Stern Pinball is the world's largest and only currently active pinball machine manufacturer, operating since 1999 when Gary Stern acquired Sega's pinball division. The company produces approximately 20,000-30,000 units annually across Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition variants, leveraging major entertainment licenses including Star Wars, Marvel properties, Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, and others. Beyond manufacturing, Stern operates comprehensive ecosystem services including the Spike electronics platform, Insider Connected digital platform, Stern Army grassroots network, and Pro Circuit Championship tournaments, while facing ongoing criticism regarding pricing strategy, quality control, market saturation, and competition from boutique manufacturers like Jersey Jack and Spooky Pinball.
Pokémon by Stern Pinball continues to capture the attention of the world as games make their way into homes and location globally
The Walking Dead Remastered Premium has been added to the IFPA Stern Rewards Program
Stern Army locations receive first priority shipment of new Stern games for hosting official Launch Parties
Star Wars: Fall of the Empire has released a latest code update with team stream
Major manufacturer criticized as most disappointing company of 2026; criticized for poor value proposition at $13,000+ pricing, lack of LE differentiation, and failure to compete aesthetically/functionally with competitors despite highest prices
Major manufacturer, not present at Southern Fright Gaming Expo, produced Elton John machine for comparison
Pinball manufacturer; produced Foo Fighters machine on display at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Manufacturer of Transformers G1 Premium; streamer expects they will iterate on game design issues.
Major pinball manufacturer; referenced as location Retro Ralph visited wearing gloves
Major pinball manufacturer; designers Keith Elwin, Jack Danger; recently hired new designer; games include Godzilla, Foo Fighters, Sonic
[Triage: Gary Stern founded and led Stern Pinball for decades, and Jack Danger later became CEO/spokesperson as part of a generational leadership transition or organizational restructuring.]
[Triage: Stern Pinball relocated to a new, larger facility, representing a progression from their previous 110,000 square foot factory to an expanded operation.]
No linked glossary terms
SPIKE 3 Speaker Lights are now available to purchase
Stern participated in Q West Festival in Key West, Florida hosted by Brian Quinn (Impractical Jokers certified pinhead)
Alex Kelley emerged victorious at the Mid-Atlantic Pinball Open Stern Pro Circuit event as a first-time winner
Nick Weyna (Stern Pinball staff) secured his first-ever Pro Circuit victory at Pinball at the Zoo
Eric Stone won the Pintastic Stern Pro Circuit tournament
Factory tours now available exclusively for Insider Connected All-Access members with paid subscription
Stern Pokémon Pinball is scheduled for launch with coordinated arcade launch parties
Factory tours at Stern are limited availability and will fill up quickly
The Walking Dead Remastered Premium is now available through the Stern Rewards Program
The Stern Army is expanding globally with troops in multiple locations
Pokémon by Stern Pinball is shipping globally to homes and locations
The Walking Dead Remastered's SPIKE 3 Technology is nominated for a Webby Award
Stern Pinball received Insider survey responses indicating the highest concentration of theme entries (over 30) debuted in the 1980s
Stern regularly releases machines at software version 0.9 as a business model decision
Stern's target demographic for the survey is 'older white men'
Stern releases software at version 0.9 to avoid pushing machine costs to $15,000-25,000
Stern's media tour was strategically timed to boost John Wick sales due to market slump
Stern Pinball has thousands of unsold new-in-box games sitting in a Chicago warehouse
Stern will release vault remakes of Metallica or Godzilla using semantic tricks to avoid calling them limited editions
Stern Pinball is not selling the John Wick game and the media tour is a panic sales recovery effort
Stern deliberately excluded critical voices from the media tour and only invited people likely to provide positive coverage
Stern previously went on record stating they would never make more limited editions
Stern could reduce prices by $2,000 per game while maintaining profitability and dealer margins
The media tour would not have occurred if John Wick was selling well
Stern's Chicago factory is a giant Costco-sized warehouse with production not yet at full capacity
Blood Red Kiss Edition Elvira's House of Horrors is limited to 500 units at $12,999 MSRP
Previous Elvira 40th Anniversary Edition sold for $20,000-$25,000 on secondary market with only 199 units produced
Stern Stranger Things Pros come first in November, Premiums arriving late November; Deadpool and Bond in December
Two consecutive game failures would destabilize Stern's entire distributor base
Stern is functionally converting Premium Edition into Limited Edition with $3,000-$4,000 price increases for minimal added value
Stern has hit a price ceiling and games are no longer appreciating in the secondary market
Jurassic Park Anniversary Edition at $13,000 is not selling out despite distributor availability
Venom is dead on arrival and will be one of Stern's worst-selling games of all time
Stranger Things LE production was approximately 600 units, making Venom's 1,000-unit run unusually high for a less popular theme.
Distributors pay approximately $8,000 for a Stern Premium machine
Stern Premium MSRP is $9,799 with MAP minimum of $9,500
Stern is ramping a new factory in August for manufacturing capacity
Venom will be produced in 1,000 units at $13,000, higher than Stranger Things (~500-600 units)
A distributor's cost to acquire a Stern Premium machine is $8,000.
Stern Premium retail MSRP is $9,799, creating ~$1,500 dealer margin.
Venom is being produced in 1,000 unit LE quantities at $13,000.
Stern is implementing QR code connectivity on newer machines for online leaderboards and remote tournament play
Stern Pinball increased Pro model prices by $500 and Premium model prices by $1,000
Stern's price increases are likely permanent even after supply constraints are resolved
Stern released a teaser with the Marvel Avengers logo and 'assembling soon' text, indicating an upcoming Avengers pinball machine
Stern Pinball is the world's leading maker of real pinball games
Stern is the world's only maker of real pinball games
The Transformers Pin uses genuine Stern commercial-quality parts including flippers, slingshots, pop bumpers, and traditional pinball plunger
Transformers Pin is designed and engineered exclusively for the home market
Stern tried home versions with Batman and Iron Man Classic models without much success
Stern's Classic Batman and Iron Man home models were commercially unsuccessful
Transformers Pin is part of a new Stern Home Arcade brand suggesting it may be the start of a new series for home game buyers
The Transformers Pin provides an entry point into the rapidly growing community of pinball play and ownership
Stern's website is one of 100,000 sites presently on the web to feature a Facebook 'like' option
Stern Pinball's new website launched on June 2, 2010
The new Stern logo features a flipper and a pinball
Stern Pinball Inc won the 2005 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award
Stern Pinball Inc won the 2005 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award from Start Magazine
ToPS can be installed in fifteen minutes or less
ToPS requires no phone lines, servers, or networked infrastructure
Testing of ToPS-equipped games showed significantly increased earnings from both tournament and practice play
Tournament machines earn more money for location operators
Playboy and RollerCoaster Tycoon machines are pre-wired for ToPS installation
Playboy is now in production and should last for about 4 months if things go according to plan
The mechanical centerfold mechanism opens and closes with interchangeable photo inserts
Largest/most common pinball manufacturer; Don's comment about wanting quirky lineup 'not just every Stern that every other friend has'; standard competitive baseline
Major pinball manufacturer; Kaneda describes as struggling ('in big trouble'); produces mass-market games with perceived quality shortcuts; mentioned as contrast to Barrels' limited strategy
Major pinball manufacturer; experiencing production scheduling anomalies and rumored layoffs
Major pinball manufacturer hosting large-scale presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 with showcase booth and exclusive game reveals
Major manufacturer referenced as competitor with superior design sensibility and marketing strategy compared to Barrels of Fun.
