# Is it worth going to Pinball Expo 2024?

**Source:** RetroRalph  
**Type:** video  
**Published:** 2024-08-02  
**Duration:** 6m 23s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsiT-DqDVfs

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## Analysis

RetroRalph provides a comprehensive guide to Pinball Expo 2024, highlighting it as the premier annual pinball event with factory tours, vendor booths, panel sessions, and major manufacturer showcases. He emphasizes the community aspect, factory tour opportunities at Stern, Jersey Jack, American Pinball, and Chicago Gaming, and an official visit to Galloping Ghost Arcade. Key rumors mention Stern potentially showcasing X-Men 97, with speculation about new games from Jersey Jack, American Pinball, and Spooky Pinball at the 40th anniversary event.

### Key Claims

- [MEDIUM] Pinball Expo is the best pinball show available — _RetroRalph's personal assessment based on four years of attendance; subjective opinion_
- [HIGH] Stern Pinball typically aligns major game releases with Pinball Expo — _Historical pattern observation; Godzilla was showcased at first post-pandemic show, establishing precedent_
- [HIGH] Pinball Expo is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 — _Explicitly stated multiple times; significant milestone for the event_
- [HIGH] Barrels of Fun debuted with Labyrinth at last year's Pinball Expo — _Direct observation; described as 'brand new pinball company' introduction at previous expo_
- [HIGH] Factory tours available for Stern, Jersey Jack, American Pinball, and Chicago Gaming — _Official tour offerings described as part of 2024 programming_
- [HIGH] Galloping Ghost Arcade has nearly 1,000 arcade games — _Specific facility claim about the arcade's game collection_
- [LOW] Rumor circulating that Stern will showcase X-Men 97 at Expo 2024 — _Explicitly framed as rumor; RetroRalph expresses uncertainty ('But your guess is as good as mine')_
- [LOW] Jersey Jack, American Pinball, and Spooky Pinball may showcase new games at 2024 Expo — _Described as 'rumors swirling around'; speculative and unconfirmed_

### Notable Quotes

> "it's the best pinball show there is. If you're looking to get your first introduction into pinball or you're a seasoned player who's been in the hobby forever, there's something here for everyone."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~0:30
> _Core thesis statement about Expo's broad appeal across skill levels_

> "Stern Pinball always has the largest presence at this show, and they always bring the excitement by aligning a major game release with the show."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~1:00
> _Establishes Stern's strategic importance and pattern at the event_

> "You never know who you're going to bump into. Jack Danger, Gary Stern, Keith Elwin, Brian Eddy, just to name a few. So don't be shy. Trust me, they're there to geek out with us."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~1:40
> _Highlights accessibility to industry celebrities and encourages community engagement_

> "This is the 40th anniversary, so you know there will be surprises."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~2:20
> _Frames the milestone nature and expectation-setting for 2024_

> "It's the mecca of pinball. You might as well."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~4:00
> _Emphasizes Chicago's historical importance to pinball manufacturing_

> "At the end of the day, it's the people that make the hobby what it is."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~11:30
> _Core philosophy about community being central to pinball hobby value_

