# PINBALL EXPO 2021

**Source:** Pinball News Website  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2021-10-28  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/10/28/pinball-expo-2021

---

## Analysis

Pinball Expo 2021 coverage from October 27-30 at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center includes a virtual Stern Pinball factory tour, numerous technical and business seminars, Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake announcement ($8,000 SE / $9,250 LE with 1,250 unit limit), and industry talks. Notable: Stern expanding production post-pandemic, working on Spike-3 for 4K displays (2-3 years out), chip supply constraints (Spike-2 shares chips with Ford F-150), and American Pinball launching the American Dream homebrew competition for Expo 2022.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Stern now produces more games than before the pandemic thanks to manufacturing efficiencies introduced. — _Virtual factory tour by George Gomez and Jack Danger; cited as reason for efficiency gains._
- [HIGH] Stern is working on Spike-3 system capable of driving 4K displays, due in 2-3 years. — _Stern Q&A session at Expo; official statement from Stern team during virtual factory tour._
- [HIGH] Spike-2 uses a chip also used by Ford in F-150 trucks, causing production difficulty tracking due to Ford's higher volume demand. — _Stern Q&A session addressing chip supply problem; George Gomez and team explanation._
- [HIGH] Chicago Gaming Cactus Canyon Remake will be priced at $8,000 for Standard Edition and $9,250 for Limited Edition (1,250 units). — _Ryan White of Chicago Gaming seminar; official pricing announcement at Expo._
- [HIGH] American Pinball is launching the American Dream competition allowing homebrew designers to compete for production at Expo 2022. — _David Fix announcement in American Pinball Update seminar; official competition details provided._
- [HIGH] Pat Lawlor states pinball design typically takes 12-18 months per title. — _Pat Lawlor Fireside Chat; direct quote from legendary designer._
- [HIGH] Stern plans to host their own moderated discussion forum. — _Stern Q&A session; George Gomez confirms moderation and commitment to answer difficult questions._
- [HIGH] Seth Davis, new Stern President, came from Disney where he worked on digital and physical products for 10 years. — _Seth Davis introduction at virtual factory tour; self-reported background._
- [HIGH] Legends of Valhalla had five prototypes sold before being picked up by American Pinball for manufacturing. — _Scott Gullicks (Riot Pinball) presentation in American Pinball seminar._
- [HIGH] Pat Lawlor states Williams challenged the Dave Nutting Associates microprocessor patent in court in 1983 and won. — _Pat Lawlor Fireside Chat; historical pinball industry account._

### Notable Quotes

> "Stern are now producing more games than they were before the pandemic thanks to several efficiencies they have introduced."
> — **Jack Danger / Stern factory tour**, Thursday factory tour segment
> _Indicates strong post-pandemic recovery and manufacturing optimization at Stern._

> "The chip supply problem: they had chosen a chip for the Spike-2 system which had a long guaranteed production life, but it was a chip which Ford also used in their F-150 truck."
> — **Stern Q&A panel**, Thursday Stern seminar
> _Explains supply chain vulnerability and production tracking difficulty in semiconductor constraints._

> "Spike 3 is due to be introduced in 2-3 years' time."
> — **Stern team**, Thursday Q&A
> _Official roadmap for next-generation hardware platform with 4K display capability._

> "It typically takes 12-18 months per title [to create a new pinball design]."
> — **Pat Lawlor**, Thursday Fireside Chat
> _Establishes baseline design cycle for industry standard._

> "Games designed for home use have to provide entertainment for an extended period of time, whereas a game put on location has to give the player a great experience within the typical three minutes of game time."
> — **Pat Lawlor**, Thursday Fireside Chat
> _Articulates fundamental design philosophy difference between home and location markets._

> "We're in an arcade renaissance with new locations opening up all the time."
> — **Zach Weddington (documentary filmmaker)**, Friday 5:00pm seminar
> _Describes broader arcade industry growth trend supporting pinball expansion._

> "I'm only four days into the job having previously worked at Disney on their streaming platforms... My goal now is to spend the next ninety days learning every aspect of Stern Pinball and their customers."
> — **Seth Davis, new Stern President**, Thursday factory tour
> _Indicates Disney streaming platform expertise entering Stern leadership; signals digital services focus._

> "The winner will have their game put into production by American Pinball."
> — **David Fix (American Pinball)**, Thursday American Pinball seminar
> _Official details of American Dream homebrew competition launching Expo 2022._

