# Stern Pinball Reveals The Walking Dead Remastered

**Source:** Kineticist  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2025-12-04  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.kineticist.com/news/stern-reveals-walking-dead-remastered

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## Analysis

Stern Pinball announced The Walking Dead Remastered in November 2025, featuring upgraded SPIKE 3 technology, redesigned playfield mechanics (enhanced Prison, Well Walker bash toy, updated Crossbow), new artwork blending video and painterly styles, and updated code by John Borg and Mark Guidarelli. Priced at $9,699 (Premium) and $12,999 (Limited Edition, 500 units), the game follows the successful Metallica Remastered strategy of converting 2010s releases to newer hardware, though community sentiment appears lukewarm despite tournament players' affection for the original.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] The Walking Dead Remastered was announced at the tail end of October 2025 and made available for order on November 4, 2025 — _Kineticist article and official Stern press release dated November 4, 2025_
- [HIGH] The game is limited to Premium ($9,699) and Limited Edition ($12,999) models only, with no Pro tier offering — _Official Stern pricing announcement and Kineticist reporting_
- [HIGH] The LE release is limited to 500 total units globally — _Official Stern press release_
- [HIGH] Community sentiment around the release is largely unexcited, despite the game's tournament popularity and strong Lyman Sheets codebase — _Kineticist analysis of community vibes_
- [HIGH] The Walking Dead ranked #43 in Kineticist's Hype Index rankings prior to the announcement, driven by rumors and speculation — _Kineticist Hype Index tracking_
- [HIGH] The game features new voice work from actors Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne) — _Official Stern press release_
- [HIGH] John Borg led the development team and served as designer of both the original and remastered versions — _Official Stern press release_
- [HIGH] Stern plans to continue converting 2010s-era releases to newer hardware following the success of Metallica Remastered in 2024 — _Kineticist analysis of Stern's remaster strategy_

### Notable Quotes

> "The Walking Dead is one of the most memorable and influential pinball games in our time, and we're proud of the entire Stern team for elevating this iconic game onto our new platform."
> — **Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball**, November 4, 2025 press release
> _Official statement positioning the remaster as a premium legacy title, emphasizing innovation and technological elevation_

> "This remaster exceeds the original in every conceivable way, and we can't wait for the next generation of The Walking Dead and pinball fans alike to get their hands on it."
> — **Clayton Neuman, Head of Games & Franchise at AMC**, November 4, 2025 press release
> _Licensing partner endorsement, emphasizing comprehensive improvements and cross-generational appeal_

> "though this difficulty has made it a tournament darling, especially when combined with the code efforts of the late Lyman F. Sheats Jr., who made many contributions to the game over its lifespan"
> — **Kineticist**, Article analysis
> _Establishes the original game's tournament reputation and legacy code quality as foundational to its niche appeal_

> "In taking stock of the community vibes around the title before launch, they seem largely unexcited about the release."
> — **Kineticist**, Article analysis
> _Direct assessment of community reception sentiment, indicating gap between institutional hype and grassroots enthusiasm_

> "While The Walking Dead is a game beloved by tournament players and for its Lyman Sheats codebase, it's a title that otherwise isn't in high demand, can be easily found in secondary markets without a price premium, and with IP that's no longer top of mind in popular culture."
> — **Kineticist**, Article analysis
> _Identifies the core market positioning challenge: strong niche appeal but weak mainstream/collector demand and cultural relevance_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer announcing The Walking Dead Remastered; pursuing remaster strategy following Metallica Remastered success |
| The Walking Dead Remastered | game | Newly announced Stern pinball machine on SPIKE 3 platform; remaster of 2014 original; Premium/LE only; 500 LE units at $12,999 |
| John Borg | person | Designer of original Walking Dead (2014) and lead developer of Remastered version |
| Lyman F. Sheats Jr. | person | Late code designer who made significant contributions to original Walking Dead game; credited for tournament-quality ruleset; mentioned as posthumous honoree |
| Mark Guidarelli | person | Code contributor on Walking Dead Remastered alongside John Borg |
| Seth Davis | person | President & CEO of Stern Pinball; quoted in official press release endorsing the remaster |
| Clayton Neuman | person | Head of Games & Franchise at AMC Networks; licensing partner representative quoted endorsing remaster |
| AMC Networks | company | IP licensor for The Walking Dead franchise; partner on remaster release |
| Michael Rooker | person | Actor providing new voice work for Merle character in Walking Dead Remastered |
| Danai Gurira | person | Actress providing new voice work for Michonne character in Walking Dead Remastered |
| Metallica Remastered | game | 2024 Stern remaster that established successful remaster strategy; Walking Dead Remastered follows same model |
| SPIKE 3 | product | Stern's next-generation electronics platform powering Walking Dead Remastered; features 18.5-inch full HD display, improved processor, immersive audio, Expression Lighting |
| Insider Connected | product | Stern's community network platform included with Walking Dead Remastered; provides player tracking, achievements, challenges, and remote upgrades |
| Kineticist | organization | Industry analyst/media outlet tracking game announcements, community sentiment, and Hype Index rankings |
| AMC's The Walking Dead | product | Television series (premiered 2010) that is source IP for pinball machine; franchise includes spin-offs, video games, merchandise |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Stern's remaster strategy and product lifecycle management, SPIKE 3 platform features and capabilities, Walking Dead Remastered mechanical design and features, Community sentiment and market reception, Limited edition collectibility and pricing strategy
- **Secondary:** Walking Dead IP relevance in modern pop culture, Tournament player demographics vs. casual/collector markets, Legacy code preservation and designer credits

