# The Pinball Show Ep 188 BONUS: MORE 2026 Pinball Predictions

**Source:** Pinball Show Patreon Feed  
**Type:** podcast_episode  
**Published:** 2026-01-27  
**Duration:** 30m 0s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.patreon.com/posts/pinball-show-ep-149182219

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## Analysis

Dennis and a co-host discuss 2026 pinball predictions, covering expected Stern releases (Pokémon, Transformers, Fallout, KISS remaster, Batman 66), Jersey Jack's Sonic prospects, and broader industry trends including the "Nintendo vs. Sega" competitive narrative, potential manufacturer exits, and emerging designers. They debate game quality, sales performance, licensing strategy, and speculate on underannounced titles and industry dynamics.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Pokémon is coming next from Stern, followed by Transformers — _Hosts discussing Stern's pipeline; described as likely based on pattern and licensing strategy._
- [HIGH] Pokémon home edition will release at Costco — _Hosts express strong confidence this will happen; aligned with Stern's Costco distribution strategy._
- [HIGH] Fallout is the fall 2026 Stern release — _Host states 'nobody's refuted it at this point' and Stern rumors are usually accurate; tied to Amazon series release timing._
- [HIGH] KISS remaster is the next Stern remaster, not AC/DC — _Host predicts KISS based on Stern's Facebook teaser about 2016 games (Batman 66, Ghostbusters); cites both hosts agreeing on likelihood._
- [MEDIUM] Jersey Jack Sonic will outsell Elton John and likely several Stern cornerstones — _Host prediction that Sonic benefits from video game license hunger; expects it to outsell Fallout and possibly Pokémon variants._
- [MEDIUM] 2026 is the 'year of the video game' with Nintendo vs. Sega console war parallel (Stern/Pokémon vs. JJP/Sonic) — _Host develops theme comparing Stern as Nintendo, JJP as Sega; notes content creation opportunity; co-host agrees it will drive excitement._
- [MEDIUM] Pinball Brothers will cease making new machines in 2026 — _Host prediction based on tariff impact, quality reputation, and licensing track record since Aliens._
- [MEDIUM] Steve Richie (Chicago Gaming) will design his last game in 2026 — _Host predicts Richie will do one more modern pinball design as swan song, contrasting with brother Mark's return via Play Mechanics collab._
- [MEDIUM] Barrels of Fun will announce a designer in 2026, likely not Carl Balthazar on lead design — _Host predicts new designer announcement; suggests Balthazar contributing but not leading, expecting reveal by end of year or expo._
- [LOW] Home Pin will cease pinball machine production but continue parts business — _Speculative prediction; host suggests 'smoldering fire' continues but production stops; cites quality concerns and lack of passion._

### Notable Quotes

> "They were like, look, we're going to also be doing a home model of Costco. It probably matches better to that IP holder's product offerings anyway. They might have been more excited about that than they were the coin op option, frankly."
> — **Host (Dennis or co-host)**, N/A
> _Explains Stern's rationale for licensing Pokémon—dual monetization strategy with home edition at Costco may have been as important to negotiation as arcade version._

> "And, oh, by the way, if the rumors are true, Stern is the Nintendo, and they do have the Pokémon. JJP is the Sega, this up-and-comer who surprises with this new console, and they may have Sonic all in the same year coming out. This writes itself."
> — **Host (likely Zach)**, N/A
> _Core framing of 2026 as Nintendo vs. Sega console war analog; positions industry narrative for content creation and competitive excitement._

> "It sells better than every JJP except Potter, Guns N' Roses, and Wizard of Oz. Okay. So from their perspective, I would say yes, a success."
> — **Dennis or co-host (discussing Sonic)**, N/A
> _Qualified prediction on Sonic sales; positions it as strong performer but not tier-1 success like Potter or GNR._

> "There is somebody, I won't name who, in our company that doesn't think it's going to be a good seller. They also don't think Pokémon's going to translate if it is Pokémon. They're wrong. They're wrong."
> — **Host (Dennis)**, N/A
> _Signals internal disagreement at host's company about Pokémon and Sonic viability; shows confidence in video game IP thesis despite skepticism._