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Stern Pinball | company | Leading pinball manufacturer; virtual factory tour featured at Expo; expanding production post-pandemic; developing Spike-3 platform. |
| George Gomez | person | Stern legend; hosted virtual factory tour with Jack Danger; Chief Creative Officer level role. |
| Jack Danger | person | Stern designer; co-hosted virtual factory tour from factory floor; office near George Gomez in design area. |
| Seth Davis | person | New President of Stern Pinball as of Expo 2021; hired from Disney streaming platforms division; 10-year digital/physical products background. |
| Gary Stern | person | Stern CEO and Chairman; inducted into International Video Game Hall of Fame at Expo 2021; office features historical artifacts and significant games. |
| Pat Lawlor | person | Legendary pinball designer; gave Fireside Chat at Expo; discussed 12-18 month design cycles, home vs. location design philosophy, and patent history. |
| Chicago Gaming | company | Manufacturer of Cactus Canyon Remake; pricing $8,000 SE / $9,250 LE (1,250 unit limit); alternate code from Lyman Sheats and Josh Sharpe planned. |
| American Pinball | company | Boutique manufacturer; launched American Dream homebrew competition for Expo 2022; team includes David Fix, Michael Grant, Josh Kugler, Riot Pinball (Scott Gullicks, Frank Gigliotti), and Steven Bowden (ex-Deeproot). |
| Legends of Valhalla | game | Homebrew game by Riot Pinball (Scott Gullicks, Frank Gigliotti); five prototypes sold before American Pinball picked up for manufacturing; rules include Thor's hammer feature. |
| Cactus Canyon Remake | game | Chicago Gaming remake of Williams original; SE $8,000 / LE $9,250; LE includes shooting gallery topper and burned wood bottom arch; alternate code planned; revert-to-original-rules option available. |
| Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Boutique competitor; integrates Scorbit data into operating system; guest speaker at education seminar (Zach Fuchs referenced JJP). |
| Christopher Franchi | person | Artist; designed Pinball Expo 2021 commemorative poster; distributed at factory tour conclusion. |
| Zombie Yeti (Jeremy Packer) | person | Creates art for Stern Pinball; panelist in Emily Brooks' Luminaries Showcase; discusses dream themes and player introductions. |
| Randy Martinez | person | Stern Pinball artist; panelist in Luminaries Showcase; dream themes include Jaws, Big Lebowski, Foo Fighters, Seinfeld. |
| Rob Berk | person | Expo organizer; personal game collection provided entertainment at welcome party; inducted into Pinball Expo Hall of Fame. |
| Scorbit | company | Connected pinball tracking system; integrates with Jersey Jack Pinball natively; other manufacturers need additional hardware; planning cashless payment and video game tracking expansion. |
| Deeproot Pinball | company | Defunct; Steven Bowden previously worked there before joining American Pinball. |
| Riot Pinball | organization | Homebrew design team (Scott Gullicks, Frank Gigliotti); created Wrath of Olympus and Legends of Valhalla; partnered with American Pinball. |
| Pinball Expo 2021 | event | 37th annual show; October 27-30 at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center; major announcements, virtual Stern tour, seminars on design, restoration, and arcade history. |
| Ken Cromwell | person | PR/marketing at Jersey Jack Pinball; introduced American Pinball team at Expo seminar. |
| Zach Fuchs | person | Professor at University of Cincinnati; teaches Pinball Design course with guest speakers from Stern and JJP; new course 'Pinball Design and Programming: Art and Engineering of Mechatronics Storytelling'; using AI to play pinball. |
| Arcade Dreams | organization | Documentary mini-series by Zach Weddington; Kickstarter exceeded $95,000 target; Bruce Zamost is pinball consultant; explores arcade renaissance and pinball's emotional appeal. |
| Rocket City Pinball | company | Andy Sokol's 3D printing parts business; produces 50+ themed coin reject buttons and custom playfield posts in various finishes. |
| Total Pinball Restorations | company | Keith Holbrook restoration business based in Grapevine, Texas; specializes in playfield restoration, artwork repainting, insert decal replacement. |
| Chattanooga Pinball Museum | organization | Owned by Dave Alverson; introduced Mark Gibson and Rob Anthony at restoration advice seminar. |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Hardware Platform Development (Spike-3), Chicago Gaming Cactus Canyon Remake Launch, American Pinball American Dream Competition, Stern Leadership Changes (Seth Davis)
- **Secondary:** Pinball Design Philosophy and Timeline, Restoration and Customization Techniques, Connected Pinball Systems (Scorbit)

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.78) — Optimistic industry outlook: Stern expanding post-pandemic, new leadership from Disney, major price-point announcements from Chicago Gaming, American Pinball driving homebrew innovation, documentary interest in arcade renaissance, industry recognition (Hall of Fame inductions, Video Game Hall of Fame for Gary Stern). No major controversies or significant negative sentiment detected in coverage.

### Signals

- **[business_signal]** Stern planning internal moderated discussion forum to replace community feedback mechanisms. (confidence: medium) — Stern Q&A: 'They also said that they plan to host their own discussion forum, but said it will be moderated. Although George said they would answer difficult questions the discussion would need to be kept polite.'
- **[business_signal]** Stern expanding production post-pandemic with manufacturing efficiencies and internal playfield production. (confidence: high) — Virtual factory tour explicitly stated Stern producing more games than pre-pandemic due to efficiency gains; CNC playfield production, hand-sanding, digital printing, and cabinet redesign referenced.
- **[event_signal]** American Pinball launching American Dream competition for Expo 2022 to identify and manufacture new homebrew games. (confidence: high) — David Fix announcement: 'American Pinball American Dream competition, where any homebrew pinball makers can bring their game to Pinball Expo 2022 and be part of the competition. The winner will have their game put into production by American Pinball.'
- **[community_signal]** Zach Fuchs establishing pinball design curriculum at University of Cincinnati with industry guest speakers (Stern, JJP) and AI-based playfield research. (confidence: high) — Seminar description: 'Zach Fuchs is a professor at the University of Cincinnati where, amongst other courses which include pinball, he teaches Pinball Design alongside guest speakers from Stern Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball... new course for this year, Pinball Design and Programming: the Art and Engineering of Mechatronics Storytelling.'
- **[design_philosophy]** Pat Lawlor articulates fundamental design philosophy difference: home games require extended entertainment value; location games must provide experience in ~3 minutes. (confidence: high) — Pat Lawlor Fireside Chat: 'Games designed for home use have to provide entertainment for an extended period of time, whereas a game put on location has to give the player a great experience within the typical three minutes of game time.'
- **[market_signal]** Arcade industry renaissance reported with new locations opening; supporting pinball growth. (confidence: medium) — Zach Weddington (Arcade Dreams documentary): 'We're in an arcade renaissance with new locations opening up all the time.'
- **[market_signal]** Chicago Gaming Cactus Canyon Remake pricing at $8,000 SE / $9,250 LE indicates market tier positioning and scarcity strategy (1,250 LE units). (confidence: high) — Ryan White seminar: 'Standard Edition (SE) which will be priced at $8,000 and a Limited Edition (LE) priced at $9,250 and limited to 1,250 units.'
- **[personnel_signal]** Seth Davis hired as new Stern President with Disney streaming platform background (10 years digital/physical products). (confidence: high) — Seth Davis introduction: 'He said he was only four days into the job having previously worked at Disney on their streaming platforms. He said he's be at Disney working on digital and physical products for ten years.'
- **[product_strategy]** Alternate code for Cactus Canyon Remake by Lyman Sheats and Josh Sharpe planned as chargeable add-on but delayed indefinitely. (confidence: high) — Ryan White: 'There will be an alternate code set available produced by Lyman Sheats and Josh Sharpe, but that won't be released until it is finished which won't be for some time and will be a chargeable add-on.'
- **[technology_signal]** Spike-3 platform development roadmap announced for 2-3 years out with 4K display capability. (confidence: high) — Stern team Q&A session: 'They are working on a Spike-3 system capable of driving 4K displays, as they believe they will be standard in a few years. Spike 3 is due to be introduced in 2-3 years' time.'

---

## Transcript

**Date:** 27th-30th October, 2021
**Location:** Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA

Welcome to our coverage of this year’s [Pinball Expo](https://pinballexpo.com/) at its new home in the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

Pinball Expo moved to the Westin Chicago North Shore in 2008 and following twelve shows and one virtual show last year, move to its new home in 2021 in the city of Schaumburg which is around 15 miles west of Chicago’s O’Hare airport.

Unfortunately, due to restrictions on traveller from outside the US we are not able to be at the show ourselves, but we have some great help in Schaumburg to bring you the fun of this 37th annual show.

We’ll be regularly updating this report with details, pictures and videos as we get them, so check back for the latest information.

