# STRANGER THINGS REVEALED

**Source:** Pinball News Website  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2019-12-23  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/12/23/stranger-things-revealed

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## Analysis

Stern Pinball officially revealed Stranger Things pinball on December 23, 2019, designed by Brian Eddy and based on the Netflix series. The game is available in Pro ($6,099), Premium ($7,699), and Limited Edition ($9,099) variants, with 500 LE units produced. Key innovations include a projector system on Premium/LE models projecting animations onto the playfield, a telekinetic magnetic ball lock, and an interactive Demogorgon bash toy. Notably, Stern had already begun manufacturing and distributing units before the official announcement.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Stranger Things features a video projector on Premium and LE models that displays animations directly on the playfield — _Official Stern Pinball announcement and detailed technical specifications in the article_
- [HIGH] The Limited Edition is limited to 500 units globally — _Official Stern Pinball announcement and feature matrix_
- [HIGH] Stern had been secretly manufacturing and delivering Stranger Things to distributors before the official announcement, making this a first for Stern or any major manufacturer — _Direct statement in article: 'they have been secretly manufacturing Stranger Things for several weeks and delivering them to selected distributors, meaning the game is available to buy right now'_
- [HIGH] The Pro model features a static decal screen with a fold-down central section revealing the Demogorgon, while Premium/LE models have a white projector screen — _Detailed technical breakdown with multiple photographs showing the different screen implementations_
- [HIGH] The telekinetic magnetic ball lock is exclusive to Premium and LE models; the Pro model has a standard up-post trap on the left ramp — _Feature matrix and detailed playfield descriptions comparing all three variants_

### Notable Quotes

> "Stranger Things is one of the most successful shows of all time, connecting with people around the world and across generations. This game features action, mystery, suspense, and humor; Stranger Things is a perfect fit for pinball"
> — **Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.**, Official announcement, December 23, 2019
> _CEO validation of the licensing choice and market positioning; emphasizes thematic alignment_

> "This is a first for Stern Pinball or any of the major manufacturers so far, and has been one of the 'holy grail' targets of the pinball business"
> — **Pinball News article author**, Article conclusion
> _Identifies pre-announcement manufacturing and distribution as unprecedented achievement in pinball industry_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer announcing and producing Stranger Things pinball machines |
| Brian Eddy | person | Designer of Stranger Things pinball game |
| Gary Stern | person | Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.; provided official announcement quote |
| Stranger Things Pinball | game | New Stern Pinball title based on Netflix series; announced December 23, 2019 |
| Netflix | company | Rights holder for Stranger Things television series on which the pinball game is based |
| Demogorgon | game | Interactive bash toy featured prominently on the playfield; central gameplay element |
| Pinball News | organization | Source publication providing comprehensive technical breakdown and images of the game |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Product announcement and technical specification, Three-tier pricing model (Pro/Premium/LE differentiation), Projector technology as innovation, Pre-release manufacturing and distribution strategy
- **Secondary:** Limited Edition production constraints and collectibility, Playfield design and mechanical features

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.82) — The article presents the announcement in an enthusiastic, detailed manner. Stern's achievement of pre-announcement manufacturing and distribution is framed as a historic 'holy grail' accomplishment. Technical details about the projector innovation and Demogorgon feature are presented with emphasis on novelty. The only slightly cautionary note is the mention that projected effects appear less impressive under bright playfield illumination versus dark demo conditions, but this is presented as factual observation rather than criticism.

### Signals

- **[collector_signal]** LE production capped at 500 units globally with exclusive features (mirrored backglass, custom artwork, sequential numbering, shaker motor) (confidence: high) — Official announcement specifying '500 units globally' and listing exclusive LE features
- **[market_signal]** Pre-release manufacturing and distribution represents unprecedented strategy in pinball industry, indicating operational maturity and supply chain confidence at Stern (confidence: high) — Pinball News states: 'Stern had been secretly manufacturing and delivering them to selected distributors...This is a first for Stern Pinball or any of the major manufacturers so far'
- **[announcement]** Official announcement of Stranger Things pinball game with detailed specifications, pricing, and availability across three variants (confidence: high) — Official Stern Pinball press release dated December 23, 2019, with MSRP pricing and feature matrix
- **[product_strategy]** Clear feature stratification across Pro/Premium/LE tiers: Pro uses static decals and standard ramp trap; Premium/LE feature projector system and magnetic telekinetic ball lock (confidence: high) — Detailed feature matrix and comparative playfield descriptions showing mechanical differences, pricing differences of $1,600 (Pro to Premium) and $1,400 (Premium to LE)
- **[technology_signal]** Introduction of video projector technology on Premium and LE models as a playfield innovation, marking a first-time integration in Stern pinball machines (confidence: high) — Stern announcement states 'The Premium and Limited Edition models feature a first ever video projector that displays images and animations directly on the playfield'
- **[licensing_signal]** Netflix's Stranger Things secured as major IP for pinball; Gary Stern emphasizes alignment between show's qualities (action, mystery, suspense, humor) and pinball gameplay (confidence: high) — Official announcement describing Stranger Things as 'one of the most successful shows of all time' and CEO quote validating thematic fit

