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Brian Savage

personactive53 mentionsFirst seen Oct 11, 2023Last seen Mar 24, 2026

Profile

Brian Savage is a co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun, a pinball machine manufacturer based in Los Angeles. He brings 30+ years of experience in collectibles, fan communities, and destination marketing, having founded Fun! Publications in 1993 and managed major IP licensing for Hasbro (G.I. Joe, Transformers). At Barrels of Fun, he oversees business operations, production logistics, and licensing strategy for games including Labyrinth, Dune, and Winchester Mystery House.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • foundedBarrels of FunCo-founder of Barrels of Funmedium
  • foundedBarrels of FunCo-founder and Chief Business Officermedium
  • producesDune PinballChief Business Officer overseeing production; managed sales reaching 720+ unitsmedium
  • affiliated_withDavid Van EsCo-founder of Barrels of Fun; persuaded Van Es to start the companymedium
  • appears_inKaneda's Pinball PodcastRegular guest/member providing production updates and industry insights

Facts

  • achievementInvolved with Transformers pinball licensingmedium
  • achievementRan G.I. Joe fan site and conventions for 20 yearshigh
  • achievementRan Transformers fan site and conventions for 20 yearshigh
  • affiliationMember of Kaneda's Pinball Podcasthighfrom 2025
  • affiliationPartner at Barrels of Funhigh
  • affiliationAssociated with Winchester Mystery House pinball operationsmedium
  • attributeExpertise in nostalgic IP licensingmedium

Claims (14)

  • factualhigh

    Barrels of Fun has taken orders for exactly 720 Dune Pinball machines

    Source: Knapp Arcade reportingHow Many Dune Pinball Machines Has Barrels of Fun Sold?; Enhanced Topper Sales Closed; A KISS Remastered Clue? & More
  • factualhigh

    Dune Pinball production reached 560 units before final distributor orders in late December 2025

    Source: Knapp Arcade reporting on Barrels of Fun CBOs statementTODAY is the Last Chance to Order Dune Pinball From Barrels of Fun; Production Update
  • predictionhigh

    Dune orders will likely cross 600 units total after final consumer and distributor orders processed

    Source: Knapp Arcade reportingTODAY is the Last Chance to Order Dune Pinball From Barrels of Fun; Production Update
  • factualhigh

Recent Mentions (53)

  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; met with Retro Ralph in private Barrels room at TPF

    Episode 55: Who STOLE the Show at Texas Pinball Festival?! 👀 + American Pinball Is BACK!Mar 24, 2026
  • Co-founder/partner at Barrels of Fun; present at factory tour

    BOF Trip ReportFeb 24, 2025
  • Barrels of Fun executive/founder involved in media day strategy

    Episode 1074: "4 NIB Games As World Economy Burns"Apr 7, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; mentioned in context of company direction and upcoming game

    Episode 1070: "Whistle While We Wait"Mar 29, 2025
  • Team member at Barrels of Fun involved in Dune launch (likely marketing/operations role)

    Episode 1078: "Kaneda's Shocking Take on Dune After Sleeping On It"Apr 15, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun with 25+ years leading G.I. Joe fan communities and conventions; Kaneda speculates this background predicts G.I. Joe game development

    Episode 1053: "Can The Magic Match The Market in 2025?"Feb 17, 2025

Contradictions

  • Existing: Co-founder of Barrels of Fun (mentioned in episodes 4 and 10)vsConflicting: Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun (mentioned in episodes 6 and 8)
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Dune production reached 560 units (episode 6, dated 2025-12-31)vsConflicting: Official production numbers of 720 Dune machines (episode 8, dated 2026-01-13)
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Brian Savage is co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Barrels of FunvsConflicting: Mention 16 describes him as 'Sculpture and mechanical design specialist at Barrels of Fun'
    Expert: merged definition Expert: merged definition
    Resolved
    merged · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

medium
  • appears_inDirty Pool PodcastFeatured guest discussing Barrels of Fun founding and operationsmedium
  • affiliated_withHasbroPreviously managed licensed collector clubs for Transformers and G.I. Joemedium
  • roleHandles mechanical engineering at Barrels of Funhigh
  • roleHandles production constraints at Barrels of Funhigh
  • roleCo-founder of Barrels of Funhigh
  • roleChief Business Officer of Barrels of Funhighfrom 2025
  • Legendary Pictures approved Barrels of Fun to develop Dune before the company had manufactured any pinball machine