> "The only thing I have with KISS is that it breaks what they've been doing. Granted, we've had a whole two of let's take advantage of Lyman games. But it still leans into John Borg."
> — **Co-host**, N/A
> _Suggests KISS remaster may rely on John Borg's original design rather than original designer structure; notes pattern break from recent remasters._

> "I think because he wanted to do that with Pulp Fiction, didn't get to because he got Tarantino'd. So I think he's going to be like, damn it. I'm just as good as a designer as my brother."
> — **Host (likely Zach)**, N/A
> _Explains Mark Richie's motivation for Chicago Gaming collab in 2026; suggests design control limitations on prior projects._

> "I don't think there's room for another – especially if American Pinball is going to rise up like a phoenix. That's not really the Phoenix sound, but we're going to use it."
> — **Host**, N/A
> _Questions viability of Pinball Brothers given market saturation and American Pinball's potential resurgence under new ownership._

> "I'm just saying they're not known for great build quality. And every license they've done since Aliens has been either a miss of a license or Queen, which was a miss of a game."
> — **Host**, N/A
> _Critiques Pinball Brothers' track record post-Aliens; suggests quality and licensing choices contributed to market struggles._

> "I think there's a part of them because I don't I mean, I don't know that either of them. But if it was me, like, I like the idea of people actually owning my games like in volume. I would want to be with a bigger player."
> — **Host**, N/A
> _Speculates on why top designers (Elwin, Meunier) stay with major manufacturers; implies volume and brand prestige matter._

> "It would be for the best. I swear he builds them out of spite now because he clearly doesn't love it."
> — **Host**, N/A
> _Harsh assessment of Home Pin's founder's motivation; suggests personal friction or burnout driving continued production._

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Dennis | person | Co-host of Pinball Show; makes predictions on manufacturer strategy, game quality, and industry dynamics; works in pinball sales/operations. |
| Zach Sharpe | person | Co-host of Pinball Show; frames 2026 as 'year of the video game'; develops Nintendo vs. Sega competitive narrative; speculates on designer announcements and manufacturer viability. |
| Stern Pinball | company | Major manufacturer; predicted to release Pokémon, Transformers, Fallout, and KISS remaster in 2026; executing Costco home edition strategy. |
| Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Expected to release Sonic in 2026; positioned as competitive rival to Stern (Sega to Stern's Nintendo); focus on video game IP. |
| Chicago Gaming Company | company | Predicted to collaborate with Play Mechanics and release Mark Richie design in 2026; possible Steve Richie swan song game discussed. |
| Spooky Pinball | company | Mentioned in context of 2026 announcements; host predicts no boutique product runs; focused on lower production and quality maintenance. |
| Barrels of Fun | company | Producing Winchester machines through summer 2026; rumored to announce new designer and possibly Dune sequel; small-run boutique production model. |
| Pinball Brothers | company | Predicted to cease new machine production in 2026; struggles with tariffs, quality reputation, and licensing track record post-Aliens. |
| American Pinball | company | Under new ownership; expected to announce new game and designer by year-end; positioned as rising competitor. |
| Home Pin | company | Predicted to stop pinball production but continue parts business; criticized for lack of passion and quality concerns. |
| George Gomez | person | Stern designer; rumored to co-design Pokémon with Jack Danger; mentioned in context of potential Batman 66 anniversary edition. |
| Jack Danger | person | Rumored Pokémon designer at Stern alongside George Gomez. |
| Elliot Eisman | person | Rumored Transformers designer at Stern; host skeptical he will design again. |
| Keith Elwin | person | Designer associated with Fallout (Stern); discussed as established, seasoned designer potentially in demand by American Pinball. |
| John Borg | person | Original KISS designer; potential lead on KISS remaster for Stern; noted for John Borg-centric design approach. |
| Mark Richie | person | Predicted to design modern pinball game for Chicago Gaming via Play Mechanics collab in 2026; motivated by Pulp Fiction design control limitations. |
| Steve Richie | person | Chicago Gaming founder/designer; predicted to design his last game in 2026; rumored interested in Top Gun as swan song. |
| Carl Balthazar | person | Associated with Barrels of Fun; predicted to contribute but not lead design in 2026; part-time designer role limits immediate leadership. |
| Christopher Franchi | person | Artist; speculation about new art package design for potential Batman 66 anniversary edition. |
| Play Mechanics | company | Rumored to collaborate with Chicago Gaming on Mark Richie design in 2026; holds Halo license; mentioned for design tooling. |
| Multimorphic | company | Mentioned in context of Scott Denise working across multiple companies; designer availability question. |
| Pokémon | game | Stern's expected 2026 title; rumored to release home edition at Costco; central to 'year of the video game' thesis. |
| Sonic | game | Jersey Jack Pinball's expected 2026 title; video game IP; central to competitive narrative vs. Stern's Pokémon. |
| Fallout | game | Stern's fall 2026 release; based on Amazon Fallout series; designed by Keith Elwin; Western theme; discussed as license choice surprise. |

