Dungeons & Dragons is a licensed pinball game manufactured by Stern Pinball, officially titled 'The Tyrant's Eye,' released in early 2025 as a cornerstone title. Designed by Brian Eddy and programmed by Dwight Sullivan, it adapts the iconic 50+ year-old fantasy IP from Wizards of the Coast into pinball format, featuring an interactive dragon mechanism and character selection mechanics. The game has received mixed critical reception—praised for deep ruleset, storytelling, and progression mechanics but criticized for difficulty accessibility, shot geometry issues, and underutilized dragon mechanics.
Dungeons & Dragons is a dark game where lighting additions need to be carefully balanced to avoid reducing existing light
Dungeons & Dragons dragon only activates during dragon multiball, not integrated into quests or random encounters
Dungeons & Dragons was observed on the assembly line during the tour
Dungeons & Dragons is better suited to home play environments for learning and skill development
Stern pinball machine; advanced saved progress features (character levels, items, trinkets, story progression); bridges video gaming and pinball
Stern Pinball machine licensed from Wizards of the Coast; subject of entire video; 1.0 code release
Recent Stern release referenced for comparison regarding standout mechanical highlights
Stern game; pre-version 1.0 code; has experienced serious release bugs; spinnable seat feature changes gameplay; highly complex with extensive rule depth
Spooky pinball machine; launched ~1 year ago; features D&D narrative and character selection; Neil's first extended home session
Stern pinball machine with complex rule set, still in early code development (pre-v1.0), featuring seed-based variation and massive depth
No linked glossary terms
D&D's modes are boring because traveling to towns and playing similar dungeon crawl sequences lacks engagement despite thematic framework
Dungeons & Dragons is an incomplete design (Rush .5) that will eventually be refined into Rush with straightened lanes and a center time machine mechanic
Playtesting would have revealed and fixed D&D's blue cube visibility issue, where the cube blocks ball visibility coming down the right orbit lane
Dungeons & Dragons initially outperformed Kong due to being one of few D&D machines in the area
Dungeons & Dragons LE is down 4%, selling $10,500–$11,000
D&D's Insider Connected integration is a super innovation that should be adopted by more manufacturers
Dungeons & Dragons is expected to be the main Stern showcase game at TPF 2025
D&D pinball features four starter characters with unlock system for three additional characters
D&D Limited Edition production limited to 740 units due to 1974 Wisconsin D&D founding date
Unique D&D maps refresh every Sunday for at-home players
D&D playfield shots are largely equivalent across Pro and Premium tiers
D&D pinball features a custom animatronic dragon with omnidirectional impact sensing that can shoot pinballs from its mouth (Premium/LE only)
The Pro version dragon is sculpted (non-animatronic) and cannot shoot pinballs
Voice talent for D&D includes Luke Gygax, Kevin Smith, Brendon Small, and Matthew Mercer
Dungeons & Dragons game is more likely to be based on books/lore rather than the recent D&D movie
Dungeons & Dragons is expected to release at the end of December on the Spike 3 platform.
Theme/IP for announced pinball mod
Stern game seeing significant mod development; noted as popular modding platform
Spooky Pinball title with dedicated mod community; features heavy playfield blocking but draws enthusiastic modders; includes dragon, mimic, campsite mods
New Stern pinball game featuring multi-ball gameplay (8 balls), shield mechanic, dragon mech, save/resume code feature; designed by Dwight Eddy and Brian Eddy
Stern Pinball licensed game (officially 'The Tyrant's Eye'); recently delivered to Don; features character selection, wizard mode, magnet interactivity; experiencing code updates under Dwight Sullivan's direction
Digital game played by Spencer's family; recently added trinkets system allowing stat bonuses and linking mechanics
Stern pinball machine at code .85; Don's primary focus; compared favorably to John Wick and Ultimate X-Men for engagement
Unreleased Stern pinball; features dragon, gelatinous cube, mimic chest, shield mechanic, three flippers; generating strong pre-order demand; Don experiencing FOMO
Upcoming Stern Pinball licensed game based on D&D IP; designed by Brian Eddy. Central subject of episode; host predicts it will struggle.
