Chris Turner is the founder and owner of Turner Pinball, a pinball machine manufacturer and design company. He is known for designing innovative pinball machines including Ninja Eclipse (homebrew) and Merlin's Arcade (production game), and for technical innovations such as integrated LED boards and glass/armor unlatch designs. Turner acquired intellectual property from Deep Root's bankruptcy liquidation and has been actively involved in the pinball industry through manufacturing, booth operations, and collaborations with industry figures. His company has achieved commercial success, including selling out all Merlin's Arcade units at Pinball Expo 2025.
No aliases
Chris Turner purchased land to build a new larger factory for Turner Pinball last October
Turner Pinball will produce the first 100 Yukon Yeti units in its current facility and the next 400 in a new larger facility under construction
More than half of Yukon Yeti games have already been sold
Founder/manufacturer of Turner Pinball; developing Yukon Yeti; criticized for slow manufacturing rate (2 per week)
Owner/founder of Turner Pinball; announced Yukon Yeti, coordinated last-minute reveal, managing factory expansion
Owner/founder of Turner Pinball, announced Yukon Yeti at midnight Wednesday of Texas Pinball Festival with very short notice
Referenced as designer whose manufacturing speed is being joked about by Kaneda regarding 100-unit-per-year production pace
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; interviewed about Yukon Yeti production plans
Owner/designer at Turner Pinball, criticized for Winchester art package and manufacturing delays, claims openness to feedback but unable to implement changes
No linked glossary terms
Turner Pinball's location machines in Texas have held up well with no reported issues.
Chris Turner is selectively ignoring negative feedback on Yukon Yeti artwork while asking community to be kind rather than making design changes
Yukon Yeti pre-orders reached 'close to halfway there' (toward full 500-unit production run) on reveal day
Yukon Yeti pre-orders already surpassed total Merlin's Arcade numbers
Merlin's Arcade moving Merlin mech with two servos didn't register with buyers
Yukon Yeti has two servo outputs built into system specifically for Yeti but Turner chose not to use them
Yukon Yeti code is at approximately 80% completion with 5 of 12 modes playable at TPF
Turner purchased 17 acres near San Antonio and plans to build new manufacturing facility within about six months
New Turner facility could increase production capacity by roughly four times
Turner has no dedicated sound designer or composer credited on Yukon Yeti
Whitewater 2 sold approximately 250 units (half of 500-unit run) in the first day of availability
Whitewater 2 features a motorized Yeti topper (Northern Mites) that moves during gameplay instead of a static playfield Yeti
Whitewater 2 code is approximately 80% complete with 12 total modes planned
Dennis Nordman collaborated throughout Whitewater 2 development and will attend TPF
Theme/IP nostalgia is now the primary driver of pinball game sales, not gameplay experience
Yukon Yeti is the spiritual successor to Williams' Whitewater (1993) featuring updated mechanics and modern features while retaining core design identity
Chris Turner took feedback from Merlin's Arcade and chose single-tier production with bundled accessories to avoid manufacturing complexity
The roller coaster ramp features dual airtime hills and is engineered to prevent air-ball losses; Turner confirmed ball trajectories were carefully tested
The Yeti toy does not move; this was a deliberate design choice based on player feedback prioritizing visible 5-ball staircase lock over toy animation
Yukon Yeti uses a single 'Legendary Edition' only production model with no Pro/Premium/LE tiering
Chris Turner/Turner Pinball could viably manufacture Cuphead in 300-unit runs
Merlin's Arcade has four pop bumpers featured in the game design
Turner Pinball's new pop bumper design requires no calibration, whereas other pinball companies require tuning the spoon position
Ninja Eclipse software update is ready for beta release to customers with wide release coming very soon
Production rate will scale to 4-6 Merlin's Arcade units per week once initial batch ships
The pop bumper design has three modified parts that are interchangeable with standard pop bumper components
Turner Pinball has a booth and hotel booked for Chicago Expo but has not finalized Houston Expo attendance plans
Two team members were out sick during the filming week, one with confirmed COVID
The pop bumper design has a patent pending
Merlin's Arcade will ship end of August
Chris Turner (Turner Pinball owner) cannot play pinball and his only competent player was unavailable during Kerry Hardy interview
Chris Turner is the nicest person in pinball and exceptionally transparent about pricing and timelines.