**WEDNESDAY**

[![Show registration](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/003-pinball-expo-2021-1024x701.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/003-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Show registration
 (picture: Ross Simpson)

At the usual Bumper Blast welcome party on Wednesday night there was the regular combination of free food, soft drinks and musical entertainment provided by DJ Ron Coons Jr. In addition there was a big selection of games including many from Expo organiser Rob Berk’s personal collection.

Ross Simpson was there and shot a video of the games available to play.

VIDEO

Games at the Bumper Blast welcome party on Wednesday evening

---

**THURSDAY**

Thursday’s events traditionally kick off with the school buses arriving outside the hotel to take Expo guest on a tour of the [Stern Pinball](https://sternpinball.com/) factory.

This year, [due to concerns over Covid](https://pinballexpo.com/product/stern-factory-tour/), the physical factory tour was replaced by a virtual tour, hosted in the Seminars Hall by George Gomez and at the Stern factory by Jack Danger. George was joined by Stern Pinball CEO and Chairman, Gary Stern, and the company’s new President, Seth Davis.

The presentation wasn’t streamed live, but Ross Simpson was in the hall to report for us.

[![The virtual Stern Pinball factory tour](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/001-pinball-expo-2021-1024x600.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/001-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The virtual Stern Pinball factory tour
(picture: Ross Simpson)

Although it is a regular part of the Expo experience, by a show of hands less than half the audience had been on a Stern Pinball factory tour before.

Stern are now producing more games than they were before the pandemic thanks to several efficiencies they have introduced. They now make their own playfields, so shots of their CNC machine were shown, along with the playfields inserts and the special glue they use. Once the glue has dried, the playfields are initially hand-sanded before going into a proper sanding machine. They are then decontaminated and go into the digital printer.

The artwork decals were then shown being applied to the bare cabinet. Stern are working on a new cleaner, simpler cabinet design now there is no longer the need for a transformer, in the same way they redesigned the backbox when they introduced the Spike boardset.

Jack then moved on to the subassembly area in the factory where they are mounting Godzilla models for the company’s latest title alongside Jurassic Park ramp assemblies and parts for the *Iron Maiden* and *Star Wars* games which are both still being produced. In addition, playfields were show for *Jurassic Park*, *Deadpool*, *The Avengers: Infinity Quest* and *The Mandalorian* with those titles also being produced in 2021.

There are two production lines at Stern and they can quickly switch between producing different titles. Jack said next week they would have different titles on the two lines. They estimated that between twelve and fifteen thousand people are employed at the businesses which supply Stern Pinball.

After showing the game completion and packing areas, Jack took the audience into the model shop where they produce the initial versions of the models seen on the playfield, and then into the locked design area where the designers work on their next games.

Jack is now a designer at Stern Pinball and he showed his office which is just outside George’s. There are backlit playfields at the top of the walls in the design area along with game posters and banners. Gary office was also shown, which features many historical artefacts from his time in the business along with more posters and two historically-significant games; *Pinball* – the first game by Stern Electronics, and *Laser War* – the first Data East title.

After a look around other areas in the factory, the action returned to the Seminars Hall as a special commemorative poster designed by artist Christopher Franchi was handed out to attendees.

[![The Pinball Expo commemorative poster](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/002-pinball-expo-2021-770x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/002-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Pinball Expo commemorative poster
 (picture: Ross Simpson)

George spoke a little about Insider Connected, Stern new online system, before introducing Seth as the new President of the company.

Seth said he was only four days into the job having previously worked at Disney on their streaming platforms. He said he’s be at Disney working on digital and physical products for ten years. His goal now, he said, was to spend the next ninety days leaning every aspect of Stern Pinball and their customers.

In the following Q&A session, the Stern team said that there was a chip supply problem. They had chosen a chip for the Spike-2 system which had a long guaranteed production life, but it was a chip which Ford also used in their F-150 truck. So, Stern are building games for which they have the parts, although that makes production difficult to track.

They are working on a Spike-3 system capable of driving 4K displays, as they believe they will be standard in a few years. Spike 3 is due to be introduced in 2-3 years’ time.

They also said that they plan to host their own discussion forum, but said it will be moderated. Although George said they would answer difficult questions the discussion would need to be kept polite.

The first of the numerous seminars began at 1:15pm on Thursday. We’ll add details of each presentation as we receive them.

1:15pm – **Tilt Pinball: The Series – Marc Greene**

2:00pm – **Pin Spotting LIVE! – Jim Schelberg**

3:00pm – **Pinball Applications for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM) Education – Zach Fuchs**

Zach Fuchs is a professor at the University of Cincinnati where, amongst other courses which include pinball, he teaches Pinball Design alongside guest speakers from Stern Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball. After giving his personal history in teaching he related his pinball buying experience, including a Stern *Iron Maiden* and a Williams *Indiana Jones*. He soon realised how his pinball knowledge could be applied to his teaching, and included building a pinball machines as one of his course projects. That lead to a new course for this year, *Pinball Design and Programming: the Art and Engineering of Mechatronics Storytelling*. He spoke about the use of AI to get a computer to play a real game, moving on to getting the AI system to play a pinball machine it hadn’t seen before using experience of previous games.

4:00pm – **How to Build a Pinball Machine in 4,761 Simple Steps – Ryan McQuaid, Mark Seiden & Mike Becker**

[![Mark Seiden, Ryan McQuaid & Mike Becker](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/004-pinball-expo-2021-1024x672.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/004-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Mark Seiden, Ryan McQuaid & Mike Becker
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

5:15pm – **Pinball Restoration & Clear Coating – Tim Crowley**

[![Tim Crowley](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/006-pinball-expo-2021-792x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/006-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Tim Crowley
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

6:00pm – **Buying Coin Operated Machines While Avoiding a Lemon – Todd Tuckey & Frank Lindenmuth**

Todd and Frank from [TNT Amusements](https://tntamusements.com/) talked about the options buyers of pinball machines have when getting a game for their home along with the common pitfalls to avoid. Is a new machine better than a good quality used game? Buyers may think a brand new pinball will be perfect but new games frequently have minor issues out of the box.

[![Todd Tuckey & Frank Lindenmuth](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/008-pinball-expo-2021-1024x606.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/008-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Todd Tuckey & Frank Lindenmuth

7:00pm – **American Pinball Update & Special Announcement – David Fix**

Nirmal Vasani introduced the team from [American Pinball](https://www.american-pinball.com/) who would present this seminar. David Fix then took over, with Michael Grant, Josh Kugler and the Riot Pinball team of Scott Gullicks and Frank Gigliotti. They were soon joined on stage by Steven Bowden who recently joined the company, having previously been working at [Deeproot Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/08/21/game-over-for-deeproot-pinball/).