Stern pinball machine being showcased with the Mimic mod installation
Spooky Pinball 2025 release; wins Best Call-Outs (co-host), Best Animation Display (co-host); features full Vox Machina cast recording; praised for topper progression innovation
Pinball game in George Fisher's streaming collection
Modern pinball machine; complex code with steep learning curve; Retro Ralph found it fun but difficult to learn; featured at Eureka Heights launch party during Twippies.
Stern machine with reported playfield damage issues; Stern recommending Mylar application as repair solution
Upcoming Stern Pinball cornerstone game designed by Brian Eddy, coded by Dwight Sullivan, 700 LE units at $13,000 MSRP
Recent Stern release featuring dragon mechanism and Insider Connected integration, well-equipped Pro model
Stern title with critical node board 10 wiring issue affecting LE buyers; expected to see significant secondary market value decline after fixes
Recent Stern Pinball title; praised for shooting/gameplay but criticized for flat, AI-like artwork
Stern release with fix-it parts available including shorter dragon harness for Premium; deemed bulletproof by collector with heavy play
Forthcoming Stern title; Don played and praised it; described as approachable, learnable, fun; has interactive moving mimic topper
Rumored upcoming Stern Pinball game designed by Brian Eddy with code by Dwight Sullivan per Kaneda's prediction.
Stern Spike 3 release; LEs shipping soon; discussed as strong initial sales but hype fading
New Stern pinball machine announced for CES 2025; features animatronic dragon, character selection, shield mechanic, multi-axis ramps; produced in Pro/Premium/LE tiers with 750 LE units planned
Stern pinball machine featuring Stern Insider connectivity and extensive role-playing game mechanics with narrative choices
Recent pinball machine designed by John Papadiuk; discussed as example of rule design and strategic shot sequencing
Upcoming pinball title rumored by Kaneda; uncertain whether based on films or game IP (different licensing implications)
Stern Pinball upcoming; designer unknown (John Bohr speculation); theme basis unclear (movie vs. classic IP); first public disclosure attributed to Kaneda
Sam Stern design; played at location; host found more intuitive layout than King Kong; features gelatinous cube mechanic
Recent Stern Pinball release; George describes it as a 'throw away' game with negative assessment
Stern Pinball release; already out at time of podcast; released January-March 2025; Stern's focus at Texas Pinball Festival
Stern Pinball's latest title featuring innovative gelatinous cube magnet, multiple character modes, save/load progression mechanic, and pricing around $9,700 Premium
Recent Spooky Pinball release; criticized for losing community enthusiasm and lacking broader appeal compared to Potter and Kong
Stern Pinball game receiving positive feedback; production pause to fix mechanical issues; Limited Edition rollout incomplete
Upcoming Stern Pinball machine; teaser expected Dec 27/28; designed by Brian Eddy with Dwight Sullivan on code
Pinball game; Don is waiting for translite artwork to order merchandise
Stern Pinball; Don currently halfway through custom build with glittery red powder coat and custom D20 shooter rods for 1UP Lounge
Don developing custom topper in 3D-printed form with interactive lighting; expected to be labor-intensive, priced differently than Stern's approach
Stern Pinball early 2025 release; features randomizing dungeons, character progression tied to Stern Insider Connected app, character leveling and trinket unlocks; initially app features appeared missing but were actually buried in UI
Upcoming Stern Pinball title by Brian Eddy; rumored for December release on Spike 3 platform; speculation about undisclosed large mechanical feature
Stern release; features weekly code changes randomizing gameplay; mixed reception — innovative but controversial for varying shot sequences; anticipated to parallel Stranger Things reception trajectory
Pinball machine George recently moved to basement for future streaming; helped by bodybuilder friend during relocation
Modern pinball game featuring new dragon toy that spits out balls; cited as example of integrated toy gameplay
Stern machine with innovative story elements and gameplay mechanics praised by both hosts
Stern Pinball game at festival with new code polish, animations, and call-outs; reportedly selling well
Recent Stern release praised for shot placement accuracy
Stern game with suspected topper in development; app shows locked character 'Rowan Free Wanda' with topper-play requirement; continues pattern Walt identifies
Stern Pinball game; Walt briefly criticizes as boring with unclear mode progression
Stern pinball machine; Walt Wood alleges it copied playfield design from Labyrinth
Barrels of Fun pinball game criticized by Walt for boring modes, incomplete playfield design (Rush .5 theory), inadequate playtesting, and borrowed shots from other games
Mentioned as example during validation testing with mismatched apron.