### Topics

- **Primary:** 2026 Stern Pinball pipeline and releases, Jersey Jack Pinball Sonic competitive positioning, Video game IP licensing trend (Pokémon, Sonic, Fallout), Remaster strategy and KISS remaster prediction, Designer availability and new designer announcements
- **Secondary:** Manufacturer viability and potential closures, Costco distribution strategy for home editions, Chicago Gaming Play Mechanics collaboration

### Sentiment

**Mixed** (0.62) — Hosts express excitement about 2026 ('ginormous seller,' 'wonderful, beautiful content') for video game titles and competitive dynamics, but tempered skepticism about specific games (KISS remaster, Pinball Brothers viability), design concerns, and industry saturation. Criticism of Pinball Brothers and Home Pin evident. Overall optimism about major releases counterbalanced by pessimism about market consolidation and manufacturer sustainability.

### Signals

- **[announcement]** Pokémon, Transformers, and Fallout confirmed/strongly predicted as Stern 2026 releases (confidence: high) — Hosts state 'nobody's refuted' Fallout; Pokémon and Transformers treated as accepted pipeline facts based on pattern and insider knowledge.
- **[product_strategy]** Stern executing Costco home edition strategy, with Pokémon home edition predicted for 2026 (confidence: high) — Hosts note pattern and licensing rationale; alignment with prior Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Pokémon home strategies.
- **[machine_intel]** KISS remaster likely 2026 announcement based on Stern's Batman 66/Ghostbusters teaser on Facebook (confidence: high) — Host notes Stern's teaser post about 2016 games and current teasing patterns; both hosts converge on KISS prediction.
- **[competitive_signal]** 2026 framed as Nintendo vs. Sega console war analog: Stern (Pokemon/Nintendo) vs. JJP (Sonic/Sega) (confidence: medium) — Hosts develop narrative theme; content creation opportunity noted; JBS show credited for validation.
- **[market_signal]** Significant video game IP licensing trend across manufacturers in 2026 (Pokémon, Sonic, Fallout, potential Halo/Resident Evil) (confidence: high) — Hosts emphasize 'year of the video game' thesis; multiple sources validate (JBS show, industry rumblings); attributed to unsatisfied market hunger.
- **[rumor_hype]** Speculation on designer availability and American Pinball's next designer (mentions Keith Elwin, homebrew designers, potential seasoned talent) (confidence: low) — Host quoting American Pinball's willingness to recruit external talent; discussion remains speculative with multiple options floated.
- **[sentiment_shift]** Negative sentiment toward Pinball Brothers' future; prediction of 2026 production cessation (confidence: medium) — Hosts cite tariff impact (15% premium), post-Aliens licensing failures, quality reputation, market saturation; convergence on viability concerns.
- **[personnel_signal]** Steve Richie predicted to design final game in 2026; Mark Richie collab with Play Mechanics for modern design anticipated (confidence: medium) — Host predicts Steve's swan song; references Pulp Fiction design control issues motivating Mark's return; mentions budget/vision as factors.
- **[business_signal]** Concerns about manufacturer market saturation; prediction of 2-4 new manufacturers and at least one closure in 2026 (confidence: medium) — Hosts discuss crowded space; Pinball Brothers named for closure; Home Pin production stop predicted; American Pinball resurgence positioning.
- **[rumor_hype]** Rumors of Halo (Chicago Gaming/Play Mechanics), Resident Evil (unnamed manufacturer), and other video game IPs in development (confidence: low) — Hosts mention hearing rumors; Halo described as 'head-scratchy theme'; Play Mechanics holds license; unconfirmed sourcing.
- **[design_philosophy]** KISS remaster may lean on John Borg's original design rather than pure remake approach; pattern discussion of Stern remasters (confidence: medium) — Hosts discuss KISS breaking pattern of recent remasters; note Borg's original design influence and Lyman assist.
- **[industry_signal]** Tariff implications (15% premium on overseas manufacturers) affecting Pinball Brothers and international competition (confidence: medium) — Hosts cite tariff burden on international companies; referenced as factor in Pinball Brothers' market struggles.

