# Help Wanted

**Source:** This Week in Pinball  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2026-03-13  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://twip.kineticist.com/p/help-wanted

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## Analysis

This Week in Pinball reports on a talent influx in the pinball industry, with major hires at American Pinball (Rob Rath, Nick Neitzel), Barrels of Fun (Kyle Smet), and Multimorphic (Kevin Manne) suggesting industry growth rather than decline. Texas Pinball Festival (March 20-22) is expected to see potential announcements from American Pinball, Jersey Jack, and others, though the reveal schedule may be quieter than typical. Pokémon Pro machines have a documented ball guide issue on Bulbasaur lane that Stern has internally addressed, and the IFPA expanded its competitive staff.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Rob Rath (The Electric Playground co-founder) joins American Pinball as Product Director while remaining GM of TEP — _This Week in Pinball reported the full story earlier in the week; Rath stays on at TEP as it expands to 4,000 sq ft and doubles production lines_
- [HIGH] Nick Neitzel, creator of Tony Hawk's Pro Pinball (2024 TWIPY Homebrew Game of the Year), joins American Pinball as Product Designer — _Announced by American Pinball; Neitzel will work with Creative Director Melvin Williams on remakes and original titles_
- [HIGH] Kyle Smet, creator of Big Trouble in Little China homebrew, was recently hired by Barrels of Fun — _Mentioned as part of broader talent acquisition trend in the industry_
- [HIGH] Pokémon Pro models have a left feed issue with a misinstalled orbit ball guide on Bulbasaur lane — _Operators reported the issue; George Gomez (Stern) publicly stated it has been addressed internally but hasn't reached the market yet_
- [MEDIUM] American Pinball rumored to announce Cirqus Voltaire remake at Texas Pinball Festival — _Speculation based on rumor mill; noted as first title under new ownership_
- [LOW] Dennis Nordman Whitewater sequel is rumored to be in development — _Mentioned as a possibility for TPF reveals from Turner, but highly speculative_
- [MEDIUM] Jack Guarnieri (Jersey Jack) is rumored to have Sonic the Hedgehog pinball in development with Steve Ritchie — _Described as 'rumors' that 'haven't died down'; Guarnieri known for surprise reveals (Harry Potter)_
- [HIGH] World Pinball is not on the Texas Pinball Festival exhibitor list, so their rumored Resident Evil game won't be there — _Directly observed from exhibitor floor map; inference about Resident Evil reveal timing is speculative_
- [HIGH] Noah Crable published a comprehensive Pokémon tutorial covering skill shots, story modes, catching mechanics, and Team Rocket multiball — _Published on Kineticist; specific content details provided_
- [MEDIUM] Hiring activity from homebrew, mods, accessories, and content creation areas into major manufacturers is accelerating — _Opinion from Will O'Neill (This Week in Pinball author) based on personal observation of network; acknowledged as anecdotal_

### Notable Quotes

> "But the AP news might be indicative of a bigger trend in the industry... there's a quiet war for talent happening at the fringes."
> — **Will O'Neill (This Week in Pinball)**
> _Frames the broader industry talent acquisition as a sign of growth, not decline_

> "For anyone pushing the 'pinball is dying' narrative (counter-narratives, right?), this looks a lot more like an industry that's ramping up."
> — **Will O'Neill**
> _Directly counters popular pessimism about the industry with evidence of growth_

> "George Gomez has publicly stated that the issue has been addressed internally at Stern, but obviously, that fix hasn't had time to get out into the market yet."
> — **Will O'Neill (reporting on George Gomez statement)**
> _Documents acknowledgment and internal resolution of Pokémon Pro manufacturing defect_

> "If it's something that requires a more serious fix, look to recent history with Star Wars: Fall of the Empire and the Death Star shot fix for how things could play out."
> — **Will O'Neill**
> _Historical parallel for how major manufacturing issues are typically resolved across game updates_

