# Pinball Brothers Launch Predator Pinball

**Source:** Kineticist  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2025-06-18  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.kineticist.com/post/pinball-brothers-launch-predator-pinball

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## Analysis

Pinball Brothers officially revealed Predator Pinball, their fourth title based on the 1987 film, featuring a widebody design with FAST Pinball boards and Williams standard parts. The game launches in two configurations (Standard at $10,995 and Trophy Edition at $12,494) shipping mid-August. Notable design elements include interactive toys (Predator figure, minigun, chopper) and multiple multiball modes, though licensing restrictions prevent close-up shots of Arnold Schwarzenegger due to an ongoing dispute with Disney, with plans for a software update if resolved.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Predator Pinball uses FAST Pinball powered board system and Williams standard parts (flipper mechs, pop bumpers) to improve flipper feel and responsiveness from their previous release ABBA — _Official manufacturer specifications in hardware/design section_
- [HIGH] Pinball Brothers has full access to Predator film video and audio except for close-up shots of Arnold Schwarzenegger due to licensing dispute between Schwarzenegger and Disney — _Confirmed in Pinball News launch article, explicitly stated in licensing section_
- [HIGH] Official trailer leaked on Pinball Brothers YouTube channel as an unlisted video approximately 1 hour before the scheduled 3pm ET reveal on 6/18/2025 — _Kineticist article documents the leak with specific timing_
- [HIGH] Predator Pinball contains no licensed actor assets in the game's artwork on playfield or cabinet art — _Reviewed from official trailer by article author_
- [HIGH] Before official announcement, Predator theme ranked #52 in Kineticist Hype Index with 100 user ratings, never exceeding #49 position — _Kineticist Hype Index tracking data from 2022 onwards_

### Notable Quotes

> "The Predator pinball on steroids"
> — **Pinball Brothers (official description)**, Trophy Edition Details section
> _Marketing descriptor for the premium Trophy Edition upgrade package_

> "This is the most ambitious most ferocious machine we have ever built. A battleground under glass. A war story in chrome."
> — **Pinball Brothers (press release)**, Launch Media section
> _Official manufacturer positioning emphasizing scope and ambition relative to their previous releases_

> "You're not flipping. You're firing. You're not playing. You're fighting to make it to the choppa."
> — **Pinball Brothers (press release)**, Launch Media section
> _Thematic game messaging emphasizing action-game positioning over traditional pinball framing_

> "Got time to bleed? Then step up, hit start, and let the hunt begin!"
> — **Pinball Brothers (press release)**, Launch Media section
> _Iconic film reference ('If it bleeds, we can kill it') used as tagline for game launch messaging_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Pinball Brothers | company | Pinball manufacturer releasing Predator as their fourth title; based in Scandinavia; uses FAST Pinball boards and Williams standard components |
| Predator Pinball | game | Widebody pinball machine based on 1987 Predator film; launching August 2025 in Standard ($10,995) and Trophy Edition ($12,494 with upgrades) |
| Daniel Janson | person | Game designer on Predator Pinball design team |
| Peter Dahlman | person | Game designer on Predator Pinball design team |
| Andrea Pedretti | person | Game designer on Predator Pinball design team |
| Brian Dominy | person | Software programmer for Predator Pinball |
| Aurich Lawson | person | Artist on Predator Pinball design team |
| Kelly Mazurowski | person | Animation designer for Predator Pinball |
| Alan Silvestri | person | Composer of original Predator film score; credited for Predator Pinball sound/music |
| James Burnett | person | Voice callout specialist for Predator Pinball |
| Olof Gustafsson | person | Sound/music contributor to Predator Pinball |
| RETROCENGO | person | Streamer and podcaster who partnered with Pinball Brothers for non-official content leaks and teaser campaign dissemination |
| FAST Pinball | company | Pinball control board manufacturer whose boards power Predator Pinball hardware system |
| Williams | company | Historical pinball manufacturer whose standard flipper mechs, pop bumpers, and other components are used in Predator Pinball |
| Disney | company | Current rights holder to Predator film IP; involved in licensing dispute with Arnold Schwarzenegger affecting game design |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger | person | Star of 1987 Predator film; involved in licensing dispute with Disney that prevents use of close-up shots in Predator Pinball artwork |
| Kineticist | organization | Pinball news and analysis publication maintaining Hype Index tracking of community interest in upcoming themes; author of this reveal article |
| Pinball News | organization | Pinball news outlet that published launch coverage confirming Predator game's licensing details |
| ABBA Pinball | game | Previous Pinball Brothers release (2023) whose flipper feel and responsiveness is being improved upon in Predator through new hardware design |
| Alien Pinball | game | Pinball Brothers widebody remake released in 2020; Predator returns to widebody design approach not seen since this title |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Hardware and Control Systems, Game Design and Rules, IP Licensing and Restrictions, Pricing and Market Positioning
- **Secondary:** Widebody Pinball Design, Community Hype and Pre-Release Campaign, Teaser Marketing Strategy