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## Transcript

 Warning, the following episode contains adult language and screaming goats. Listener discretion is advised. Thanks again for the ongoing support as a Pinball Show Club member. Enjoy this exclusive TPS content and make sure to visit the Pinball Show Club Discord to chat about the bonus material. Dennis, they want more predictions. Why? It wasn't enough for them. It was a lot. I know. Aren't they tired? Aren't they tired? I'm tired. I'm so tired. All right. If we think Pokemon's coming next from Stern, do we really think Transformers is after that? Actually, yeah, I do think so. I kind of do, too. I don't know why. And I think Transformers, if it's the animated one, could be a really fun theme. If it's Gen 1, there's a different generation. So it actually isn't as samey as it might sound. Yeah, I agree. With Pokemon, I'm assuming it's based off the video game, not the old cartoon. But I don't know. I think Pokemon will probably be like a general, a general, like it's not going to be the Nintendo game, but it's going to be like the general cartoony world of Pokemon. They're going to lean into the assets that they can get of the individual monsters themselves kind of thing and Ash and all that. But Transformers, I think, could be fun. And the rumor is what, Elliot Elliot Eismin, I believe. I've heard that a couple times, but I'm still kind of in the boat that he doesn't design a game again. We'll see. We already called the whole Pokemon Home Edition at Costco. I think that's going to happen. I really do. It makes a lot of sense. Yeah. I think that that was probably some of the draw of spending what they probably had to spend for the license in and of itself. They were like, look, we're going to also be doing a home model of Costco. it probably matches better to that IP holder's product offerings anyway. They might have been more excited about that than they were the coin op option, frankly. So I think that is a perfect fit. Fallout, do we really think there's going to be a Fallout? I mean, nobody's refuted it at this point. I know. And they probably would have. I still think it's a little like it's it's the license I'm most excited to see what would happen with of these three we've just discussed. But I'm still surprised they would do it. However, usually the rumors about Stern seem to be pretty accurate. So, yeah, I do think it will be the fall release. But I do. And the reason that I also think it's the Amazon series is because Stern loves doing the first two seasons of a show as a pinball machine. That is true. Stranger Things. I hope the call-outs are the Okie Dokie Girl, your favorite. Okie Dokie. People in your call-outs. I could fucking care less about call-outs. But we had Stranger Things, and what was the other game? There was a couple other games. The first two seasons are what we got. Was Walking Dead the first two? Yep, Walking Dead was the first two. Star Trek was the first two movies. Okay, first two movies. There was another one. Was Game of Thrones? It might have been. I don't remember. It's so far back. I don't remember. I didn't originally watch Game of Thrones. I came in when season two was wrapping up and watched season one then. Did you watch the new season, first episode? Or the new series? No, I haven't seen that yet. No. I just watched it. I didn't want to like it, but I'm like, okay. I kind of like this character. I kind of like it's a more tongue-in-cheek tone to it. Yeah, I kind of liked it. Okay, where are we at? Oh, yeah, yeah. Remastered. Now everybody's like, it's going to be ACDC. And then now everybody's saying it's going to be KISS. And then Stern recently was like, did you see that thing on their Facebook page where they were like, hey, 10 years ago, back in 2016, we came out with Batman 66 and Ghostbusters. Were those great games that we made? and I'm like, I did a little post that was like, don't tease me kind of thing. I think it's Kiss. I do too. Unfortunately, Kiss is a fun game. I think it'll do fine. It'll do good sales-wise. I mean, nothing's going to do as bad as Walking Dead did. I mean, I guess if they do Striker Extreme, but... I think it may be, it'll be lucky to be like a Metallica levels of sales. Metallica didn't. I mean, yeah. The only thing I have with KISS is that it breaks what they've been doing. Granted, we've had a whole two of let's take advantage of Lyman games. But it still leans into John Borg. That's true. And I believe that Lyman did come on the back end to assist a little bit. That's too tenuous to be something they can sell it on, though. Yeah, sure. But I still think it's KISS. It wouldn't be my pick, but I think it would do well enough. And it's a fun game. I really do like KISS as a game, actually. Every time we get one in on trade, I'm like, man, this is – you know