Pinball game referenced as comparable to TNA in simplicity and replayability despite its complexity
Pinball game George owns; referenced as different gameplay experience from Deadpool
Pinball machine planned for Tuesday stream
Pinball game George expects to sell to fund Rick and Morty purchase
Pinball machine at venue that is not being used in tournament because it has been sold
Pinball machine in Pinball Jones tournament lineup.
Pinball machine recently added to Don't Panic Flip collection
Movie that streamer attended (night before stream reference); streamer has tickets to see it again with babysitter; described as capturing experience of diverse D&D group with drinks
Recent Stern release featuring save progress tracking, praised for animation and voice acting; compared to Kong for code direction and feature innovation
Expected 2025 Stern cornerstone release; part of anticipated three-game annual schedule
Machine in Ralph's collection, currently neglected since Evil Dead acquisition
Stern Pinball's new release being revealed on day of podcast; scheduled for noon EST reveal on YouTube; positioned as cornerstone medieval-themed game competing with remakes
Stern game featuring choose-your-own-adventure mechanic; declining interest as players reach content saturation; Limited Edition sliding to $10.5k
Referenced as more desirable alternative to potential new Dune game; used as comparative example of better theme/design execution.
Stern Pinball title; early units showing broken dragon mechanisms; receiving code updates every Sunday
Stern Pinball game; CE units cited as example of severe depreciation (-$3,000-$4,000), poor FOMO generation.
Referenced for in-game action button tutorial; used as design precedent for complex games
Recent Stern release; cited as underperforming in sales; hosts unable to recall specific details, indicating low community engagement.
Stern Pinball cornerstone title announcement expected Dec 27-31; full reveal Dec 30-31 or early January; CES factory previews planned
Stern Pinball's licensed D&D machine featuring dragon mechanic, character selection, branching ruleset, weekly randomized dungeons; available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers
Stern pinball machine being modified; subject of the mod installation
Stern pinball machine that is the subject of this Mimic Chest modification
Modern pinball machine in the modern room at Flipper Room
Referenced as a game better suited to home play for learning purposes
Stern Pinball game; observed being played by Dwight Sullivan at factory event
New Stern pinball machine with dragon mech, game changers, and premium artwork; Orby's subject of analysis
Stern pinball machine; recently played by hosts; praised for deep code and Insider Connect integration
Stern Pinball's new licensed game; teaser video released; media day scheduled; dragon mechanic that spits balls
Stern pinball machine with difficulty scaling feature for multi-generational play; designed by Elwyn (head designer); mentioned as potential competitor to Kong in theme appeal
Stern Pinball licensed machine; early 2025 release featuring fantasy RPG theme with dragon multiball, gelatinous cube magnet mechanism, and character selection
Modern pinball machine present at multiple Albuquerque venues (Sister, Calavida Cantina)
Premium pinball machine in The Control Room lineup
Pinball machine at Pinky & Clyde's Arcade Bar
Pinball machine at Monsterama Arcade
Stern pinball machine at DZ Comics & Gaming in Moore
Recent pinball release listed in Magoos lineup
Pinball machine in rotation at The Arcade
Modern pinball release appearing in multiple venues (Comic Kingdom, Reno Pinball Underground, Inclined to Play)
Rumored next Stern cornerstone game for 2025; speculated to be revealed January 6-7
Stern Pinball three-tier release (Pro/Premium/LE); features dragon mech, gelatinous cube magnet, dungeon scoop; designed by Brian Eddy; strong sales reported; features Matt Mercer, Kevin Smith voice talent
Stern Pinball machine; v0.86 code; Pro variant with 6 balls; features character progression, town modes, Gelatinous Cube multiball, Tavern Brawl
Recent release on location; initially outperforming Kong but now being surpassed; routed by host; one of few in area
