Ben Heck is a legendary pinball designer and engineer who has been a central figure at Spooky Pinball since co-founding the company with Charlie Emery, designing electronics, rules, and code for most of Spooky's catalog including America's Most Haunted, Evil Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Beetlejuice. Known for his creative approach to rule design, mechanical innovation, and versatility across code, animation, and scripting, he has also collaborated with Chicago Gaming Company and worked on various licensed properties. His career shows evolution from co-founder to core design team member, with documented periods of departure and reconciliation with Spooky.
No aliases
Ben Heck stated America's Most Haunted 'paid for a third of my house' or similar amount
Ben Heck hates whistling sounds
An unreleased upcoming Spooky Pinball game features an Easter egg with Ben Heck's voice saying 'SHATZ!' on a shark shot
Ben Heck's next pinball machine project is not a collaboration between Spooky Pinball and Chicago Gaming Company
Spooky Pinball software developer; credited for layering sound textures in Evil Dead; worked in Ben Heck's basement studio
Mentioned as playing ABBA during the livestream; apparently a pinball community figure
Designer/engineer at Spooky Pinball; let Neil test Beetlejuice before event opening
Designer whose game is being finished by Spooky Pinball in collaboration with Chicago Gaming
Legendary pinball designer returning to industry at Spooky Pinball for licensed title design
Designer at Spooky Pinball (mentioned indirectly through Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
Contractor (not official employee) at Spooky Pinball; commutes 1.5 hours to work; noted for technical expertise but subject of Spooky's location constraints
No linked glossary terms
Ben Heck coded America's Most Haunted, Spooky Pinball's first commercial game
Ben Heck's Monty Python game is only in whitewood form and won't release before 2025 due to Chicago Gaming backlog
Ben Heck's upcoming game has 8 main modes and 5 sub-wizard modes already programmed
Ben Heck is targeting October 2023 launch for Spooky Pinball's next game
Fifteen months of code development will be completed by launch
The game will have eight main modes and five sub-wizard modes
Ben Heck has been working on coding for a new Spooky game for several weeks
Ben Heck declined to appear on Kaneda's podcast due to concern about Spooky Pinball's reaction
Ben Heck was significantly involved in America's Most Haunted, Rob Zombie's Spookshow International, and a Bill Paxton homebrew
Ben Heck is starting coding on Spooky Pinball's next-next game this week
Spooky is switching from P3 Rock boards to a new custom board set designed by Ben Heck
Ben Heck prioritizes 'mechanical satisfaction' as a design goal, potentially over gameplay
Ben Heck believes Disney's Lion King and Aladdin would work very well for pinball and bridge generational gaps
Nintendo licensing would be very similar to Disney licensing in terms of complexity and approval process
Ben Heck's new Penhek board system costs less than a Stern node board replacement
Ben Heck is working more closely with Spooky Pinball on game design projects
Ben Heck designed the code/rules for America's Most Haunted
The CGC/Spooky co-op game will release in late 2021 or early 2022
Ben Heck's new pinball machine is ready for hand-drawn artwork
Ben Heck originally intended his Spooky collaboration game to be Evil Dead
Ben Heck is designing a licensed title for Spooky Pinball manufactured by Chicago Gaming Company
Ben Heck was developing an Evil Dead pinball machine for Spooky before departing
Ben Heck updated America's Most Haunted code in 2006 primarily to boost Spooky's reputation, not out of altruism
Ben Heck disclosed that Stern paid an 'ungodly amount' for the Beatles license
Ben Heck left Spooky Pinball because his game was delayed indefinitely while Alice Cooper and TNA were prioritized
Dennis Nordman has been waiting for Elvira 3 release for 2+ years without receiving royalties
Ben Heck does not own America's Most Haunted and doesn't want to see the game again
Ben Heck created his first homebrew pinball machine in 2009 based on Bill Paxton
Ben Heck met Charlie Emery at Midwest Gaming Classic which led to founding Spooky Pinball in 2013
Ben Heck's code for America's Most Haunted was a 'complete mess under the hood' with no libraries and poor organization
The Mafia machine uses suboptimal 3.5mm headphone jack audio instead of I2S protocol, resulting in lower audio quality
Ben Heck developed a Raspberry Pi-based controller system for vintage pinball machines
Spring-loaded chicken toy will have more pronounced hopping motion in production
Jack Danger corresponds with Ben Heck via email regarding pinball collaboration
Ben Heck created Bill Paxton pinball machine and later helped Spooky Pinball create America's Most Haunted
Designed by Ben Heck
Designer of America's Most Haunted, Spooky Pinball's inaugural title
Spooky Pinball developer interviewed for Evil Dead featurette; discussed in-depth philosophy of code, programming, and animation
Designer at Spooky Pinball; mentioned as part of design team that has shown improvement in recent games
Designer rumored to be collaborating with Spooky and CGC on upcoming title, possibly Monty Python
Associated with Spooky Pinball; works with Dave Van Ness on creative projects