what? Another game we recently got in on trade, another board game that I think is just grossly underappreciated is Aerosmith. Aerosmith, yeah. The pro. Like the upper play field and the premium LE just really does nothing. But the looks are cool. But, man, that is a solid ass. Even Lonnie's rules, nothing crazy, but it's just a really solid game, really fun game. So Kiss, I think, Kiss could do okay. But here's the one I want to throw out there. We are in an anniversary year of a game that I've been calling to be vaulted, to bring out of the vault for a long, long time. and that is Batman 66 I think we're due for another run of them but what better than I think the 75th anniversary I believe or 70th anniversary maybe I don't know 70 75th anniversary there's an anniversary coming up this year 2026 of Batman 66 and I think that's it I think that is the Jaws 50th anniversary game this year and I think it's going to sell like gangbusters. It's going to be fantastic seller. But do they do an even more special edition? I don't think Batman 66. Could you say Batman 66? Anniversary edition coming out this year? No, I don't think so. They'll want to come out with something. Let's see. Well, it is the 20th anniversary of King Kong from the Peter Jackson version Oh, yeah So, I think it's more likely to see an anniversary edition of King Kong Than it is to go back and do Batman again Okay so let look at Batman just do the math would be the 60th anniversary Okay So that interesting And if you're saying a prediction of George Gomez leading by the end of the year, maybe he goes out with one hell of a bang in his dream theme, Batman 66. New art package by Christopher Franchi? Just saying. No. No. You think that'll make it into the chatter around the horn? No. It will. It'll just be like, rumors are coming. All right, Jersey Jack, pinball. If it is Sonic, will it be the best seller of the year or will it be a flop? No middle ground? Oh, forced choice there, my friend. It will not be the best. Okay. No, it will. I mean, no. Where do you think it falls? In what? The year? The year of other releases. I don't know what the other stuff is all going to be, Zach. There's too many variables. Here's what I'm willing to tell you. It sells better than every JJP except Potter, Guns N' Roses, and Wizard of Oz. Okay. So from their perspective, I would say yes, a success. Compared to Harry Potter, absolutely not. remotely match it. Will it pass GNR? I don't think so. Mesa not going out on a limb. What? No, I am. I'm going out on a limb. A sturdy limb close to the ground. Well, look, they can't all be risk takers here. Okay, alright. Do you think it will be a better game than Elton John? No. This one's legs are going to all be its license. But you think it'll sell more than Elton John? I do, because it's a better license. And there's a hunger for video game licenses in this hobby that the manufacturers have refused to satiate. Do you think it will outsell any of the Stern Cornerstones? I think it will. Fallout, yes. well but if fallout's elwynn maybe not it has a chance it has a chance just one of them i think yes maybe the worst selling one the problem is like i don't think it outsells pokemon um maybe gen 1 transformers maybe i don't know transformers has a lot of nostalgia sonic kind of does you have to understand a lot of people didn't play sonic because it was on sega systems. So Nintendo people didn't play Sonic until later in life when the games got bad. We did get a little pickup from, shout out to the JBS show, Jamie Burchill and Cale and Ralph. They did bring up some of our discussion and me staking the flag in 2026 being the year of the video game. And I think there is some truth to that. They even brought up some additional examples. I think they said something about the Resident Evil rumor from that new manufacturer. And there was another one I was like, oh, that's even more to the point that I was making. But I will dig in even more and say that, and I've kind of discussed this before, but think about what we're facing in 2026, viewer. This is what we all grew up, not what we all grew up, many of us grew up with. That is Nintendo versus Sega. Console war. Stern versus JJP. And, oh, by the way, if the rumors are true, Stern is the Nintendo, and they do have the Pokemon. JJP is the Sega, this up-and-comer who surprises with this new console, and they may have Sonic all in the same year coming out. This writes itself. We are going to have so much wonderful, beautiful content. It's content creators here in Pinball for the year of the video game Pinball. That's pretty cool, isn't it? It's interesting. Nintendo versus... Oh, man. It's going to be exciting. I think it's going to be a ginormous seller. I think it's really going to be a good seller. There is somebody, I won't name who, in our company that doesn't think it's going to be