    Source: Chief business officer at Barrels of FunCreating Dune Pinball - Meet The Barrels Of Fun Pinball Team
  • factualhigh

    Production of Dune required 18 different injection molds, some with multiple cavities, to create all playfield items

    Source: Chief business officer at Barrels of FunCreating Dune Pinball - Meet The Barrels Of Fun Pinball Team
  • factualhigh

    The saucer/mountain feature has multiple entry/exit points including orbits, a lift ramp, a diverter behind the mountain, and hidden underground magnet passages

    Source: Chief business officer at Barrels of FunCreating Dune Pinball - Meet The Barrels Of Fun Pinball Team
  • factualhigh

    Brian Savage founded Fun! Publications in 1993 as a multi-million dollar collectibles and event marketing company

    Source: David DennisSilverball Chronicles Ep 43: Are Barrels (Of) Fun?
  • factualhigh

    Brian Savage, co-founder of Barrels of Fun, spent 25 years leading G.I. Joe and Transformers fan communities and conventions.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1053: "Can The Magic Match The Market in 2025?"
  • factualhigh

    European and Canadian distributors coming online at announcement time

    Source: Pinside postBarrels of Fun, Maker of Labyrinth Pinball, Already Has Other Licenses Locked Up
  • factualmedium

    First batch of Labyrinth scheduled to ship November 3rd

    Source: Pinside postBarrels of Fun, Maker of Labyrinth Pinball, Already Has Other Licenses Locked Up
  • factualhigh

    150 Labyrinth units will be sold direct-to-consumer; remainder through distributors

    Source: Pinside postBarrels of Fun, Maker of Labyrinth Pinball, Already Has Other Licenses Locked Up
  • factualhigh

    Barrels of Fun positions itself as a collectibles manufacturer rather than solely a pinball manufacturer

    Source: Pinside postBarrels of Fun, Maker of Labyrinth Pinball, Already Has Other Licenses Locked Up
  • factualhigh

    Barrels of Fun has licensed IP beyond Labyrinth

    Source: Pinside postBarrels of Fun, Maker of Labyrinth Pinball, Already Has Other Licenses Locked Up
  • factualhigh

    Brian Savage was in charge of manufacturing Hasbro action figures G.I. Joe and Transformers

    Source: Pinball News articleLABYRINTH REVEALED
  • Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun; assisted Don with Labyrinth outreach and media opportunities

    DPP #77-1Oct 20, 2023
  • Co-founder/executive at Barrels of Fun; noted as possibly having personal wealth backing

    Episode 1195: "Kaneda Rants About Dungeon Crawlers, Pokemon Scalpers & $1,000 Alice Game"Mar 4, 2026
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; history with collectibles at Hasbro

    Labyrinth Pinball with Bowen KerinsFeb 7, 2025
  • Co-owner/operator of Barrels of Fun Pinball; conducted virtual factory tour and Q&A with community.

    The Pinball Show Ep 153: Toity, Hoity, Shucksy, & GomieMay 21, 2024
  • Former head of G.I. Joe and Transformer fan bases at Hasbro. Now at Barrels of Fun. Referenced as holder of Transformers IP relationships, implying Stern wouldn't have access to G1 Transformers IP for rumored game.