Associated with Spooky Pinball; discussed Robert Mueller's acquisition attempt with Charlie
Designer/founder associated with Spooky Pinball; rumored to be collaborating with Chicago Gaming Company on Monty Python project
Mentioned in relation to homebrew pinball; Don references conversations with him about code and manufacturing
Spooky engineer/coder mentioned in KB; not explicitly discussed in this interview but referenced in context of code team
Spooky Pinball designer/engineer; referenced in context of mechanical design philosophy
Designer who created homebrew games that became Spooky Pinball production titles
Designer whose board system Spooky adopted for Rick and Morty instead of P3
Pinball industry figure; interviewed by Head to Head Pinball Podcast; disclosed Beatles licensing cost
Referred to as constant presence in Deep Root Pinside thread discussions alongside BJ; likely observer/analyst of Deep Root situation
Designer credited with creating the 8-bit Dracula video mode sequences featured in Rob Zombie's Spookshow International
Game designer for America's Most Haunted
Engineer/designer; worked on Evil Dead at Spooky; previously left Spooky, later returned; passionate about Evil Dead project
Pinball designer; referenced multiple times as contrast to Kaneda's critique of design laziness (Ben Heck's work appears less lazy on Guns N' Roses CE).
Working with Spooky Pinball on code for upcoming game; possibly involved with Mr Hilton next title
Mentioned as example of designer/consultant who could provide playtest feedback; context: playtest feedback for Guns N' Roses during Whitewood stage
Pinball designer/engineer; mentioned in passing as part of podcast sponsorship joke with 'Ed'
Recent pinball machine that did not sell out despite hype; cited as precedent for secondary market availability
Pinball designer working with Spooky Pinball on Evil Dead; known for custom pinball creations
Designer; developing new pinball machine with hand-drawn artwork focus
Code developer for Evil Dead pinball; cited as delivering solid, complete code at launch
Pinball designer mentioned in context of Spooky Pinball work
Mentioned in context of pinball machines; appears to reference modding/restoration expertise
Industry figure cited by Kaneda as having advocated for licensed themes long-term
Spooky Pinball collaborator in Benton, Wisconsin; referenced as 'nutcase' in positive context
Spooky Pinball designer; made America's Most Haunted; working on Evil Dead or Texas Chainsaw Massacre next
Welcomed back to Back to the Arcade team by Spooky Pinball in recent announcement
Spooky Pinball designer rumored to be designing Looney Tunes as alternate theme for next dual-themed game
Chicago Gaming Company designer; working on a game with Christopher Franchi on artwork
Spooky Pinball code developer; appeared on Spooky seminar panel at TPF with Hilton, Luke, Bug, and Christopher Franchi.
Chicago Gaming designer working on game (possibly Evil Dead or Monty Python themed); made America's Most Haunted previously
Pinball industry figure who attended recent livestream event with Don
Pinball programmer hired by Spooky; actively tweets about game development progress
Spooky Pinball team member; praised as part of capable team
Pinboard community member in Great Witch John trailer park game thread; skeptical of project feasibility
Referenced as source for pinball manufacturing best practices (having all parts in house before production)
Pinball designer/engineer currently working with Spooky, has a game in CGC's release schedule
Previously collaborated with Spooky on projects, relationship being rebuilt through vinyl album gift
Advised on Rob Zombie design; convinced David against physical ball locks; created video mode for the game
Code designer for Texas Chainsaw Massacre; last coded America's Most Haunted; praised for sophistication in rule design and sound choreography
Designer of racing arcade cabinet modifications mentioned as alternative solution for arcade collecting
Mentioned as potential continuity director or Spooky Pinball staff member; referenced humorously by Bug
Frequent guest on podcast; appeared in cosplay (Sean Connery, Alex Trebek); involved in early podcast events
Designer/engineer at Spooky; worked on TCM mode updates with Hilton Jones; has stated hatred of whistling sound
Code/rules designer for Texas Chainsaw Massacre pinball at Spooky Pinball, credited with extensive ruleset implementation over 1.5-2 year development
Referenced as engineer/coder associated with pinball design; mentioned in context of 'Creature of the Black Lagoon'
Referenced with 'Boom Boom' epithet; unclear whether referring to the arcade/engineering YouTuber Ben Heck or another industry figure
Known figure in pinball community; was around Python Angela towards the end according to Bug's father
Designer of America's Most Haunted; Kaneda credits him in Spooky Pinball team acknowledgment
Pinball builder/coder; coded America's Most Haunted (Spooky Pinball's first game); built Pride Pinball (Bill Paxton machine); known for building custom pinball machines
Coder for Spooky Pinball; involved with Halloween development
Discussed code design on Texas Chainsaw Massacre, using shaker motor for chainsaw effects
Pinball designer collaborating with Spooky and Chicago Gaming on Monty Python; Kaneda cites his assessment that game is only in whitewood stage
Designer working on Spooky Pinball game for late 2023 (post-Scooby-Doo)