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.75) — Manufacturer messaging is enthusiastic and ambitious; Kineticist reporting is factual and neutral. Negative notes appear only regarding licensing restrictions (no Schwarzenegger close-ups) and modest pre-announcement hype levels (#52 ranking). No significant criticism of design, features, or business approach in the article content.

### Signals

- **[community_signal]** Pinball Brothers partnered with streamer/podcaster RETROCENGO for non-official content leaks and teaser campaign dissemination during extended pre-reveal period (confidence: high) — Article explicitly states partnership strategy and notes slow drip-feed approach to teaser content through RETROCENGO's channels
- **[design_philosophy]** Predator Pinball emphasizes action-game narrative over traditional pinball mechanics in marketing ('You're not flipping. You're firing.'); thematic playfield design with interactive toys and multiballs tied to film scenes (confidence: high) — Press release and marketing messaging consistently frame gameplay through action-film lens; rules documentation organizes modes around film narrative (Setting Traps, Green Berets, Get to the Choppa Multiball)
- **[leak_detection]** Official trailer leaked on Pinball Brothers YouTube as unlisted video approximately 1 hour before scheduled 3pm ET reveal on 6/18/2025 (confidence: high) — Kineticist article documents leak timing, video made private within ~1 hour, backup copy created for analysis
- **[licensing_signal]** Arnold Schwarzenegger licensing dispute with Disney prevents use of close-up actor shots in Predator Pinball; Pinball Brothers plans software update if dispute resolves (confidence: high) — Confirmed in Pinball News launch article; explicitly described as 'one big exception' to full film/audio access; update roadmap documented
- **[market_signal]** Predator Pinball positioned at premium price point ($10,995 Standard / $12,494 Trophy Edition) with two-tier model, shipping mid-August 2025 (confidence: high) — Official MSRP and availability dates published; Trophy Edition includes shaker motor, Invisiglass, backbox mission lighting upgrades
- **[announcement]** Official full reveal of Predator Pinball with complete design team credits, features, pricing, and availability details (confidence: high) — Comprehensive manufacturer specifications, design team roster, official trailer, gameplay footage, and press release published
- **[product_strategy]** Standard Edition vs Trophy Edition tier strategy with $1,499 upgrade pricing for additional features (shaker motor, Invisiglass, backbox mission lighting, cosmetic trims) (confidence: high) — Detailed specifications provided for both configurations; Trophy Edition explicitly marketed as 'Predator pinball on steroids'
- **[technology_signal]** Predator Pinball adopts FAST Pinball control boards and Williams standard flipper mechs/pop bumpers, representing hardware design change from previous ABBA release (confidence: high) — Official specifications state FAST boards and Williams components with explicit goal of improving flipper feel/responsiveness from ABBA