    Episode 1123: "Why Is There No Pinball Hype Before Launch?"Aug 13, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; sent official April 3rd media invite email for April 15 game launch event

    Episode 1073: "Barrels vs Elwin? What A King Kong Size Mistake!"Apr 4, 2025
  • Barrels of Fun employee; provided Globalls for Don's Avatar setup

    Spooky tour, Logan Arcade, Kong Trailer impressionsApr 17, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun pinball manufacturer

    Voice message from Barrels of Fun!!Feb 13, 2024
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun, attended Pinball at the Beach show

    FEBRUARY 2026 PINCASTMar 2, 2026
  • Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun; discussed business philosophy and delegation to David Van S for game design

    Episode 141: Pinball Expo 2023 RecapOct 28, 2023
  • Chief business officer for Barrels of Fun, oversees manufacturing, product design, and Legendary Pictures partnership

    Creating Dune Pinball - Meet The Barrels Of Fun Pinball TeamApr 17, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; met David Van Ness through pinball machine trading/restoration; contributes design ideas to game development

    Chatting DUNE with David van Es | Barrels of Fun Pinball Exclusive Shooter Rod Sneak Peek!Apr 23, 2025
  • Has strong connection to G.I. Joe IP; name mentioned in context of rumored Barrels of Fun titles (Kaneda suggests this is misdirection)

    Episode 1060: "CRAZY: 7 Games in 8 Weeks!"Mar 7, 2025
  • Barrels of Fun team member; Hardy attempted to contact during stream for congratulations

    Hardy LIVE! Let's Talk Winchester!Oct 14, 2025
  • Owner/operator of Barrels of Fun; interviewed at TPF 2025; confirmed imminent (weeks away) new game announcement; uses delayed announcement strategy until machines are ready to ship

    Pinwalk - Rob & Davey walk the floor at Texas Pinball Festival 2025Apr 7, 2025
  • Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun; made forum posts clarifying company positioning as collectibles manufacturer, not solely pinball manufacturer

    Episode 204 - Barrels of ActivisionOct 15, 2023
  • Barrels of Fun designer; featured on Loser Kid podcast discussing Dune licensing and assets

    Fresh Pinball AssembleApr 27, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; former director of manufacturing for Hasbro action figures (G.I. Joe, Transformers)

    LABYRINTH REVEALEDOct 13, 2023
  • Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun; made announcements about company licensing strategy and shipping plans on Pinside

    Barrels of Fun, Maker of Labyrinth Pinball, Already Has Other Licenses Locked UpOct 15, 2023
  • Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun

    Full Details of Barrels of Fun Pinball's New Labyrinth Pinball MachineOct 13, 2023
  • Well-known pinball industry veteran; involved with Barrels of Fun Labyrinth project

    Mystery Pinball Company Reveals Name, Confirms Labyrinth is Theme of First GameOct 11, 2023
  • Barrels of Fun Chief Business Officer/Chief Creative Financial Officer; appeared on livestream

    DPP #101 "P3 upgraded! Venom code! Labyrinth shipping!"Feb 9, 2024
  • Founder/operator of Barrels of Fun; worked with Don on Labyrinth shipping and payment logistics

    DPP #99 "Why don't we see games and movies release at the same time anymore?"Feb 3, 2024
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; chief business officer; founder of Fun! Publications (1993); Baylor University graduate; background in sales, marketing, collectibles, and destination event marketing

    Silverball Chronicles Ep 43: Are Barrels (Of) Fun?Mar 3, 2025
  • Representative at Barrels of Fun who provided glow balls for Don's Avatar machine.

    DPP# 194 "Happily playing pinball"Jun 13, 2025
  • Associated with Barrels of Fun; side gig making custom-coated pinballs including glow-in-the-dark versions; tested glow balls on Don's Avatar machine

    DPP #184 "Is Kong here now?! Who else is dropping games?"Apr 4, 2025
  • Barrels of Fun representative; announced Dune launch to distributors with one-hour notice at 5:30 PM Eastern

    We Are Pinball #34 "Mad Jeff tells us what games are hot!"May 11, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; former Hasbro Collectibles history

    Labyrinth Pinball with Bowen KerinsFeb 7, 2025
  • CBO (Chief Business Officer) of Barrels of Fun; worked with Zach on launch strategy