### Sentiment

**Neutral** (0)

### Signals

- **[product_strategy]** Stern is systematically converting 2010s-era releases to SPIKE 3 hardware following Metallica Remastered's success, indicating a multi-year strategy to refresh back-catalog titles rather than relying solely on original designs (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'With the 2024 release of Metallica Remastered rejuvenating player interest in the machine, Stern has announced plans to continue converting their 2010s-era releases to newer hardware'
- **[product_strategy]** Walking Dead Remastered offered only in Premium and Limited Edition tiers with no Pro option, contrasting with earlier Stern releases and potentially signaling a market positioning shift toward higher price points (confidence: high) — Kineticist and Stern: 'exclusively premium / LE models' with Premium at $9,699 and LE at $12,999
- **[product_launch]** Walking Dead Remastered announced late October 2025 and available for pre-order November 4, 2025; 500 LE units produced globally (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'announced at the tail end of October 2025 and was made available for order this morning'; Stern: 'Limited to 500 games globally'
- **[sentiment_shift]** Walking Dead ranked #43 in community hype speculation pre-announcement, but actual reveal generated lukewarm reception; community more excited about rumor than confirmed product (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'the IP had risen to #43 in our Hype Index rankings...In taking stock of the community vibes around the title before launch, they seem largely unexcited about the release'
- **[market_signal]** Original Walking Dead machines are easily sourced on secondary market without price premium, indicating weak collector demand and potential oversupply relative to interest (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'can be easily found in secondary markets without a price premium'
- **[competitive_signal]** Original Walking Dead became tournament staple due to Lyman Sheets' code design, establishing deep competitive ruleset as primary driver of niche appeal rather than theme or broad player interest (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'though this difficulty has made it a tournament darling, especially when combined with the code efforts of the late Lyman F. Sheats Jr.'
- **[design_innovation]** Remaster features re-engineered crossbow with precision/flexibility improvements, new Well Walker bash toy, enhanced Prison building, RGB lighting on slingshots with illuminated zombie heads (confidence: high) — Stern: 'The fan-favorite crossbow device that shoots a pinball has been re-engineered and updated for increased precision and flexibility in gameplay' and 'interactive Well Walker toy' and 'new RGB lighting and illuminated zombie heads on the slingshots'
- **[licensing_signal]** Remaster includes new custom audio call-outs from original TV series actors Michael Rooker and Danai Gurira, indicating strong IP partnership and celebrity talent integration strategy (confidence: high) — Stern: 'newly developed visuals...new custom audio call-outs from actors Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne)'
- **[technology_signal]** Walking Dead Remastered showcases SPIKE 3 capabilities including 18.5-inch full HD display, Expression Lighting System, wireless headphone support, Insider Connected integration, establishing baseline feature set for platform (confidence: high) — Stern: 'Powered by Stern's new SPIKE 3 technology platform' with detailed specs and 'updated cabinet lighting customization system designed to allow for internal and external expression lighting'
- **[collector_signal]** LE limited to 500 units with sequentially numbered plaques, signed certificates of authenticity, custom armor, signed bottom arch, and exclusive Insider Connected badge; designed to establish collectibility and scarcity (confidence: high) — Stern: 'Limited to 500 games globally...sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity...exclusive custom The Walking Dead Remastered pinball armor'
- **[content_signal]** Kineticist actively tracking pre-announcement speculation via Hype Index methodology, indicating formalization of community sentiment tracking as editorial practice within pinball media (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'So long, in fact, the IP had risen to #43 in our Hype Index rankings, driven almost exclusively by people discussing the game rumor'
- **[rumor_hype]** Rumors of Walking Dead remake or vault release had circulated for extended period, driving speculative discussion and FOMO; pre-announcement hype (#43 ranking) did not translate to post-announcement enthusiasm (confidence: high) — Kineticist: 'Rumors of a The Walking Dead remake (or prior to the new remastered line, a vault release) have persisted for a long time'

