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Pinball

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Kingpin

gameactive53 mentionsFirst seen Mar 6, 2007Last seen Feb 17, 2026

Profile

Kingpin is a pinball game with a complex and fragmented history spanning multiple manufacturers and design iterations. Originally a Capcom title from the early 2000s designed by Mark Ritchie with artwork by Stan Fukuoka, it saw only 3-4 prototypes produced before rights were transferred. The game was later revived by Circus Maximus using P-Rock emulation technology for a 2018 remake attempt, and has been referenced in recent years as both a failed remake example and a game praised by the pinball community. The title's production status remains unclear with multiple unfinished revival attempts.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedMark RitchieMark Ritchie designed Kingpin for Capcom Pinballmedium
  • affiliated_withCircus MaximusCircus Maximus attempted a P-Rock emulation remake of Kingpin for 2018 releasemedium
  • designedNorm ClarkNorm Clark's first designed game, produced early 1962medium

Facts

  • achievementDescribed as 'great' game to own in pinball communityhigh
  • affiliationCapcom pinball titlehigh
  • attributeOnly 3-4 prototypes producedhigh
  • roleArtwork by Stan Fukuokahigh
  • roleDesigned by Mark Richiehigh
  • statusRemake proposed by unknown designer shown as prototype at TPFhighfrom 2020-12-22
  • statusRemake never entered production; designer lacked knowledge of production pathhigh

Claims (4)

  • factualhigh

    All U.S. Trademarks for Kingpin have expired except one held by a Netherlands-based gentleman

    Source: Author's trademark researchPinball News & Notes: Last Call for Stern Guardians of the Galaxy, Kingpin is Dead, New Code
  • factualhigh

    Kingpin was designed by Mark Ritchie who also designed Indiana Jones and Fish Tales

    Source: Knapp ArcadePorn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom Pinball
  • factualhigh

    Circus Maximus is currently attempting to remake and produce Capcom's Kingpin

    Source: Knapp ArcadePorn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom Pinball
  • factualmedium

    Kingpin is a Capcom game with only a couple produced; rarely seen outside of California Extreme

Recent Mentions (53)

  • Unreleased Capcom prototype from 1996; rumored to be remade by Circus Maximus with alternative artwork by Dave Christensen; features spinners and crisscross ramps

    Episode 76 – S.T.O.M.P. WestFeb 1, 2018
  • Remake rumored/discussed; Dennis states definitively it will NOT be released by end of year

    The Pinball Show Ep 138 BONUS: You Thought Early 2023 Was Loaded With New Releases...Sep 26, 2023
  • Pinball dealer; advertising discounted Galactic Tank Force ($500 off MSRP) with no sales for months

    DPP #62 "Jurassic mistake? Stranger Things next? Kapow?"Aug 21, 2023
  • Capcom pinball machine; Gene planning to remake with new boards; estimated 300+ playfields needed; project would sideline other work for ~6 months.

    TOPCast 11: Gene CunninghamMar 6, 2007
  • Early 1970s Gottlieb machine being restored by Dave with John's rotisserie

    #31 Paragon - The Classic Pinball PodcastMay 6, 2020
  • Distributor from Baraboo, Wisconsin (Wisconsin Dells area); supplies games to major locations; sold Don fresh-off-factory Jaws Pro on January 31st

    The State of American Pinball

Contradictions

  • Existing: Kingpin is a pinball game entityvsConflicting: Mentions 7 and 8 reference a Wisconsin-based distributor handling Beetlejuice and other games, with no connection to Kingpin stated
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Kingpin designed by Mark Ritchie at CapcomvsConflicting: Episode 9 attributes first design credit to Norm Clark in 1962, predating Capcom's involvement
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Kingpin is a pinball game with clear production history and multiple versionsvsConflicting: Mention 7 references 'Beetlejuice show games' and Wisconsin distributor in context that appears unrelated to Kingpin
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Capcom Kingpin was a limited production run that never reached final production (mentions 3, 11)

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

from 2020-12-22
  • statusReferenced in 2022-12-24 episode with current status/location unclearmediumfrom 2022-12-24
  • statusMeant to release after Big Bang Barhighuntil 2019-12-02
  • statusRights later transferredhigh
  • statusLimited test run that did not reach final productionhigh
  • statusGene Cunningham considering remakemediumfrom 2008-02-06
  • Source: Mystery Pinball Theater 3000 hostVirtual Pinball in Virtual Reality
    Feb 2, 2024
  • Classic game being remade; mentioned as example of announced-but-undelivered projects

    Episode 833: "A New Pinball Company / Game Today?"Aug 15, 2023
  • Capcom rare pinball game being remade by Circus Maximus; announced March 2018 for TPF availability and late 2018/early 2019 production; project now declared officially dead after 5+ years in development with no updates.

