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Elliot Eisman

personactive64 mentionsFirst seen Oct 23, 2018Last seen Mar 13, 2026

Profile

Elliot Eisman is a mechanical engineer turned game designer at Stern Pinball who is best known for designing the John Wick pinball machine. He has been assigned to design Stern's upcoming Transformers pinball game and is widely regarded as one of the best designers currently working in the pinball industry. Despite some industry skepticism about his fit for the Transformers property, he represents a key creative force in Stern's recent and upcoming releases.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedJohn WickElliot Eisman served as the designer of John Wick, his first full game design rolemedium
  • affiliated_withLed ZeppelinEismin-designed pop-up spinner with magnetic and motor components featured in Led Zeppelinmedium
  • affiliated_withBrian EddyBoth are Stern designers; Eddie mentioned to arrive at interview with Eisminmedium
  • designedTransformersElliott Eisman designed the upcoming 2026 Transformers pinball gamemedium
  • works_atStern Pinball Inc.Mechanical engineer and game designer at Stern Pinballmedium

Facts

  • achievementDesigner of WWE WrestleMania pinballmedium
  • achievementInducted into Pinball Hall of Famehighfrom 2018
  • achievementDesigner of John Wick pinballhighfrom 2024
  • attributeDescribed as unanimous best designer currently working in pinballmediumfrom 2025-12
  • roleAssigned designer for Stern's upcoming Transformers pinballhighfrom 2025-09
  • roleLead coder and designer on John Wickhighfrom 2024

Claims (28)

  • opinionhigh

    Elliot Eisman is the unanimous best designer currently working in pinball

    Source: WaterboyEpisode 107 - Holiday Special
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman was inducted into the Pinball Hall of Fame in 2018 for mechanical engineering work

    Source: direct statement confirmed by Jack DangerDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • factualhigh

    Eisman's first John Wick layout was scrapped and redesigned collaboratively with George Gomez

    Source: direct quoteDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • factualhigh

    Eisman redesigned the Star Wars 2017 Accelerator mech after Steve Ritchie's initial version didn't shoot well

Recent Mentions (70)

  • Designer of upcoming Stern Transformers pinball game

    RUMORS! What Games Are in the Pipeline and When Will We See Them?Mar 13, 2026
  • Designer of John Wick pinball machine at Stern Pinball; participated in official livestream gameplay

    Don after dark FROM THE ROADMay 11, 2024
  • John Wick designer at Stern; responsible for game design that Kaneda criticizes as too fast and brutal

    Saturday Morning Spectacular, May 25May 26, 2024
  • Game designer at Stern Pinball; lead designer on John Wick; first layout credit for him.

    The Electric Bat Cast Presents :: Pinpals Episode 4 : : John Wick, can Stern save the code?Sep 29, 2025
  • Designer of John Wick pinball (first game), former mechanical engineer at Stern with ~13 years tenure

    Episode 14: “Pinball Expo 2024 HYPE!”Oct 14, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer and designer of John Wick pinball; described as new to top-level design, stepping up from mechanical engineering background

    Ep 81: Wheezy!!!Jun 2, 2024

Contradictions

  • Existing: Elliot Eisman designed John Wick pinballvsConflicting: Mention 17 states Tim Sexton received public credit at launch while Eisman received credit for playfield design and lead coding
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Elliot Eisman is a designer/mechanical engineer at Stern PinballvsConflicting: Mention 14 credits him as designer of WWE WrestleMania pinball
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Eisman designed John Wick pinballvsConflicting: Mention 17 states 'Tim Sexton received public credit at launch' while Eisman was uncredited for playfield design, suggesting he may not have received design attribution despite contributions
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Elliot Eisman is a designer at Stern Pinball

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

designed
John Wick
Primary designer of John Wick pinball machine
medium
  • designedTransformersAssigned designer for upcoming Transformers pinball game at Sternmedium
  • role
    Mechanical engineer turned game designer at Stern Pinball
    high
    Source: direct quoteDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • opinionhigh