Pinball designer at Spooky Pinball; reportedly unwilling to appear on Kaneda's show due to concern about manufacturer consequences
Code programmer for Evil Dead pinball; collaborated with Jon Stimson on rules and mechanical implementations; controls mechanical elements like the roaming hand via firmware
Programmer at Spooky Pinball; credited for returning to work on Texas Chainsaw Massacre code with noted attention to detail and creative game mechanics
Programmer/code developer for Evil Dead pinball; collaborator with Jon Hey on rules and mechanics; maintains microsecond-level control of motorized hand positioning
Legendary pinball designer and engineer; co-founder of Spooky Pinball; designed America's Most Haunted, contributed to Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper; known for technical expertise and code architecture
Pinball enthusiast/designer who attempted to create a Lost-themed pinball machine but abandoned the project
Electronics/pinball custom builder; created Bill Paxton pinball machine; helped Spooky Pinball create America's Most Haunted; known for Nintendo Entertainment System miniaturization projects; Jack Danger had previous interaction with him at Chicago Pinball event
Spooky Pinball co-founder and core designer; present on stream; involved in rules and code discussion
Member of Madison Pinball Crew participating in gameplay
Legendary Spooky Pinball co-founder; appears in chat during stream
Mentioned as someone with approach to making pinball more accessible; Spooky had previously developed a blue-pink monster with phone control and coil activation.
Mentioned in connection with working on the Brunswick Aspen home machine
Known for building prototype pinball machines from foam core and hot glue; uses this method to test angles
Mentioned as designer/creator of America's Most Haunted (Spooky Pinball game); Jack states he knows Ben through email
Pinball designer/builder; Jack mentions corresponding with him via email and interest in pinball collaboration; has mini-pin machine displayed
Presumed primary code designer for TCM based on mentions in Spooky's gameplay video
Pinball designer whose work with Spooky Pinball established trust relationship that led to Charlie Emery being given opportunity to manufacture TNA
Professional pinball designer; visited Scott's workshop; provided critique and mechanical design feedback on Cuphead; helped resolve playfield issues with cardboard/masking tape prototyping
Texas Chainsaw Massacre rules programmer at Spooky Pinball
Rules designer leading Texas Chainsaw Massacre pinball game design
Pinball designer. Designed America's Most Haunted for Spooky Pinball. Now collaborating with Spooky and Chicago Gaming on a licensed title. Previously designed unrealized Evil Dead machine for Spooky due to licensing cost prohibitions.
Pinball designer/mechanic known for innovative mechanisms; worked on unreleased game at Spooky; publicly complained about delays and licensing decisions; leaked abandoned Evil Dead and Monty Python designs
Playfield designer; created playfield for Spooky Pinball project (speculated as Evil Dead); had previous disputes with Spooky
Code/rules designer for Evil Dead pinball; previously frustrated about Evil Dead licensing delays
Interviewed about Spooky's P3 Rock departure; explicit about financial motivation for board manufacturing transition
Designing new board set for Spooky Pinball to replace P3 Rock; board set will be available for third-party purchase
Designer and engineer collaborating with Spooky Pinball; also developing Zombie Adventureland with John Popadiuk
Spooky Pinball designer credited with video mode feature development
Designer collaborating with Spooky Pinball and Chicago Gaming Company on untitled 2020 project
Designer who initially collaborated with Popadiuk on the second game project (Ben Heck's Zombie Adventureland) before a falling out led to rebranding as RAZA
Software/code designer for Evil Dead pinball
Game designer/engineer at Spooky Pinball credited with TCM design and rule complexity
Designer of control boards used in earlier Spooky Pinball games (prior to P-ROC adoption)
Designer/creator of America's Most Haunted, co-host of stream, discussing upcoming projects
Well-known inventor/engineer; allegedly working on pinball collaboration with Spooky Pinball and Chicago Gaming Company
Pinball designer and frequent Spooky Pinball collaborator working on next game
Pinball designer/engineer returning to Spooky Pinball; reportedly working on new game code for several weeks
Inventor, engineer, modder, and pinball designer with long history at Spooky; beginning coding work on Spooky's next-next game
Lead designer/engineer at Spooky; designed Texas Chainsaw Massacre code; described as 'mad genius' by Bug
Maker who developed Raspberry Pi-based controller system for tiny pinball machine; system being adapted for Hankin machine restoration
Original designer of 'Zombie Adventureland' homebrew concept that evolved into Raza
Spooky Pinball designer; continuing to work on Spooky's next game despite previous speculation about falling out
Designer/coder for Texas Chainsaw Massacre at Spooky; noted as on-again/off-again collaborator with Spooky team
Code contributor for Evil Dead pinball
Mentioned in context of Spooky/CGC/Ben Heck interview about licensing strategy; appearing on Spooky podcast anniversary episode.