> "for those moments you spend here, you'll just be transported into a time and place where the only thing you care about is what game you're going to play next."
> — **RetroRalph**, ~12:50
> _Captures the immersive, escapist appeal of the Expo experience_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Pinball Expo | event | Annual pinball industry convention in Chicago celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024; features manufacturer showcases, factory tours, vendor booths, panel sessions, and community gathering |
| Stern Pinball | company | Largest manufacturer presence at Pinball Expo; known for aligning major game releases with the event; multiple employees attend to engage with community |
| Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Manufacturer rumored to showcase new game at 2024 Expo; offering factory tours |
| American Pinball | company | Manufacturer rumored to showcase new game at 2024 Expo; offering factory tours |
| Spooky Pinball | company | Manufacturer rumored to have new games or announcements at 2024 Expo |
| Chicago Gaming Company | company | Pinball manufacturer offering factory tours at 2024 Expo |
| Barrels of Fun | company | New pinball company that debuted at previous Pinball Expo with Labyrinth game; speculated to potentially showcase new game at 2024 Expo |
| Galloping Ghost Arcade | organization | Chicago-area arcade venue with approximately 1,000 classic arcade games; featured on official Pinball Expo tour itinerary |
| Galloping Ghost Pinball | organization | Pinball-focused venue located near Galloping Ghost Arcade; houses classic and new machines including rare Varkon and Predator prototype |
| Fun with Pinball | organization | Booth at Pinball Expo featuring hands-on interactive exhibit about pinball mechanics using retired machine parts |
| RetroRalph | person | Content creator covering pinball; attendee of Pinball Expo for past four years; has formed community connections through the event |
| Rob Burke | person | Pinball Expo creator; brings vintage electro-mechanical games and personal collection to the show |
| Gary Stern | person | Stern Pinball executive; mentioned as attending Pinball Expo and engaging with community |
| Keith Elwin | person | Pinball industry personality mentioned as attendee at Pinball Expo |
| Brian Eddy | person | Pinball industry personality mentioned as attendee at Pinball Expo |
| Jack Danger | person | Pinball industry personality mentioned as attendee at Pinball Expo |
| Doc Mac | person | Operator/curator of Galloping Ghost Arcade; recognized for preserving historical arcade games |
| X-Men 97 | product | Rumored upcoming Stern Pinball game potentially showcased at 2024 Expo; unconfirmed |
| Labyrinth | product | Barrels of Fun's debut pinball game; featured at previous Pinball Expo |
| Godzilla | product | Stern Pinball game showcased at first Pinball Expo after pandemic |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Pinball Expo 2024 event overview and attractions, Stern Pinball major showcase and rumored game releases, Factory tours and behind-the-scenes manufacturer access, Pinball community and social connections at the Expo
- **Secondary:** Rumored new games from Jersey Jack, American Pinball, and Spooky Pinball, Barrels of Fun new game speculation, Chicago pinball manufacturing heritage and historic locations, Galloping Ghost Arcade official tour and rare machines

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.92) — RetroRalph is enthusiastically promotional of Pinball Expo 2024, emphasizing the event's value, community, and attractions. No critical elements or concerns raised. Tone is encouraging and celebratory throughout, particularly around the 40th anniversary milestone.

### Signals

- **[event_signal]** Pinball Expo functions as major networking and community-building hub for pinball enthusiasts across skill levels (confidence: high) — RetroRalph describes forming friendships, making connections, and being part of something meaningful; discusses community atmosphere as central value
- **[event_signal]** Official guided tour to Galloping Ghost Arcade scheduled as part of 2024 Expo programming (confidence: high) — RetroRalph states: 'This year they're doing an official visit to Galloping Ghost Arcade' with noted Tuesday tour option
- **[event_signal]** Pinball Expo 2024 is the 40th anniversary milestone, expected to feature special surprises and announcements (confidence: high) — RetroRalph emphasizes multiple times: 'It's the 40th anniversary, so you know there will be surprises' and 'It's the 40th anniversary, so in my opinion, you won't want to miss the show this year.'
- **[announcement]** Barrels of Fun previously debuted with Labyrinth at prior Pinball Expo; potential for new game announcement at 2024 event (confidence: medium) — RetroRalph confirms Barrels of Fun debut last year with Labyrinth, then speculates: 'Will they showcase a new game at this year's Pinball Expo? Maybe'
- **[rumor_hype]** Rumors that Jersey Jack Pinball, American Pinball, and Spooky Pinball will showcase new games at 2024 Expo (confidence: low) — RetroRalph: 'there are all kinds of rumors swirling around that Jersey Jack Pinball will be there with a new game and so will American Pinball and Spooky Pinball'
- **[rumor_hype]** Rumors circulating that Stern will showcase X-Men 97 at Pinball Expo 2024 (confidence: low) — RetroRalph states: 'But the rumor is X-Men 97. But your guess is as good as mine.' Explicitly framed as unconfirmed speculation.

