# STERN TEASES JAMES BOND GAME **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2022-09-06 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2022/09/06/stern-teases-james-bond-game --- ## Analysis Stern Pinball announced a James Bond pinball game themed around 007, believed to be based on the 1965 film Thunderball and designed by George Gomez after Steve Ritchie's initial design was scrapped when he joined Jersey Jack Pinball. The game is expected to debut at IAAPA Europe with limited availability through Stern's Insider Connected All-Access program starting September 13th. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Stern Pinball's next release will be based on Ian Fleming's James Bond character — _Official announcement from Stern Pinball_ - [MEDIUM] The game is believed to be themed around the 1965 movie Thunderball starring Sean Connery — _Speculation by Pinball News; Stern has not officially confirmed specific film_ - [MEDIUM] George Gomez designed the game after Steve Ritchie's initial design was scrapped when Ritchie joined Jersey Jack Pinball — _Industry understanding reported by Pinball News; not officially confirmed by Stern_ - [MEDIUM] The game is expected to make its debut at IAAPA Europe trade show — _Suggestion from Stern's UK distributor Electrocoin, not official Stern confirmation_ - [HIGH] Limited games will be available for purchase through Stern's website from 10am US Central Time on September 13th exclusively for Insider Connected All-Access subscribers — _Official statement from Stern Pinball_ ### Notable Quotes > "It has been suggested that the game will be based on the 1965 movie Thunderball starring Sean Connery in the title role, although Stern Pinball have not revealed any details except it will be themed around 007." > — **Pinball News**, n/a > _Clarifies official vs. speculative information about the game's specific movie tie-in_ > "Stern had an initial design from Steve Ritchie, but when he left the company to join Jersey Jack Pinball it is understood that design was scrapped and George created a whole new design." > — **Pinball News**, n/a > _Explains the design transition and personnel movement between manufacturers_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Stern Pinball | company | Major pinball manufacturer announcing James Bond game | | James Bond (game) | game | Upcoming Stern Pinball release themed around 007 character | | George Gomez | person | Pinball designer believed to have designed the James Bond game | | Steve Ritchie | person | Legendary pinball designer who created initial design for James Bond before leaving Stern for Jersey Jack Pinball | | Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer that received Steve Ritchie as designer | | Electrocoin | company | Stern Pinball's UK distributor that suggested IAAPA Europe debut | | IAAPA Europe | event | Trade show where James Bond game is expected to debut | | Insider Connected All-Access | product | Stern's subscription program offering early access to James Bond purchase | | Ian Fleming | person | Creator of the James Bond character | | Thunderball | product | 1965 James Bond film believed to be the basis for the pinball game's theme | | Sean Connery | person | Actor who starred in Thunderball | ### Topics - **Primary:** New game announcement, Design and development - **Secondary:** Personnel movement between manufacturers, Licensing and IP, Product availability and distribution, Trade show debuts ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.82) — Announcement of a major licensed title from industry leader is received positively; anticipation evident through news coverage ### Signals - **[event_signal]** James Bond game expected to debut at IAAPA Europe trade show (confidence: medium) — UK distributor Electrocoin suggested debut; Stern offering limited purchase availability same day as show start - **[licensing_signal]** James Bond IP licensing by Stern for pinball game based on specific film (Thunderball) (confidence: medium) — Game themed around 007 and believed to be based on 1965 Thunderball film; specific licensing arrangements not detailed - **[personnel_signal]** Steve Ritchie's departure to Jersey Jack Pinball resulted in scrapping of his James Bond design and reassignment to George Gomez (confidence: medium) — Industry understanding reported that initial Ritchie design was abandoned after his move to JJP - **[announcement]** Stern Pinball officially announces James Bond 007 themed pinball game (confidence: high) — Official announcement from Stern Pinball confirmed through teaser video and Insider Connected availability --- ## Transcript As widely anticipated, Stern Pinball have announced that their next release will be based on Ian Fleming’s James Bond character. It has been suggested that the game will be based on the 1965 movie Thunderball starring Sean Connery in the title role, although Stern Pinball have not revealed any details except it will be themed around 007. The game is believed to be designed by George Gomez. Stern had an initial design from Steve Ritchie, but when he left the company to join Jersey Jack Pinball it is understood that design was scrapped and George created a whole new design. As usual, there is a teaser video which doesn’t add any other information. VIDEO However, there is a suggestion from Stern Pinball’s UK distributor, Electrocoin, that the game might make its debut at the upcoming IAAPA Europe trade show being held in Europe next week. ![Electrocoin's Facebook post](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/james-bond/002-james-bond.jpg) Electrocoin’s Facebook post Stern themselves have said they will have a small number of games available to purchase through their own website from 10am US Central Time on Tuesday 13th September, but only for paid subscribers to their Insider Connected All-Access programme. That’s the same day as the start of the IAAPA Europe trade show. We’ll bring you more news as soon as we get it, right here at Pinball News. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 61d5df1a-05bd-40cd-8087-6aa2f2042a15*