    Eisman's favorite all-time mech is the Ghostbusters Stantz because of its simplicity and functional impact

    Source: direct quoteDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • opinionhigh

    Being trained as a mechanical engineer helps with game design because it enables visualization and spatial reasoning for playfield layouts

    Source: direct statementDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • factualhigh

    George Gomez identified Eisman for the John Wick design project approximately one year after Eisman pitched initial design ideas

    Source: direct quoteDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman has been working at Stern Pinball since 2014 as a mechanical engineer

    Source: direct quoteDrinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot Eismin
  • opinionhigh

    John Wick is designed to be shot from the fly with constant motion and fast pace

    Source: Direct statement about design intentJohn Wick Pinball Code Update 0.95 Stream!
  • factualhigh

    Bad Cats bonus value increased to $25 million from $10 million to reward difficult completion

    Source: Direct statement during gameplayJohn Wick Pinball Code Update 0.95 Stream!
  • factualhigh

    Lights Out cannot be stacked or extended while already in Lights Out mode

    Source: Direct statement during gameplay discussionJohn Wick Pinball Code Update 0.95 Stream!
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman transitioned from mechanical engineering to game design when working on John Wick Pinball

    Source: Collaborator in production documentaryThe Making of John Wick Pinball
  • opinionhigh

    Elliot Eisman successfully crammed many shots into John Wick's fan layout while keeping everything hittable and fun

    Source: Bash Pinball hostWe’re Still Standing with John… Not Elton, the other one. BonusX!!
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman's John Wick design is his first major game as lead designer

    Source: MartinEp 81: Wheezy!!!
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman is the game designer for John Wick pinball, marking his first pinball machine design

    Source: Official Stern credits announced in episodeBDYETP 85: John Wick, Abba, Funhouse Remake and Blues Brothers and oh so much more
  • factualhigh

    John Wick pinball was designed by mechanical engineer Elliot Eisman

    Source: Zach (Flippin' Out Pinball)John Wick Pro Pinball Machine Features
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman is the lead game designer on John Wick pinball

    Source: MatthewJohn Wick — The Best New Stern In Years?!?
  • factualhigh

    This is Elliot Eisman's first game design; he previously worked on mechanics for games including Bond, Rush, Turtles, Star Wars, Munsters, and Ghostbusters

    Source: MatthewJohn Wick — The Best New Stern In Years?!?
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman is a new designer without established industry pedigree

    Source: Cary HardyAll Wick. No Politics Included.
  • factualhigh

    John Wick pinball designer Elliot Eisman is a first-time designer with approximately a decade at Stern

    Source: DennisEpisode 219 - John Wick & Dark Times
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman has been at Stern Pinball for approximately one decade

    Source: Josh RoopEp 137: Gomez! Lots of Gomez!
  • opinionmedium

    Elliot Eisman is a new designer and his work on John Wick lacks the mechanical innovation expected of Stern designers.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 949: "Stern Fires Blanks With a Gun-less John Wick"
  • factualhigh

    The game was designed by Elliot Eisman in his first pinball game design

    Source: Article and official announcementJOHN WICK REVEALED
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman has worked exclusively on mechanical engineering for Stern's WWE, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, TMNT, Rush, and James Bond games

    Source: Cary HardyYou Might Want to WAIT on John Wick Pinball...
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman is the designer for John Wick pinball based on information from Canada's Pinball Podcast

    Source: Cary Hardy citing Canada's Pinball PodcastYou Might Want to WAIT on John Wick Pinball...
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman is the lead designer of John Wick pinball at Stern

    Source: Kaneda citing multiple sources including distributors and game testersEpisode 947: "John Wick Designer Revealed!"
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman has been at Stern Pinball for 10 years

    Source: KanedaEpisode 947: "John Wick Designer Revealed!"
  • factualhigh

    Elliot Eisman is being promoted from his current role to head designer at Stern

    Source: KanedaEpisode 947: "John Wick Designer Revealed!"
  • Lead game designer for John Wick at Stern Pinball (from KB)

    The Pinball Show Ep 153 BONUS: What I Like, What I Don't About John Wick PinballJun 2, 2024
  • Rumored Transformers designer at Stern; host skeptical he will design again.