[![David Fix, Steven Bowden, Michael Grant, Josh Kugler, Scott Gullicks & Frank Gigliotti](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/009-pinball-expo-2021-1024x663.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/009-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

David Fix, Steven Bowden, Michael Grant, Josh Kugler, Scott Gullicks & Frank Gigliotti

Scott talked about how he and Frank met and how, after making his first homebrew game, *Wrath of Olympus*, he had the confidence to move on to his second, *[Legends of Valhalla](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/10/23/legends-of-valhalla-revealed/)*, which had five prototypes sold before being picked up and manufactured by American Pinball.

[![Scott Gullicks & Frank Gigliotti](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/010-pinball-expo-2021-1024x600.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/010-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Scott Gullicks & Frank Gigliotti

Frank described the game rules before they took questions from the audience about the electronics system used in the American Pinball version (P-ROC based with some AP-specific driver boards) and some of the changes made for the AP compared to the prototypes (code changes to drive the AP boards and the addition of the Thor’s hammer feature).

David ended by announcing the American Pinball American Dream competition, where any homebrew pinball makers can bring their game to Pinball Expo 2022 and be part of the competition. The winner will have their game put into production by American Pinball.

8:00pm – **Fireside Chat with Pat Lawlor – Pat Lawlor**

Pat began by recalling his first visit to Pinball Expo which was the third show when hardly anyone owned a game at home and the industry was solely focussed on distributors and operators.

[![Pat Lawlor](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/011-pinball-expo-2021-1024x636.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/011-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Pat Lawlor

Pat explained the time and resources it takes to create a new pinball design, saying it typically takes 12-18 months per title. He said there is a big difference in how a game is designed for home buyers compared to location play. Games designed for home use have to provide entertainment for an extended period of time, whereas a game put on location has to give the player a great experience within the typical three minutes of game time.

Pat also related how he got into pinball, the history of Dave Nutting Associates, how they got the patent on a microprocessor-controlled pinball machine, how Bally collaborated with Dave Nutting Associates to incorporate microprocessors into their machines, and how in 1983 Williams challenged that patent in court and won. Pat said if Williams hadn’t won they would have exited the pinball business.

---

**FRIDAY**

The seminars schedule resumed at 8:15am and continued late into the night.

8:15am – **Ron Coon Jr. – Pinball Troubleshooting Made Easy**

[![Ron Coon Jr.](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/012-pinball-expo-2021-1024x577.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/012-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Ron Coon Jr.

Ron showed some of the attempted repairs he’s had to deal with when making home visits to fix games or when working in [his workshop](http://www.pinballstore.com/). He continued by listing the essential tools and components needed to perform the majority of pinball repairs in the field. He also showed some of the more challenging faults he had to diagnose on boards and on playfields.

9:00am – **Jay Adelson & Brian O’Neill – Scorbit: Behind the Scenes of Connected Pinball**

[![Jay Adelson & Brian O'Neill](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/015-pinball-expo-2021-1024x655.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/015-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jay Adelson & Brian O’Neill
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Jay and Brian explained what the [Scorbit system](https://scorbit.io/) is and how it collects the required gameplay information from various different manufacturers’ games. Some, such as Jersey Jack Pinball, integrate Scorbit data into their operating system while others need additional hardware connected to either the display or the system RAM.

Their latest addition is ‘achievements’ which adds various different kinds of awards for completing features, reaching milestones or even just playing at certain locations.

Their next feature is to incorporate a cashless payment system, allowing players to pay for games using their Scorbit app, with expansion into video game tracking to follow.

10:00am – **Mike Mahood – What Else Can You Do with This Amazing Hobby?**

[![Mike Mahood](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/016-pinball-expo-2021-798x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/016-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Mike Mahood
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Mike started the [Greater Chicagoland Pinball Club](https://greaterchicagolandpinballclub.org/) and he explained why he started the club and the associated league. He listed things to consider if you wanted to start a similar club, including what kind of club or league do you want – mainly social or competitive – how much time can you devote to running and maintaining a club, and what size do you want it to be?

He also discussed league scoring systems to keep lesser-skilled players interested and retaining a chance of making the end-of-season play-offs.

11:00am – **Keith Holbrook – Total Pinball Restorations**

[![Keith Holbrook](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/018-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/018-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Keith Holbrook
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Keith runs his [Total Pinball Restorations](http://totalpinballrestorations.com/) business out of Grapevine, Texas and in his seminar he talked through his methods of restoring a game along with the tools and materials he uses, and where they can be obtained. He described the techniques he uses when touching up a playfield, from mylar removal to repainting missing artwork to replacing insert decals.

He said, when trying to match some new paint to an existing colour, you often have to add yellow to replicate the colour fades and changes which have occurred to the paint and lacquer over the years. He said you should always remember that the paint tends to dry to a darker shade.

12:00pm – **Emily Brooks, Zombie Yeti, Randy Martinez, Ryan Cravens & Bill Brooks – Emily Brooks’ Pinball Luminaries Showcase**

[![Emily Brooks, Zombie Yeti, Randy Martinez, Ryan Cravens & Bill Brooks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/025-pinball-expo-2021-1024x582.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/025-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Emily Brooks, Zombie Yeti, Randy Martinez, Ryan Cravens & Bill Brooks
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Jeremy and Randy both create art for Stern Pinball while Ryan Cravens is the company’s General Manager of Parts, Accessories, and Merchandise. Bill Brooks is co-founder of Fargo Pinball along with his wife Emily Brooks.

Emily began by asking each of the four panellists how they first got into pinball and how pinball has impacted on their lives and careers.

[![Jeremy Packer (Zombie Yeti) (a.k.a. Zombie Yeti)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/020-pinball-expo-2021-1024x650.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/020-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jeremy Packer (Zombie Yeti) (a.k.a. Zombie Yeti)

[![Randy Martinez](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/021-pinball-expo-2021-1024x665.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/021-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Randy Martinez

The next question was to find out everyone’s dream theme and any significant features. Randy said his #1 theme would be *Jaws*, followed by *The Big Lebowski*, *Foo Fighters* and *Seinfeld*.

[![Ryan Cravens](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/022-pinball-expo-2021-1024x639.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/022-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Ryan Cravens

Ryan’s themes were *Fletch* and *Prince*, although he agreed with Randy on *Seinfeld*.

