# American Pinball Goes Public

**Source:** Pinball News Website  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2016-09-25  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/news/americanpinball.html

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## Analysis

American Pinball, a new boutique pinball manufacturer founded by Dhaval Vasani, announced its existence on September 25, 2016, with its first title Houdini: Houdini: Master of Mystery, a re-themed version of John Popadiuk failed Magic Girl project. The company promised to deliver 25 near-complete Magic Girl machines to original buyers by end of 2016 and pledged support for Popadiuk to fulfill his prior commitments, though community reaction was sharply divided between those hopeful for resolution and angry former buyers skeptical of Popadiuk's involvement.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] American Pinball was founded by Dhaval Vasani and is based in Streamwood, Illinois (same industrial estate as the former Zidware studio). — _Article body and company announcement_
- [HIGH] Houdini: Houdini: Master of Mystery is expected to retail at around $6,995 and is a re-themed (and possibly cost-reduced) version of Magic Girl game. — _Article states expected retail price and notes corroborating evidence that Houdini is a re-theme of Magic Girl_
- [HIGH] 25 near-complete Magic Girl machines were built and stored in the American Pinball warehouse, intended for delivery to original Magic Girl buyers by end of 2016. — _Article body and American Pinball announcement_
- [HIGH] Vasani's family runs Aimtron, a contract manufacturing company with PCB making in China and surface-mount manufacturing in India, with US headquarters also in Streamwood, IL. — _Article body detailing Vasani's manufacturing background_
- [HIGH] John Popadiuk was the original designer behind Magic Girl, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland, and Alice in Wonderland projects for Zidware. — _Article context and American Pinball acknowledgment of Popadiuk involvement_
- [HIGH] American Pinball stated it would support John Popadiuk to fulfill his prior commitments and believes everyone deserves a second chance. — _American Pinball official Facebook statement quoted in article_
- [MEDIUM] The original 25 Magic Girl machines were planned as a limited edition variant, with profits from a standard edition run intended to fund their production and delivery to litigants at no additional cost. — _Article speculation on business model: 'It was initially thought production of these 25 games could only make financial sense if...'_
- [HIGH] Legal action was pending against Zidware, John Popadiuk, and his wife by a group of Magic Girl/RAZAN/Alice in Wonderland buyers seeking recovery of payments. — _Article background section on Zidware situation_
- [HIGH] Houdini: Houdini: Master of Mystery features custom motherboards created by Gigabyte Technology. — _American Pinball announcement quoted in article_
- [HIGH] American Pinball facility in Streamwood is 15,000 square feet but too small for full machine manufacturing, so assemblies, cabinets, and playfields will be made off-site. — _Article body describing facility and production plans_

### Notable Quotes

> "Houdini's escapes, illusions and handcuff challenges are world renowned even today, and formulate the basis of our inventive new pinball machine. Houdini: Master of Mystery - Houdini: Master of Mystery pinball machine will bring the man back to life with supremely detailed hand-drawn game artwork, inventive ball tricks, brilliantly illuminated play surfaces and spirit devices."
> — **[name withheld pending review]**, September 26, 2016 announcement
> _Articulates the design vision and theme licensing approach for the inaugural game_

> "The greatest pinball magician: John Popadiuk! He makes people's money disappear!!!!"
> — **[name withheld pending review]**, Post-announcement community response
> _Illustrates the depth of community anger and skepticism toward Popadiuk's involvement with the new company_

> "Is he returning the $1M he stole from the pinball community?"
> — **[name withheld pending review]**, Post-announcement community response
> _Reflects community perception of Popadiuk's financial mishandling and scale of losses_

> "With decades of experience in the industry, we can all agree that 'JPop' is an extremely skilled pinball professional. He is also a loving father & husband. We believe everyone deserves a 2nd chance and therefore we are supporting John to fulfill his prior commitments related to Magic Girl."
> — **American Pinball**, Facebook announcement post-September 26, 2016
> _Company's public defense of and commitment to Popadiuk, signaling strategic bet on redemption narrative_

> "By the end of 2016, Magic Girl machines will be delivered to their rightful owners."
> — **American Pinball**, Facebook announcement
> _Key promise made to placate former Magic Girl buyers; verifiable commitment with specific deadline_