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## Transcript

Date: 23rd December, 2019 Stern Pinball have today released promotional pictures showing their latest title, Stranger Things, designed by Brian Eddy and based on the hit Netflix series. ![Stern's next title is based on the Netflix series, Stranger Things](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/023-stranger-things.jpg) Stern’s Things As usual, the game is available in three variants – Pro, Premium and Limited Edition, with 500 Limited Edition models available. The cabinet trim on the Pro and Premium is the same, but the Premium features cabinet and backbox artwork based on season two of the show, compared to the first season for the Pro. The LE’s artwork is based on the creature from Upside Down and it includes purple powder-coated cabinet metalwork as well as upgraded speakers, a shaker motor, cabinet interior artwork and anti-reflective glass. ![The Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/153-stranger-things.jpg) The Pro model ![The Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/117-stranger-things.jpg) The Pro model ![The Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/101-stranger-things.jpg) The Pro model ![The Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/124-stranger-things.jpg) The Premium model ![The Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/135-stranger-things.jpg) The Premium model ![The Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/152-stranger-things.jpg) The Premium model ![The Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/108-stranger-things.jpg) The Limited Edition model ![The Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/126-stranger-things.jpg) The Limited Edition model ![The Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/121-stranger-things.jpg) The Limited Edition model Turning to the playfield, Stranger Things is a two-flippered six-ball fan layout featuring eight main shots. There are left and right ramps, with both having returns into their respective inlanes. There is also a kickout saucer on the centre-left. ![The Pro model's playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/107-stranger-things.jpg) The Pro model’s playfield ![The Premium model's playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/105-stranger-things.jpg) The Premium model’s playfield ![The Limited Edition playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/131-stranger-things.jpg) The Limited Edition playfield ![The lower-left part of the Premium playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/151-stranger-things.jpg) The lower-left part of the Premium playfield Working around the playfield, either sidde of the sauder are the first two D-E-M-O-D-O-G stangup targets, while above the saucer is the left entrance to the outer orbit lane which feeds to either the right entrance or the pop bumpers at the top right. The left orbit also features a spinner. ![The kickout saucer on the left side and the left orbit lane entrance](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/110-stranger-things.jpg) The entrance Then comes the left ramp. ![The left ramp on the Limited Edition](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/103-stranger-things.jpg) The left ramp on the Limited Edition On the Pro this just traps the ball with an up-post before returning it to the left inlane but on the Premium and LE there is a ramp diverter which feeds a magnet behind the back panel to grab the ball and lock it for Telekinetic Multiball. ![The ramp diverter rises to send the ball to a magnet behind the back panel](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/128-stranger-things.jpg) The panel ![Three balls can be locked here before multiball begins](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/122-stranger-things.jpg) Three balls can be locked here before multiball begins The main playfield feature is the movie screen in the centre towards the back. This illustrates probably the biggest difference between the Pro model’s playfield and the Premium/LE. On the Pro, the screen is a large decal depicting the Hawkins Laboratory. The screen is split into three sections, with the central section on a pivot which allows it to fold down to reveal a Demogorgon creature behind. ![The screen on the Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/137-stranger-things.jpg) The screen on the Pro model ![The central section of the screen folds down to become a ramp](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/115-stranger-things.jpg) The ramp As well as being a reveal device, the central screen section turns into a ramp which sends the ball up and into the Demogorgon’s mouth. The ramp is considerably wider than the Demogorgon’s mouth, so it also plays the role of a bash toy unless the shot is sufficiently accurate to send the ball down the creature’s throat. The big feature of the Premium and LE models is a projector mounted under the bottom arch which projects dynamic artwork onto several sections of the playfield, including the screen. So while the Pro has a decal on its screen, the Premium and LE have a white screen showing animated clips from the projector. ![The projector screen on the Premium and LE models](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/106-stranger-things.jpg) The projector screen on the Premium and LE models ![The folded-down screen on the Premium/LE](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/111-stranger-things.jpg) The folded-down screen on the Premium/LE You can also see how the ramps on the Premium/LE playfield feature rather plain-looking decals when compared to the colourful artwork on the Pro. That’s because the projector also illuminates the ramps, along with the Arcade sign over the left ramp entrance and the spinner in the left outer orbit lane. ![The left ramp on the Premium](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/150-stranger-things.jpg) The left ramp on the Premium The vertical standup targets either side of the two ramps are also rather plain, and they too get washed by the projector to show dynamic artwork. ![The ramps and vertical standup targets are also lit by the projector](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/129-stranger-things.jpg) The projector Now, at this point we should probably point out that the images shown here are somewhat at odds with those seen in an earlier leak of a promo video by Stern. In that video, the projector effects