Turner Pinball production capacity is limited to 100 machines total due to 3,000 square foot facility space
Turner Pinball batches playfield cutting (2 at a time) and assembly (4 at a time) for optimal workflow efficiency
Turner Pinball designed reverse-mount LEDs specifically to allow hand soldering replacement without machine disassembly
All key failure-prone components on Turner Pinball machines are designed as replaceable off-board modules (power supply, switch/LED driver, coil drivers)
Turner Pinball wiring design prioritizes simplicity and intuitive assembly through labeled connectors and limited cable routing
Chris Turner sold 100 Ninja Eclipse machines
Chris Turner has 12+ years software engineering experience at Lockheed Martin and 12+ years running Turner Logic
Ninja Eclipse is planned to ship in fall 2024 with production run of 100 units
Ninja Eclipse code was 95% complete at Texas Pinball Festival 2024
Ninja Eclipse was redesigned from slimline cabinet to full-size standard cabinet based on community feedback from Pinball Expo
Ninja Eclipse pricing is $6,994 with 100 unit limited edition production planned starting September 2024
Ninja Eclipse includes 8 boss modes (compared to 4 at Expo)
Turner Pinball operates from a 3,000 square foot workshop on owned property in Texas
What's Brewing arcade in San Antonio will host test location for Ninja Eclipse to generate operator earnings data
Chris Turner recently became a producer-level Patreon member and is building a custom pinball machine
Turner Pinball's compact cabinet uses a phone app for purchasing game credits instead of a coin door.
Turner Pinball plans full production of Ninja Eclipse before end of 2023
Turner Pinball will produce 100 units of Ninja Eclipse
Chris Turner formed Turner Pinball in mid-2022
Turner Pinball has completed acquisition of all Deeproot Pinball intellectual property
Turner Pinball assembled team, set up workshop, and developed game concept over past six months
Turner Pinball is bringing first prototype game to Texas Pinball Festival
Chris Turner owns both Turner Pinball and Turner Logic (Deeproot's former programming vendor)
Chris Turner is attempting to launch a new pinball manufacturing company and will not succeed
Chris Turner owns Turner Logic, the IT company Robert Mueller used to code Deeproot machines
Chris Turner purchased thousands of dollars in assets from Deeproot bankruptcy auction, including RAZA machines
Chris Turner is in direct contact with bankruptcy lawyers regarding purchasing Deeproot's Intellectual Property
Owner/designer of Turner Pinball, criticized for lack of transparency on delivery timelines despite claiming transparency
Founder of Turner Pinball; engineer and designer of Yukon Yeti and Ninja Eclipse; open to feedback and active listener to community input; seeking sound design and callout assistance
Owner/designer of Turner Pinball (Yukon Yeti), criticized by Kaneda for selective feedback interpretation and lack of responsiveness to artwork criticism
Owner of Turner Pinball; described as cool and friendly by hosts; shared background information
Founder/designer of Turner Pinball; created Yukon Yeti; rebuilt UI two weeks before TPF; receptive to audio feedback
Designer/founder of Turner Pinball; brought Yukon Yeti to TPF; responsive to audio improvement suggestions
Founder/lead of Turner Pinball; described as having 'nicest disposition' and 'most calming voice'; responsible for Yukon Yeti audio quality decisions
Founder/designer at Deep Root Pinball; Kaneda criticizes for unresponsive feedback on art direction and music selection
Spooky Pinball manufacturer/executive, interviewed about Yukon Yeti sales strategy, licensing philosophy, and designer collaborations; discusses market pressure to use licensed IP
Founder/operator of Turner Pinball; responsive to consumer feedback; focused on sound design improvements
Spooky Pinball designer; interviewed live; Kaneda criticizes for being too nice and not replacing artist on Yukon Yeti
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; purchased Deeproot assets; overseeing Yukon Yeti production and sound design; planning new 17-acre facility near San Antonio
Designer and owner of Turner Pinball; designed Whitewater 2; previously worked with Deep Root; called into live podcast
Founder/designer of Turner Pinball manufacturing; designer of Ninja Eclipse, Merlin's Arcade, and now Yukon Yeti; joins live stream interview to discuss design decisions and production expansion
Founder/designer of Turner Pinball; manufacturer of Yukon Yeti, Ninja Eclipse, and Merlin's Arcade; based in San Antonio, Texas
Sound design and music oversight for Yukon Yeti; also credited as programmer and mechanical designer; founder/lead of Turner Pinball
Owner/founder of Turner Pinball; characterized by hosts as detail-driven, passionate, community-focused, and responsive to feedback. Described as 'one of the sweetest guys.'
