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Rick Naegele

personactive69 mentionsFirst seen Apr 11, 2018Last seen Mar 17, 2026

Profile

Rick Nagel is a senior software engineer and programmer at Stern Pinball who specializes in coding game rules and implementing complex software features. He is best known as Keith Elwin's primary collaborative coder, having worked on nearly all of Elwin's major pinball designs including Iron Maiden Legacy of the Beast, Avengers Infinity Quest, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Jaws, and King Kong. Nagel is credited with converting designer concepts into playable code, implementing iconic mechanics, and maintaining consistency across Elwin's game portfolio since the late 2010s.

Aliases

Rick NagelRick Nagle

Relationships

  • affiliated_withKeith ElwinWorked with programmer Rick Nagel to integrate ball saver features into gamesmedium
  • works_atStern Pinball Inc.Software engineer and programmer at Stern Pinballmedium
  • affiliated_withKeith ElwinPrimary collaborative coder for Keith Elwin's pinball game designs; pairs with Elwin on all his Stern pinball gamesmedium
  • designedIron Maiden Legacy of the BeastProgrammer/software engineer who implemented the game's rules and mechanics based on Elwin's design specificationsmedium
  • designedAvengers Infinity Quest

Facts

  • achievementCoded Iron Maiden's Trooper multiballhighfrom 2018
  • achievementPart of 'team rookies' credited with Iron Maiden Legacy of the Beast game designhighfrom 2018
  • achievementAdded 10-second multiball ball saver feature to Avengers and Jurassic Parkhighfrom 2019
  • achievementCreated bug that became basis for Iron Maiden plunger loop mechanichighfrom 2018
  • achievementCo-coded Jaws with Elizabeth Geiskehighfrom 2025
  • achievementParticipated in Kong voice recording sessionshigh

Claims (1)

  • factualhigh

    Mitch Deason developed a custom Blender plugin that allowed artists to choreograph Kong mech animations in 3D software

    Source: 2025 TWIPY Awards acceptance speechThe 2025 TWIPY Pinball Awards: Full Winners and Recap

Recent Mentions (69)

  • Stern Pinball designer; accepted Best Rules (Lyman F. Sheats Jr. Award) for King Kong; credited code and animation pipeline innovations

    The 2025 TWIPY Pinball Awards: Full Winners and RecapFeb 20, 2026
  • Stern designer; partnered with Davidson on Avengers Infinity Quest as lead; described as helpful mentor

    Raymond Davidson - Fireside Chat 2025Mar 17, 2026
  • Stern Pinball layout designer; consistently paired with Keith Elwin; mentored Raymond Davidson on Avengers Infinity Quest

    Raymond Davidson - Fireside Chat 2025Mar 17, 2026
  • Lead programmer on Iron Maiden software; credited by Tim Sexton for core technical implementation throughout project

    Episode 88 – Cluster VUK, The Guests Take OverApr 26, 2018
  • Primary coder for Keith Elwin's games at Stern; collaborates closely on feasibility of design ideas; responsible for rule implementation

    Ep 40: OverboardAug 16, 2021
  • Code programmer for Godzilla; credited with masterclass player feedback implementation.