    The Pinball Show Ep 188 BONUS: MORE 2026 Pinball PredictionsJan 27, 2026
  • Mechanical engineer at Stern Pinball; first pinball game designer role; designed John Wick; worked on mechanical features like the Jaws shark

    Episode 4: Pinball Through My Wife's EyesJul 7, 2024
  • Designer of John Wick (Stern); game criticized as 'dead on arrival' with minimal mechanical engagement

    Episode 979: "Waiting For The Next Godzilla"Jul 31, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer at Stern Pinball for 10 years; designer of John Wick; met with Retro Ralph at Southern Fried Gaming Expo

    Episode 6: "Suck it San Diego Comic-Con!"Jul 23, 2024
  • Core design team member on TMNT at Stern Pinball; involved in initial brainstorming and creative direction

    Ep 9: Turtle PowerJun 26, 2020
  • Lead designer on John Wick pinball; approximately one decade at Stern; mentioned as new designer taking on major title; received mentorship from George Gomez

    Ep 137: Gomez! Lots of Gomez!May 11, 2024
  • Stern Pinball designer; John Wick will be his inaugural Stern design (referred to as 'brand new designer')

    Episode 943: "Around The Pinball World"Apr 29, 2024
  • Lead designer of John Wick pinball at Stern, mechanical engineer, promoted from current role to head designer, 10-year Stern veteran who previously worked on WWE, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, Munsters, TMNT, Rush, and James Bond

    Episode 947: "John Wick Designer Revealed!"May 5, 2024
  • Designer of John Wick pinball at Stern; Kaneda notes he is a new designer and suggests his work lacks the mechanical innovation expected.

    Episode 949: "Stern Fires Blanks With a Gun-less John Wick"May 7, 2024
  • Lead developer on John Wick project; conducts final play testing on Limited Edition machines for quality assurance

    Exclusive: Stern Pinball All Access Factory Tour!May 31, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer on Rush (Premium) development team

    RUSH PINBALL PREMIUM GAMEPLAY REVEAL. ( Stern Pinball 2022 )Jan 8, 2022
  • Stern Pinball designer; assisted on Stranger Things as mentioned by Brian Eddy

    STRANGER THINGS PINBALL GAMEPLAY REVEAL from Stern PinballDec 24, 2019
  • Designer of John Wick pinball game at Stern Pinball

    John Wick Pinball Just Got More HYPE!May 6, 2024
  • Designer of John Wick pinball; noted as new/unknown designer without established pedigree, creating hesitation among buyers

    All Wick. No Politics Included.May 14, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer on Rush pinball project

    Stern Pinball Rush Talk with a Rush FANJan 5, 2022
  • Mechanical engineer at Stern Pinball for ~10 years; first confirmed as designer for John Wick pinball; worked on mechanics for WWE, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, TMNT, Rush, James Bond

    You Might Want to WAIT on John Wick Pinball...May 6, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer for Led Zeppelin

    Stern Pinball Led Zeppelin Revealed!Dec 15, 2020
  • 2018 Hall of Fame inductee; Stern Pinball mechanical engineer and designer; graduate of Purdue University; worked with Steve Ritchie on Star Wars pinball; praised by Ritchie for creativity and innovative mechanical work.

