert Coin Clothing; they have many other wonderful and creative gaming designs in stock! So head over tohttp://www.insertcoinclothing.com and have a nosey around and get your Christmas list sorted for this year! They offer free international delivery and, if you sign up to Insert Coin, you will be able to take part in competition, also be first to see new designs and you will be able to earn achievement coins, helping you get money off your next purchase!
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