# STERN OF THE UNION ADDRESS – JUNE 2026

**Source:** Stern Pinball Website Newsfeed  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2026-06-02  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://wp.sternpinball.com/2026/06/02/stern-of-the-union-address-june-2026/

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## Analysis

Stern Pinball's June 2026 monthly newsletter announces the release of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye in collaboration with Hasbro, updates on Pokémon and Walking Dead Remastered code, expansion of Insider Connected benefits including free factory tours for All-Access members, and details on the Stern Pro Circuit 2026 season sponsored by Mountain Dew. The document highlights community initiatives including Location and Gameroom of the Month awards, Stern Army expansion efforts, and new merchandise offerings.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye has been released by Stern Pinball in collaboration with Hasbro — _Stern Pinball website newsfeed announcement_
- [HIGH] Transformers will make its public debut at three simultaneous events: IGN Live, Summer Games Fest: Play Days, and the Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show — _Official Stern announcement of public debut locations_
- [HIGH] Pokémon by Stern Pinball is currently making its way into homes and locations globally — _Official status update in June 2026 newsletter_
- [HIGH] Stern is offering free factory tours to All-Access Insider Connected members (1 free tour per year for member + 1 guest, additional guests $25 each) — _Official announcement of new All-Access perk in June 2026 newsletter_
- [HIGH] Pokémon by Stern Pinball (Pro and Premium) has been added to the Stern Rewards Program in partnership with the IFPA — _Official Stern Rewards Program update in June 2026 newsletter_
- [HIGH] Escher Lefkoff won the YEGPIN Stern Pro Circuit tournament victory for the year — _Official Stern Pro Circuit results announcement_
- [HIGH] The Stern Pro Circuit 2026 season is sponsored by Mountain Dew — _Official sponsorship announcement in June 2026 newsletter_
- [HIGH] SPIKE 3 Speaker Lights are now available for purchase from Stern — _Product availability announcement in merchandise section_

### Notable Quotes

> "TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine rolled out to incredible worldwide coverage"
> — **Stern Pinball**, June 2026
> _Official characterization of Transformers launch reception as highly successful with significant media coverage_

> "Ready to see where the magic happens? We're excited to announce that factory tour scheduling is now open exclusively for All-Access members with a paid subscription!"
> — **Stern Pinball**, June 2026
> _Announcement of new premium member benefit designed to increase All-Access subscription value and member engagement_

> "Spots are limited and will fill up fast—secure your visit to the Stern factory and see how the game is made!"
> — **Stern Pinball**, June 2026
> _Scarcity messaging used to drive demand for factory tour bookings and All-Access subscriptions_

> "The Stern Army continues to grow with troops spreading the gospel of pinball across the globe."
> — **Stern Pinball**, June 2026
> _Official characterization of Stern Army grassroots program as expanding and successful_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Stern Pinball | company | Major pinball manufacturer announcing product launches, updates, and business initiatives in June 2026 |
| Hasbro | company | Entertainment conglomerate collaborating with Stern on Transformers pinball machine licensing |
| Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye | game | New Stern Pinball machine based on Hasbro's Transformers franchise, released June 2026 |
| Pokémon by Stern Pinball | game | Licensed Stern Pinball game continuing global distribution in homes and locations, added to Stern Rewards Program |
| Walking Dead Remastered | game | Stern Pinball remaster receiving ongoing code updates referenced in June 2026 newsletter |
| John Wick | game | Stern Pinball licensed game mentioned in June 2026 newsletter status update |
| Insider Connected | product | Stern's digital connectivity platform expanded with new All-Access benefits including factory tours, launch parties, and quests |
| Stern Pro Circuit | event | Official Stern-sponsored tournament circuit with 2026 season sponsored by Mountain Dew |
| YEGPIN | event | Tournament location hosting Stern Pro Circuit competition won by Escher Lefkoff |
| Escher Lefkoff | person | Tournament champion who dominated YEGPIN Stern Pro Circuit competition and won circuit victory |
| International Flipper Pinball Association | organization | Partner with Stern on Rewards Program providing discount purchasing opportunities to qualifying IFPA players |
| Stern Army | organization | Stern's grassroots ambassador program expanding globally with priority shipments and community event support |
| Peter Bieniek | person | Winner of Stern's June 2026 Gameroom of the Month award |
| Transmitter Brewing | venue | Brooklyn, New York location winning Location of the Month award for June 2026 |
| IGN Live | event | Event hosting public debut of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye |
| Summer Games Fest: Play Days | event | Event hosting simultaneous public debut of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye |
| Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show | event | Event hosting simultaneous public debut of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye |
| Mountain Dew | company | 2026 Stern Pro Circuit official sponsor |
| SPIKE 3 | product | Stern pinball platform; SPIKE 3 Speaker Lights are now available for purchase |