> "How the company handles the buyers of Zidware's three undelivered titles and the suppliers who are still owed money will define the welcome they receive from the wider pinball community."
> — **Pinball News**, Article conclusion
> _Frames the stakes: community trust will be earned or lost based on resolution of Zidware fallout_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| American Pinball | company | New boutique pinball manufacturer founded by Dhaval Vasani, based in Streamwood, Illinois; announced September 25-26, 2016 with inaugural title Houdini: Master Mystery |
| Dhaval Vasani | person | Founder and President of American Pinball; comes from contract manufacturing background (Aimtron family business) |
| John Popadiuk | person | Pinball designer behind Zidware's Magic Girl, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland, and Alice in Wonderland projects; subject of legal action and community backlash for undelivered games; now collaborating with American Pinball |
| Zidware | company | Failed pinball design studio that produced incomplete Magic Girl, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland, and Alice in Wonderland projects; John Popadiuk's previous venture; legal action pending against Popadiuk and studio |
| Houdini: Master Mystery | game | American Pinball's inaugural title, announced September 26, 2016; described as re-themed (possibly cost-reduced) version of Magic Girl; retail price ~$6,995; features Gigabyte motherboards and LCD color screen |
| Magic Girl | game | Zidware project by John Popadiuk; 25 near-complete machines produced and warehoused by American Pinball for delivery to original buyers by end of 2016; basis for Houdini: Master Mystery theme |
| Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland | game | Undelivered Zidware project by John Popadiuk; subject of speculation that American Pinball's second game might be zombie-themed to fulfill this commitment |
| Alice in Wonderland | game | Undelivered Zidware project by John Popadiuk; subject of speculation that American Pinball's third game might have this theme |
| Aimtron | company | Contract manufacturing company run by Vasani's family; operates PCB plant in China and surface-mount manufacturing in India; US headquarters in Streamwood, IL; provides manufacturing support to American Pinball |
| Gigabyte Technology | company | Technology partner for Houdini: Master Mystery; created custom motherboards for the game |
| Global Gaming Expo (G2E) | event | Las Vegas event where Houdini: Master Mystery was unveiled on September 26, 2016 |
| Pinball News | organization | News outlet covering pinball industry; published this article and has been following American Pinball since early 2016 |

### Signals

- **[business_signal]** American Pinball founded as new boutique manufacturer with contract manufacturing background and family-owned supply chain (Aimtron). Strategic entry into market addressing Zidware fallout. (confidence: high) — Article details company founding by Vasani, facility setup in Streamwood, and Aimtron manufacturing relationships
- **[product_launch]** Houdini: Master Mystery announced as American Pinball's first title with $6,995 retail price; unveiled at G2E Las Vegas September 26, 2016. (confidence: high) — Official announcement and press release quoted in full in article
- **[machine_intel]** Houdini: Master Mystery is a re-themed (possibly cost-reduced) version of John Popadiuk's failed Magic Girl game from Zidware. (confidence: high) — Article states 'corroborating evidence to suggest this is a re-themed (and possibly cost-reduced) version of his Magic Girl game'
- **[regulatory_signal]** Legal action pending against John Popadiuk and Zidware by buyers of three undelivered titles seeking payment recovery; Popadiuk at risk of bankruptcy if action successful. (confidence: high) — Article background: 'A legal action against Zidware, John Popadiuk and his wife on behalf of a group of buyers to recover their payments was working its way through the courts'
- **[community_signal]** Sharp community skepticism and anger toward American Pinball's announcement due to John Popadiuk's involvement; Facebook flooded with accusations of scamming and demands for refunds. Significant trust deficit. (confidence: high) — Multiple hostile Facebook comments quoted in article; community concerns about $1M in losses attributed to Popadiuk
- **[product_concern]** Three Zidware projects (Magic Girl, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland, Alice in Wonderland) remain undelivered to buyers despite completion/partial completion; American Pinball now responsible for fulfilling these promises. (confidence: high) — Article describes the three failed projects and American Pinball's commitment to deliver 25 Magic Girl machines by end of 2016
- **[industry_signal]** American Pinball's entire market reception and community standing hinges on resolution of Zidware buyer disputes and fulfillment of past commitments. Company faces steep credibility climb. (confidence: high) — Article conclusion: 'How the company handles the buyers of Zidware's three undelivered titles and the suppliers who are still owed money will define the welcome they receive from the wider pinball community'
- **[manufacturing_signal]** American Pinball's 15,000 sq ft Streamwood facility insufficient for full machine manufacturing; outsourcing playfields, cabinets, and assemblies while conducting design, assembly, and testing in-house. Leveraging family's Aimtron for component supply. (confidence: high) — Article details: 'That unit is still not large enough to support full machine manufacturing, so assemblies, cabinets and playfields are expected to be made off-site'
- **[personnel_signal]** American Pinball collaborating with John Popadiuk as designer to leverage his skills while attempting to rehabilitate his reputation through new venture and fulfillment of past commitments. (confidence: high) — American Pinball statement: 'we are supporting John to fulfill his prior commitments related to Magic Girl'; Houdini described as re-theme of Magic Girl suggesting Popadiuk involvement
- **[market_signal]** Houdini: Master Mystery positioned at $6,995 retail, targeting high-end home and location market; premium positioning for boutique manufacturer. (confidence: high) — Article states expected retail price around $6,995
- **[licensing_signal]** Houdini: Master Mystery uses the Harry Houdini intellectual property and historical figure as licensing basis for game theme; suggests American Pinball has or will secure licensing rights. (confidence: medium) — Press release details Houdini's legacy and positions game as bringing 'the man back to life' through pinball
- **[sentiment_shift]** American Pinball attempting redemption narrative around John Popadiuk by publicly stating 'everyone deserves a 2nd chance' and committing to fulfill his Zidware obligations; strategy to convert community skepticism into goodwill. (confidence: high) — American Pinball's official statement: 'We believe everyone deserves a 2nd chance and therefore we are supporting John to fulfill his prior commitments'