    Pinball Expo Hall of Fame Inductions - Pinball Expo 2018 - Pinball NewsOct 23, 2018
  • Lead game designer at Stern Pinball; praised by hosts for John Wick's fan layout design and shot variety

    We’re Still Standing with John… Not Elton, the other one. BonusX!!Aug 8, 2024
  • Lead game designer for John Wick pinball; first game design credit; previously worked on mechanical design for multiple Stern titles

    John Wick — The Best New Stern In Years?!?May 16, 2024
  • Lead game designer for John Wick pinball at Stern Pinball; demonstrated gameplay and discussed design philosophy during stream

    John Wick Pinball Code Update 0.95 Stream!Jun 26, 2025
  • Mechanical engineer at Stern Pinball, designer of John Wick pinball machine

    Silverball Chronicles Ep 38: By Golly It's BingoJun 10, 2024
  • Lead mechanical engineer for TMNT Pinball

    Episode 116 - Turtle PowerJun 1, 2020
  • First-time pinball game designer at Stern; mechanical engineer with approximately a decade at Stern; designed John Wick pinball machine

    Episode 219 - John Wick & Dark TimesMay 12, 2024
  • Panel speaker discussing creation of John Wick pinball game

    SOUTHERN FRIED GAMING EXPOAug 2, 2024
  • Mechanical designer at Stern Pinball; inducted into Hall of Fame by Steve Ritchie

    PINBALL EXPO 2018 - FRIDAYOct 19, 2018
  • Designer of John Wick; first game design; signature appears on LE model apron

    JOHN WICK REVEALEDMay 7, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer and designer of John Wick pinball machine.

    John Wick Pro Pinball Machine FeaturesMay 17, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer at Stern for 10 years; lead designer of John Wick pinball (his first game); described as 'real deal mechanical engineer' mentored by Gomez.

    Flip N Out With Friends: Catching Up With George Gomez (Stern Pinball) (2024)May 10, 2024
  • Lead Mechanical Engineer on Rush Pinball

    New Stern Pinball Documentary on the Making of Rush Pinball MachineApr 3, 2023
  • Stern designer; now sole design lead under 50 years old with Jack's departure from rotation; expected to see increased output

    Jack Danger Accepts New Role at Stern Pinball; 8 Quick Thoughts on the MoveJul 22, 2025
  • Designer of John Wick pinball, first full design role; appears in factory tour discussing design philosophy and mechanical iterations

    Inside Look: Stern Factory Tour Elliot and Tim talk John WickJun 7, 2024
  • Lead programmer and designer for John Wick; interviewed by Don and Enzo on Gonzo's Pinball Flipperama regarding code roadmap and update strategy

    DPP #156 "Pinball news roundup! Online arguments!"Nov 4, 2024
  • John Wick LE medallion coinbox signed by this person; associated with game production

    DPP #129 "Toppers, Taxes, and Tanlines"Jun 18, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer at Stern (10 years); lead playfield designer on John Wick (first full game design lead); underrepresented in promotional material compared to George Gomez and Tim Sexton

    Pinball Magazine & Pinball News PINcast May 2024 recapJun 5, 2024
  • Newest Stern Pinball designer rumored to be working on Transformers cornerstone machine

    Medieval Madness Run 2 Lists; Walking Dead Remastered Interview & Stream; Pincinnati Show; Multimorphic Factory PicturesDec 9, 2025
  • Designer of rumored Stern Transformers pinball; Kaneda expresses concern about potential TV show vs movie licensing approach

    Episode 1139: "Has Stern Experienced 3 Strikes in a Row?"Sep 23, 2025
  • Designer of John Wick Pinball, transitioned from mechanical engineering to game design; had clear vision for game functions and two-flipper layout

    The Making of John Wick PinballOct 11, 2024
  • Game designer for John Wick at Stern Pinball; demonstrates gameplay and explains mechanics

    John Wick Pinball Hourglass Topper PreviewFeb 20, 2025
  • First-time pinball designer for John Wick; brings fresh perspective to playfield design

    BDYETP 85: John Wick, Abba, Funhouse Remake and Blues Brothers and oh so much moreMay 18, 2024
  • Lead designer on John Wick (first lead designer role); mechanical engineer on James Bond, Rush, TMNT, Ghostbusters, Star Wars; younger designer already inducted into Pinball Hall of Fame

    The Pinball Show Ep 152: The Big John Wick EpisodeMay 8, 2024
  • New designer at Stern (referenced as 'Elwynn'); shipped games outperforming recent releases; established benchmark for sales expectations