Podcast guest/speaker referenced for discussing potential pinball themes including Monty Python and Evil Dead
Spooky Pinball designer of TCM (The Creeping Manor?), mentioned as incredible designer but AM's (America's Most Haunted) design was not revolutionary
Long-time collaborator with Spooky Pinball since America's Most Haunted. Described as primarily a voice/script person and movie quoter. Currently working with Spooky Luke on a game project 2-3 years from launch. Known for creative contributions to scripting, mechanics, code, and modes.
Animator and coder who created video mode for Rob Zombie pinball; former co-host on Ben Heck Show
Programmer/coder for Texas Chainsaw Massacre pinball
Collaborator Spooky worked with this week; known for intense creative pace that exhausted the team
Animator and programmer credited for Evil Dead's animations and code implementation; Bug notes his dual animation and programming expertise
Animations and code developer for Evil Dead pinball; collaborated with Bug on voice callouts and created mode animations
Pinball designer recently hired in-house by Spooky; developing new game with eight main modes and five sub-wizard modes; publicly discussing upcoming project
Chicago Gaming Company designer; discussed on Canada's Pinball Podcast regarding CGC release schedule and collaboration with Spooky
Constant presence in Pinside Deep Root thread alongside Blueberry Johnson; involved in documenting Deep Root's history
Game designer working on CGC/Spooky co-op title; previously designed America's Most Haunted for CGC; handling code/rules design on new title; discussed licensing complexity with major studios
Pinball designer and engineer; interviewed by Matt Morrison; discussing licensing, mechanical satisfaction, and new board system (Penhek)
Spooky Pinball designer involved in software work on Texas Chainsaw; noted for better quality than Looney Tunes version
New hire at Spooky Pinball, background not detailed in conversation
Designer of new Pinotar board system debuting in Ultraman; untested at scale with 1000+ units
Code designer; confirmed to code Spooky's next game after Scooby-Doo
Programmer/sound designer for Evil Dead; created detailed sound files and effects; featured in hour-long extended behind-the-scenes video on Straight Down the Middle YouTube channel
Software programmer for Evil Dead pinball
Designer of America's Most Haunted (Spooky's first game); confirmed returning to program future Spooky Pinball titles.
Legendary pinball designer; formerly collaborated with Spooky Pinball, had falling out, now reconciled; designing new licensed game for Chicago Gaming manufacture
Pinball designer; designed America's Most Haunted (Spooky's first game) with Charlie Emery. Known for mechanical design and playfield innovation.
Software developer at Spooky Pinball; credited for Evil Dead sound design work alongside composer Matt Montgomery
Spooky Pinball mechanical designer; enthusiast who wanted to design Evil Dead years ago (referenced in Pinside comments 8+ years prior)
Friend of Scott who critiqued the homebrew design and provided feedback on mechanical issues like direct pop bumper shots
Spooky Pinball engineering team member; attended event
Spooky Pinball engineering team member; original designer of America's Most Haunted; present at midnight release
Possibly involved in Beetlejuice voice/audio production; created recorded content for topper voice callouts
Leader at Spooky Pinball who brought Van Es into Rob Zombie project and mentored his expansion into rules and IP work
Spooky Pinball co-founder; electronics engineer who designed board sets and rules for most Spooky games; recently departed company
Engineering team member at Spooky Pinball
Former Spooky Pinball code designer; designed but unreleased Evil Dead pinball; publicly criticizing Spooky on forums; no longer updating America's Most Haunted code
Spooky Pinball code/rules designer. Kaneda praises his approach, suggesting he brings creativity and personality to rule sets through unconventional thinking.