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## Transcript

Date: 25th September 2016 A new pinball design and manufacturing company has announced its presence. American Pinball is based in Streamwood, Illinois to the west of Chicago. The company began work on their 15,000 square feet design and assembly facility at the end of last year and Pinball News has been following their progress since early this year. The American Pinball logo The end of 2015 was not a happy time for many in the boutique pinball business, and especially everyone involved in Zidware's Magic Girl, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland and Alice in Wonderland projects. The attempt to salvage the Magic Girl game - the most developed of the three - earlier in the year had collapsed amid claims of misrepresentation about how much work still remained, and the pre-prototype game had been shipped back to Zidware's facility. The Zidware studio Magic Girl games in the Zidware studio A legal action against Zidware, John Popadiuk and his wife on behalf of a group of buyers to recover their payments was working its way through the courts, with the very real prospect John would have to file for bankruptcy if the action was successful. John himself said publicly that the only way any of the games could be saved would be if a millionaire investor came along. Many said, however, that someone who was just an investor wouldn't help the situation, and what was really needed was for someone to take charge of the projects and have enough control to see them through to production. Even then it was hard to see how this person would be able to get the games to their buyers without losing a large sum of money in the process. Enter American Pinball. American Pinball was set up by Dhaval Vasani to design and manufacture high-end pinball machines as well as other amusement games. Vasani comes from the contract manufacturing business, so American Pinball is expected to offer manufacturing of games for other companies in addition to their own designs. To, literally, get the ball rolling they needed some initial designs to build, and that's where their collaboration with John Popadiuk began. The Zidware studio was in an estate of office and light-industrial units in Sangra Ct in Streamwood, Illinois. American Pinball's facility is in the same estate, albeit in a much larger unit. That unit is still not large enough to support full machine manufacturing, so assemblies, cabinets and playfields are expected to be made off-site, with their design, assembly and testing taking place at Streamwood. If American Pinball is looking for places to make key components for their games, it shouldn't have to look too far. The Vasani family runs the Aimtron contract manufacturing company which has a PCB making plant in China and an expanding surface-mount plant in India. It's headquarters, though, are at it's US manufacturing facility which is in... Streamwood, IL. Which brings us back to Magic Girl and the other Zidware titles, and the opprobrium associated with Popadiuk from his failure to deliver the purchased games. How could those buyers be appeased so that John, his future designs and American Pinball be free from the failure and the fallout from those previous projects? We have known for a couple of months how 25 near-complete Magic Girl games had been built and were sitting in the American Pinball warehouse. These, it was suggested to us, were to go to the litigants in the legal action, although on what terms they would be offered was not clear. Not all those who signed up to the action paid the same amount (some may have only part paid, while others had purchased two or three games in full), and not all had even purchased the Magic Girl title. We did not report this at the time in case it scuppered any potential deal to get machines to the buyers. It was initially thought production of these 25 games could only make financial sense if they were followed by a bigger run of Magic Girl machines for sale to the general public. In order to keep the exclusivity and the accompanying high price, the original 25 machines would need to be a Limited Edition or other exclusive variant, but profits from the standard edition could then pay for the LEs to be made and delivered to the original purchasers at no further cost to them. On Friday American Pinball made the joint announcement firstly of their existence, and also details of their first title, Houdini: Master Mystery, which will be unveiled ahead of the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas on Monday 26th September, 2016. The game is expected to retail at around $6,995. Houdini: Master Mystery American-Pinball™ to Launch its First Pinball Machine at September 26th Chicago, IL – September 26, 2016 - American-Pinball, manufacturer of arcade games and amusements, is excited to announce the world-wide release of Houdini - Master Mystery™ pinball machine for the home, arcades, gaming centers and magic collectors. The unveiling will take place September 26th at the Venetian Las Vegas hotel on the eve of G2E, The Global Gaming Expo. Based in the mecca of the pinball universe just outside Chicago, Illinois, American Pinball features a team with decades of industry experience and is launching its first pinball machine under the name Houdini for several reasons. Known as a masterful magician and Harry Houdini is considered the greatest magician, conjurer and escape artist that there ever was. Captivating audiences worldwide with his legendary escapes and shows was his specialty, the Houdini™ pinball will carry on that magical tradition as a beautiful crafted pinball machine featuring