    The Pinball Show Ep 153: Toity, Hoity, Shucksy, & GomieMay 21, 2024
  • Mechanical engineer; designer of John Wick playfield; worked with George Gomez on licensing-constrained design

    The Pinball Show Ep 154: Pragmatic PeacockJun 3, 2024
  • Stern Pinball designer (John Wick); required three redesigns by George Gomez before release approval

    We Are Pinball #30 "Jamie Burchell second half!!"Apr 11, 2025
  • Mechanical engineer turned designer on John Wick; credited with playfield design while Tim Sexton received public credit at launch

    Episode 92 - Programmers: The Unsung Heroes of PinballJul 21, 2025
  • Described as 'unanimous best designer currently working in pinball'; hosts speculate on hypothetical Stern holiday game by him

    Episode 107 - Holiday SpecialDec 15, 2025
  • Designer and lead coder on John Wick; met with content creators during hands-on session.

    Ep 138: Behind Stern's DoorsMay 25, 2024
  • Mentioned as designer of WWE WrestleMania; central arena design element compared to Pokémon's rocket arena as similar concept

    Gotta guess 'em all! #pokemon #pinballFeb 10, 2026
  • Likely designer of rumored Transformers G1 pinball machine for Stern

    American Pinball Teases New ShowBiz Pizza Place Rock-afire Explosion-Themed Claw Machine; Is Transformers Next from Stern Pinball?Dec 3, 2025
  • Rumored designer for Transformers pinball

    Details on Stern Pinball’s Upcoming GamesDec 24, 2025
  • Designer of rumored Transformers as follow-up to John Wick

    Another new game from Stern in 2026?Dec 23, 2025
  • Designer; rumored for Transformers at Stern

    Episode 49: Pinball 2026: What’s REALLY Coming (Rumors vs Reality)Jan 1, 2026
  • Stern designer of John Wick; Brian uncertain about his design style after John Wick

    EP17 Brian CosnerFeb 16, 2026
  • Stern designer rumored to be creating Transformers game

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular November 1Nov 2, 2025
  • Stern designer; worked on John Wick; assigned to upcoming G1 Transformers; criticized for lack of readiness

    Episode 1141: "Spooky Said Whaaaaaaaaat?"Sep 26, 2025
  • Designer rumored for Transformers; Kaneda questions assignment after John Wick perceived as commercial failure

    FREE Episode 1168: "Is George Gomez Cutting Corners...Literally?"Dec 10, 2025
  • Designer of Stern's upcoming Transformers game. Kaneda expresses optimism and believes this title will show Stern's capability for innovation.

    Episode 1154: "Why TWD Remastered LE Sells Out"Oct 31, 2025
  • Designer of John Wick pinball; assigned to design Transformers for Stern (exclusive claim by Kaneda)

    Episode 1135: "Kaneda Got a Bad Feeling About Star Wars - First Impression Review"Sep 13, 2025
  • Stern designer; criticized for potentially designing Transformers without growing up when franchise was popular

    Episode 1169: "Why The Next Stern Is Make or Break Time"Dec 12, 2025
  • Artist doing Transformers game for Stern; Kaneda expresses concern about artist's age/generation fit for 1986 Transformers property

    Kanerda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Nov 8Nov 9, 2025
  • Mechanical engineer turned game designer at Stern Pinball; designed John Wick; Pinball Hall of Fame 2018

    Drinks with Jack: Part 1 w/ John Wick Designer Elliot EisminDec 8, 2025
  • Designer of John Wick pinball; assigned as designer for upcoming Transformers pinball

    Episode 1136: "Thoughts After Seeing More Star Wars Gameplay"Sep 15, 2025
  • Designer associated with Stern's Transformers

    Episode 1172: "Rocking Around The Holiday Pinball World"Dec 23, 2025
  • Existing:
    vs
    Conflicting: Mention 14 attributes design of WWE WrestleMania to Eisman, but no other evidence across 17 remaining mentions supports this; all other mentions focus exclusively on John Wick and Transformers
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026