Major pinball manufacturer referenced for game design approaches (Jurassic Park Premium/LE magnetic mechanics, Jack Danger designs)
Major pinball manufacturer referenced in comparison discussions (Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden); implied competitor to Barrels of Fun
Major pinball machine manufacturer; promoted Whitfield to CFO position.
Pinball manufacturer for which Jonathan A. Bergeron previously created artwork for Jurassic Park
Major manufacturer; Kaneda discusses Stern's business practices, rehire rumors, reality TV show pitch, and release strategy comparisons
Major pinball manufacturer; benchmark for pricing, engineering standards, and IP licensing success
Pinball machine manufacturer headquartered near Chicago; promoted Brian Whitfield to CFO
Major manufacturer; Kaneda compares their track record (Godzilla, Sonic, Fallout) to Multimorphic and Jersey Jack
Pinball manufacturer whose current titles exclusively comprise The Armory's initial pinball lineup
Major pinball manufacturer; Compulsive Pinball sells new Stern machines; primary manufacturer Joe plans to cover
Major manufacturer; had booth at Comic-Con; releasing Ozzy Osbourne game in 2027; criticized for lack of VIP customer recognition vs. boutique brands
Manufacturer of the Transformers pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer releasing official accessory products
Major manufacturer, Phil is now full-time Stern dealer for UK distribution
Manufacturer of Transformers and Sonic pinball machines discussed in stream
Primary pinball manufacturer; featured in 1998-99 reality TV pilot; positioned itself as sole remaining manufacturer at that time
Manufacturer producing Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine and premium accessories
Modern pinball manufacturer known for deep movie-licensed rule sets and tiered product lines (Pro/Premium/LE); contrasted with TNA's minimalist approach
Manufacturer of the Transformers pinball machine
Featured in 1998-99 reality show pitch video; discussed as only pinball manufacturer remaining (per Gary Stern's statement); leadership and design culture examined.
Market-leading pinball manufacturer; sells significantly more units than competitors (Kaneda: 3 days of sales > Multimorphic decade)
Released new code for Transformers machine and exhibiting games at San Diego Comic-Con
Major pinball manufacturer; recently implemented Stern Insider Connected Pro data export feature praised by operators
Major manufacturer referenced as benchmark; Godzilla game cited as example of commercial success with 15,000+ units sold
Major manufacturer; Kaneda heavily criticizes their marketing strategy, topper designs, and demographic targeting
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of discussion regarding LE pricing and volume strategy
Major pinball manufacturer launching accessory line for Transformers game
World's largest manufacturer of pinball games; announced TRANSFORMERS accessory line in partnership with Hasbro
Manufacturer of Venom pinball machine; organized Vault Celebration stream event
Largest pinball manufacturer producing ~3 games/year, based in Chicago with major factory, engaging in influencer marketing strategy, sole manufacturer circa 2007-2009.
Major pinball manufacturer facing criticism for Limited Edition pricing strategy, playfield quality issues, and employee dissatisfaction under leadership
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; released code update .87 that revised Transformers Multiball qualification
Industry leader in crisis; G1 Transformers flopping, Fallout positioning uncertain, new AC/DC and James Bond upcoming; criticized for volume focus over quality and weak IP selection
Major pinball manufacturer; now does some direct sales alongside distributor network
Major pinball manufacturer, Phil now full-time dealer with direct relationship, released Sonic and Pokemon recently
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of licensing strategy discussion; recently released Pokémon and Transformers machines
Manufacturer of The Mandalorian pinball machine; major pinball manufacturer experiencing industry resurgence in early 2020s
Pinball machine manufacturer that produced the Pokémon Pro model being modified
Major pinball manufacturer attending San Diego Comic-Con 2026 with pop-up arcade featuring Pokémon and Transformers machines
Major manufacturer with Pokemon, Transformers, Sonic, and upcoming James Bond Goldfinger and Fallout titles
Manufacturer of King Kong Pro
Major pinball manufacturer credited with keeping industry alive during early 2000s decline
Operating pop-up arcade at San Diego Comic-Con 2026; featuring Pokémon and Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye
Pinball manufacturer; loaned Star Wars: Fall of the Empire machine to Matt O'Brien; provided support/engagement with his content
Major pinball manufacturer announcing product launches, updates, and business initiatives in June 2026
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Pokémon machine on SPIKE 3 platform
Major pinball manufacturer; announced Venom vaulting and producing Transformers pinball
Major pinball machine manufacturer; subject of February 2026 monthly newsletter
Largest pinball manufacturer in the world; released Pokémon accessory line; headquartered near Chicago O'Hare
Major pinball manufacturer announcing TRANSFORMERS licensed game
Major pinball manufacturer; publishes monthly Stern of the Union newsletter; operates factory tours and Insider Connected platform
Leading pinball manufacturer; subject of newsletter
Major pinball manufacturer issuing monthly newsletter
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of newsletter; actively launching new machines, managing code updates, and operating Insider Connected platform
Major pinball manufacturer; publisher of April 2026 Stern of the Union newsletter
Major contemporary pinball manufacturer; recently hired Ryan Tanner Petch as designer and has Jeremy Packer as Art Director
Creator of Batman 66; mechanical design referenced as inspiration for Multimorphic's spinning mech
Major pinball manufacturer; announced presence at CES 2019; planning Munsters machine reveal; showing Beatles machine first
Major pinball manufacturer; discussed extensively regarding LE sell-through patterns, code quality, and Pro/Premium/LE pricing strategy.
Major pinball manufacturer for which Jeremy Packer has created artwork for multiple machines; Packer indicates release approvals and scheduling decisions come from designer-led teams
Manufacturer of Iron Maiden; known for high-energy gameplay design; recently announced Iron Maiden with four-flipper layout and power shot mechanics
Major pinball manufacturer. Discussed for focus on licensed properties (Kiss, Aerosmith, Guardians, Avengers, Star Wars) targeting home buyers rather than location operators or younger demographics.