    Ep 65: Eligible

Contradictions

  • Existing: The plunger loop mechanic bug was created while coding Iron Maiden's Trooper multiball (mention 4)vsConflicting: Mention 5 attributes the same bug creation to Avengers Infinity Quest code work
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Rick Nagel is described as original designer of Iron Maiden Legacy of the Beast (mention 2)vsConflicting: Mention 2 indicates he was part of 'team rookies' credited with game design, while other mentions consistently identify him as programmer/coder rather than designer
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Rick Nagel created the bug that became the iconic Iron Maiden plunger loop mechanic (mentioned in mention 0)vsConflicting: Rick Nagel is described as co-programmer on Avengers Infinity Quest and created the bug that became the iconic Iron Maiden plunger loop mechanic (mention 5)
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Co-programmer and design team member; implemented game rules and features including ball saver mechanics
medium
  • designedJurassic ParkCode developer involved in game development with Keith Elwinmedium
  • designedGodzillaCode lead and primary programmer for the gamemedium
  • designedJawsCode programmer and software designer; co-coded the game with Elizabeth Geiskemedium
  • designedKing KongLead coder and software designer; participated in voice recording sessionsmedium
  • affiliated_withAvengersRick Nagel added a 10-second multiball ball saver to Avengers via code modificationmedium
  • from 2024
  • roleStern Pinball programmer/software leadhighfrom 2018
  • roleLongtime programmer for Keith Elwinhighfrom 2018
  • roleImplements game rules and complex software features including 8-bit modeshighfrom 2018
  • roleLead coder for Kong pinballhighfrom 2024
  • roleCo-programmer on Avengers Infinity Questhighfrom 2021
  • roleImplemented Keith Elwin's game designs as programmerhighfrom 2018
  • roleStern programmer working on Godzilla early code developmentmediumfrom 2021
  • Jan 11, 2023
  • Code developer on Avengers Infinity Quest for Stern

    Episode 150 – Happy Father’s DaySep 9, 2020
  • Involved in Jaws (Stern) design/development

    Ep 78: RumoursFeb 19, 2024
  • Coder on Keith Elwin's design team at Stern, worked on all Keith's games since hiring

    Exclusive Interview with Keith Elwin | King Kong Pinball Machine Deep Dive & Career ReflectionsApr 26, 2025
  • Stern Pinball personnel; involved in topper exclusive mode beta testing

    The Pinball Show Ep 130: Into The Pini-VerseJun 20, 2023
  • Code developer for Jaws pinball

    The Pinball Show Ep 144: The Big Jaws EpisodeJan 5, 2024
  • Lead software programmer for Stern Avengers

    Episode 71: Avengers, History Lesson, and Beer Tasting!Sep 9, 2020
  • Stern software engineer; hired 2017; worked on Iron Maiden; coded the super slings feature used on Black Knight

    Episode 126 – Timballs Of RageApr 3, 2019
  • Pinball player and programmer at Stern; participated in King Kong launch stream, strong player in competitive scene

    Episode 10 - Bug from Spooky Pinball / MASSIVE release week!Apr 23, 2025
  • Programmer at Stern Pinball; works closely with Keith Elwin on code implementation and rules; described as 'very fast' programmer

    Ep 49: AIQ with Keith ElwinNov 30, 2020
  • Stern designer/programmer, working 24/7 according to Josh, at Expo

    Ep 80: Catching UpMar 4, 2022
  • Head code person at Stern Pinball; oversees code structure and coordination

    Ep 48: RayDay!Nov 18, 2020
  • Video/animation integration specialist at Stern; integrated Japanese language call-outs for Godzilla; also worked on Iron Maiden

    Ep 90: Living the Dream with Jerry ThompsonAug 8, 2022
  • Pinball coder; coded Iron Maiden; speculated as possible coder for unrevealed Stern game

    Episode 17: Lots of Pinball Shenanigans.Jul 17, 2019
  • Full-time software developer hired at Stern in 2016; lead developer on Iron Maiden

    Tim SextonJul 20, 2019
  • Code developer for Stern Jaws

    Jaws Tutorial - Pinball Guide Part 1May 25, 2025
  • Lead programmer on Jurassic Park; credited with crafting layered objectives and mode design

    Jurassic Park Pinball Review - Stern 2019Jan 11, 2025
  • Rules coder for Jurassic Park; collaborated with Keith Elwin on Iron Maiden

    SDTM Episode 101: Jurassic Park Pinball Machine Review (2019)Sep 30, 2019
  • Code developer for Jurassic Park; previously collaborated with Keith Elwin on Iron Maiden code

    SDTM Episode 97: Stern's Jurassic Park Pinball First ImpressionsJul 29, 2019
  • Engineer at Stern Pinball, works hand-in-hand with Keith Elwin on Avengers