Founder/designer at Turner Pinball, designer of Yukon Yeti, described as passionate with quality products
Founder/operator of Turner Pinball; purchased Popadiuk IP at Deep Root bankruptcy auction
Founder of Turner Pinball, recently purchased land for new factory facility
Founder of Turner Pinball, software engineer with background at Lockheed Martin and Turner Logic, discussing Ninja Eclipse development
Founder of Turner Pinball, designer/manufacturer, created Merlin's Arcade and Ninja Eclipse
Turner Pinball operator; promoted Ninja Clips at multiple shows using demo strategy; held in high regard by host for marketing approach
Sold John Papaduk's storage locker archive to Melvin Williams; archive contained original game designs and assets
Pinball manufacturer representative, collaborates with other manufacturers at shows like TPF
Owner/designer at Turner Pinball; Kaneda references Merlin arcade games availability
Former software and mechanical engineer at Deeproot Pinball; revealed as person behind thedeeproot.com countdown puzzle; announcing intention to launch own pinball company; subject of Kaneda's harsh criticism
Owner/designer at Turner Pinball; maker of Ninja Eclipse ($6,600 game); described as 'nicest person in pinball'
Owner/founder of Spooky Pinball; praised for selling 100 Ninja Eclipse machines at $6,600 MSRP and managing production responsibly
Associated with Merlin's Arcade; announced end-of-August shipping date
Owner of Turner Pinball; designer of Ninja Eclipse; received community feedback on cabinet design, coin door, card reader system; receptive to constructive criticism
Founder of Turner Pinball; designed compact ninja-themed machine with innovative ball-routing (scoop cascades); phone app-based credit system
Owner of Turner Pinball; example of designer with financial independence from pinball business success
Designer/owner of Turner Pinball; brought Ninja Eclipse to TPF
Designer/operator behind Merlin's Arcade; criticized by Kaneda for lack of creative direction and audience targeting
Founder/CEO of Turner Pinball; praised for transparency and niceness but criticized for Merlin's Arcade pricing and pre-order strategy.
Founder of Turner Pinball; developed Ninja Eclipse; previously associated with Deep Root; strong Expo sales
Possibly owns rights to Raza after purchasing from Robert Mueller/Deep Root; community member on show
Founder of Turner Pinball; developing Ninja Eclipse; criticized for aggressive deposit terms and vague terms/conditions language
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; criticized for Ninja Eclipse pricing strategy and taking nonrefundable deposits on unproven company's first game
Turner Pinball founder; released Ninja Eclipse; criticized for selling RAZE to Dutch Pinball Exclusive instead of developing it himself
Associated with Barrels of Fun pinball manufacturer; host offers advice on manufacturing approach and confidence building
Founder/designer of Turner Pinball; discussed regarding Merlin's Arcade pricing and sales strategy
Pinball designer praised by Don for taking feedback and creating a fantastic game; used as positive example of design receptiveness
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; acquired Deep Root Pinball properties at auction; business-savvy, described as young and friendly; worked in pinball industry previously.
Pinball designer/manufacturer; Don references his community-focused business playbook approach
Manufacturer/designer; credited for Ninja Eclipse; praised for listening to feedback and delivering high-quality game at competitive price
Designer/operator of Turner Pinball; created Merlin's Arcade; producing ~100 LE units at $9k, then Arcade Edition at $7k.
Founder of Turner Pinball; acquired Deep Root Pinball assets; planning unannounced project reveal at Texas Pinball Festival 2026; criticized for risky business move
Associated with Turner Pinball; addressed directly by Kaneda regarding marketing strategy
Designer of Merlin's Arcade; Kaneda critiques the game's commercial prospects
Designer/producer of Ninja Eclipse, planning limited production run of ~100 units
MrNinjaEclipse; newly promoted to producer-level Patreon member; builds custom pinball machines; will debut machine at Texas Pinball Festival
Created custom t-shirts for Pinball Expo 2025 Homebrew Awards event
Associated with Chicago Gaming; brought Merlin's Arcade to market; criticized by Kaneda despite personal affection
Founder of Turner Pinball; criticized for lack of experience and poor game design; Kaneda suggests family money backing the venture
Turner Pinball founder characterized as 'winning' manufacturer, kind personality, ethical business practices; praised as manufacturing innovation leader.
