# PINBALL RUMOR: "This is Spinal Tap" pinball

**Source:** Knapp Arcade  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2021-08-31  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.knapparcade.org/pinball-rumor-this-is-spinal-tap-pinball

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## Analysis

Knapp Arcade reports a Pinside rumor that Homepin's next pinball game after Thunderbirds will be themed around the mockumentary film 'This Is Spinal Tap.' The post expresses cautious optimism about the theme choice while noting Homepin's mixed reputation with their previous release.

### Key Claims

- [MEDIUM] Homepin has a next game in development queue after Thunderbirds — _Reported from Pinside thread; rumor status_
- [LOW] The next Homepin game is rumored to be 'This Is Spinal Tap' themed — _Pinside rumor thread; unconfirmed_
- [MEDIUM] Thunderbirds pinball was 'much maligned' — _Knapp Arcade characterization reflecting community perception_

### Notable Quotes

> "Homepin, maker of the much maligned Thunderbirds pinball machine, has its next game in the queue."
> — **Knapp Arcade**
> _Establishes Homepin's track record and hints at community reception of Thunderbirds_

> "I like the choice in themes. It will be interesting to see how Homepin executes."
> — **Knapp Arcade**
> _Expresses qualified optimism about theme while raising questions about execution quality_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Homepin | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer; developer of Thunderbirds; rumored developer of 'This Is Spinal Tap' pinball |
| Thunderbirds | game | Previous Homepin pinball release; characterized as 'much maligned' by community |
| This Is Spinal Tap | game | Rumored upcoming Homepin pinball themed on the mockumentary film of the same name |
| Knapp Arcade | organization | Source of article; pinball commentary/news outlet |
| Pinside | organization | Pinball community forum where rumor originated |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Homepin product pipeline and next title
- **Secondary:** Community reception of Homepin's previous work, Licensed IP theming for pinball machines

### Sentiment

**Mixed** (0.45) — Cautiously optimistic about the theme choice but skeptical of Homepin's execution ability given Thunderbirds reputation; author's personal aside about Spinal Tap beer adds informal/humorous tone

### Signals

- **[rumor_hype]** Pinside forum rumor about Homepin's next pinball game being 'This Is Spinal Tap' themed (confidence: low) — According to a new thread on Pinside, Homepin...has its next game in the queue. It is rumored to be 'This is Spinal Tap'
- **[sentiment_shift]** Community skepticism about Homepin's ability to execute quality games following Thunderbirds reception (confidence: medium) — Characterization of Thunderbirds as 'much maligned' combined with author's comment 'It will be interesting to see how Homepin executes' suggests cautious, qualified optimism

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## Transcript

According to a new thread on Pinside, Homepin, maker of the much maligned Thunderbirds pinball machine, has its next game in the queue. It is rumored to be "This is Spinal Tap."

That's actually a pretty funny movie, despite the cringiness that I associate with the phrase "Spinal Tap" now that I've actually had one and didn't enjoy it lol.

I like the choice in themes. It will be interesting to see how Homepin executes. Thoughts?

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 71c5ec22-4a66-4d0e-8d1c-4869792d5c5a*