> "What might happen instead is a quieter TPF where people get quality time with the hyped new releases — Beetlejuice, Pokémon — rather than chasing a dozen new announcements."
> — **Will O'Neill**
> _Prediction that Texas Pinball Festival 2025 may prioritize engagement with current releases over new announcements_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Rob Rath | person | Co-founder of The Electric Playground; newly appointed Product Director at American Pinball; remains GM of TEP simultaneously |
| Nick Neitzel | person | Homebrew game designer; creator of Tony Hawk's Pro Pinball; won 2024 TWIPY Homebrew Game of the Year; newly appointed Product Designer at American Pinball |
| Kyle Smet | person | Creator of Big Trouble in Little China homebrew; recently hired by Barrels of Fun |
| Kevin Manne | person | Recently hired from Buffalo Pinball by Multimorphic |
| Melvin Williams | person | Creative Director at American Pinball; will work with Rath and Neitzel on remakes and original titles |
| George Gomez | person | Stern pinball designer; publicly addressed Pokémon Pro Bulbasaur lane ball guide issue |
| Noah Crable | person | Created comprehensive Pokémon pinball tutorial; published on Kineticist |
| Jack Guarnieri | person | Jersey Jack Pinball owner; known for surprise reveals (Harry Potter); rumored to have Sonic the Hedgehog in development |
| Steve Ritchie | person | Legendary pinball designer; rumored to be working on Sonic the Hedgehog with Jersey Jack |
| Dennis Nordman | person | Pinball designer; rumored to be developing Whitewater sequel |
| Christina Capra | person | North Carolina state representative for women's competitive pinball; joined IFPA staff; from Cape Fear Flipper club and Charlotte's Abari league |
| Emily Cosson | person | Australian competitive pinball player; hosts Australian Pinball Open; started Belles & Chimes league in Brisbane; joined IFPA staff |
| John Cosson | person | Emily Cosson's father; co-hosts Australian Pinball Open; Kineticist contributor |
| Tanner Petch | person | Created screen-printed Bad Cats poster for Nudge 6 limited edition |
| Will O'Neill | person | Author and editor of This Week in Pinball and Kineticist; reporting on industry trends and talent acquisition |
| American Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer; recently hired Rob Rath (Product Director) and Nick Neitzel (Product Designer); rumored first title is Cirqus Voltaire remake; under new ownership |
| Stern Pinball | company | Major pinball manufacturer; producing Pokémon; acknowledges and addressing Bulbasaur lane ball guide issue |
| Barrels of Fun | company | Pinball manufacturer; recently hired Kyle Smet; not expected to announce new titles at TPF |
| Multimorphic | company | Pinball manufacturer; recently hired Kevin Manne from Buffalo Pinball |
| Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer; Jack Guarnieri owner; rumored to have Sonic the Hedgehog in development; known for surprise reveals |
| The Electric Playground | company | Pinball arcade/location; co-founded by Rob Rath; expanding to 4,000 sq ft and doubling production lines |
| HEXA | company | Pinball manufacturer; launching Three Musketeers game; attending Texas Pinball Festival with new title |
| World Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer; rumored Resident Evil game; not on TPF exhibitor list |
| Texas Pinball Festival | event | Annual pinball industry expo; March 20-22, 2025 in Frisco; traditionally hosts major game announcements; expected to see potential reveals from AP, JJP, and others |
| IFPA | organization | International Flipper Pinball Association; expanded staff with two new team members focused on competitive pinball growth |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Industry Talent Acquisition & Hiring, Texas Pinball Festival 2025 Announcements & Expectations, Pokémon Pinball Manufacturing & Quality Issues, Homebrew-to-Professional Pipeline
- **Secondary:** Competitive Pinball Growth & IFPA Expansion, Rumored Upcoming Game Announcements, Industry Growth vs. Decline Narrative
- **Mentioned:** Kineticist Platform Expansion & Content Strategy