Turner Pinball owner; acquired Deep Root assets; developing Yukon Yeti (Whitewater 2); Kaneda criticizes cabinet aesthetic design
Owner/founder of Turner Pinball, demonstrating manufacturing facility and explaining innovations in Merlin's Arcade
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; noted for engineering-focused design philosophy and iterative refinement based on feedback
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; demonstrates manufacturing process and board design philosophy
Owner/operator of Turner Pinball; creating Ninja Eclipse with 100-unit production run, fall 2024 ship date
Designer/representative of Ninja Eclipse; knows Ian; described as cool/nice guy; game saw sales on Expo floor
Designer/operator of Turner Pinball; known for Ninja Eclipse; demonstrating Merlin's Arcade at TPF; praised for original theme design and innovation
Founder of Turner Pinball; interviewed by Nap Arcade post-Expo
Owner of Turner Logic; IT company executive who acquired Deep Root assets; potentially reviving Raza project
Founder/owner of Turner Pinball; led successful sellout of Ninja Eclipse with 100 units
Owner/founder of Turner Pinball; appeared in Kerry Hardy interview for Merlin's Arcade reveal; stated he cannot play pinball well
Merlin's Arcade designer/builder; described as nice person; criticized for problematic topper design and fit
Turner Pinball designer/operator; explained Merlin's Arcade rules to Dennis at show; collaborated with Deep Root on design.
Turner Pinball founder/designer; built Ninja Eclipse with integrated frame lighting and removable glass system
Turner Pinball representative encountered during Merlin's Arcade game demonstration
Founder of Turner Pinball; exhibiting prototype Ninja Eclipse at TPF 2023
Founder/leader of Turner Pinball, uploaded update video confirming Expo details
Founder of Turner Pinball; used complicated mathematical clues for company announcement
Founder of Turner Pinball; former IT head and programmer at Deeproot; designing Ninja Eclipse
Founder of Turner Pinball, conducted seminar at TPF
Founder/lead of Turner Pinball, showcases game development on YouTube channel
Founder of Turner Pinball; former Deeproot Pinball IT contractor and game coder
Owner of Turner Pinball and Turner Logic; acquired Deeproot assets and related IP for $50,000 at bankruptcy auction
Owner of Turner Logic IT company; was programmer/coder for Deeproot; now acquiring Deeproot assets from bankruptcy auction and reportedly pursuing IP acquisition
Owner of Chris Turner Pinball; maker of Ninja Eclipse; holds Food Truck license from Deep Root assets
Associated with Ninja Eclipse promotion and social media advocacy for the game.
Founder/designer of Turner Pinball, creator of Ninja Eclipse; iteratively redesigned cabinet based on community feedback
Owner/representative of Turner Pinball; described as 'solid dude'; interviewed by Don at booth.
Designer and manufacturer of Turner Pinball; creator of Merlin's Arcade and previous game Ninja Eclipse; known for innovative engineering and cabinet design
Founder Turner Pinball; brings custom PCBs and innovative technology; designing Merlin's Arcade
Acquired Alice license at Zidware bankruptcy auction; sold license to Melvin Louwers; facilitated design rights transfer
Owner/founder of Turner Pinball; released Ninja Eclipse and Merlin's Arcade; described as busy launching second game title
Associated with Multimorphic and Portal project; Don references his presence at TPF as good release timing
Founder of Turner Pinball. Background: Lockheed Martin software engineer (Orlando, then San Antonio), founded software company 2013, contracted with Deep Root Pinball ~2015-2019. Acquired Deep Root assets through bankruptcy. UCF graduate. Golfer. Age ~47-50 (graduated high school 1991).
Turner Pinball representative at TPF, open to software suggestions for Merlin's Arcade
Owner of Turner Pinball, acquired Deep Root assets through bankruptcy proceedings
Founder of Turner Pinball; listened to feedback on Ninja Eclipse and redesigned machine from scratch
Owner of Turner Pinball; acquired deeproot IP at bankruptcy, sold Popadiuk titles to Melvin
Founder/leader of Turner Pinball; will attend Texas Pinball Festival
Don's collaborator; actively texting during podcast to help identify manufacturers for Cuphead rescue
Founder of Turner Pinball; contacted by Don about potentially manufacturing Cuphead
Homebrew designer who created Ninja Eclipse; received feedback about cabinet resembling virtual pinball machine at Pinball Expo
Founder of Turner Pinball; known for innovative glass/armor unlatch design and quality cabinet construction; build Ninja Eclipse and Merlin's Arcade
Founder of Turner Pinball; designed Merlin's Arcade; Don encourages him to create 'banger' game for TPF
Founder of Turner Pinball; achieved success selling all show units of Merlin's Arcade at Expo
Owner of Turner Pinball; Merlin's Arcade designer; acquired John Papaduke designs from Deep Root liquidation; sold off designs including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Turner Pinball founder; currently producing Merlin's Arcade; visited by Kerry Hardy; praised for integrated LED board innovation
Booth operator with three Merlin's Arcade units and Ninja Eclipse; described as nice person on show floor
Pinball designer; rumored to be developing new game (skepticism from Kaneda: 'I'll believe it when I see it'); mentioned as potentially expanding animation IP space
American Pinball designer; empathized with for early Merlin's Arcade reveal and failed launch