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## Transcript

After what felt like an exceptionally long teaser campaign, today we're finally seeing the full reveal of Pinball Brothers' fourth title, Predator pinball. The game is based exclusively on the IP of the 1987 action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Carl Weathers.
This post has been updated following the wider release of materials at 3pm ET today.
Predator Pinball Design Team
- Game Design: Daniel Janson, Peter Peter Dahlman, Andrea Pedretti
- Software: Brian Dominy
- Art: Aurich Lawson
- Animation: Kelly Mazurowski
- Sound/Music: Alan Silvestri, Olof Olof Gustafsson
- Callouts: James Burnett
Hype & Rumors
When the theme was finally confirmed earlier this year, Predator occupied the #52 spot in our Hype Index, with 100 user ratings of the theme. Since starting the Hype Index in 2022, it never went higher than #49 and mostly stayed within the low 50s. Not a terribly hyped theme prior to it showing up in the rumor mill.
Notable Storylines
Slow Drip Teaser Campaign
There are not a ton of interesting storylines worth mentioning for Pinball Brothers and Predator. If you're really grasping at straws, some people have been perturbed by the slow drip-feed approach to teaser content. Pinball Brothers mostly partnered with streamer and podcaster RETROCENGO for its non-official content leaks, so what wasn't shared to official channels was mostly disseminated through his channels.
Trailer Leaked
Despite an announced reveal time of 3pm ET on 6/18/2025, the official trailer did leak on Pinball Brothers YouTube channel, with an unlisted video that was shared to various community groups. That video was made private about an hour or so later. We may have saved a backup to help us write this piece.
New Guts
Predator pinball's game components have been redesigned to make use of Williams standard parts (flipper mechs, pop bumpers, etc.) and a new FAST Pinball powered board system, hopefully resulting in improvements to flipper feel and responsiveness from their last release, ABBA.
Another Widebody from Pinball Brothers
Predator does see the return of a widebody design approach for Pinball Brothers, not seen since its 2020 release of the Alien remake game.
No Licensed Actor Assets on Playfield or Cabinet Art
It remains to be seen if we'll get licensed clips in the game's LCD screen, or within game callouts. However, after reviewing the trailer it appears as if there are no licensed actor assets included in the game's artwork, which many pinball enthusiasts will see as a miss on this game.
Pinball Brothers Does Have Access to Full Film Video/Audio, with One Exception
It was confirmed in the Pinball News launch article that Pinball Brothers does have access to the full Predator film and audio for the game, with one big exception. Due to an ongoing licensing dispute between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Disney (current owners of the film rights), Pinball Brothers is currently unable to show close-up shots of Arnold from the film.
Should that dispute get resolved, however, Pinball Brothers plans to add those close-up shots into the game through a software update.
Pricing & Availability
Much like ABBA, Predator Pinball comes in two trim configurations. The games are expected to start shipping in mid-August and can be pre-ordered now through authorized distributors.
- The Standard Edition is offered at an MSRP of $10,995 + shipping.
- The Trophy Edition is offered at an MSRP of $10,999 + $1,495 for the upgrade package + shipping.
Standard Edition Details
The base edition of the game includes:
- Predator icon cut out
- "Stealth Black" Jungle Warfare trims
- Exclusive Predator poster
- Limited Predator merch package
- Jungle service kit
Trophy Edition Details
"The Predator pinball on steroids" - Pinball Brothers.
The Trophy Edition Includes:
- Predator icon cut out
- "Starry Green" Jungle Warfare trims
- Shaker motor
- Invisiglass
- Backbox mission lighting
- Limited game exclusive Predator poster
- Predator merch package
- Jungle service kit
Predator Pinball Photos
Predator Pinball Flyers
Notable Features in Predator Pinball
- Interactive choppa with physical ball lock
- Interactive and attacking Predator figure
- Ol' Painless minigun that spins with muzzle flashes
- Truck and rebel camp with exploding light show
- Wristblade gauntlet ramp
- Camp attack ramp
- Diverted choppa ramp
- Scorpion loop ramp
- FAST Pinball boards
- Williams standard flipper mechs, pop bumpers, and other parts and components
Predator Pinball Rules
These are just a few of the brutal missions and chaotic multiballs waiting in the jungle, also known as "the game modesin short". Read it, know it, use it. Because once the ball drops, there's no going back. This is just a glimpse of what The Predator Pinball throws at you.
The rest? You'll have to survive to see it. Push start and let the hunt begin!
SPECIAL MISSIONS
These are timed, high-stakes operations. Survive them all to face the Predator one-on-one.
Setting Traps