Major pinball manufacturer employing Jerry Thompson as sound engineer; location in Chicago; games referenced include Ghostbusters, Batman, Star Wars, Iron Maiden
Major pinball manufacturer; releasing Star Wars Vault Edition with new artwork; filed patent for downloadable music functionality (March 2018)
Major pinball manufacturer; Steve Ritchie as legendary designer; launching Stern Insider podcast program
Manufacturer of Black Knight Sword of Rage; partnership with IGN.com for announcements; announced game day after Texas Pinball Festival
Greg Freres was head of Art Department until very recently; under his direction, Stern ushered in a new art golden era with return to vibrant illustrated art packages before his retirement
Major pinball manufacturer; produces Jurassic Park LE, Stern Pro Circuit overseer, known for transparent development documentation
Pinball manufacturer; potentially planning Call of Duty or Pokemon home edition for Costco distribution
Major pinball manufacturer, employer of Elizabeth Gieske (code developer)
Established pinball manufacturer; currently producing approximately 7 games per year; criticized by Robert Mueller in recent interview; pricing benchmark for industry ($5,800–$6,000 for Pro models).
Industry leader mentioned in context of market dominance; criticized for handling of Rush Scoopgate and Jurassic Park quality issues without transparency
Manufacturer of Transformers and other titles in Retro Ralph's collection; primary competitor to Jersey Jack
Major manufacturer of Transformers, Pokémon, Godzilla, Guardians; discusses licensing constraints and design philosophies
Pinball manufacturer, developing Tank Girl as proposed new title with Jack Danger
Major pinball manufacturer that recently hired homebrewer Tanner Petch as game designer
Manufacturer of Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant's Eye
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer that has hired Tanner Petch as a new game designer
Modern pinball manufacturer; produces licensed games like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars
Last major pinball manufacturer standing after 2007; had monopoly on new machine market until JJP's entry; still using DMD technology while JJP innovated with LCD
Major pinball manufacturer; recently reset UK pricing, eliminated middleman distributor
Manufacturer of Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant's Eye, released in 2025
Emerging pinball manufacturer in 1981 that had only been around a few years at the time of 8-Ball Deluxe release
Manufacturer of Spider-Man machines (2007 and 2016 versions); secured Tobey Maguire trilogy license in 2007; uses SAM platform electronics
Modern manufacturer whose games feature ball saves, scoring multipliers, and mode stacking
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Transformers G1 as a significant licensed title. Working with Hasbro on game development with collaborative licensing relationship. Employs Elliot Eisman and Elizabeth Davey.
Major manufacturer; Sonic (upcoming), Guns N' Roses, Godzilla mentioned as reference points for market analysis
Major manufacturer referenced for comparison; Cardona cites Stern's Dungeons and Dragons as example of story-driven game design
Manufacturer releasing code updates for five games
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Transformers, Pokémon games; celebrating 40-year milestone; operating Insider Connected ecosystem and Stern Pro Circuit
Pinball manufacturer; Adam Pratt owned and sold a Star Trek (Stern) pinball machine in 2026
Manufacturer of Transformers Pro and Premium editions
Major pinball manufacturer; founder Gary Stern recently interviewed by GamesBeat
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Transformers and other recent titles
Major pinball manufacturer; released John Wick pinball with recent v1.02 code update; also streaming gameplay demonstrations
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; subject of critique regarding aesthetics and build quality
Released major 'Codesplosion' code update to 34 games on July 1, 2026; includes significant updates to John Wick, Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, and Walking Dead Remastered
Manufacturer of the Spike 2 playfield and components used in the build
Manufacturer of Pokémon Premium pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer; developing Fallout pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer whose machines were prominently featured at Pinball Heaven Open House; Pinball Heaven is major UK supplier
Major pinball manufacturer; released Pokémon machine in February; direct competitor to Jersey Jack with Sonic release
Competitor manufacturer mentioned as having announced Uncanny X-Men pinball machine
Earlier manufacturer of an Avatar-themed pinball machine; referenced as the predecessor to JJP's new Avatar title
Previous manufacturer of Avatar pinball game (2010); Steven Lang provided voice work for their version
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Pokemon, Transformers, Fallout, and AC/DC Remastered in 2026
Manufacturer of Transformers Limited Edition; producing Pro, Premium, and LE variants
Referenced for personnel changes ('firing people left and right'), Fallout game development, and Godzilla's market dominance
Major manufacturer; market positioning emphasizes home buyers (70% of sales); games discussed: Beetlejuice, Harry Potter, Pokemon Pinball, Dungeons & Dragons; shipped Pokemon Pinball and D&D to Fanime
Major pinball manufacturer; ~70% of their games now go to home collectors vs. operators; marketing heavily targets home buyers
Manufacturer of Transformers; discussed code strategy, design philosophy, and artist/designer management
Major pinball manufacturer; affected by playfield delamination issues; producer of Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Monsters, and Elvira games
Manufacturer of Transformers: More than Meets the Eye, rolling out to locations with surprisingly deep code
Major pinball manufacturer; mentioned regarding instant collection strategy, production capacity, and 30-year track record
Major pinball manufacturer; appears to be testing market reaction to concept artwork; likely aware of and possibly supporting contractor concept releases
Major manufacturer; released AC/DC Premium Vault Edition with Lucy art revisions; releasing Batman code updates regularly
Pinball machine manufacturer; Jeff Teolis visited factory in 2016 during World Series in Chicago
Pinball manufacturer whose Pro Circuit encompasses Pincinnati 2024; sponsor
Pinball manufacturer where Keith Johnson worked between positions
Major pinball manufacturer; referenced for their Q1 game announcements (Pokemon mentioned as potentially coming)
Modern pinball manufacturer mentioned in comparison to Trudeau's design philosophy; represents contemporary constraint-based vs. unlimited-budget design debates
Manufacturer of King Kong: Myth of Terror Island and other games in tournament
Major pinball manufacturer. Released Pokemon-themed accessories with modular pricing structure criticized as 'cash grab' by hosts. Pokémon accessories include topper, side armor, and multiple expression lighting systems costing hundreds of dollars.
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; current major pinball manufacturer
Major pinball machine manufacturer; Spike systems are primary integration target for Pin Lights Pro
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine
Referenced as prior manufacturer of Steve Ritchie's Black Knight Sword of Rage; competitor in pinball market
Major manufacturer of Sonic, Godzilla, Jaws, Pokemon, Fallout, and other titles analyzed throughout episode; subject of community speculation about competitive position vs. Jersey Jack
Pinball manufacturer celebrating 40th anniversary; releasing commemorative content about classic titles.