    Episode 845: "No Kingpin, But More GOTG Pro"Sep 14, 2023
  • Williams pinball game that Gene Cunningham considered remaking after Big Bang Bar using remaining Capcom inventory parts; ultimately not produced due to cost of remanufacturing driver boards

    The Capcom Debacle Part 2: Illinois PinBall Inc.Jan 28, 2024
  • Classic Capcom pinball game being remade/worked on by Circus Maximus; discussed as potential remake with interest from community; original known for linear gameplay

    Episode 72 – PhoenixJan 4, 2018
  • Game featured in tournament; mentioned in previous podcast episode; well-maintained game in collection

    #28 You’re Out! - The Classic Pinball PodcastMar 10, 2020
  • 1973 Gottlieb machine, John Day's first pinball experience as a child at Zayers. Restored and remains one of his favorite daily-play machines.

    #105 Black Hole. Make mine Day - The Classic Pinball PodcastJun 27, 2023
  • Upcoming/in-production pinball machine to be manufactured by Planetary Pinball through partnership with Circus Maximus

    Episode 98 – Congrats To SSBJul 3, 2018
  • Gottlieb game; Pin Up is its Add-a-Ball equivalent

    Past Times Pinball History Ep 6: Gottlieb's Flipper and Add-A-BallsDec 12, 2023
  • Major pinball distributor with long waiting lists; one of Don's prior waitlist sources

    We got sponsored!!Oct 3, 2023
  • Capcom arcade pinball machine, extremely rare production, played via Visual Pinball in VR

    Virtual Pinball in Virtual RealityMar 5, 2020
  • Jersey Jack Pinball machine designed by Eric Minger

    SDTM Walkthrough: Texas Pinball Festival 2018Mar 22, 2018
  • Pinball machine used by Dirty Donnie and Wade Krause for custom build project around 2005-2006

    Pinball Junk Drawer, Episode 2Dec 26, 2021
  • Capcom pinball machine cited by LTG :) as his favorite game ever made

    Pinball Heroes: LTG :)Jan 17, 2009
  • Pinball distributor with long waiting lists; Don was on year-long wait list

    Behind the scenesJul 17, 2023
  • #10 most overrated; Capcom game being remade by Circus Maximus; hosts note original commands $15,000-$20,000

    Top 10 Most Overrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeJan 10, 2021
  • Remake of original Capcom Kingpin with only 8 units made; on display with updated playfield and ramp features

    Texas Pinball Festival 2018 ( Day 1 ) IRL WalkthruMar 21, 2018
  • Bowling film referenced as comparison for score-bragging behavior; host compares pinball player behavior to movie character

    World Cup Soccer '94 (Bally 1994) 08/11/15Aug 24, 2015
  • Capcom pinball machine (only several built, all in USA); subject of Tom's parallel homebrew project converting from Capcom Break Shot with Flipper Football parts; to be displayed at Dutch Pinball Open

    EPC2025 - Tom Altenbach - Pinball NewsJun 1, 2025
  • Pinball distributor cited by Michael W. as exemplary for warranty support beyond standard terms

    Episode 142 - Wizards of the PostMay 31, 2021
  • Capcom Pinball design with Stan Fukuoka artwork; never manufactured despite plans by Illinois Pin Ball and Circus Maximus team

    STAN FUKUOKA DIESAug 28, 2024
  • Capcom original pinball game; Circus Maximus remake project cancelled; U.S. trademarks expired except one held by Netherlands collector; community members working on code documentation

    Pinball News & Notes: Last Call for Stern Guardians of the Galaxy, Kingpin is Dead, New CodeSep 13, 2023
  • Rare Capcom pinball machine (9 units produced) designed by Mark Ritchie; subject of remake efforts

    Possible Evidence that A Different Company is Now Working on a Capcom Pinball Kingpin RemakeFeb 21, 2023
  • 1996 Capcom pinball machine designed by Mark Ritchie; subject of Circus Maximus remake and homebrew builds

    While Circus Maximus Kingpin Pinball Project Stalls, Some Collectors Make Their OwnJul 29, 2022
  • Classic Capcom pinball game being remade by Circus Maximus, confirmed as active project

    THIS WEEK'S ARCADE & PINBALL NEWS - 4/8/2022Apr 8, 2022
  • Capcom pinball machine remake in active development by Circus Maximus; production optimization underway