    Avengers: Infinity Quest Pinball Machine Review (Stern Pinball, 2020) SDTM, 2021 AIQApr 18, 2021
  • Code/rules designer for Godzilla, collaborates with Keith Elwin on game code

    Godzilla Pinball Machine Review (Stern, 2021) SDTMDec 26, 2021
  • Lead programmer for Jurassic Park pinball; worked extensively before the reveal event

    Stern Jurassic Park Pinball Reveal 2019Jul 30, 2019
  • Team member on Avengers Infinity Quest; not physically present, participating via Zoom; involved in development timeline discussion

    Avengers Infinity Quest Pinball Reveal From Stern Pinball!Sep 10, 2020
  • Head coder for Godzilla at Stern Pinball; programmed bridge mechanic and gameplay logic

    Godzilla Pinball Reveal!Sep 18, 2021
  • Lead mechanical engineer on Iron Maiden, from Illinois, responsible for overall game functionality

    Iron Maiden : Legacy of the Beast Pinball World PremiereApr 11, 2018
  • Listed in credits; appears to be part of Stern Pinball design/engineering team

    The Avengers Infinity Quest Pinball Trailer Breakdown.Sep 2, 2020
  • Software programmer for Jaws and other Keith Elwin games

    Jaws Pinball ReviewJun 22, 2025
  • Lead software designer for Godzilla alongside Keith Elwin

    Godzilla Pinball ReviewJul 25, 2025
  • Rules and software lead for Godzilla Pinball

    Godzilla Tutorial - Pinball GuideAug 9, 2025
  • Stern Pinball staff; present at factory event during Kong presentation

    We Played King Kong at the Stern Factory!!Apr 28, 2025
  • Pinball code programmer, coded Godzilla pinball game

    Final Round Pinball Podcast Ep 65: EligibleJan 11, 2023
  • Software programmer for Stern Jurassic Park (2019)

    Pinball Party Podcast Ep 19: A Nullbeeds & ChessFeb 10, 2023
  • Programmer implementing Keith Elwin's rule designs on Godzilla

    Episode 150 - There Goes TokyoSep 19, 2021
  • Chief coder for Godzilla Pinball at Stern

    Episode 162 - Apple Fritter PinballMar 6, 2022
  • Stern Pinball programmer for Godzilla; coded King of Monsters challenge mode in ~2 weeks

    Flip N Out With Friends: Keith Elwin (Stern Pinball) Talks Design, Toppers, Next Game, & MORE!Jul 9, 2023
  • Keith Elwin's coder; relies on him heavily for game rules and code

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 56 - Alice, Avatar, X-Men, Expo LET'S GOOct 11, 2024
  • Rules implementation person who collaborates with Keith Elwin; worked on Elwin's previous two games including Avengers Infinity Quest

    BDYETP 52: A Punny, Deep-Rooted AvengingSep 29, 2020
  • Software designer for Jaws pinball

    BDYETP 83: Jaws Revealed, Princess Bride Teaser, American Pinball Rumor Mill, Pinburgh ReturnsFeb 11, 2024
  • Software team member on King Kong

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 63 - UNFILTERED Conversations with Stern Pinball!Apr 19, 2025
  • Coder collaborating with Keith Elwin on game design

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 56: Alice, Avatar, X-Men, Expo, LET'S GOOct 12, 2024
  • Software engineer at Stern Pinball; handled programming and rule set implementation for Iron Maiden based on Keith Elwin's design specifications.