Competing manufacturer; recently released Transformers: More than Meets the Eye designed by Jamie Burchell
Pinball manufacturer; Deadpool machine discussed with manual documentation issues
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; Elizabeth's employer for this title
Pinball manufacturer that released James Bond in 2022 with multiple trim levels and standard art blades criticized by customizers
Manufacturer with headquarters in Illinois; appears to be using JJP facility area for marketing purposes
Pinball manufacturer mentioned regarding desired 'blind mode' tournament setting feature on their games.
Market dominant manufacturer; founded by Gary Stern after SEGA Pinball exit in 1999; inherited Data East/SEGA Pinball lineage; Sonic represents JJP's latest acquisition of Stern/Data East-connected IP
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine
Manufacturer of Sonic the Hedgehog, Transformers, Pokemon, and other recent pinball releases discussed
Manufacturer of Transformers Pro
Primary target of Kaneda's criticism for cost-cutting, poor code, Optimus Prime removal, and organizational dysfunction
Major pinball manufacturer; context for comparison with designer involvement models
Pinball manufacturer whose machines are distributed by Compulsive Pinball
Major pinball manufacturer discussed extensively for recent game launches (Transformers, Pokemon, Star Wars, Metallica Remaster)
Manufacturer of Transformers: More than Meets the Eye pinball machine; Factory Friday production showcase
Releasing Pokémon accessories and code updates; recruiting events manager; launching Dungeons & Dragons topper
Manufacturer of Pokémon Premium
Largest manufacturer of pinball games in the world; revealed Pokémon accessory line and code update 0.83.0
Manufacturer of Pokémon pinball machine and Expression Lighting system.
Manufacturer of Pokémon pinball and its accessory ecosystem
Largest pinball manufacturer; announced and released full line of Pokémon pinball accessories
Largest pinball manufacturer globally; proactively marketing to YouTubers and broader audiences; sent Fall of the Empire premium to LGR for review; conducts strategic outreach (via Zach Sharpe emails) about new releases.
Manufacturer of Transformers Pro pinball machine being streamed
Manufacturer of Pokémon pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer; produced Tales of the Arabian Nights remake; known for strong Metallica Remastered edition
Major pinball manufacturer celebrating 40th anniversary; producer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye
Major pinball manufacturer criticized for mishandling IP licenses (Pokémon, Star Wars), weak code updates, and lack of compelling themes
Mentioned as having upgraded cabinet technology to Spike 3; referenced for industry standard-setting
Major manufacturer; uses in-game teasers for upcoming games; Godzilla updated with song-changing code feature
Manufacturer with multiple games on display including Pokemon Premium, Stranger Things Premium with projection, Harry Potter, and Beetlejuice.
Major pinball manufacturer facing Pokemon licensing approval delays; leaked complete accessory trailer; positioned as launch-game risk brand
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Transformers with production delays and sales challenges due to Optimus Prime controversy
Major pinball manufacturer; products discussed include Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, Foo Fighters, Back to the Future; Pinlights supports their Spike 2/3 platform natively
Major pinball manufacturer; recent releases include John Wick, Pokemon; mass-market production scale
Major pinball manufacturer; mentioned regarding Transformers LE availability
Primary pinball manufacturer. Releases 4-5 games annually. Products discussed: John Wick, Transformers, Dune, Metallica, Pokemon. Known for code-heavy modern design with LCD screens.
Pinball manufacturer; all machines in Little Chopper Finals are modern Stern games
Major pinball manufacturer; criticized for cost-cutting driven by private equity investors and incomplete code on release
Manufacturer producing ~4 games per year; drives inventory management challenges at Electric Bat; supplies 3-for-2 priced games (distinct from Jersey Jack/Spooky which are straight dollar)
Major pinball manufacturer celebrating 40 years in 2026; traces history from Data East (1986) through Sega Pinball to current Stern Pinball (1999)
Manufacturer facing criticism for weak communication, private equity influence, Transformers sales decline, delayed Pokemon code, and operational morale issues
Major pinball manufacturer; released Northwest show recap video and presented Transformers game development seminar
Pinball machine manufacturer releasing Metallica Pinball Remastered
Major pinball manufacturer confirmed to be producing KISS pinball title
Manufacturer of Harry Potter Pinball; referenced as major pinball manufacturer
Major pinball manufacturer; Predator machine upcoming; subject of Orbital Albert's skepticism regarding gameplay quality, artwork, and Arnold Schwarzenegger casting decision
Major commercial pinball manufacturer; Joe partners with them for machine sales
Pinball manufacturer; referenced for factory tours where sticker application is observed
Company where first Pinball Profile episode was recorded; Jeff Till toured facility and interviewed Steve Ritchie there
Pinball manufacturer, Delaware Collective is Stern Army location hosting monthly events
Manufacturer hosting the 2019 Stern Pro Circuit event; released Iron Maiden, Deadpool, Munsters, Beatles in recent cycle
Current major pinball manufacturer; Anghelo predicts it will 'pound the final nails in the coffin of Pinball' due to profit-driven approach over creative excellence
Major pinball manufacturer; Greg owns modern Stern machines including Star Trek; uses different key design than vintage Sega machines
Major pinball manufacturer, mentioned in context of manufacturing different style machines compared to other manufacturers like Jersey Jack.
Major pinball manufacturer; Spike 2 games featured on Antonio Cruz cruise ship
Mentioned in context of Steve Ritchie's career
Major pinball manufacturer; released Ghostbusters in 2016, experienced clear coat quality issues on LE machines
Largest pinball manufacturer; historical reference point for licensing strategy and design comparison; Steve Ritchie's previous employer
Major pinball manufacturer; employs competitive players as designers/programmers
Major pinball manufacturer; released Jaws machine; subject of criticism regarding design philosophy and pricing strategy
Manufacturer of multiple Twippies-winning machines including Godzilla, Led Zeppelin; Steve Ritchie developing new game at Jersey Jack
Major pinball manufacturer whose playfields experienced warping issues with Led Zeppelin and other titles
Major pinball manufacturer; referenced for title Never Refuse (mentioned as 'well-made turd'); Gary Stern era noted for multiball-heavy design philosophy.
Competitor manufacturer; Kaneda argues JJP is now similar to Stern rather than differentiated
Pinball manufacturer where George Gomez currently runs production line
Referenced in context of manufacturing shortcomings (flat toppers) that mod community addresses; competitive benchmark
Major pinball manufacturer with Marvel licensing relationship
Referenced as manufacturer of Godzilla and Foo Fighters games (comparison points)
Major pinball manufacturer; Insider Connected system used in NFT pinball machine
Major manufacturer; products discussed including official LE light kits
Major pinball manufacturer producing machines discussed in episode (Wizard of Oz, WrestleMania, Walking Dead, etc.)