Stern game with leveling system and Insider Connected integration Don references as model
Rumored Stern Spike 3 cornerstone game; likely using Advanced D&D/TSR license; expected January release; potential for character customization and skill tree mechanics
Rumored upcoming Stern pinball with teaser expected December 27th, full reveal on Tuesday following
Stern Pinball game teased on Dec 31; dragon mechanism, Brian Eddy design confirmed; full trailer Jan 3, media day Jan 7
Stern recent cornerstone release; LE versions not yet in production per Don; described as happening despite current production queue
Stern Pinball Spike 2 title; expected pickup next week after Pinball at the Beach; receiving community enthusiasm and designer support
Recent Stern release; code updates ongoing; 'gem of TPF' per Don
Rumored next Stern cornerstone game for January 2025 release; speculated designer signatures match Dwight Sullivan/Brian Eddy pattern
Stern Pinball latest release; available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers; features dragon mech, dungeon scoop, gelatinous cube magnet, upper flipper layout
Upcoming Stern Pinball game for 50th anniversary of tabletop game, designed by Brian Eddy and Dwight Sullivan, game-based not movie-based
Recent Stern release; Premium LE dragon fire-breathing feature had critical node board failures caused by cable tie stress; now shipping with motor cable redesign
Stern Pinball's new cornerstone release featuring dragon toy, character progression, and celebrity voice talent; designed by Brian Eddy, coded by Dwight Sullivan, artwork by Vincent Prost
Spooky Pinball title; Genghis lost FOMO after playing it; noted for mysterious appeal that diminishes after gameplay; coming out of factory soon
Stern pinball game; Pro and Premium tiers available through rewards program
Recent Stern; earns well; commonly purchased by operators; mentioned as easy-to-acquire modern game
Pinball title (likely Spooky Pinball) that Bergeron played and enjoyed during league participation; mentioned as favorite alongside Metallica.
Stern Pinball 2025 release; Kaneda notes timing misalignment with Stranger Things Season 5 where D&D is central plot element
Stern game criticized by Kaneda for flat, boring artwork despite good mechanical execution
Upcoming Stern title designed by Brian Eddy; expected to follow King Kong in Spike 3 implementation
Stern Pinball machine; code at v0.80; LE design criticized; Premium/Pro tiers available; expected price drop in 6 months
Reference IP for mystery awards mechanics in Stranger Things pinball (d20 dice system)
Recently released Stern pinball title observed on assembly line during tour
Pro and Premium models in August production; rumored potential for home edition but hosts skeptical
Stern upcoming title scheduled for August production; currently backordered Pro and Premium versions.
Stern Pinball licensed game designed by Brian Eddy and Dwight Sullivan; features character progression, 40+ modes, deep ruleset; Doug praised game design depth and designer passion
Tabletop RPG with 50th anniversary in 2024; museum exhibit and outdoor fire-breathing dragon installation in Hasbro Game Park.
Stern release launching with comprehensive code: owlbear, rat/wolf modes, Worf character, shop system, leveling, unlockable characters; praised as model for feature-complete release
Stern Pinball release described as 'hell of a departure for pinball,' crossover with tabletop gaming. Features big-name voice actors. MSRP $13,000; secondary market range $11,000-$13,000. Don personally modified with custom powder-coated coin door and speaker panel.
Stern pinball game released recently; exemplary soft-license using D&D brand name with original character/story creation.
Recent pinball release mentioned by Erika when discussing new game awareness among general public
Stern game praised for implementing deep rule sets with mode lock-out focus; example of complexity done correctly
Stern pinball machine that Jamie specifically mentions causing competitive anxiety and difficult play; used as example of anxiety-inducing draw outcome.
Stern release from early 2025; only current Stern game without released accessories yet
Received three August updates (0.93, 0.94, 0.95) with trinkets system, deletion feature, and 15 new Insider Connected achievements.