[![Bill Brooks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/024-pinball-expo-2021-1024x625.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/024-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Bill Brooks

Bill’s dream theme would be the original *Tron* movie from 1980, while *Halo*, *Fortnite* and *Lego* would be great themes to appeal to the next generation of pinball players and future owners.

Speaking of younger players, the next question asked about the best way to introduce new players to pinball. Internet resources were the most popular, but also visiting local leagues and clubs which provide a friendly introduction to the game in a social atmosphere.

1:00pm – **Mike Hale – Intro to Reading EM Schematics including Recommended Tool List**

[![Mike Hale](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/026-pinball-expo-2021-875x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/026-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Mike Hale
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Mike recalled how he got into EM pinball when he bought a Gottlieb *North Star* for his father who liked the game. He then acquired a non-working Gottlieb *Bronco* which he fixed thanks to help from an EM pinball group. He now has a large collection, but said he didn’t spend more than $2,000 because non-working games can be bought cheaply.

He then explained how the schematics for a game are laid-out. He has this YouTube video covering this:

VIDEO

He said contacts in an EM pinball should only be cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Never use WD-40! He advised using mineral spirits on stepper motors and not to put any grease on any sleeves.

Games need to be played to keep them running smoothly. A musty-smelling game usually smells bad because it hasn’t been played enough.

2:00pm – **Mark Gibson & Rob Anthony – The Best & Worst Advice Seen on the Internet**

[![Mark Gibson & Rob Anthony](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/033-pinball-expo-2021-1024x696.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/033-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Mark Gibson, Dave Alverson & Rob Anthony
(picture: Ross Simpson)

Mark and Rob were introduced by Dave Alverson who is the owner of Chattanooga Pinball Museum.

They started their advice by suggesting people are careful and know the risk of powered games which can include high voltage throughout the cabinet, especially on older titles. Check the fuses on an unknown game to make sure they are correctly rated.

Should plastic posts be cleaned? Some suggest replacing with new ones, but some older games have a specific design which might not be available any longer. Make the decision on what you want to replace and what is doable before buying.

In general, they advised not replacing parts or components unless necessary. Newer parts have unknown reliability and could easily be less reliable than the part they are replacing. When dealing with resets, don’t just assume it’s the bridge rectifier and replace it. Bridges can be tested and if they are not faulty they should be replaced.

Other topics address include removing batteries from circuit boards – either in remote holders, use lithium batteries, or use NVRAM chips to remove the need for batteries, cleaning up battery leakage, putting circuit boards in a dishwasher, addressing burned connectors or pins, and how to test switches and coils in an EM pinball.

3:00pm – **Ryan White – What’s Happening at Chicago Gaming**

[![Ryan White of Chicago Gaming](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/031-pinball-expo-2021-1024x628.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/031-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Ryan White of Chicago Gaming

Before Ryan’s seminar began, a Chicago Gaming Cactus Canyon Remake was wheeled into the seminar hall.

[![Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/035-pinball-expo-2021-713x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/035-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Chicago Gaming’s Cactus Canyon Remake
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

[![Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/028-pinball-expo-2021-1024x572.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/028-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Chicago Gaming’s Cactus Canyon Remake

[![The playfield from Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/036-pinball-expo-2021-733x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/036-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The playfield from Chicago Gaming’s Cactus Canyon Remake
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

[![The topper on Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/037-pinball-expo-2021-991x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/037-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The topper on Chicago Gaming’s Cactus Canyon Remake
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

[![The topper on Chicago Gaming's Cactus Canyon Remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/027-pinball-expo-2021-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/027-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The topper on Chicago Gaming’s Cactus Canyon Remake

Ryan said there will be two versions available at launch – Standard Edition (SE) which will be priced at $8,000 and a Limited Edition (LE) priced at $9,250 and limited to 1,250 units.

The topper on the LE is a shooting gallery which has its own mode where you have to shoot the bad guys but not shoot the good guys. The LE also includes a burned wood bottom arch.

There will be an alternate code set available produced by Lyman F. Sheats Jr. and Josh Sharpe, but that won’t be released until it is finished which won’t be for some time and will be a chargeable add-on. The game does include the new menu system combining the Williams settings with the Chicago Gaming ones, and it also has the Bionic Bart mode which was missing in the original version. It will also be possible to revert back to the original rules. There’s no internet connectivity at present, but the company is talking to Scorbit about incorporating their system.

Here’s the promo video from Chicago Gaming:

VIDEO

Here’s a short gameplay video from Ross Simpson:

[](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/cactus-canyon-remake-gameplay.MOV)

4:00pm – **Andy Sokol – Playfield & Cabinet Customization Using 3-D Printing**

[![Andy Sokol](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/038-pinball-expo-2021-874x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/038-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Andy Sokol
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Andy began by explaining how he got into pinball and how his collection steadily grew from one machine up to as many as eleven at one point. He currently has seven machines.

Throughout his collecting he’s been repairing and restoring machines – not just for himself but for customers – but wasn’t always able to get parts which matched the existing ones, such as new bright white posts put into a game with some yellowing. He started 3D printing some posts with a suitable colour filament which were a perfect match.

He explained how he perfected the 3D model of the posts so that they printed smoothly without any lines. Andy said he uses PLA rather than ABS for the posts as PLA is better at being compressed when it’s screwed into the playfield or hit by a ball. He now produces various playfield posts in a wide range of different material finishes such as metal or wood.

Since then, Andy has produced numerous different 3D printed pinball parts including more than fifty themed coin reject buttons which can be purchased through his [Rocket City Pinball website](https://rocketcitypinball.com/).

---

Details and pictures from the following sessions will be added soon:

5:00pm – **Zach Weddington & Bruce Zamost – Arcade Dreams: 100 Years of Arcade History**

[![Zach Weddington & Bruce Zamost](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/042-pinball-expo-2021-1024x733.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/042-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Zach Weddington & Bruce Zamost
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Zach is an independent documentary filmmaker who has been making the [Arcade Dreams mini-series](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2020/10/21/arcade-dreams-documentary/). Production is still underway following the successful Kickstarter project which exceeded the target of $95,000.

Zach started by investigating the founding of Sega and soon realised how extensive their range of arcade titles was. This led to a wider look at the evolution of the arcade and the collector community. He said we’re in an arcade renaissance with new locations opening up all the time.

Bruce has an extensive collection of pinballs and deep knowledge of the game. He worked with Zach as the pinball consultant and also to help define exactly what a ‘game’ is for the scope of the documentary. He said Pinball Dreams is the first documentary to explore the human psyche and see what about a game drives so many human emotions.