### Signals

- **[announcement]** Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye officially released with simultaneous public debut at three major events (IGN Live, Summer Games Fest: Play Days, Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show) (confidence: high) — Stern official announcement of Transformers release and three-location public debut strategy in June 2026 newsletter
- **[business_signal]** Stern collaboration with Hasbro on Transformers IP signals major licensing deal with one of world's largest entertainment franchises (confidence: high) — Official announcement of Stern/Hasbro collaboration on Transformers pinball machine with 'incredible worldwide coverage'
- **[product_strategy]** Stern expanding Insider Connected All-Access membership value with exclusive factory tours (1 free + 1 guest annually, $25 per additional person) to drive subscription growth and member engagement (confidence: high) — Official announcement of new All-Access perk unlocking factory tour bookings with scarcity-based marketing ('Spots are limited and will fill up fast')
- **[community_signal]** Stern Army ambassador program continuing expansion globally with reported growth in local community chapters spreading pinball advocacy (confidence: high) — Official statement: 'The Stern Army continues to grow with troops spreading the gospel of pinball across the globe' with priority shipments and community support structure
- **[market_signal]** Pokémon by Stern Pinball in active global distribution across homes and location venues, added to Stern Rewards Program at Pro/Premium tiers (confidence: high) — Official status update: 'Pokémon by Stern Pinball continues to capture the attention of the world as games make their way into homes and location globally' and IFPA rewards program inclusion
- **[code_update]** Walking Dead Remastered and other Stern titles receiving ongoing code updates and bug fixes with mailing list for notifications and bug reporting channels (confidence: high) — Official statement: 'We are continuously working to update and improve software for our machines' with support email and bug reporting process documented
- **[competitive_signal]** Stern Pro Circuit 2026 season active with YEGPIN tournament won by Escher Lefkoff, sponsored by Mountain Dew partnership (confidence: high) — Official Stern Pro Circuit results announcement with Escher Lefkoff circuit victory and Mountain Dew sponsorship confirmation
- **[product_launch]** SPIKE 3 Speaker Lights now available for purchase as new aftermarket accessory to enhance SPIKE 3 platform machines (confidence: high) — Official merchandise announcement: 'SPIKE 3 Speaker Lights are now available to purchase, make your game stand out!'
- **[business_signal]** Stern deepening partnership with IFPA through expanded Stern Rewards Program including Pokémon Pro/Premium tiers, signaling commitment to competitive player base engagement (confidence: high) — Official announcement: 'The IFPA is excited to announce that Stern has added Pokémon by Stern Pinball, Pro and Premium, to the rewards program!'
- **[venue_signal]** Stern recognizing and promoting individual gameroom collectors and location venues through monthly award programs to build community investment in brand ecosystem (confidence: high) — Official Gameroom of the Month and Location of the Month award programs with call for submissions to [email protected]
- **[technology_signal]** Insider Connected platform continuing expansion with 15+ integrated titles, new quest systems, and digital connectivity features driving player engagement metrics (confidence: high) — Official marketing of Insider Connected app with emphasis on 'latest and greatest quests, official Stern Army Launch Parties' and implied platform growth trajectory