    Stern Pinball: Making of Iron Maiden PinballJun 27, 2018
  • Software designer for King Kong

    BDYETP 93: Kong, Dune, Portal, and Merlin’s Arcade Revealed! Harry Potter Confirmed! Cuphead, not released!May 3, 2025
  • Code programmer for Jaws pinball machine

    The Pinball Show Ep 144: The Big Jaws EpisodeJan 6, 2024
  • Stern Pinball team member on Jaws project; featured on Stern Insider Pinball Podcast

    The Pinball Show Ep 145: Shark No Eat BallJan 16, 2024
  • Stern Pinball programmer/coder; part of Keith Elwin's dedicated design team for games 3 and 4

    The Pinball Show Ep 3: Eating Crow and Wishful ThinkingFeb 24, 2020
  • Stern team member; working with Keith Elwin on Jaws code

    The Pinball Show Ep 146: Is AI Trying To Purchase American Pinball?Jan 30, 2024
  • Stern Pinball representative; credited with providing Godzilla topper exclusive mode beta code to content creators

    The Pinball Show Ep 130: Into The Pini-VerseJun 20, 2023
  • Stern Pinball team member; credited on Godzilla

    The Pinball Show Ep 75: Bonezilla vs. MechagodshillaSep 20, 2021
  • Design team member on Avengers Infinity Quest; appeared on Deadflip reveal stream; noted for breaking mold on mode design with Elwin

    The Pinball Show Ep 29: The Great Fan Layout DebateSep 14, 2020
  • Code lead on Godzilla; recurring team member on Keith Elwin projects

    The Pinball Show Ep 74: Godzilla Revealed, Production Timelines, & Changes In Pinball PricingSep 15, 2021
  • Lead programmer on Avengers Infinity Quest; frequent collaborator with Keith Elwin on programming work

    The Pinball Show Ep 28: The Quest For Den Den's Infinity Stones (Can A Pinball Ever Be Upside Down?)Sep 7, 2020
  • Pairs with Elwin on all Elwin pinball games; integral to Team Elwin consistency and reputation.

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 29: Elwin's Bond 60th Anniversary Is FINALLY Here!Jan 8, 2023
  • Stern Pinball code developer; collaborates with Keith on rules and code implementation

    Episode 361: Keith Elwin set for CarnageMay 4, 2023
  • Code designer credited for Kong pinball's rule set; hosts praise code quality

    🔴LIVE - Stern's Uncanny X-Men Limited Edition Pinball Machine with TOPPER CAM!Feb 19, 2026
  • Longtime programmer for Keith Elwin; co-coded Jaws with Elizabeth Geiske

    Bonus Episode - Best Game Ever: JAWSNov 24, 2025
  • Stern programmer/coder working on Godzilla, early code development

    Episode 321: Pinball Expo 2021 recapNov 5, 2021
  • Programmer who implemented Keith Elwin's games; added 10-second multiball ball saver feature to Avengers and Jurassic Park based on Sexton's Black Knight design

    Episode 293: Timmy Page SextonDec 16, 2020
  • Co-programmer on Avengers Infinity Quest code; created bug that became iconic Iron Maiden plunger loop mechanic

    Pinpals Ep 12 - Avengers Infinity Quest Deep DiveFeb 7, 2026
  • Head programmer; designs both rule set and playfield layout; competitive player

    The Making of Stern's Avengers: Infinity Quest Pinball!Jun 4, 2021
  • Programmer who coded Iron Maiden's Trooper multiball; his bug with the up-post became the basis for the iconic plunger loop mechanic

    Episode 106 – The GOAT featuring Keith ElwinAug 26, 2019
  • Potentially involved in code development for Jurassic Park alongside Keith Elwin

    Episode 102 – Stern, Uh, Finds a WayJul 29, 2019
  • Lead coder for Kong; participated in voice recording sessions

    KONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/DirtypoolApr 17, 2025
  • Original designer of Iron Maiden Legacy of the Beast; part of 'team rookies' credited with game design; made decision to expand Premium mode to Pro model

    Iron Maiden Pinball Vault Celebration StreamJun 22, 2025
  • Stern Pinball programmer/software lead; hired shortly after Elwin; implements game rules and complex software features like 8-bit modes

    Drinks with Jack: Part 2 w/ Pinball Game Designer Keith ElwinDec 11, 2025