a good seller. They also don't think Pokemon's going to translate if it is Pokemon. They're wrong. They're wrong. Spooky Pinball. We talked about what we think is potentially coming next. But I want to throw this one out here. I predict that they're also they also will announce a small run of a boutique product or game. I don't know when they're going to make it. They don't have time. But I think they're getting a taste for something else maybe. Nope. Not saying shipping. Nope. Nope. Nope. They used to do this. It didn't work out. I don't think they're going back to it. They're all about lower production now, keeping the quality high. They don't want to keep their eye off the ball. This is a barrels domain, not theirs. Okay. So I will disagree on this prediction. You almost convinced me. Because I shook my head really hard. I know. I felt it. But I'll stick with it. My neck's sore now because I'm old. The discs, I feel like I squished all what's left of my discs. You know you're old when you get dizzy doing that. Okay. Barrels of fun, speaking of. We talked about we have no clue what they're bringing to the market. Mm-hmm. But do they have another surprise up their sleeve like they did in 2025? I think they will. I think it will be a small run of Boutique product or game What will it be? Not quite sure But they're going to be Making Winchesters until the summer at least Yeah They might have a main release A little 500 game Especially if it's around Expo That they reveal the sequel to Their Dune game You know I think they could Do you think Carl's the designer then? No. No, I think we have to wait one more year. Whoa. Okay. Because this isn't his full-time thing. God bear in mind. That's interesting because I think most people will think that it's the Carl game. And it could be. But, you see, the limbs are getting flimsier now that I'm standing on them. Now you're out there. Far. Okay. That's right. You might be on to something. I do think that Carl's now part of that team. So even if he's not lead on anything, he's going to be contributing to a significant degree. I think that's reasonable. But then who will design it? Do you think there's another designer that potentially will be announced in 2026 for Barrels of Fun? Yes, I do. I'm going to leave that prediction to you. Chicago Gaming Company. Are we going to get another collab? Are they going to announce another remake Are we going to see another Play Mechanics collab like they did with Pulp Fiction I don think we going to see another collab this year I do think that they will announce another run of Attack from Mars remakes. Hey, that would do well. I'm going to... I'm going to play the other side. I think we will see a collab with Play Mechanics this fall and I do think that we're going to see Mark Ritchie design another game and I do think that this time It's going to be more contemporary, modern pinball than the retro feel. I think because he wanted to do that with Pulp Fiction, didn't get to because he got Tarantino'd. So I think he's going to be like, damn it. I'm just as good as the designer as my brother. I'm going to show him. And then we're going to have this year the Battle of the Modern Richies and potentially Steve Ritchie's last designed game. that's do you think it is his last design game no but i want it to be i want it to be you know what no i think it is i think this will be his last year really i think i think i i think you know you gotta like when you're well into the ability to retire what he said two years ago about like totally feeling not like two years is now a long time like it that he's like you know what i i got to do my i got to do elton john um i got to have the budget i wanted uh if he's getting in a more action adventure theme as a swan song style stuff like i think maybe it'll be finally like yes i i got to have my vision put down but i'm tired of all these whippersnappers who disagree with me um you know he's always fought with his design teams i think what would be great and they already said it couldn't happen but I would love to see JJP find a way to give his swan song being the thing that he wants to do, which is top gun. Yeah. I heard it was just not feasible, letting him go. Yeah. Walk into the distance with air near, near, near, near the spiritual sequel to F14. Where you at goose? Okay. But, um, so is Chicago gaming company, than the Xbox against J.J.P.'s Sega against Nintendo and – Oh, yeah, Microsoft. That big old – I've been hearing the rumor of Halo. Halo, yeah. I mean – That's what I'm hearing, rumor. It's an interesting – it's a very popular franchise. That's a head-scratchy theme for me. Yeah, it's been a while since there was a game. The last game didn't go over very well, multiplayer aside. I thought they were done making them. But Play Mechanics has that license for the video game stuff. I think having