a one-of-a-kind pinball theater experience with an LCD color screen and patented cabinet. “Houdini’s escapes, illusions and handcuff challenges are world renowned even today, and formulate the basis of our inventive new pinball machine,” said president of American-Pinball, Dhaval Vasani. “Our Houdini - Master Mystery pinball machine will bring the man back to life with supremely detailed hand-drawn game artwork, inventive ball tricks, brilliantly illuminated play surfaces and spirit devices while featuring all the classic pinball features like: action jet bumpers, multi level ball stages, sculpted magic toys, secret escapes and much more.” American-Pinball has also added a performance of new Houdini™ features to amaze players including: The Floating Ball, Water Torture Cell, Levitating Bumper, The Bullet Catch, Hindu Needle Trick, Spirit Box, Buried Alive Sarcophagus, Lock Chambers, Magic Beasts, The Séance, Milk Can Escape and Jennie the Vanishing Elephant! “Houdini - Master Mystery pinball transforms under the hood as well with the newest game motherboards created by award winning Gigabyte Technology to drive all of Houdini’s pinball effects, full color graphics, sounds, gameplay and music,” explained Vasani. Although no mention is made of John Popadiuk's name, there is enough corroborating evidence to suggest this is a re-themed (and possibly cost-reduced) version of his Magic Girl game. Part of the Houdini: Mastery Mystery Not unsurprisingly, the announcement of a new John Popadiuk game did not go down well with buyers of Magic Girl, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland or Alice in Wonderland, or those who sympathise with their plight. To their credit, American Pinball has not deleted the less-than-flattering comments on their Facebook page ahead of the unveiling in Las Vegas. Is JPOP going? Is he returning the $1M he stole from the pinball community? This is going to end badly. The greatest pinball magician: John Popadiuk! He makes people's money disappear!!!! This is a joke, right? "And for the next magic trick, we are going to make the worst decision possible and use JPop as a designer." Learn everything you need here: http://www.johnpopadiuk.com/ DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!! See http://www.johnpopadiuk.com/ for details on how he scammed over $1,000,000 from other pinball collectors. I also suspect this 'Houdini' machine will bear striking resemblance to the failed 'Magic Girl'. RUN AWAY!! If you want to become a serious Pinball Company, you should distance yourselves from JPOOP. Say you were scammed by him because he had a great line of BS. Fire him and give everyone he stole from a discount on the Houdini machine. Build some good will. John Popadiuk needs to immediately refund the 1 million dollars he took from a lot of honest hard working people. John left a trail of lies and broken promises he should be ashamed of himself and if American pinball is connected to John they should also be ashamed of themselves! ...and so on. Then American Pinball revealed the existence of the 25 Magic Girl machines through another Facebook posting. Magic Girl cabinets Magic Girl cabinets They also posted how "by the end of 2016, Magic Girl machines will be delivered to their rightful owners". Here's the American Pinball announcement in full. There is a great deal of speculation in the industry as it relates to our relationship with John Popadiuk. To be clear, American-Pinball is a NEW pinball company and our mission is to create limited edition high-end American-made pinball machines, with our first one being “Houdini-Master Mystery”. With decades of experience in the industry, we can all agree that “JPop” is an extremely skilled pinball professional. He is also a loving father & husband. We believe everyone deserves a 2nd chance and therefore we are supporting John to fulfill his prior commitments related to Magic Girl. That said, we have some GREAT NEWS! These pictures are meant to show you what we've been up to, the progress that has gone on and the efforts that are underway. We American-Pinball empathize with the Zidware customers and therefore we are excited to share the following news with all of you. By the end of 2016, Magic Girl machines will be delivered to their rightful owners. We know you all have many questions about other efforts and will continue to update you as additional details are confirmed. The announced intention to get the Magic Girl games to the remaining buyers may have placated some of the more vociferous critics, but big questions still remain concerning the fate of the Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland and Alice in Wonderland buyers. Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland cabinets at the Zidware studio Will game two from American Pinball be a zombie-themed game, with special full-featured versions delivered to Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland buyers? Will game three have an Alice in Wonderland theme? For now we can only say that American Pinball has made a dramatic entrance onto the pinball scene. How the company handles the buyers of Zidware's three undelivered titles and the suppliers who are still owed money will define the welcome they receive from the wider pinball community. The initial signs are promising, but there's a steep uphill climb ahead before the stigma from the presumed failure of those three titles can be quashed. Back to the Houdini page Like this page? Share it with your Facebook friends: Back to the News page Back to the front page

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-08-04 | Item ID: bda94613-a023-42e1-a50d-ca659f3e1eb2*