    Circus Maximus and Kingpin Pinball are ALIVE!Apr 1, 2022
  • Capcom pinball game (1996) designed by Mark Ritchie; basically never produced; being remade by Circus Maximus

    Porn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom PinballMar 31, 2022
  • 1996 Capcom pinball machine designed by Mark Ritchie; only 9 units produced; subject of remake attempt by Circus Maximus announced 2018

    What Happened to the Capcom Pinball Kingpin Remake?Mar 30, 2022
  • Virtual pinball cabinet by Bespoke Arcades featuring Xbox Kinect perspective-shifting, customizable upgrades, RGB lighting, full vibration kit

    Bust your BoneOct 31, 2016
  • Rare Capcom pinball game, extremely uncommon outside of museum/show settings

    California Extreme 360°: An Immersive ExperienceAug 23, 2024
  • Capcom licensed IP rumored for DPX; likely second game after Alice in Wonderland or competing with Big Bang Bar

    The Pinball Show Ep 150: Trip PinballsApr 8, 2024
  • Pinball title; trademark expired from Circus Maximus in Georgia; hosts suspect Dutch Pinball acquired it

    Episode 201 – Casting ZenFeb 28, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball game prioritized over Circus Maximus; known for strong flow and flipping mechanics

    Episode 187: Martin Robbins, TPF boundMar 21, 2019
  • Capcom pinball machine referenced for ramp spinner feature that influenced Barry O's design

    Grilling the Game: The Recipe Behind Barry O's Barbecue ChallengeAug 20, 2024
  • Circus Maximus remake of original Capcom game designed by Mark Ritchie in mid-1990s; prototype built using parts from California collector; running on P-ROC; new LEDs and wiring

    Pinball Industry News: March 2018 Re-capApr 2, 2018
  • Gottlieb game; playfield reproduced by Wade Cross and painted by Dirty Donnie

    TOPCast 60: Michael SchiessJun 4, 2008
  • Capcom pinball game with Stan's artwork; limited test run that did not reach final production; Gene Cunningham considering remake

    TOPCast 52: Stan FukuokaFeb 6, 2008
  • Mark Richie's design at Capcom Pinball; described as 'great' game to own in pinball community

    TOPCast 49: Mark RitchieAug 29, 2007
  • Clark's first designed game, produced early 1962; preceded by experimental whitewoods

    TOPCast 33: Norm ClarkMay 13, 2007
  • Local Wisconsin distributor serving Kickback Bar and IO Arcade; appears to place LE games at locations quickly

    Patreon Bonus #207Oct 1, 2025
  • Wisconsin-based distributor handling 20 Beetlejuice show games for Texas Pinball Festival; games already sold out since launch day

    We Are Pinball #53 "Pokemon and Pinball at the Beach!"Feb 9, 2026
  • Referenced game; current status/location unclear; production uncertainty noted

    EPISODE 125 – COOKED BACONDec 24, 2022
  • Game with Mark Richie voice work; Chris Shipman was mechanic; mentioned as 'great' game to own

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep06 – Chad The Bird Loves Worms and PinballJun 4, 2025
  • Remake mentioned as failed example

    Saturday Morning Spectacular July 26Jul 27, 2025
  • Chicago Gaming Company game; steep ramps, basic code, multiple bugs, $7-8K price range, unlimited run except Ali version

    Episode 35 – Hanging at TPF with Mr. CooperMar 19, 2018
  • Classic Capcom pinball being revived by Circus Maximus using P-Rock emulation; debuting at TPF; 2018 shipping target

    Episode 36a – Last minute Maiden Rumours + USA part 2Mar 27, 2018
  • Capcom title; meant to release after Big Bang Bar; only 3-4 prototypes produced; rights later transferred

    Episode 119 – Where No Pinhead Has Gone BeforeDec 2, 2019
  • Proposed remake by unknown designer; shown as prototype at TPF; never entered production; designer reportedly lacked knowledge of production path forward

    Episode 123 – Xmas CheerDec 22, 2020
  • vs
    Conflicting: Mention 4 states Capcom Kingpin was being revived by Circus Maximus with 2018 shipping target, and Mention 5 describes Chicago Gaming Company game with specific features and pricing, suggesting either different game or conflicting production status
    Expert: merged definition Expert: merged definition
    Resolved
    merged · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Kingpin is a pinball game entityvsConflicting: Mention 8 discusses a Wisconsin distributor serving venues with LE games, context does not establish connection to Kingpin
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026