### Sentiment

**Neutral** (0)

### Signals

- **[personnel_signal]** American Pinball hires Rob Rath (Product Director) and Nick Neitzel (Product Designer); Barrels of Fun hires Kyle Smet; Multimorphic hires Kevin Manne. Pattern suggests accelerating talent war for homebrew creators and adjacent industry talent. (confidence: high) — Rob Rath joins AP as Product Director; Nick Neitzel (2024 TWIPY Homebrew GOTY) joins as Product Designer; Kyle Smet hired by Barrels of Fun; Kevin Manne hired by Multimorphic from Buffalo Pinball; Will O'Neill notes hiring activity 'seems to be increasing' across multiple areas including mods, accessories, and content creators.
- **[product_concern]** Pokémon Pro machines have a documented ball guide installation issue on Bulbasaur lane that protrudes into the lane itself, affecting left feed. Stern has internally addressed the issue but fix has not yet reached market. (confidence: high) — Operators reported left feed issue with misinstalled orbit ball guide; George Gomez (Stern) publicly confirmed internal fix; paralleled to Star Wars: Fall of the Empire Death Star shot fix for resolution pathway.
- **[business_signal]** Multiple hiring moves across manufacturers (AP, Barrels of Fun, Multimorphic) suggest industry is ramping up rather than declining, contradicting 'pinball is dying' narratives. (confidence: high) — Will O'Neill states: 'For anyone pushing the pinball is dying narrative... this looks a lot more like an industry that's ramping up.' Notes hiring from homebrew, mods, accessories, and content creation areas is increasing.
- **[event_signal]** Texas Pinball Festival (March 20-22, 2025) expected to have quieter announcement schedule than typical; focus on engagement with existing releases (Beetlejuice, Pokémon) rather than multiple new reveals. (confidence: medium) — Will O'Neill predicts: 'What might happen instead is a quieter TPF where people get quality time with the hyped new releases — Beetlejuice, Pokémon — rather than chasing a dozen new announcements.' Notes World Pinball, Pedretti not on exhibitor list.
- **[rumor_hype]** Multiple rumored upcoming titles discussed for potential Texas Pinball Festival reveal: Cirqus Voltaire remake (American Pinball), Whitewater sequel (Dennis Nordman/Turner), Sonic the Hedgehog (Jersey Jack/Steve Ritchie), Resident Evil (World Pinball), Halo (Chicago Gaming Company). (confidence: low) — Rumor mill points to Cirqus Voltaire remake at AP; Whitewater sequel from Dennis Nordman mentioned as possibility; 'Steve Ritchie / Sonic the Hedgehog rumors haven't died down'; 'whispers of CGC trying to be ready with a Halo reveal' but 'I wouldn't put much weight on it'; World Pinball rumored Resident Evil won't be at TPF.
- **[content_signal]** Kineticist expanding writer pool and planning major platform migration/rebuild to enable new content features. Offering paid contributor positions ($50/post minimum) to expand coverage of pinball, arcade culture, and adjacent spaces. (confidence: high) — Will O'Neill putting out formal call for writers on Kineticist; looking for pinball/arcade culture coverage with business lens; paying $50 per post; migrating to new tech stack to enable previously limited features.
- **[competitive_signal]** IFPA expanding competitive staff with two new team members: Christina Capra (North Carolina women's pinball rep) and Emily Cosson (Australian player/league organizer), indicating organizational focus on growing competitive scene. (confidence: high) — IFPA announced additions; Christina Capra from Cape Fear Flipper club and Charlotte's Abari league; Emily Cosson hosts Australian Pinball Open and started Belles & Chimes league. Will O'Neill notes: 'More people doing the work of growing the competitive scene — fits the theme of the week.'
- **[product_launch]** HEXA launching Three Musketeers with release event in France and stateside debut at Texas Pinball Festival. (confidence: high) — HEXA is 'launching Three Musketeers'; Will O'Neill received invite to French release event; game will be at TPF.
- **[code_update]** Noah Crable published comprehensive Pokémon tutorial on Kineticist covering skill shots, story modes, catching mechanics, and Team Rocket multiball mode. (confidence: high) — Noah Crable published full tutorial over on Kineticist with specific content details: skill shots, story modes, catching mechanics, Team Rocket multiball.
- **[manufacturing_signal]** The Electric Playground (Rob Rath's venue) expanding to 4,000 square feet and doubling production lines while Rath takes Product Director role at American Pinball simultaneously. (confidence: high) — TEP expanding to 4,000 sq ft and doubling production lines; Rath remains GM while taking AP Product Director role; described as 'unusual' arrangement, suggesting ambitious scaling.
- **[announcement]** This Week in Pinball published full story on Rob Rath and Nick Neitzel joining American Pinball; IFPA announced two new staff members (Christina Capra, Emily Cosson); Nudge magazine #6 released with game features and industry content. (confidence: high) — Full stories published earlier in the week on Rath/Neitzel; IFPA announced new staff this week; Nudge 6 dropped this week with limited edition ($40) including signed/numbered screen-printed Bad Cats poster, joke book, sticker pack.