Stern pinball available to play at Pinball at the Beach
Stern cornerstone (early 2025); George suggests D&D would work well as home/Costco edition due to broad appeal
Recently released Stern Pinball game; major focus of episode; praised for exceeding expectations despite initial theme skepticism; employed 5-7 additional animators beyond core team
Recently announced Stern release; promoted through sponsor messaging
Stern LE down 4%, $10.5k-$11k; recent 2025 release experiencing modest secondary market decline
Recent Stern release; generated unprecedented line for location play; hosts plan to stock both Pro and Premium versions for arcade operations
Available in Pro and Premium variants in rewards program
Recent Stern release mentioned as having standout mechanical features that Fall of the Empire lacks by comparison
Stern release; 2025 nominee
Stern Pinball machine available at Reboot
Stern Pinball game; most recent cornerstone game available at EAG Expo 2026 (due to Star Wars Europe unavailability)
Recent Stern title mentioned as having improved silent cooling fan design
Licensed game designed by Ward at Bally; featured bell tower and central flame mechanic; took approximately one year to design
Stern game excluded from tournament badge sign-in eligibility
Stern Pinball release; C/D-tier; criticized for boring gameplay, poor flow, repetitive modes despite strong RPG theming
Stern's first 2025 release; reviewers' favorite recent game; praised for deep ruleset and character variety (rogue, dwarf, wizard options)
Stern game referenced for sandworm mechanic comparison
Stern release; Gonzo stated appreciation but would never purchase
Recent Stern release; described as too difficult/brutal; feature-rich code by Dwight Sullivan; referenced as design philosophy contrast to Star Wars approachability
Stern recent release; available in Europe/Australia; experienced theme pushback and dragon catching fire QC issues
Referenced as comparison point for large animatronic toy design at release
Recent Stern release; compared favorably to Star Wars for LE side armor cosmetic detail
Referenced as game with character selection and strategic replayability mechanics; contrasted with Star Wars' straightforward design
Pro and Premium variants returning to production in November for holiday season
Stern game at code version 0.97; approaching completion; Q4 inventory push including Pro and Premium variants; sustained depth appreciated by hosts
v.93 'Trinkets' code update released; continues production with another run; Insider Connected app integration planned
Stern Pinball early 2025 release; referenced as 'feels like so long ago'; great game in top tier
Recent Stern game; LE did not sell out; referenced as benchmark for recent LE sales performance
Referenced as example of modern LCD game requiring significant learning investment
January 2025 Stern cornerstone release; designed by Dwight; unique rule set and coding structure; remains favorite among customers
Stern title; version 0.97 (approaching 1.0); received updates with achievements, difficulty adjustments, rule tweaks; seminar at Expo
Stern title that created lines at Electric Bat Arcade shortly after release
Stern early-2025 release; described as deep with lots going on; hosts unfamiliar with theme, note confusion during play
Stern pinball game; mentioned in context of new toppers and mods
Stern 2025 release; successful both within and outside pinball community
Stern Pinball release; features Michael Dorn dragon toy; criticized for underutilized dragon mechanics; competitor for rules/innovation categories
Recent Stern Pinball release criticized for shot geometry and playability issues. Praised for storytelling and progression mechanics but condemned for difficulty accessibility. Multiple notable players (Carl D'Angelo, Jeff from Dirty Pool, Genghis) report dissatisfaction and removal from collections.
Stern game displayed at CES and EAG Expo as part of company's January 2026 showcase
Iconic fantasy IP (50+ years) being adapted into pinball format by Stern
Stern release with previous-generation media day structure. D&D code issues noted (magnet shutdown after 30-40 minutes mentioned). Upcoming Insider Connected app integration update.
Licensed IP being adapted into pinball by Stern
Stern pinball game with app integration and campaign mode
Stern game with accessories delayed due to licensing issues
Recent Stern game; described as largest production with 16 artists; hand-illustrated and animated with international team
Stern Pinball's new release; primary subject of 2-hour discussion; mechanical rating A+, theme rating C+/B-, artwork B-/B; 740 LEs produced
Next rumored Stern Pinball release by Brian Eddie and Dwight Sullivan; Kaneda predicts limited success due to theme not being mainstream enough
Stern's licensed pinball game being manufactured; subject of the factory tour video
Stern pinball machine; host and Carl awaiting delivery; known to have cable/electrical issues; early CES model visible at commercial location
Stern Pinball's newly announced Cornerstone title featuring D&D theme with dungeon mechanics
Recent Stern pinball title designed by Brian Eddy and programmed by Dwight Sullivan; features interactive dragon mechanism; licensed from Wizards of the Coast