companymerged24 mentionsFirst seen Mar 11, 2007Last seen Jan 26, 2026
Profile
Data East Pinball was a major pinball manufacturer founded in September 1986 by Joe Kaminkow and Gary Stern, operating through the 1990s. Known for pioneering DMD (dot matrix display) technology and securing major entertainment licenses including The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, Lethal Weapon, Star Wars, RoboCop, and Time Machine, the company produced approximately 30,000 units during peak years. After acquisition by Konami and subsequently Sega in 1994, the company was rebranded as Stern Pinball in 1999, becoming the foundation of the modern Stern Pinball operation.
Aliases
No aliases
Relationships
foundedGary SternCo-founded Data East Pinball with Joe Kaminkow in mid-1980smedium
foundedJoe KaminkowCo-founded Data East Pinball with Gary Stern in 1986-1987medium
Facts
achievementFounded by Joe Kaminkow and Gary Sternhighfrom 1986-09
achievementIncorporated in November 1986highfrom 1986-11
achievementProduced licensed games including Simpsons, Jurassic Park, Lethal Weapon, and Star Warshighfrom 1987 until 1998
achievementProduced Laser Wars, Robocop, and Time Machinehighfrom 1987 until 1998
achievementProduced approximately 30,000 units in peak yearmediumfrom 1987 until 1998
achievementKnown for DMD (dot matrix display) innovationhigh
Claims (3)
factualhigh
Data East (Stern's predecessor) developed a King Kong prototype with Kevin O'Connor artwork featuring a large upper-right flipper for side ramp shot, which failed and prevented production
Williams circuit boards were reverse-engineered for Data East Pinball, but all software was written from scratch by Richard Denton to avoid copyright infringement