    The Pinball Show Ep 139: Labyrinth, Elton John, Elvira’s Blood Red Kiss, Ninja Eclipse, Elements, & More!Oct 22, 2023
  • Barrels of Fun representative; participated in virtual factory tour

    The Pinball Show Ep 153: Toity, Hoity, Shucksy, & GomieMay 21, 2024
  • Sculpture and mechanical design specialist at Barrels of Fun; former work with Hasbro

    Bowen Kerins - Episode 43Oct 4, 2024
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; credited as toys designer; thanked for hosting event

    Dune Pinball Impressions with Erin Winick Anthony - Episode 59Apr 16, 2025
  • Lead designer at Barrels of Fun; described by Jamie as passionate pinball enthusiast and collector who puts 'love' into game development

    Pinball Roundtable Part 1 with Retro Ralph and Cale Hernandez - Episode 60Apr 18, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; previously managed Transformers and G.I. Joe collector clubs under Hasbro license; brought collectibles and convention experience to manufacturing operations

    Episode 378: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth pinball from Barrels of FunOct 24, 2023
  • Co-founder and lead partner of Barrels of Fun, based in Los Angeles, with responsibility for business operations.

    Episode 389: Bowen Kerins is busy!Feb 5, 2024
  • Co-founder and chief business officer of Barrels of Fun; Baylor University graduate in business administration; founded Fun Publications in 1993 (multi-million dollar collectibles/destination marketing company)

    Are Barrels (Of) Fun?Mar 4, 2025
  • Co-founder of Barrels of Fun; 20-year background in fan site/convention organization for G.I. Joe and Transformers; handles mechanical engineering and production constraints

    Ep 165: Dune Pinball with David Van Es and Brian Savage | Barrels of Fun!Apr 16, 2025
  • Barrels of Fun representative; coordinated machine operations and closure procedures

    PINBALL AT THE BEACHFeb 6, 2026
  • Chief Business Officer of Barrels of Fun; disclosed official production numbers of 720 Dune machines

    How Many Dune Pinball Machines Has Barrels of Fun Sold?; Enhanced Topper Sales Closed; A KISS Remastered Clue? & MoreJan 13, 2026
  • Associated with Barrels of Fun/Dune; communicates with Don but doesn't disclose sales numbers

    DPP #208 "Big Trouble in Chicago"Oct 4, 2025
  • Barrels of Fun Chief Business Officer; provided production updates on Dune sales reaching 560 units

    TODAY is the Last Chance to Order Dune Pinball From Barrels of Fun; Production UpdateDec 31, 2025
  • Member of Kaneda's Pinball Podcast; works at Barrels of Fun; confirmed ball-eating game mechanic via email

    Kaneda Discusses Barrels and Stern Launching On Top of Each Other.Apr 7, 2025
  • Co-founder/partner of Barrels of Fun, convinced Van Es to start the company after 6 months of persuasion

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep05 – Maker of Mischief: David Van Es from Barrels of FunMay 27, 2025
  • Partner at Barrels of Fun; described as former fan club runner for G.I. Joe and Transformers; Kaneda suggests his nostalgic IP expertise is underutilized on modern themes like Dune.

    Episode 1126: "Kaneda Confirms Some Rumors"Aug 22, 2025
  • Mentioned as not allowing spot transfers on Winchester Mystery House pre-orders.

    Episode 1162: "Did Stern Hire Mickey Mouse to Market The Walking Dead?"Nov 19, 2025
  • deeproot/Winchester's Mystery House leadership; implemented non-transferable purchase policy with refund option

    Episode 1163: "Is Scalping Ruining Pinball?"Nov 21, 2025
  • Related to Barrels of Fun/Deeproot; ran G.I. Joe and Transformer fan sites/conventions for 20 years; rumored to be involved with Transformers pinball licensing

    Kaneda's Pinball Saturday Morning Spectacular - August 23Aug 24, 2025