The jungle's alive, and it's not friendly. In this mode, you're rigging up a gauntlet of hidden snares and hoping to catch the ultimate prey. Complete trap targets across the playfield. Lock in your score at the camp scoop - or push your luck for more points. Catch the Predator and claim the glory.
Green Berets
Fort Bragg's best are dangling in the trees, skinned and lifeless. It's your job to ID Hopper and bring what's left of them down. Rack up value at the Reverso ramps, then extract via the camp scoop.
Want more points? Keep climbing. But tick-tock, soldier. Time runs out fast in the jungle.
MULTIBALL MADNESS
High firepower. Total chaos. Welcome to the fury.
Jungle Blast Multiball
You want firepower? Here comes the minigun. Lock balls by spelling G-U-N, then unleash hell as the minigun launches your multiball assault. Light up jungle shots, unleash jackpots, and if you've got the ammo, cash in with super jackpots. Want to double your carnage? Bring the minigun with you.
Get to the Choppa Multiball
The most iconic scene in action history now in full multiball glory. Lock two balls, then smash the Jungle entrance for the third and scream into battle. Hit all jackpots while dodging the deadly Nest or plunge into Predator Thermal View and gamble everything on massive Super Jackpots. Stage two? Water, mud, and one last shot at the chopper. GO. NOW.
Camp Attack Multiball
Prep the explosives and hit hard. Rack up hits in the camp bumper zone to trigger this furious
4-ball multiball. Clean house with Reverso ramp jackpots and take down the Russian chopper in timed hurry-ups. Score big? Then hit the top magnet and send the final ball screaming from the minigun through the camp shed in an explosive Super Jackpot.
JUNGLE ENCOUNTERS
Rescue mission stress tests. Quick, brutal, and oh-so-rewarding.
Triggered from the jungle map at center playfield, these encounters throw you into key scenes from the film. Loop the Scorpion ramp for score boosts, then navigate the orbits and fire your shot into the Jungle. Win clean and you may earn critical gear: the Knife, Hopper's Badge, The Torch, The Binoculars or the Map. Perfect play is everything.
PREDATOR ATTACKS
Predator isn't hiding. He's hunting, and you're the target. if it Bleeds, We Can Kill It
You face the Predator head on. Score boosts stack as you track your prey. Land the third roving shot and flip to Dutch's POV. Now it's war. Slam the Predator bash toy, unload every grenade you've got. Push hard before time runs out.
First Encounter
Single-ball. High risk. You face the Predator head-on. Each time you find him, he rises to strike. Fail to hit him in time? He kills your crew. Revive them through the camp scoop, survive three attacks, and send the alien crawling into the trees. Fail? You're just another skull on the pile.
GEAR & STRATEGY
Guns. Crew. Ammo. Items. Choose wisely before each mission. The right loadout can mean the difference between survival and slaughter. Weapons boost scoring. Crew multiply your mode value. Ammo buys time. Items grant unique advantages per mission.
Know your tools. Use them well.
Predator Pinball Launch Media
Official Trailer
Gameplay Footage
Interviews
Press Release
Pinball Brothers proudly unleash The Predator Pinball, a wide-body monster forged from chrome, chaos, and cinematic legend. A full-scale assault on your senses and a jungle war cry made of steel and sound, born from the iconic 1987 film that redefined action forever.
You’re being dropped into the jungle, deep behind enemy lines, where the rules don’t apply, the temperature never drops, and something not of this world is hunting you for sport. From the second you hit start, the game locks onto you with heat-seeking fury, original film clips roar to life, classic voice lines hit like grenades, and Alan Silvestri’s legendary score surges through the speakers like a battle hymn.
When the lights hit and the glass reflects the jungle canopy, it’s game on, you’re storming the enemy camp, lighting up the night with the rotating Ol’ Faithful minigun, and facing off against the most dangerous hunter in the universe. The Predator is here, and it’s watching you. Every shot counts and every mission matters!
Ramps twist like vines. Combos chain like gunfire. Loops run hot and fast, as the jungle closes in and multiball explodes into full-blown warfare. You’re not flipping. You’re firing. You’re not playing. You’re fighting to make it to the choppa. And when you do, if you do, the Predator Pinball erupts in light, sound, and the kind of fist-pumping glory that only a eighties action masterpiece could deliver.
This is the most ambitious most ferocious machine we have ever built. A battleground under glass. A war story in chrome. A tribute to the era of real action heroes, real danger, and real consequences. It kills for sport. It hunts for pleasure. And now, it’s hunting you. Got time to bleed? Then step up, hit start, and let the hunt begin!

_(Acquisition: web_scrape, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-15 | Item ID: e7615098-aa27-4783-b9f7-3992282734b7*