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## Transcript

Are you on the fence about going to Pinball Expo 2024 and you're not sure what to expect? Well, this video is for you. I've personally attended this show for the past four years and let me tell you, it's the best pinball show there is. If you're looking to get your first introduction into pinball or you're a seasoned player who's been in the hobby forever, there's something here for everyone. The first time I attended this show was their first time back from the pandemic and the game that was showcased was Godzilla. Stern Pinball always has the largest presence at this show, and they always bring the excitement by aligning a major game release with the show. What will Stern be showcasing this year? We're not sure, but the rumor is X-Men 97. But your guess is as good as mine. But whatever it is, it's usually very exciting to be hanging out in the Stern area. Lots of awesome people just playing the latest Stern games, and the Stern area really never disappoints. You will typically see a ton of Stern employees around, and they want to talk to you and get your feedback. So you never know who you're going to bump into. Jack Danger, Gary Stern, Keith Elwin, Brian Eddy, just to name a few. So don't be shy. Trust me, they're there to geek out with us. Don't miss your opportunity to say hi and share your love of pinball with them. They want to hear from you. Before I forget, this is the 40th anniversary, so you know there will be surprises. Last year, we got to see the introduction of a brand new pinball company called Barrels of Fun. They featured their first game based on the cult classic movie Labyrinth. Will they showcase a new game at this year's Expo? Maybe but you going to have to attend to find out Look and if that not enough there all kinds of rumors swirling around that Jersey Jack will be there with a new game and so will American Pinball and Spooky Pinball so I have no idea what to expect, but the excitement will be at an all-time high. It's the 40th anniversary, so in my opinion, you won't want to miss the show this year. Maybe you've been here for a while and you want to take a break from the show floor and do a factory tour. I mean, you are in the Chicagoland area after all. This is the mecca of pinball. You might as well. How often will you have an opportunity like this? There will be factory tours of Chicago Gaming Company, American Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, and Stern Pinball. So do one of them. Do all of them. Your choice. But either way, you're going to get a behind-the-scenes look that you probably couldn't get anywhere else and see how your favorite pinball machines are made. What else can you do? Well, this year they're doing an official visit to Galloping Ghost Arcade. If you've never been there, let me tell you, it's an experience to see almost a thousand arcade games under one roof. It's mind-blowing. And shout out to Doc Mac and the Galloping Ghost team for doing what they do to keep these historical games alive in their original form for us to enjoy the way it was intended. But Galloping Ghost doesn't just have arcade games. Just a few blocks down the street is Galloping Ghost Pinball. It's not huge, but they have a great selection of classic games and some new pinball machines too. I love going because they have a game called Varkon. Only 90 of these were made and it a cool vertical style pinball machine that has joysticks to control the flippers instead of buttons Definitely a unique experience and if you there you should check it out He also has a one prototype predator pinball machine and a super cool joust head and you don see those that often. And there's a lot more so be sure to check out the pinball building and make the trek if you go. Oh and if you don't make it over on one of the official tours or the one on Tuesday you can easily drive yourself over there anytime during the show. Oh yeah not him not this guy. This guy's not driving. But back to the show itself, you'll find lots of vendors selling pinball parts, mods, and other neat things scattered throughout the show floor. So take your time. You never know what you're going to see. One of my favorite booths each year is the Fun with Pinball booth. It's a hands-on interactive experience that shows you how pinball works, all created from retired pinball machine parts. It's super cool and it covers the technology across the years that really made pinball possible. And if you have a curious mind like me, you'll be equally amazed at what's under the playfield that makes all your favorite games come to life. Okay, so what else? If you want to take a trip down pinball memory lane, Rob Burke, the show's creator, brings a lot of his older style electro mechanical games as well as other games in his collection for everyone to enjoy. So it's common to see games that you've never seen before and they're all on free play and accessible to you as a show attendee. There also lots of panel sessions to rest your feet and take a load off for a bit You find sessions about the making of your favorite games game repair community conversations game restoration how pinball history, and so much more. Then there's the obvious thing about shows like this, the people. You're going to be surrounded by people that share the same love and passion for pinball that you do. At the end of the day, it's the people that make the hobby what it is. If you're new here, I have no doubt that you'll leave Pinball Expo forming new friendships, making new connections, and feeling like you're a part of something more meaningful than just a box of lights and flippers. Heck, I've forged some amazing friendships because of this show. I look forward to seeing these people every year. Arcade Hollywood, Todd Tuckey, Ryan Blaine, Nick Madsen, Matt Stringer, Mason Conrad, Kerry Hardy, my buddy George, and Arcade Eric. Just to name a few. And many people I don't even know come up to me during the show to thank me for creating the content that I do. It's an awesome feeling and I have no doubt when you're here, you'll forget about your troubles, your worries, your hardships. And for those moments you spend here, you'll just be transported into a time and place where the only thing you care about is what game you're going to play next. I really hope to see you at Pinball Expo this year and I will see you on the next one. Thank you.

_(Acquisition: youtube_groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 393d555a-40f0-4799-853a-e6ebd5928e0a*