were shown on a game in a near-dark room where they looked pretty impressive if a little washed-out. ![The projector beams artwork onto the movie screen, drop targets, standup targets, ramps and spinner](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/009-stranger-things.jpg) The spinner ![The screen image in a dark environment](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/014-stranger-things.jpg) The screen image in a dark environment That was presumably optimum lighting conditions for the projector. In the rest of the pictures here, however, the playfield is brightly-illuminated, so we wouldn’t expect the projected images to appear anywhere near as bright. The screen is raised above the playfield level, allowing space for a set of four drop targets below. On the Premium and LE these drop targets have additional animated artwork from the projector, but on the Pro the artwork comes from fixed decals. ![The screen on the Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/137-stranger-things.jpg) The screen on the Pro model There is an inner orbit around the drop targets which can be shot in either direction and, when the drop targets are knocked down, two more D-E-M-O-D-O-G standup targets and a shot under the screen to attack the Demogorgon are revealed. The individually-controlled drop targets can also rise up to trap a ball behind to create another ball lock for multiball play. Continuing around the playfield, the right ramp always feeds the ball back into the right inlane following a near-180 degree turn and has two more D-E-M-O-D-O-G targets either side of the entrance. ![The right ramp shot](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/102-stranger-things.jpg) The right ramp shot ![The right ramp returns to the right inlane](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/127-stranger-things.jpg) The right ramp returns to the right inlane To the right of the right ramp is the final main shot – the right orbit lane entrance which feeds the pop bumpers or the opposite orbit lane. There are no shots and just the single and final D-E-M-O-D-O-G target below the right orbit lane entrance as that’s the point where the shooter lane ends, sending the ball across the playfield when it is first launched. Here are some more shots of the playfield layout from both the Pro and the Premium/LE designs. ![The playfield is packed with inserts leaving little room for the artwork](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/104-stranger-things.jpg) The artwork !The bottom apron on the Limited Edition The bottom apron on the Limited Edition ![The bottom apron on the Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/113-stranger-things.jpg) The bottom apron on the Premium model ![The game's instruction card](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/157-stranger-things.jpg) The game’s instruction card Here’s a list of the different features present on the Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models of Stranger Things. ![The feature matrix](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/stranger-things/120-stranger-things.jpg) The feature matrix Here’s how Stern Pinball announced their latest release: | | | --- | | Stern Pinball Announces New Stranger Things Pinball Machines CHICAGO, IL – December 23, 2019 – Stern Pinball, Inc., a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball, announced today the availability of a new line of pinball machines celebrating the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things. Experience the terrifying forces in Hawkins, Indiana that turn this small town “upside down” with supernatural elements, strange sightings, and government secrets. Stranger Things pinball machines will immerse players in a search to unravel the extraordinary mysteries and secret government experiments taking place at the Hawkins National Laboratory. The gameplay focuses on unlocking the hidden meanings of supernatural events occurring in and around the town, including the appearance of a girl known as “Eleven” with telekinetic abilities. The ball is wild as Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Joyce, and Police Chief Jim Hopper help Eleven close the dimensional gate. “Stranger Things is one of the most successful shows of all time, connecting with people around the world and across generations. This game features action, mystery, suspense, and humor; Stranger Things is a perfect fit for pinball,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. The Premium and Limited Edition models feature a first ever video projector that displays images and animations directly on the playfield, creating dramatic interactions with gameplay action. The center of the playfield features a unique ramp that doubles as a screen and leads the player into a direct battle with the Demogorgon. These models also feature a new Eleven themed “telekinetic” magnetic ball lock. The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature distinct hand-drawn art in addition to the custom sculpted, interactive Demogorgon bash toy, guarded by drop targets and a rotating ramp. All models include two hideout ball scoops, a Demodog spinner, three custom ramps, and game rules that will transport players into the Upside Down. The Limited Edition model is limited to 500 units globally. The LE model includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque. Pricing and Availability: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes. Pro Model: $US 6,099 Premium Model: $US 7,699 Limited Edition Model: $US 9,099 Stranger Things pinball machines are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. About Stern Pinball, Inc. Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe. Recent Stern Pinball titles include Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com. | And the final surprise reveal from Stern Pinball is that they have been secretly manufacturing Stranger Things for several weeks and delivering them to selected distributors, meaning the game is available to buy right now. This is a first for Stern Pinball or any of the major manufacturers so far, and has been one of the ‘holy grail’ targets of the pinball business. The other, of course, if complete code on release, but that ambition would still appear to be some way off. We’ll be back with more on Stern Pinball new Stranger Things game very soon, right here at Pinball News.

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 9720111f-c81e-4c45-9409-3d7474654823*