it is quite doable. That's not been my concern. I don't think that theme sells by itself. I think it has to be a loaded game that's awesome. They have the old scores. It had really popular music. Do you think Pinball Brothers is really going to have it? I don't know what 80s title, but that's kind of the rumor, the rumblings. They have another 80s title. yeah no you want me to get up on an even flimsier uh limb blood sport where are you going here no there won't be another game from them they're done wow okay so i make one suggestion about your limb being low to the ground ever since aliens nothing's working nothing just hanging out like they're finally gonna be like you know what? We are not a bunch of venture capital bros. We're done. We're done. I can see him doing Bloodsport. I can see him doing Karate Kid. Okay. I don't think so. Ishtar maybe. Short Circuit? Okay, I could see Short Circuit. Johnny Five Alive? Number five is alive! Did they just They tear his ass up on a sequel Remember those guys And they like take him apart And the guy's like no My gosh I love that movie You know what Hey Pinball Brothers Zach here Let's talk Do a collab on a short circuit Yeah I don't know what they were going to do We got to bear in mind Like the tariff stuff hits overseas companies harder. And while, you know, when we did our recap, when everyone was losing their minds was when the initial tariff, you know, because it got it got turned down, not off, but turned down right after that. But it's just hard for them to everyone who wants to buy one has to pay this 15 percent premium on them now at 15 percent is a lot. And that their games just – they don't have the reputation on build quality that some of the other companies do. Not seen as bad, but I'm just saying they're not known for great build quality. And every license they've done since Aliens has been either a miss of a license or Queen, which was a miss of a game. And it's like, I just don't – Zach, it's a crowded space. I don't think there's room for another – especially if American Pinball is going to rise up like a phoenix. That's not really the Phoenix sound, but we're going to use it And they're going to rise up and start putting out product Where does Pinball Brothers fit In this pantheon of manufacturers There are too many of them American Pinball Kaka, no Kaka, no No, it's not You say kaka I say na-na Na-na way Speaking of American Pinball Turn of the cup Do you think we see a new designer announced this year? Yes, if they do actually end up telling us what their next game is going to be. I do think we will know the designer. So if they get that, like we discussed on the main show, if at least the game is revealed by end of year, we will know the designer. I do think it will be new. On the interview, the audio interview that the Flip N Out Pinball podcast did, he was like, I'm not opposed to going out and getting a great designer. He's like, I'm not sure that anybody's going to leave where they're at. But he was like, Keith Owen, if you're listening, let's talk. I was like, damn. That's brilliant. You know, the low-hanging fruit here would be to approach Dennis Nordman. Oh, no. No. If Dennis is willing to work with American Pinball again now that it's under new ownership, that would be an option. If he wants a name, he thinks the name is going to help move units. I just don't. Or – Return of the Balser? No. No. Or a return of Balser or Jon Norris, younger than those two, I believe. I think Turner doing Merlin was solely because they own the assets from Deep Root. I don't think anything is – Scott Danesi? Yeah, it's just... What about Scott Danesi I just don see Scott Scott already is doing stuff with both Multimorphic and Spooky I don think he wants to work with a third company What about Homebrew guy? That's very possible. Kyle Smith? Kyle Smith? What's it called? What did Kyle do? He did Friday the 13th, Homebrew, and then his follow-up was? Big Trouble in Little China. Thank you. Big Trouble Little China. Who did the, what was it, the, was it the Around the World in 80 Days? Oh, I don't know about that one. I mean, there's a lot of. There's a lot of. The Overwatch guy. Yeah. Look, there are a lot of good potential. The Pokemon guy. The Harry Potter guy. There are a lot of good potential homebrew guys out there. But you don't know what you're getting. That's where I'm like, if you're like, I got to, I'm trying to build. I want somebody seasoned. Remember, he's saying he wants to build trust. Yeah, I want seasoned. The caped canary of the coal mine is the best trust because if Nordman leaves, you know that trouble's a-brewin'. I am the Silver Ball Knight. You have to trust my judgment. I gave you, Galactic Tank Force, the most adorable little baby tank ever to roll for ants. Papa? I love that title. Papa? Papa, why did you leave me in Pinball Alley? Why