6:00pm – **Pinball Expo Trading Card Award Ceremony – Walter Day**

6:45pm – **Jerry Byrum & Lonnie McDonald – International Video Game Hall of Fame**

8:00pm – **Walter Day & Lonnie McDonald – Gary Stern’s Induction into the International Video Game Hall of Fame**

[![Walter Day & Lonnie McDonald](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/067-pinball-expo-2021-1024x671.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/067-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Walter Day & Lonnie McDonald
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

[![Gary Stern is inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/044-pinball-expo-2021-788x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/044-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Gary Stern is inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

8:30pm – **Pinball Expo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Rob Berk**

[![Pinball Expo Hall of Fame inductee, Keith P. Johnson](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/043-pinball-expo-2021-897x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/043-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Pinball Expo Hall of Fame inductee, Keith P. Johnson
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

[![Mark Pollock accepts the Hall of Fame induction award on behalf of his father Gil Pollock](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/046-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/046-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Mark Pollock accepts the Hall of Fame induction award on behalf of his father Gil Pollock
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

[![Gary Stern accepts the induction award for Eddie Adlum](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/045-pinball-expo-2021-717x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/045-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Gary Stern accepts the induction award for Eddie Adlum
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

The full inductions were:

Service & Support – **Planetary Pinball**

Service & Support – **Eddie Adlum**, Founder and Editor of Replay Magazine

Hall of Fame – **Keith P. Johnson**, Director of Software, Jersey Jack Pinball

Hall of Fame – **Gil Pollock**, Vice-President, D. Gottlieb & Founder, Premier Technologies

8:45pm – **Jack Guarnieri & Staff – An Evening with Jersey Jack**

[![The Jersey Jack Pinball team](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/041-pinball-expo-2021-1024x722.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/041-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Jersey Jack Pinball team
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Jack hosted this seminar and started by congratulating Keith P. Johnson on his induction into the Pinball Expo Hall of Fame before introducing the team on stage, starting with Mark Seiden who is the latest addition to the company’s game design team.

[![Jack Guarnieri](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/068-pinball-expo-2021-1024x696.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/068-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jack Guarnieri

The microphone then passed to recent recruit Steve Ritchie who said he wasn’t allowed to say just how happy he was to be at Jersey Jack Pinball, suggesting there wouldn’t be any discussion on the reasons he left Stern Pinball to join JJP or any questions about his time there.

Questions to the team included:
– What titles are upcoming and where do the themes for games come from?
– What did Jack do before his career in pinball?
– What was the creative process for a game such as *Guns ‘N Roses*?
– How did *Dialed In!* come to be made?
– How does programming games using Linux OS compare to having the limitations of using ROMs for code?
– How does designing a widebody game compare to a standard body one?
– Any mechanisms which were dropped from the final version of a game?
– How have supply chain issues affected JJP?
– Can you build more Collectors Edition games so they are easier to buy?
– Original titles vs licensed titles
– How has the pinball design team evolved now compared to the Williams days?
– The TV series Ted Lasso features a Jersey Jack Pinball *The Wizard of Oz* game, was JJP involved with that?
– How does the software team resolve differences of opinions?

---

**SATURDAY**

The final day of Pinball Expo means another full day of seminars. The evening is entirely devoted to Stern Pinball but earlier in the day we have the usual eclectic mix of topics.

9:00am – **Damon Granger – Collecting Advertising Memorabilia**

[![Damon Granger](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/039-pinball-expo-2021-827x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/039-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Damon Granger
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

10:00am – **Rolando Martin – A Homebrew Black Knight Pinball Built Completely From Scratch**

[![Rolando Martin](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/040-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/040-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Rolando Martin
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

Rolando explained how he built his own Black Knight game from scratch, using a control system running on a Raspberry Pi and using dedicated switch, LED and solenoid boards. He stressed that it was a reasonably simple task to control everything using open source routines and off-the-shelf parts.

He described how the code worked. By writing his own game controls, he said, he was able to add new rules, sounds and lighting effects and basically do anything he wanted with the game.

11:00am – **Ryan Tanner Petch – Custom Pinball Cabinets**

[![Ryan Tanner Petch](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/047-pinball-expo-2021-807x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/047-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Ryan Tanner Petch
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

Ryan Tanner spoke about some custom pinball cabinets he built for his homebrew games, starting with Prometheus which was a standard width but shorter and taller than normal. His next cabinet had a reverse slope with the ball rolling away from the player and the cabinet taller at the front than at the back.

He showed two more cabinets before concluding with a tall curved upright cabinet which he made for a pinball/skeeball crossover game which never quite worked, not least due to the power needed move the ball to the upper part of the playfield.

11:40am – **Dino Gaspari – ShipMyPinball.com is Easier Than You Think**

[![Dino Gaspari](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/049-pinball-expo-2021-879x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/049-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Dino Gaspari
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

Dino runs the [ShipMyPinball.com](https://shipmypinball.com/) website which leverages the reduced freight rates available to major shipping companies to allow individual pinball buyers to cut the price of shipping a game. Dino says his website includes all the information on how to ship a game and the options available such as local pickup, item insurance or customs clearances.

12:00pm – **John Weeks – The Banning Museum of Pinball**

[![John Weeks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/051-pinball-expo-2021-862x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/051-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

John Weeks
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

John began by explaining how he got into pinball, from owning his first machine, to learning pinball repair, to working in an arcade, to starting his own arcade.

The ongoing rent $70,000 a month and six months it would take to remove the existing printing press made the former newspaper building in Palm Springs location unaffordable.

Keeping the collection in Banning meant foregoing $600,000 a year in rent for the Museum’s building which he could get by renting it out instead. While he said he has no attachment to California (saying he didn’t even like the state) John discounted moving the collection to another location such as an abandoned shop or mall due to the high cost of moving the machines ($400,000-$500,000), the cost of refitting it to look as he wants, and the cost of the electricity for the games and the air-conditioning.

John said the sale of his machines will lead to several other mass-machine locations, as some buyers bought 30-50 machines which they are going to add to their existing collection for public play.

He said he currently has 300-400 games still in warehouses and in containers which he is going to sell. His main business now is real estate, property rental and building a hotel, along with children’s charity work.

1:00pm – **Todd Friedman, ZapCristal, Mr Wright Way, Adam Koralik & Ray Price – Talking Retro Games**

[![The Talking Retro Games panel](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/052-pinball-expo-2021-1024x657.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/052-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Todd Friedman with the Talking Retro Games panel

1:30pm – **Autograph Session**

Another regular event at Pinball Expo is the autograph session where pinball personalities sit at tables and pinball fans can bring items to be signed. The mix of personalities changes every year, but these were the ones at Pinball Expo in 2021.