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## Transcript

STERN OF THE UNION ADDRESS – JUNE 2026 The Stern of the Union Address, your monthly resource for news, information and highlights on all things Stern Pinball. Without further ado my fellow pinheads: TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball: In collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., Stern Pinball revealed and released a new adrenaline-fueled pinball experience celebrating one of the most iconic and successful entertainment franchises in the world… TRANSFORMERS! TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets The Eye pinball machine rolled out to incredible worldwide coverage and will be making its public debut at three simultaneous events, IGN Live, Summer Games Fest: Play Days, and the Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show! Here’s some initial content and coverage that is more than meets the eye including, but not limited to, and many more! Pokémon by Stern Pinball: Pokémon by Stern Pinball continues to capture the attention of the world as games make their way into homes and location globally. Make sure you check out an official Stern Army launch party near you in the Insider Connected app for more details and locations! Best of luck Trainers! Also check out a recent stream with the team on the latest code here. The Walking Dead Remastered: Check out the latest code update and stream with the team on The Walking Dead Remastered! John Wick: John Wick! Insider Connected: Make sure you log in to see all of the latest and greatest quests, official Stern Army Launch Parties and more in the Insider Connected™ app. New All-Access Perk Unlocked: Book Your Free Stern Factory Tour! Ready to see where the magic happens? We’re excited to announce that factory tour scheduling is now open exclusively for All-Access members with a paid subscription! As a member, you get: • 1 FREE factory tour per year (Admission for you + 1 guest) • Additional guests or tours: just $25 per person During this one-hour, guided factory tour, you’ll: • Step behind the scenes at the Stern Pinball factory • Watch pinball machines come to life—from initial wiring to cabinet decaling • Learn about the craftsmanship, technology, and passion that power every Stern game • Experience an up-close look at the world’s leading pinball manufacturer How to Book 1. Click the link below to open the booking page 2. Log into your All-Access Insider Connected account using the link on the booking page 3. Choose your preferred date and time 4. Add any additional guests (optional) 5. Complete the checkout process in order to book your tour. Spots are limited and will fill up fast—secure your visit to the Stern factory and see how the game is made! Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Gameroom of the Month: Congrats to Peter Bieniek for winning Gameroom of the Month! Do you have a special home gameroom you want to share with the world? Submit your incredible gameroom directly to [email protected] for your chance to be featured as our next winner! Stern Army Updates: The Stern Army continues to grow with troops spreading the gospel of pinball across the globe. Stern Army locations receive first priority shipment of new Stern games for hosting official Launch Parties in addition to supporting events with prizes, giveaways, promotional materials, and tools for hosting recurring tournaments and leagues. Engage and expand your local pinball community and to join the Stern Army, please reach out to [email protected] Location of the Month: Congrats to Transmitter Brewing of Brooklyn, New York for winning Location of the Month! Do you have a special location you want to share with the world? Submit your pictures directly to [email protected] for your chance to be featured as our next winner! Stern Pro Circuit: Congrats to all competitors at this year’s YEGPIN Stern Pro Circuit tournaments! In the end, Escher Lefkoff dominated the competition for the circuit victory! For full details on the Stern Pro Circuit and to keep up with the current standings and schedule, please visit – https://wp.sternpinball.com/stern-pro-circuit/ Upcoming Stern Pro Circuit Events: Stern Pro Circuit 2026 Schedule: Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2026 season of the Stern Pro Circuit sponsored by Mountain Dew! Stern Rewards Program: In partnership with the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA), the Stern Rewards Program annually provides IFPA players who qualify the chance to purchase a new Stern Pinball machine at a special IFPA price plus the opportunity for additional Stern merchandise discounts. Detailed rules for the Stern Rewards Program, including an updated list of qualifiers and updated list of rewards available can be found HERE. The IFPA is excited to announce that Stern has added Pokémon by Stern Pinball, Pro and Premium, to the rewards program! Status of Code: We are continuously working to update and improve software for our machines. There are always code updates and bug fixes in various stages of development; we will release them upon update completion. If you would like to join our mailing list for code updates, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. If you do encounter any bugs please feel free to provide information to [email protected]. Get Connected and play! https://insider.wp.sternpinball.com/ Code updates and read me files are available at https://wp.sternpinball.com/support/game-code/ Merch and Accessories: SPIKE 3 Speaker Lights are now available to purchase, make your game stand out! Check out our Stern Shop for all accessories, collectibles, clothing and more! Stern Pinball accessories are also available to purchase from your local authorized dealer – https://wp.sternpinball.com/find-a-dealer/ Ask Jack Anything: You’ve got questions? Jack has answers! Ask Jack Anything* is a place to communicate more personably with us at Stern Pinball. Think of it as a digital suggestion box. Don’t be afraid to reach out about anything. It’s as anonymous as you want it to be! ⚡ Check out some of the latest episodes here! Random Tutorials, Interviews and more: Check out a slew of fun content, tutorials, and more!

_(Acquisition: web_scrape, Enrichment: v5)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-08-04 | Item ID: 49ee8f2c-3dcc-4a8b-9142-95a0f486300d*