Modern pinball manufacturer referenced as producing limited edition/pro/premium tier games with extensive marketing variants
Pinball manufacturer; Jack Danger's primary employer as Head of Community
Modern pinball manufacturer; holders of Deadpool, Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men, Avengers, Walking Dead, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy licenses relevant to digital licensing discussions
Major pinball manufacturer referenced throughout conversation
Mentioned as major physical pinball manufacturer; not involved in Pinball FX licensing (per hosts' discussion)
Major pinball manufacturer; Greg (artist) works for Stern; mentioned as conflict of interest for collaboration
Current major physical pinball manufacturer, potential future licensing partner for Zen
Major pinball manufacturer; referenced as industry standard for quality and flipper feel; Ghostbusters, Walking Dead, and Jurassic Park are Stern games
Major pinball manufacturer; George Gomez serves as CCO; upcoming George Gomez interview is focus of this episode
Pinball manufacturer; Hot Hand (1979) was created by Harry Williams for Stern
Referenced in context of menu systems for modern pinball machines compared to older Bally/Williams systems
Major pinball manufacturer; had Marco Specialties showcase room at Expo; servicing Dead Flip machines
Major pinball manufacturer; Stephen Keeler acquires nearly all new Stern releases; Tim Sexton works there
Major pinball manufacturer; AC/DC was among first games with built-in LED bulbs; produces modern games with extensive light shows
Modern pinball manufacturer; produces Ali, Spider-Man, Avengers Infinity Quest; improving code update frequency
Modern pinball manufacturer; tables available on AtGames platform; licensing restrictions discussed
Major pinball manufacturer (inferred as AC/DC manufacturer through industry knowledge)
Manufacturer of AC/DC pinball machine (2012). Sponsored Museum of Science and Industry Boo Fest event with pinball machines.
Later employer of Pat Lawler (covered in previous episode); George Gomez is EVP there
Manufacturer of Iron Man; mentioned in context of release parties and game design
Manufacturer of Iron Man and other machines discussed on stream
Major pinball manufacturer; Stern Pro machines compared to Multimorphic P3 pricing
Major pinball manufacturer; creator of Tron Legacy machine being streamed
Manufacturer of Jurassic Park Pro pinball; Escher playing Pro tier model.
Manufacturer of Mandalorian, announced pricing and specs; subject of quality control criticism re: typos
Manufacturer referenced for comparison regarding code update quality; Walking Dead was problematic at launch but improved significantly through code updates
Major pinball manufacturer mentioned as providing machines to the host's studio after Comic Con
Manufacturer of Batman '66 and other games discussed (Deadpool, Black Knight series)
Major pinball manufacturer, producing Batman 66 with ongoing code development; mentioned for VIP parties and game releases
Manufacturer of Black Knight Sword of Rage
Major contemporary pinball manufacturer; producing John Wick and Elton John machines; referenced for design/business practices
Current major pinball manufacturer; produces Batman 66 and other modern machines
Physical pinball machine manufacturer; Indiana Jones Fortune & Glory originally from Stern
Major pinball manufacturer; mentioned in context of Data East acquisition
Pinball manufacturer; Stern Pinball Arcade being ported to Switch by Farsight
Manufacturer of physical pinball machines; releases code updates for tables; Stern Pinball Arcade is Farsight's licensed digital simulation of Stern's catalog.
Referenced in Sonic license inquiry; Sega explicitly told American Pinball the license was not awarded to Stern
Major pinball manufacturer; uses 'SLE' designation for special limited edition machines at upper price tier; higher price points referenced in P3 comparison
Manufacturer; subject of sales analysis; noted for lacking breakout hits in 2025
Major pinball manufacturer; Jack Danger is a designer there (mentioned in KB context)
Industry leader mentioned in comparison context; hosts reviewed Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean for comparison to JJP version
Modern pinball manufacturer mentioned briefly in context of later eras and contemporary game design.
Modern pinball manufacturer; contrasted with Bally in discussion of extra ball/special separation mechanics
Competitor mentioned for selling Jurassic Park Home Edition in Costco, illustrating retail distribution strategy Zen is pursuing.
Major pinball manufacturer with upcoming Pin Masters pro circuit event following IFPA 2018 Nationals
Major pinball manufacturer; example used by Dennis in discussing why he avoids manufacturer NDAs
Modern manufacturer; Star Trek (Stern version), Walking Dead featured in top 10; criticized for lack of ramp innovation vs. 90s era
Major pinball machine manufacturer based near Chicago; announced executive leadership changes
Manufacturer of the Transformers Pin home model and producer of commercial pinball machines
Modern pinball manufacturer; Stern titles referenced for hardware design comparison
Pinball manufacturer; underwent company name changes from Data East Pinball (1986) to Sega Pinball (1995) to Stern Pinball (1999)
Manufacturer; multiple titles present at show (Ghostbusters Pro, Metallica LE, Game of Thrones Pro)
Manufacturer of Metallica Remastered, headquartered near Chicago, O'Hare International Airport
Manufacturer and publisher of Spider-Man Vault Edition; headquartered near Chicago, Illinois; described as the world's oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball machines
Pinball manufacturer with games displayed and represented at the show
Manufacturer developing and releasing the ToPS tournament system
Modern pinball manufacturer; 13 games on show floor (2.95%), including 2016 Ghostbusters Pro
Major manufacturer executing reruns strategy (Rush, Black Knight); working on premium variants of existing IP
Major pinball manufacturer; multiple machines discussed (Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Deadpool, Aerosmith, Beatles, Iron Maiden)
Pinball machine manufacturer, won 2005 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award
Major pinball manufacturer; multiple titles featured at 2023 DPO Expo; Insider Connected leaderboard system showcased
Major manufacturer with in-house design expertise; mentioned in context of design philosophy and feedback loops; Zach and Keith referenced as consultants.
Manufacturer of The Munsters Premium; Antoinette will be involved in TPF show special release
Major pinball manufacturer; has multiple seminars and games at TPF; next game after Munsters unknown
Major pinball manufacturer; subjects of speculation about King Kong licensing and upcoming releases
Major pinball manufacturer; rumored to be developing TMNT; also has LOTR vault rumors
Modern pinball manufacturer; produced Godzilla and other contemporary machines discussed
Modern pinball manufacturer referenced for music licensing challenges and Vault Edition pricing strategies
Major pinball manufacturer; produces games referenced including X-Men Uncanny, Metallica, Stranger Things, Godzilla
Manufacturer of Star Trek machine used in tournament
Modern pinball manufacturer; produced Lightning (level-shifter ramp game) and other machines referenced in design discussion.