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## Transcript

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With the 2024 release of Metallica Remastered rejuvenating player interest in the machine, Stern has announced plans to continue converting their 2010s-era releases to newer hardware, alongside releasing original designs. The Walking Dead, originally released in 2014, is a machine infamous for its difficulty; though this difficulty has made it a tournament darling, especially when combined with the code efforts of the late Lyman F. Sheats Jr.., who made many contributions to the game over its lifespan.
The Walking Dead Remastered was announced at the tail end of October 2025 and was made available for order this morning as exclusively premium / LE models, meaning it includes all the original mechanics from the previous releases but changed in appearance to accommodate the table’s new art direction. Also featured are updated rules courtesy of Mark Guidarelli, John Borg, and other members of their team. Though the Walking Dead franchise has remained in a dormant state, zombies and pinball are a match made in heaven and Stern hopes to capitalize on the love for the theme by returning to this machine.
Rumors of a The Walking Dead remake (or prior to the new remastered line, a vault release) have persisted for a long time. So long, in fact, the IP had risen to #43 in our Hype Index rankings, driven almost exclusively by people discussing the game rumor.
In taking stock of the community vibes around the title before launch, they seem largely unexcited about the release. While The Walking Dead is a game beloved by tournament players and for its Lyman F. Sheats Jr. codebase, it’s a title that otherwise isn’t in high demand, can be easily found in secondary markets without a price premium, and with IP that’s no longer top of mind in popular culture.
The Walking Dead Remastered is limited to exclusively premium and LE models with no price changes from Stern’s prior releases. Premiums are being sold for $9,699 while LEs are being sold for $12,999. The LE release has a limited run of 500 total units.
Shoot the prison doors to open them up and bash the Walker hidden inside. Then clean up the prison yard by shooting the Walker and the lit shots to start Prison Multiball.
The Well Walker is represented by a massive bash toy in front of the bumper area which moves as the ball hits it. Hit the Well Walker enough times to find one at the bottom of the well, then keep on bashing it to start Well Walker Multiball.
Hidden under the left ramp is a standup target representing the Bicycle Girl. After collecting enough Walkers at major shots, the next left ramp shot will reveal this target and start a hurry-up at the Bicycle Girl for increasing scores.
Gear up for battle by shooting the left drop targets when WEAPONS is lit. Then hit the right ramp to load the crossbow and aim at any flashing shot for massive scores. The crossbow can also be used to aim for shots like the prison doors or Well Walker.
Prison: Shoot the Prison doors to advance P-R-I-S-O-N. Completing Prison will open the doors. Defeat the Prison Walker inside to start Prison Multiball.
Walkers: Kill Walkers and don’t get bit! A counter above the flippers keeps track of your Walker Kills. Kill enough Walkers to light an extra ball and Last Man Standing.
Supplies: Complete the supply drop targets to light a Dead Feature and collect the lit supply. Completing the supply drop targets during a Dead Feature will extend its time. Collecting enough supplies will load your CROSSBOW or light BLOOD BATH.
Crossbow: Shooting the right ramp when lit will direct the ball to the Crossbow. Use the action button to aim and fire the Crossbow at your shot of choice.
Combos: After completing a main shot, one of the arrow inserts will light for a short time. Shoot that shot for a combo bonus.
Woodbury: Collect all the heads in the Governor’s fish tank to light Woodbury. Knock down the drop target blocking the entrance to Woodbury to access it. Plunge to select an award.
Well Walker: Advance W-E-L-L by shooting the Well Walker. Complete the Well to start Well Walker Multiball.
Multi-Kill: Completing any of the Dead Features lights a Multi-Kill. Complete all the Multi-Kill features to light Horde at Woodbury.
Tower: Shooting the two Prison Targets will light the Tower Target shot. Hit the Tower Target to start 2X scoring. Align 2X scoring with a Multiball or Dead Feature and score big points.
Bicycle Girl: Shooting the left ramp when lit will open the ramp to access the Bicycle Girl. Shoot the Bicycle Girl to collect the Jackpot Countdown Bonus.
CHICAGO, IL – November 4, 2025 – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the largest designer and manufacturer of pinball games in the world, in partnership with AMC Networks revealed and released The Walking Dead Remastered – a technologically advanced version of one of the most beloved pinball games of all time featuring one of the most well-known franchises in the world, AMC’s The Walking Dead. This property has captivated global audiences since its television premiere in 2010. The hit TV series, spin-off shows, video games, merchandise, and more have reshaped the modern landscape of horror storytelling. Powered by Stern’s new SPIKE 3 technology platform, Stern Pinball is excited to bring to life The Walking Dead Remastered to the current generation of pinball players, taking them on an epic journey through legendary moments from the series as they fight to survive the apocalypse. The Walking Dead Remastered pinball game is available now in Premium and Limited Edition (LE) models, along with a full line of accessories available soon.
In Stern Pinball’s The Walking Dead Remastered pinball game, players will battle walkers and survive key scenes from The Walking Dead in an immersive physical pinball experience like none other. The development team, led by John Borg, the designer of the original game, have created a modern version of the original masterpiece. The playfield features enhanced versions of the “Cell Block C” Prison building, bicycle girl ramp, and an interactive Well Walker toy. The fan-favorite crossbow device that shoots a pinball has been re-engineered and updated for increased precision and flexibility in gameplay. The game also features new RGB lighting and illuminated zombie heads on the slingshots.