[![The Autograph Session](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/054-pinball-expo-2021-1024x509.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/054-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Autograph Session
(picture: Jennifer Thompson)

Jim Schelberg shot us a video of the Autograph Session. See who you can spot.

[](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/autograph-session.MOV)

3:00pm – **Tim Sexton – The Making of Led Zeppelin**

[![The Led Zeppelin team](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/055-pinball-expo-2021-1024x658.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/055-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Led Zeppelin team: Tim Sexton, Raymond Davidson, Mike Mike Vinikour, Elliot Eismin & Corey Stup
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Tim talked about how they developed the Expression lighting system, using a special high-power node board to drive 400 LEDs and an open-source lighting effects design tool, which Mike Mike Vinikour used to create all the Expression lighting effects in the game.

Elliot Eismin then spoke about the development of the Electric Magic mechanism, how it was invented and the extensive testing they did to prove it’s effectiveness and reliability.

Tim then explained the team’s desire to have the music not only drive the lighting, but also change the rules as it plays. Raymond Davidson talked through the thought processes behind the game rules and Corey Stupp described how he worked with the games Sound Engineer to implement the concept and also to match the pitch of the sound effects to the musical pitch of the current track playing.

4:00pm – **Jack Danger & Waison Chung – Jack Danger & Waison’s New Project**

[![Jack Danger & Waison Chung](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/058-pinball-expo-2021-854x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/058-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jack Danger & Waison Chung
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Jack explained how he developed some homebrew pinball projects on his YouTube channel, and with the help of many others completed one. George Gomez at Stern Pinball decided that showed Jack was able to take a game from concept to creation and would be a good fit at Stern, with his first project designing a home version of Jurassic Park which is where he worked with Waison.

Jack previously worked in Visual Pinball, but to create a game at Stern he had to use AutoCAD and SolidWorks. He showed some of the AutoCAD layouts.

[![Jacks AutoCAD for the Jurassic Park Pin game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/057-pinball-expo-2021-1024x806.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/057-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jacks AutoCAD for the Jurassic Park Pin game

Jack said he had to reuse some of the assets and models from the Stern cornerstone game which was designed by Keith Elwin but had quite a free hand over the layout and mechanisms, subject to The Pin’s bill of materials budget. Although it shares a theme and some assets with the cornerstone model, Jack said The Pin version needed to stand alone and has a completely different set of rules with two wizard modes and three multiballs.

They were then joined by Robert Blakeman who was the mechanical designer.

[![Jack, Waison & Rob](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/059-pinball-expo-2021-1024x883.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/059-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jack, Waison & Rob
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

Rob spoke about the devices used in the game, the limitations on the number of solenoids they have in The Pin and how they used some existing mechanisms in different ways for this game.

5:00pm – **Brian Eddy & Dwight Sullivan – The Making of The Mandelorian**

[![Brian Eddy, Dwight Sullivan, Randy Martinez, Jerry Thompson, Paul Paul Chamnankit & Tom Kopera](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/060-pinball-expo-2021-1024x604.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/060-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Brian Eddy, Dwight Sullivan, Randy Martinez, Jerry Thompson, Paul Paul Chamnankit & Tom Kopera

Brian started by introducing the key members of the team but acknowledged the help of a huge cast from Stern. He then looked at the key experiences from The Mandalorian TV series which he wanted the player to experience when playing the pinball, such a big battles, supporting characters, escapes from danger, Grogu (the child) and the Beskar currency.

Randy said his inspiration for the artwork was spaghetti westerns, which is the underlying theme for The Mandalorian with a Clint Eastwood-like lead righting wrongs and with a higher purpose which runs through the first two seasons.

Dwight then explained how the rules were created, while Brian covered some of the changes to the playfield with a moving Razer Crest toy which was removed due to lack of time to ensure it was reliable. Brian said the game was just as fun without it.

Paul showed some of the video assets they had to work with and their chosen method of running clips to a freeze frame and doing a slot zoom while they overlay the text, while Jerry spoke about the audio assets he had to work with including the main theme and custom speech from Carl Carl Weathers.

[![The Team behind The Mandalorian](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/061-pinball-expo-2021-1024x720.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/061-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Team behind The Mandalorian
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

6:00pm – **George Gomez – George Gomez’s New Project**

[![George Gomez](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/062-pinball-expo-2021-746x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/062-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

George Gomez
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

George is going to be releasing a game of his in 2022 (rumoured to be the *James Bond* game Steve Ritchie had been working on before he left the company) but said he wasn’t going to talk about that upcoming title here at Expo, but instead about the new [Stern Insider Connected](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/08/26/stern-reveals-online-strategy/) system.

He said the full power of the Insider Connected system will be rolling out through 2022. There are three levels – Insider Connected (free), Insider Connected All Access (paid) and Insider Connected Pro (operators) – which are an extension of the All Access loyalty programme.

Right now, when someone registers they receive a personal QR code in their browser which they need to save or print. George said there is an app coming which will save and present that code. There are achievements to collect now, but soon there will be collections of game-specific cards, treasure chest rewards and challenge quests to complete.

George spoke about his experience using online accounts on his consoles, downloading games and then buying additional content. He suggested this was something which he might be introducing to Stern games, although he stressed the essence of what makes pinball wouldn’t be changing.

He also said the company has rented a building to store game parts to work around any supply chain issues and ensure they can continue building games at the factory. He said they are now producing more machines with fewer people than they were before the pandemic.

7:00pm – **Keith Elwin & The Team – Keith Elwin & The Team’s New Game**

[![The team behind Godzilla](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/063-pinball-expo-2021-1024x593.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/063-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The team behind Godzilla – Keith Elwin, Harrison Drake, Rick Naegele, Jerry Thompson & Jeremy Packer (Zombie Yeti)
(picture: Jim Schelberg)

Originally George Gomez was slated to design *Godzilla*, but he became too busy and asked Keith if he wanted to do it. He jumped at the chance. He said initially he didn’t know what assets he would be able to use, but it soon became clear that he could use almost anything.

Keith showed some early CAD design they typically produce to get kickstart the process. Harrison said around the time of the pandemic they didn’t know how the upcoming production schedule would work out, so they started working on *Godzilla* around the same time as *The Avengers: Infinity Quest*.

Keith said the ‘floating’ upper flipper comes from his love of the game Doodle-Bug where the two main flippers are not connected to anything, meaning you can’t trap the ball. There were originally two pop bumpers on the lower right side, but the upper one didn’t do much so Keith replaced it with a scoop. The team also discussed how the magnetic Newton ball, the breakaway bridge and the moving building were imagined and developed.