Modern pinball manufacturer; industry leader in contemporary production
Modern pinball manufacturer; produces Tron, Walking Dead, Metallica, Mustang, Ghostbusters and other games in Raymond Davidson's collection
Modern pinball manufacturer; Family Guy pinball licensed by them; David Dennis compares art strategy to Atari's
Major pinball manufacturer; organized Stern Pro Circuit tournament at Bottom Lounge
Major pinball manufacturer, producing Aerosmith, Aliens, Magic Girls, Dialed In
Major manufacturer launching King Kong imminently; positioned to dominate sales vs Barrels of Fun's Dune
Major pinball manufacturer; used as contrast for reliability and employment security
Major pinball manufacturer; developing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball game
Pinball manufacturer; Joe gravitates toward Stern modern games; games discussed include Star Wars, Aerosmith, Metallica, Batman
Major pinball manufacturer; 2011-2012 era machines experienced cabinet decal wrinkling issues; seeking industry correspondent coverage
Major pinball manufacturer, locked into Marvel IP licensing per Orby's commentary
Modern pinball manufacturer; produces Ghostbusters Pro and other contemporary machines; subject of QC discussion
Major pinball manufacturer; produces Halloween and Ultraman machines (mentioned as recent releases)
Major pinball manufacturer; 30-year anniversary coffee table book delayed; mentioned for potential voiceover hiring
Major pinball manufacturer, criticized for wedge-style socket design and LED issues
Major pinball manufacturer; hosted Stern Party at Expo; author declined invitation.
World's largest pinball manufacturer; featured in behind-the-scenes factory tour video
Referenced regarding sales number privacy policies
Pinball manufacturer; mentioned as having titles at UK Pinfest
Major pinball manufacturer experiencing sales backlogs
Modern pinball manufacturer with games on display including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Rush, and Guns 'N Roses
Pinball machine manufacturer; mentioned in context of 'Super 7 times Stern Pinball Godzilla Championships'
Major pinball manufacturer; discussed as being more constrained by corporate partnerships and mass-market appeal considerations compared to Spooky
Major manufacturer; Keith Elwin designs for them
Major pinball manufacturer; released Star Wars (Spike 3 platform) and other games discussed; employs designer John Borg
Pinball manufacturer whose games and showrooms figure prominently in Noah's tournament and practice experience
Manufacturer of Beetlejuice; 19 units on display at TPF; outlane adjustments made during event
Major manufacturer referenced for comparison; no spinning table mechs despite name irony; Gary Stern referenced for leadership contrast
Major pinball manufacturer; Zach Sharpe works there
Manufacturer of discussed games including Godzilla, Jaws, King Kong, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith
Referenced as context for Godzilla and other machines discussed historically
Major pinball manufacturer; hosts visited Stern and saw Pokedex feature on phones; employs elite players including Nick Wena
Major pinball manufacturer; produced James Bond 007, Iron Maiden; referenced in discussions of game design standards
Major pinball manufacturer producing games like Godzilla, Bond 60th, and Mandalorian; referenced for Insider Connected code updates
Major pinball manufacturer; most games shipped in 2025 have not broken through in sales; focus of production-estimation model
Manufacturer showcasing Transformers More Than Meets the Eye LE at the 2026 Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show
Market leader with highest reliability standards; constrained by $5K manufacturing cost + PE firm profitability requirements; pursuing Dracula and other lower-cost IPs
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of discussion regarding home editions, code release strategy, and product pipeline
Manufacturer of Transformers, Venom, John Wick, Pokemon, and other recent releases; criticized for toy design quality
Expected to announce Cornerstone and possibly a remake toward end of 2026 as part of anticipated release wave.
Major pinball manufacturer; recent focus on game launches, professional marketing, and interview/streaming quality issues
Major pinball manufacturer; primary subject of Kaneda's critique regarding incomplete game launches, high pricing, depreciation, and unsustainable business model; produces Pokemon, John Wick, Transformers
Major pinball manufacturer; implemented UK price correction; struggling with code quality; releasing Pokemon, Transformers, Venom, Ghostbusters (updated), Evil Dead, Winchester
Major pinball manufacturer, implementing distributor restructuring in UK and EU, experiencing code update delays, releasing multiple games annually
Major pinball manufacturer; revealed Transformers topper at Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show; produced Transformers pinball machine with cut Optimus Prime feature
Major pinball manufacturer; recently released Transformers with new topper design
Major pinball manufacturer; central focus of criticism throughout episode regarding incomplete game launches, high pricing, and strategic missteps
Pinball manufacturer; Tony owns Stern Star Trek designed by Steve Ritchie
Major pinball manufacturer. Marco Specialties is one of Stern's largest parts distributors. Traditionally received game demo presence at Marco shows; partnership now includes dealer network and direct local dealer collaboration.
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye
Major pinball manufacturer; primary target of Kaneda's criticism for cost-cutting on Transformers and other recent games
Major manufacturer criticized for weak Transformers and Star Wars playfields; strong code but weak mechanics
Pinball manufacturer celebrating 40th anniversary at Expo 42; planning booth surprises and announcements
Major manufacturer; reportedly developing new AC/DC with new songs; multiple recent game perceived as low-quality per community comments
Major pinball manufacturer, released Transformers game designed by Elliott Eisman
Largest pinball manufacturer; actively reaching out to adjacent communities via YouTube influencers; loaning machines for reviews.
Major manufacturer; released Transformers (2026 cornerstone title); ~35,000 games/year production capacity; design by Stawasz/Eisman
Manufacturer of CSI; referenced in context of the 'stern dog years' era of code quality
Major pinball manufacturer; pipeline includes Borg game, Goldfinger Spike 3, Elwin Fallout; criticized for code-reliance and expectation mismanagement
Major pinball manufacturer; preferred by license holders; produces ~3 games/year; mentioned as passing on Back to the Future, Goonies, Gremlins in favor of Transformers, Venom, John Wick
Modern pinball manufacturer; produced Ripley's Believe It or Not (2004); continues production post-Williams/Bally era
Major pinball manufacturer; released Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye in May 2026; expanding European distribution via multiple importers; hosting media events with limited advance notice and asset access
Released Transformers More Than Meets the Eye, adjusting European distribution, multiple code updates to portfolio games
Pinball machine manufacturer based in Chicago; brought executives and new Transformers game to Park Avenue Open Day; establishing new European office in Amsterdam.