did you die on me, Papa? Me so hungry for ice cream. With Mama. I would never allow Jar Jar to go on a sexual orgy spree of doom. I bring whimsy and fun into pinball, not pornography. Big Bang Bar. Oh. I don't know who else they could get. Who could they get? Lawler. No. Then 10 years later, they get to – Do you think you could pay Eric Meunier enough to jump sides? No, because I think he's the one calling the shots now at JJP on the – like he's their Gomez now, right? Now that Lawler is gone. Yeah, that's true. I think he's – no, I don't think so. I don't know where he's going to find these people. I think for Menier, it's like with Elwin. Like, I think there's a part of them because I don't I mean, I don't know that either of them. But if it was me, like, I like the idea of people actually owning my games like in volume. I would want to be with a bigger player. What about John Borg? No, I don't think so. Brian Nitti? Why would they want him? Ouch, man. I would. Okay. Do we see in 2026 any new manufacturers? It seems like every new. So we're not counting American Pinball as new. Nope. Sure. Why not? I do too. I do too. It's not a bad idea. I see at least two, if not more. It's going to happen. and it's going to be a mess. Do you think any manufacturers will throw in the towel this year? I already said yes. Yeah, Pimble Brothers. I'll say yes, but I won't say who. Of course not. Those limbs are pretty flimsy up at the top of the tree, Zach. You want to stay down where it's safe. I get in so much trouble. Of course you do. A year in review for me is like who else has an issue with me now? I don't want that. Do you think we'll see – I want to – interesting twist on this because you've been in content creation even longer than selling pinball machines. Do you think we see the rise of any new pinball channels, any maybe based in Hawaii? Yeah, I do. I don't know if it will make a blip, but attempts will be made. at, yeah. I don't, I think a new manufacturer, or a manufacturer will throw in the towel, but I won't say who. It may or may not surprise you. I don't know. I'm just guessing. You want me to give you another guess besides Pinball Brothers? Sure. Home Pin. I'll say Home Pin. I'm not saying they'll go out of business. Smoldering fire will keep them. What I'm saying is they will not make any more pinball machines, but they'll still do parts and stuff. It would be for the best. It would be for the best. I swear he builds them out of spite now because he clearly doesn't love it. Here's my other prediction. In my opinion. Maybe from a new company that we don't know yet. Or maybe CGC, Pedretti, or somebody we don't know. I think we may see a new remake. I think that's reasonable. A new remake. not from CGC or Pedretti. Not that. Wow. Yep. Okay. We will have to wait and see. A lot of predictions. Put ourselves out there. You know what? I put myself out more than you did. They did give us some credit for us, me really saying, hey, we need an illustrative thing on who picked what games from the content creators this year's best of, you know, and all the categories and stuff, or to even get in a video thing and do an episode there by chatting about why their picks, they think they're right or wrong or anything. They were like, that's actually a fantastic idea. But then all of them quicker were like, not it. I don't fucking do that. I told you that would be the answer. No one's going to do it. It's a pain in the ass, and you know it, or else you would have done it. I thought Ralph would moderate or something. He's good at that stuff. Just volunteer, Ralph. Ralph's busy. I know he is. Kale. Ralph's – Jamie. Kale's got a whole arcade to run. I know. I just don't want to do it. Can we at least – everybody – I don't want to – I was about to give our email out. I don't want to – I just want a visual of who picked what with a little Excel spreadsheet, but really nice. Formatted, illustrated. Maybe Franch will draw it up. Just really nice to show the categories and what content creators. We're so deep into 2026 now, we just got to move on from this. Oh, but I want it. The Twippies aren't until June anyway. Are they, John? Come on. God bless those. That was always a weird thing. I mean, I got wanting to be at a big show, but oh my God. It's like nobody cared anymore. All right. I'm going to go watch some football. I don't know about you. Go Broncos? No, I don't cheer for the Broncos. I'd rather the NFC win now. You know what I got to say to that? Who, who, who, who's yours? Yay. You probably like that little ad where they do the Georgia Bulldogs and the guy's barking at his boss that they always show on Amazon. I hate that ad. It's terrible. Go Dawgs. Thanks, everybody, for the support. You can turn it off.

_(Acquisition: groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 14491f4f-6f4f-425f-bfd3-267fb76efee6*