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## Transcript

Pinball News of the Week
Is a Pinball Talent War Heating Up?
Rob Rath and Nick Neitzel are joining American Pinball.
We published the full story earlier this week. The short version: Rath, co-founder of The Electric Playground, takes on a Product Director role while Neitzel — whose homebrew Tony Hawk's Pro Pinball won the 2024 TWIPY Homebrew Game of the Year — steps in as Product Designer. They'll work alongside Creative Director Melvin Williams on what AP describes as "a slate of remakes and original titles." Unusually, Rath also stays on as GM of TEP simultaneously, with TEP expanding to 4,000 square feet and doubling production lines to handle the increased workload.
But the AP news might be indicative of a bigger trend in the industry. Granted, AP is in startup mode, but there's a quiet war for talent happening at the fringes. Barrels of Fun recently brought on Kyle Smet, the creator of the Big Trouble in Little China homebrew. Multimorphic hired Kevin Manne from Buffalo Pinball. Homebrew has always been a solid pipeline into the industry, but the rate of hiring activity seems to be increasing — and we're seeing more people get pulled in from other areas, too, like mods, accessories, and content creators.
I'm way more networked than I used to be, but it sure does feel like a lot of people in my orbit are getting industry jobs lately. For anyone pushing the "pinball is dying" narrative (counter-narratives, right?), this looks a lot more like an industry that's ramping up. Who's next?
What to Expect at Texas Pinball Festival
TPF runs March 20-22 in Frisco, and normally, this is where we see a wave of new reveals and announcements for the first part of the year. This year? Could be quiet.
Here's what I'm watching. HEXA is launching Three Musketeers — we got an invite to their release event in France, and I wish I could have made that work, but they will be stateside at TPF with their new game too. American Pinball has real energy heading into the fest, and if they're ready to announce their first title under new ownership (the rumor mill points to a Cirqus Voltaire remake), this is the stage for it. Could we see something from Turner? Maybe the rumored Whitewater sequel from Dennis Nordman? Jack Guarnieri loves a surprise reveal — he pulled it off with Harry Potter — and the Steve Ritchie / Sonic the Hedgehog rumors haven't died down. If Guarnieri has something up his sleeve, this is where we could hear about it.
On the other hand, World Pinball isn't on the exhibitor floor map, so I wouldn't expect their rumored Resident Evil game to be there. I don't think we'll get anything new from Barrels of Fun. I'd heard whispers of CGC trying to be ready with a Halo reveal at TPF, but I wouldn't put much weight on it. Pedretti is due for an announcement, but they're not on the exhibitor list either.
What might happen instead is a quieter TPF where people get quality time with the hyped new releases — Beetlejuice, Pokémon — rather than chasing a dozen new announcements.
Pokémon's Bulbasaur Lane Problem
Operators receiving Pokémon Pro models have been reporting a left feed issue — a misinstalled orbit ball guide on the Bulbasaur lane that protrudes into the lane itself. George Gomez has publicly stated that the issue has been addressed internally at Stern, but obviously, that fix hasn’t had time to get out into the market yet. If it's something that requires a more serious fix, look to recent history with Star Wars: Fall of the Empire and the Death Star shot fix for how things could play out.
New Pokémon Tutorial Is Live
Not all Pokémon news is ball guides and production snafus. Noah Crable published a full tutorial over on Kineticist — skill shots, story modes, catching mechanics, Team Rocket multiball, the works. If you’re heading out to your local spot to play the game this weekend and want to know what to shoot for, start there.
TWIPY Behind the Scenes (and Nudge 6 Is Here)
I joined the BASH crew and Ian from Nudge on the BASH Pinball podcast this week to talk TWIPY behind the scenes and share some Pokémon impressions. Fun hang as always.
Speaking of Ian — Nudge 6 dropped this week. The limited edition ($40) comes signed and numbered with a screen-printed Bad Cats poster by Ryan Tanner Petch, a joke book from Ian, and a sticker pack. Pinball horoscopes, a travel piece on Dutch pinball, an Akira game feature, and the usual Nudge weirdness. I’ve already got my copy on order.
IFPA Adds Two New Team Members
The IFPA announced two new staff additions this week. Christina Capra, the North Carolina state representative for women's competitive pinball, comes from the Cape Fear Flipper club and Charlotte's Abari league. Emily Cosson is an Australian competitive player who hosts the Australian Pinball Open alongside her dad, John Cosson (and Kineticist contributor!), and started a Belles & Chimes league in Brisbane. More people doing the work of growing the competitive scene — fits the theme of the week.
A Note for Paid Subscribers
I'm hoping to have a new Moving Units update for you next week. I've been doing a ton of tech work behind the scenes — improving our data collection and tracking for the series — and I'm still getting on top of it. I'm also in the middle of migrating and rebuilding all of Kineticist onto a new platform and tech stack, which is eating a lot of my time, but I'm really excited about what it should enable. There are things I've always wanted to do with this site that technical limitations have held back. More soon (I hope — tech work rarely goes as planned).
We're Looking for More Writers
So in the years I’ve been running Kineticist, I’ve never actually put out a formal call for contributors like this. Usually, they come in through friends or general word of mouth. That said, we're looking to expand our writer pool at Kineticist. We love our current team of contributors, but there's always an opportunity to do more, and it’s always good to know who is out there and interested in these things.
What we're looking for: pinball and arcade culture coverage with a business lens. Location pinball, homebrew, the mod scene, interviews. We're also open to new beats in adjacent spaces — toys, gaming, music, movies, pop culture. If you've got a creative pitch, we want to hear it.
This is paid work — we start at a flat rate of $50 per post, and we're open to discussing custom arrangements as needed. We prefer writers who can commit to a regular schedule over one-offs, though we'll consider those too.
If any of this sounds like you, email [email protected] (prior writing samples appreciated).

_(Acquisition: web_scrape, Enrichment: v4)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 573d1497-c18f-495f-b6af-84254992256f*