Extra care and attention to detail have gone into every facet of The Walking Dead Remastered, honoring the original masterpiece by John Borg and Lyman F. Sheats Jr., Jr. The game includes an updated version of the revolutionary ruleset that introduced a new mode structure and risk-reward elements that have stood the test of time. Through the iconic Prison, Well Walker, and Blood Bath multiballs and the depth of each Dead Feature mode (Barn, CDC, Riot, Tunnel, and Arena), players are immersed in a pinball battle that can ultimately leave a “Last Man Standing”… that is, if you’re able to survive the Horde and escape Terminus along your adventure.
In The Walking Dead Remastered, players will be introduced to newly developed visuals that blend high-quality video elements with a vibrant painterly art style, both on the cabinet and on the display. Extraordinary care has been taken to ensure the new visuals mirror scenes from the classic game, while also going beyond with additional updates. Software enhancements will introduce additional game rules, including new custom audio call-outs from actors Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne). Players will also experience Stern’s Insider Connected (IC) system that provides advanced connectivity features, enabling real-time engagement and a more connected experience for all.
The Walking Dead Remastered features Stern’s next-generation SPIKE 3 technology platform, which includes a larger 18.5” full HD display with true color depth, along with a more powerful processor, and a new high fidelity immersive audio system. Players will get to experience completely overhauled 3D-rendered graphics and custom animations that pay homage to the dot matrix display from the original pinball machine. SPIKE 3 electronics also feature more efficient power handling, improved Wi-Fi support, and wireless headphone capabilities. This release will also feature an updated cabinet lighting customization system designed to allow for internal and external expression lighting on all versions of the game.
Limited to 500 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the updated Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System with The Walking Dead-themed game effects, a full-color mirrored backglass, full-color high-definition cabinet decals, exclusive custom The Walking Dead Remastered pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a digital Insider Connected LE owner’s badge on registration.
“The Walking Dead is one of the most memorable and influential pinball games in our time, and we’re proud of the entire Stern team for elevating this iconic game onto our new platform,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “We’re always looking to create new immersive and thrilling gameplay experiences in pinball, and there’s no better way to do that than by bringing The Walking Dead back from the dead and to an entirely new generation of zombie lovers and pinball players.”
“The Walking Dead pinball was best-in-class when it debuted ten years ago, and its enduring appeal is a testament both to the game, and the strength of the franchise,” said Clayton Neuman, Head of Games & Franchise at AMC. “This remaster exceeds the original in every conceivable way, and we can’t wait for the next generation of The Walking Dead and pinball fans alike to get their hands on it.”
The Walking Dead Remastered is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide. Find out more and contact us for availability in your location on the game information page here. Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Pricing and Availability:
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:
*MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
Premium Edition: $US 9,699
Limited Edition: $US 12,999
The Walking Dead Remastered pinball games feature Stern’s best-in-class commercial quality reliability backed by a pinball best-in-class one-year warranty.
About Insider Connected
Insider Connected™ is Stern Pinball’s community network that allows players and owners to engage with pinball games in rapidly expanding ways. The platform unites pinball players around the world and enhances fun through a variety of useful online features. Insider Connected is included with every new Stern product and is available as an add-on for existing games.
Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com or in the intuitive Insider Connected™ mobile app on iOS and Android. By tapping a device on any enabled machine, players can track and resume game progress wherever they play, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the pinball community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. In addition to offering benefits to players, Insider Connected allows Stern to serve its game owners worldwide by upgrading games, offering new features and quests, and extending the longevity of machines for years to come.
About Stern Pinball, Inc.
Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games and experiences. 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 Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, King Kong: Myth of Terror Island, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Tyrant’s Eye, Metallica Remastered, The Uncanny X-Men, John Wick, JAWS, Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond, Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, 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 competing in high-stakes global competitions to novice players discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and is the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The Company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.
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All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
*Note, an earlier draft noted Elizabeth Elizabeth Gieske as a lead on new code but this was incorrect and has been updated.

_(Acquisition: web_scrape, Enrichment: v4)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: d0e35cdc-5876-48ff-b255-f19ba6a59008*