8:00pm – **Dwight Sullivan & Corey Stup – Family Feud Without the Family**

[![Dwight Sullivan playing Family Feud without the Family](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/065-pinball-expo-2021-1024x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/065-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Dwight Sullivan playing Family Feud Without the Family
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

Dwight and Corey have run this Family Feud-based prize quiz a few times at Expo, and this time it was the very last seminar of 2021’s schedule. Contestants team up in groups of five and try to pick the most popular answers to general knowledge questions, with the winners getting assorted Stern Pinball swag.

---

One of the key aspects of the new Pinball Expo venue is the much larger space available for the Vendor and Games Halls. This is especially relevant given the desire for social distancing, but also allows more games and more vendors to exhibit at the show.

Here are some pictures from the Games and Vendor Halls courtesy of Don & Liz Caldwell.

[![The entrance to the halls](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/101-pinball-expo-2021-1024x751.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/101-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The entrance to the halls

[![Houdini machines on the American Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/102-pinball-expo-2021-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/102-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Houdini machines on the American Pinball stand

[![The new Legends of Valhalla game from Riot Pinball and American Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/103-pinball-expo-2021-1024x625.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/103-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The new Legends of Valhalla game from Riot Pinball and American Pinball

[![The Legends of Valhalla topper](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/104-pinball-expo-2021-1024x641.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/104-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Legends of Valhalla topper

[![The Legends of Valhalla playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/105-pinball-expo-2021-1024x722.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/105-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Legends of Valhalla playfield

[![The Jersey Jack Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/106-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/106-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Jersey Jack Pinball stand

[![More vendor stands](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/107-pinball-expo-2021-1024x472.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/107-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

More vendor stands

[![The new Cactus Canyon Remake on the Chicago Gaming Company stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/108-pinball-expo-2021-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/108-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The new Cactus Canyon Remake on the Chicago Gaming Company stand

[![The Stern Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/110-pinball-expo-2021-1024x405.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/110-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Stern Pinball stand

[![The new Godzilla game on the Stern Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/112-pinball-expo-2021-1024x634.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/112-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The new Godzilla game on the Stern Pinball stand

[![The new 40th Anniversary Edition of Elvira's House of Horrors](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/109-pinball-expo-2021-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/109-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The new 40th Anniversary Edition of Elvira’s House of Horrors

[![Lots of Stern Pinball swag available](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/111-pinball-expo-2021-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/111-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Lots of Stern Pinball swag available

[![The Stern Pinball lounge](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/113-pinball-expo-2021-1024x611.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/113-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Stern Pinball lounge

[![The Stern Pinball lounge](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/114-pinball-expo-2021-1024x576.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/114-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Stern Pinball lounge

Dan Marquardt also visited Pinball Expo and sent us some pictures from the Vendor Hall on Saturday.

[![The Stern Pinball exhibit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/201-pinball-expo-2021-1024x523.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/201-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Stern Pinball exhibit

[![Two Godzilla Premium machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/202-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/202-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Two of the Godzilla Premium machines

[![A large banner of the Godzilla Pro translite on the Stern Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/203-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/203-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

A large banner of the Godzilla Pro translite on the Stern Pinball stand

[![Another large poster, this time for Deadpool on the Flip N Out Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/206-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/206-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Another large poster, this time for Deadpool on the Flip N Out Pinball stand

[![Jack Danger's prototype Jurassic Park Pin game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/207-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/207-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Jack Danger’s prototype Jurassic Park Pin game

[![The American Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/204-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/204-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The American Pinball stand

[![Two of the Legends of Valhalla machines on the American Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/205-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/205-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Two of the Legends of Valhalla machines on the American Pinball stand

[![A display of Cactus Canyon remakes on the Chicago Gaming stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/208-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/208-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

A display of Cactus Canyon remakes on the Chicago Gaming stand

[![The interactive topper on Cactus Canyon remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/212-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/212-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The interactive topper on Cactus Canyon remake

[![The Cactus Canyon remake playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/213-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/213-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Cactus Canyon remake playfield

[![The Jersey Jack Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/214-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/214-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Jersey Jack Pinball stand

[![Guns 'N Roses Limited Edition](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/215-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/215-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Guns ‘N Roses Limited Edition

[![The Games Hall](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/209-pinball-expo-2021-1024x561.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/209-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Games Hall

[![The Games Hall](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/216-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/216-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

The Games Hall

[![Mark Gibson's Fun With Pinball exhibit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/210-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/210-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Mark Gibson’s Fun With Pinball exhibit

[![One of the exhibits](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/211-pinball-expo-2021-1024x575.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/211-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

Some of the exhibits

---

We haven’t covered the tournaments thus far, but Trent Augenstein from Tilt Amusements and his team ran the Flip Out tournaments once again but in the new location of the Renaissance hotel and Conference Center.

The tournaments were streamed by Fox Cities Pinball on their [Twitch channel](https://www.twitch.tv/foxcitiespinball) and it’s well worth taking a look at their stream to see some excellent play from top players along with some insightful commentary.

In the Classics Tournament, David Riel beat Raymond Davidson in the final on Black Jack.

In the B-Division it was a win for Stephanie Traub, with Alex Lecky second, Mark Blehm third and Phil Harmon fourth.

![The B-Division top four](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/064-pinball-expo-2021-1024x902.jpg)

The B-Division top four: Stephanie Traub (1st), Alex Lecky (2nd), Mark Blehm (3rd) and Phil Harmon (4th)
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

The A-Division final came down to a battle between two younger players – Zach McCarthy and Escher Lefkoff.

After a very close game on Iron Maiden for game 1 which Escher won, Escher completed his come back from the losers bracket to win on Stranger Things and win the best-of-three final. Aleksander Kaczmarczyk was third and Jared August was fourth.

[![A-Division top two: Escher Lefkoff (1st) and Zach McCarthy (2nd)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/066-pinball-expo-2021-785x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-expo-2021/066-pinball-expo-2021.jpg)

A-Division top two: Escher Lefkoff (1st) and Zach McCarthy (2nd)
 (picture: Jim Schelberg)

That concludes our coverage of the 37th Pinball Expo at its new home in Schaumburg. We hope to be there in person next year to bring you more live coverage of the world’s oldest continuous pinball show.

Finally, we send huge thanks to Jim Schelberg, Ross Simpson, Dan Marquardt and Don & Liz Caldwell for their amazing contributions to this report and making this year’s coverage possible. We hope you enjoyed reading and watching it.

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 7bc5e67f-0d32-4075-a465-83bf2f6aebe3*