Major pinball manufacturer with upcoming releases including Transformers (with rumored cut transformer toy), Pokemon (delayed code approval), and speculation about Fallout and Goldfinger
Major pinball manufacturer; producer of Foo Fighters machine; referenced in gameplay discussion
Major pinball manufacturer; released Transformers (More Than Meets the Eye); planning Tales of the Arabian Nights release
Pinball manufacturer (inferred as manufacturer of Beetlejuice based on game references)
Pinball manufacturer releasing code update for John Wick
Pinball manufacturer releasing Transformers and managing Pokémon, Walking Dead Remastered, John Wick titles
Dominant manufacturer by volume; moved 87 machines in April with median pricing 7,800-8,200
Major pinball manufacturer mentioned in context of Transformers media day
Manufacturer of Pokémon Pinball; major pinball manufacturer with Spike 3 platform; releases promotional videos and manages code updates
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of Walt's critique regarding code quality across different design teams and perceived shift toward sanitized content
Major commercial pinball manufacturer; produces Pro/Premium/LE models; audience target at conventions like Fanime
Pinball manufacturer of Batman 66
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of criticism regarding growth decisions and workplace stress; multiple rumored upcoming titles
Manufacturer of Transformers Limited Edition pinball machine
Added Pokemon Pro and Premium to Stern Rewards Program
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of criticism for Transformers incomplete mech, Pokemon Costco strategy, mass production prioritization
Manufacturer of Pokémon, Deadpool, Star Wars Fall of the Empire; cited for QC issues (guardrail placement on Pokémon)
Major pinball manufacturer; releases quarterly; discussed as potentially working on original-themed Dracula game
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball game; allegedly had internal staff leak mech information before official launch
Major pinball manufacturer; released John Wick (2015 KISS remake mentioned as possible future project)
Manufacturer of Batman 66 pinball machine being streamed; major industry player
Major pinball manufacturer; recently released Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye and Pokemon pinball; runs manufacturing facility with ~200 employees; one shift per day currently; high production volume of Pokemon machines
Manufacturer of Foo Fighters Pinball
Manufacturer of John Wick Pinball; released gameplay video referenced by host
Manufacturer of Deadpool machine used in this qualifier
Manufacturer of Pokémon Pinball; holding media day event
Major pinball manufacturer; criticized for Transformers execution failure and Pokemon code update delays
Manufacturer of Pokemon Pinball game being celebrated at this tournament event
Manufacturer of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball machine
Major manufacturer; subject of discussion regarding AI placeholder images, Star Trek announcement, Pokemon code delays, Transformers release strategy
Major manufacturer; released Pokemon, Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons at TPF; growing social media presence
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Star Trek, Transformers, and unannounced Dracula game; experiencing staffing issues and marketing/website management challenges
Major pinball manufacturer; produced Simpsons Pinball Party (2003) and Jurassic Park; discussed in context of manufacturing philosophy changes over time
Manufacturer of Transformers; hosts preview events for new games; recently shifted design focus toward code quality and playfield layout over mechanical toys
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; George Gomez and design team made decision to remove transformation mechanic.
Major manufacturer; subject of hardest game analysis and licensing discussions regarding Walking Dead Remastered and potential Star Trek title
Pinball manufacturer; revealed Transformers cornerstone game; The Pinball Capital has two on order
Major pinball manufacturer with multiple upcoming releases, experiencing staffing issues and AI image marketing gaffe
Manufacturer of King Kong Pro; Jamie toured their office space with Keith Stern and Gary Stern
Major pinball manufacturer referenced in context of upcoming Star Wars pinball game and current games in circulation.
Major pinball manufacturer; referenced in context of James Bond 007 and other titles; Gary Stern is founder/family connection
Manufacturer offering $99/year home leaderboard subscription; Jack Danger hired after homebrew success; represented at Expo.
Major pinball manufacturer; Pokemon and other recent releases at museum use Stern hardware
Pinball manufacturer whose machines are distributed by Compulsive Pinball
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; headquarters in Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Manufacturer announcing Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball game with Gen 1 theme
Major pinball manufacturer; releasing Transformers, Fallout, and multiple 2024 titles; criticized for operational stress and cost-cutting decisions
Major manufacturer; games discussed (Star Wars Pro); Stern Game Room of the Month contest mentioned as example of intentional design
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball; praised for securing Hasbro cooperation and original voice talent
Manufacturer with extensive machine showcase at festival including Pokémon (LE/Premium/Pro), and multiple titles in free-play area
Manufacturer of Godzilla and other machines discussed; source of original components and designs
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball game with Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition tiers
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine
Official publisher/manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer; held Media Day for Transformers reveal; known for recent attention to game reliability
Manufacturer announcing and releasing Transformers pinball on May 20th, featuring connected gameplay platform and tiered editions
Manufacturer announcing Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine
Manufacturer of the Transformers pinball machine shown in gameplay video
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine
Manufacturer of the Transformers Limited Edition pinball machine featured in this gameplay footage
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine and other commercial titles being discussed
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball, cornerstone 2026 release
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine; produced this official gameplay premiere
Competing pinball manufacturer; contrasted unfavorably with JJP on design philosophy; employer of Keith Elwin
Manufacturer of Transformers Pinball; presented game at media event; previous releases criticized by Dirtypool include Star Wars and Pokemon
Major pinball manufacturer releasing new G1 Transformers game with Pro/Premium/LE tiers
Manufacturer of Pokémon Premium pinball machine
Released Transformers pinball machine
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye; revealed official gameplay stream and design team
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye; published official gameplay stream
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball; hosts attended media event; known for selective press invitations to manage information flow
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; hosted media day event
Manufacturer of pinball machines; mentioned as source of cornerstone pro machines acquired through Capital Pinball's Re-Pin Program (Star Wars Fall of the Empire, Pokémon)
Manufacturer that revealed Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye; held media event at Elk Grove Village, Illinois headquarters
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine
Manufacturer announcing Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye as second 2026 cornerstone release
Manufacturer of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of extensive criticism for Transformers game design compromises, rapid release strategy, and private equity-driven business model pressuring employee burnout
Manufacturer of the Transformers pinball game; released the title under standard Pro/Premium/LE tier structure
World's largest pinball manufacturer; developer and publisher of TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye
Manufacturer of Transformers: More than Meets the Eye; released in Pro ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), Limited Edition ($12,999) tiers
Manufacturer of Transformers 'More Than Meets the Eye' pinball machine; revealed game on this date
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; subject of episode analysis
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, world's largest pinball manufacturer, headquartered near Chicago O'Hare
Major pinball manufacturer; releasing Transformers More Than Meets the Eye; maintaining 750-unit LE limit and no price increases
Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye cornerstone game, officially revealing Wednesday May 20, 2026
Major pinball manufacturer; hosts suggest as potential partner for boutique punk pinball division; mentioned as attending media day for Transformers
Major manufacturer revealing Transformers Limited Edition this week; subject of criticism regarding reveal scheduling and three-tier pricing model
Major pinball manufacturer; maker of Batman 66 remake; known for doing classic game remakes.
Major pinball manufacturer where Jeremy Packer currently serves as studio art director
Manufacturer of Transformers, Pokemon, Fallout, and other upcoming titles; subject of discussion regarding design decisions, licensing, and release cadence
Manufacturer of Transformers G1 pinball machine; criticized for slow response to Reddit leak and lack of official gameplay video
Manufacturer and publisher of the official Transformers pinball machine
Major pinball manufacturer; audience expresses desire for them to produce commercial Beastie Boys machine
Manufacturer of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire
Manufacturer whose Spike 2 cabinet was replicated for Dark Chaos physical build
Mentioned in error by speaker during opening commentary ('Merlin's Arcade by Stern')
Multiple modern games present (John Wick, Walking Dead, Mando, Elvis, RoboCop); merchandise available
Major pinball manufacturer releasing Transformers game on May 20th with three trim levels; holding media day at Chicago headquarters on May 20th
Major pinball manufacturer; releasing Transformers; subject of speculation about intentional leak; noted for recent return to original designs.
Announces and leaks Transformers pinball; maintains complex multi-platform content infrastructure
Manufacturer of Transformers cornerstone pinball machine; released second trailer May 15, 2026
Major pinball manufacturer under sustained criticism in episode for: LE pricing model, Spike 3 cost-cutting perceived as reducing quality perception, rapid game release cadence, code immaturity at launch, and engineering failures on IP marquee features.
Major pinball manufacturer; developed Transformers; accidentally leaked game details via Insider Connected app
Major pinball manufacturer referenced for game sales and sponsorships
Manufacturer of Transformers, Pokemon, Fallout; criticized for rapid release cycle, LE value collapse, and inability to control leaks
Manufacturer; released Pokemon Pro code update with licensing and achievements
Major pinball manufacturer; released/leaked Transformers playfield images via Insider Connected app
Major pinball manufacturer; referenced for comparison on theme choices and market positioning
Major manufacturer; released leaked Transformers images via Insider Connected app
Manufacturer of Transformers pinball machine; subject of discussion regarding design and production
Pinball manufacturer confirming Transformers as next Cornerstone release
Manufacturer releasing the Transformers pinball machine
Major manufacturer; recent releases: Pokémon, Transformers (imminently), Sonic (June), Fallout; criticized for slow code updates on Pokémon.
Only major pinball manufacturer in 2009-2010 market when Multimorphic was founded; traditional design competitor
Major pinball manufacturer; rumored to be developing Goldfinger Bond edition, unlicensed Dracula game, and Ozzy Osbourne music game
Major pinball manufacturer criticized for aggressive release schedule; releasing Pokemon, Transformers, Sonic, and Back to the Future in rapid succession
Manufacturer of Iron Man pinball machine, released standard and vault edition versions
Major pinball manufacturer preparing to reveal 'Cornerstone' game via media showing May 20th; rumored to hold Transformers license
Major pinball manufacturer; described as industry backbone; Kaneda defends against criticism, noting their production volume and market dominance
Major manufacturer announcing Cornerstone title (rumored Transformers) with media day May 20; Pokemon LE currently shipping with bare-bones code
Major pinball manufacturer hosting media preview for next cornerstone game
Developing Transformers pinball by Elliott Eisman; released Pokémon code update .82
Pinball manufacturer; released Pokémon pinball game and code update version 0.82
Manufacturer of Pokemon pinball; criticized for poor code update presentation and Insider Connected integration
Manufacturer of Pokémon Premium
Manufacturer of Jaws 50th Anniversary Premium pinball machine; credited with design improvements and cosmetic enhancements for anniversary edition
Manufacturer of Batman 66, referenced in context of the mystery game teaser as NOT the manufacturer of the upcoming mystery title
Manufacturer of Pokémon Pro; responsible for manufacturing defects including node board issues and lane guide misalignment
Major pinball manufacturer; rumored to be producing Transformers machine; hosts Insider Connect digital platform
Major manufacturer with dominant market share; discussed for need to elevate Limited Edition offerings and improve theme licensing strategy
Manufacturer of multiple machines featured in tournaments including Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, King Kong: Myth of Terror Island
Manufacturer of Pokémon pinball machine; released v0.82 code update
Announced Spike 3 Expression Speaker Lights accessory ($199.99) compatible with Star Wars, The Walking Dead Remastered, and Pokémon Spike 3 games
Major pinball manufacturer; employer of Raymond Davidson since 2020; produces music-licensed and themed pinball machines
Major pinball manufacturer; covered games include Lord of the Rings, Walking Dead Pro, Venom Premium, Kiss Pro, Pawn 60th, Godzilla 70th
Major pinball manufacturer; discussed games include Guardians of the Galaxy Pro, Avengers Infinity Quest, Ghostbusters Pro, Godzilla 70th, Pokemon LE
Established pinball manufacturer; referenced as comparison point for production scale and licensed IP strategy (Pokémon example)
Major pinball manufacturer, producer of Star Wars Fate of the Empire and Walking Dead Remaster
Major manufacturer; releasing Pokemon pinball game currently shipping; discussed manufacturing challenges with orbit alignment
Largest pinball manufacturer; produced Godzilla (approaching all-time sales record), Jaws 50th, Star Wars; significantly higher production capacity than competitors
Major pinball manufacturer; discussed in monthly market analysis with pricing data for multiple titles
Manufacturer of The Walking Dead Remastered on Spike 3 platform
Major pinball manufacturer; subject of market analysis segment
Major pinball manufacturer; released Walking Dead Remastered in 2025
Major pinball manufacturer; machines analyzed include Star Wars Premium 2017, Elvira's House of Horrors, King Kong LE, Kiss Premium, Lord of the Rings LE
Major pinball manufacturer that contracted Randy Martinez for artwork on Star Wars Comic Edition, Mandalorian, and John Wick; operates factory in Chicago.
Manufacturer; multiple modern titles analyzed in pricing segment
Former employer of Lyman Sheets before he started consulting business
Manufacturer of Pokemon by Stern Pinball, secured landmark 30th anniversary license from Pokemon Company
Major pinball manufacturer; games analyzed include Walking Dead (original and remake), Teenage Mutant Turtles Pro, Foo Fighters Premium, X-Men LE, Ghostbusters
Primary manufacturer announcing monthly news, products, and community initiatives
Primary manufacturer subject of criticism for code delays and high production volume strategy
[Triage: The company progressed from a 4-day work week to a more restrictive 3-day production schedule, representing a policy change over time rather than a factual disagreement.]
[Triage: Stern Pinball's employee count likely increased over time as the company expanded, making this a progression rather than a genuine conflict.]
[Triage: The statements describe different time periods: stable pricing for 3 years followed by a shift toward price increases and premium pricing in recent releases.]