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Dune Pinball

gamemerged43 mentionsFirst seen Nov 5, 2024Last seen Feb 19, 2026

Profile

Dune Pinball is a licensed pinball machine manufactured by Barrels of Fun, based on Frank Herbert's Dune novels and Denis Villeneuve's 2021-2024 films. Designed by David Van Es and Travis Mosman with artwork by John Bergeron, it features innovative mechanical elements including a sandworm toy, harvester battle mode, pain box mechanic, and a 14.9-inch LCD backglass. Released in mid-2025 at $11,600-$12,500, the game achieved approximately 720 total unit sales before production closure on December 31, 2025, underperforming commercially compared to Barrels of Fun's subsequent Winchester Mystery House release but receiving positive community reception post-launch following significant code updates.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • producesBarrels of FunSecond pinball game released in 2025medium
  • manufacturesBarrels of FunBarrels of Fun manufactured and released Dune Pinball in 2025medium
  • designedDavid Van EsDavid Van Es co-designed Dune Pinballmedium
  • affiliated_withWinchester Mystery HouseDune Pinball was Barrels of Fun's second release; Winchester Mystery House was their third, released after Dune and significantly outselling itmedium
  • producesBrian Savage

Facts

  • affiliationDesigned by JJP (Jersey Jack Pinball) as a boutique titlehighfrom 2025-12-29
  • affiliationManufactured by Barrels of Funhigh
  • attributePraised for sound design and artistic qualitieshighfrom 2026-02-19
  • attributeApproximately 560 units sold with ~600 total production targethighfrom 2025-12-29
  • attributeArtwork by Christopher Franchihigh
  • attributeLicensed pinball game based on Frank Herbert's Dune novels and Denis Villeneuve filmshigh
  • attribute

Claims (22)

  • factualhigh

    Dune Pinball has sold approximately 560 units with ~600 total planned production.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1173: "Kaneda Changes His Tune on Dune NIB"
  • predictionmedium

    If Dune caps production at 600 units and David Van Ness commits to no further production, Dune machines will hold or increase in value post-December 31st.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1173: "Kaneda Changes His Tune on Dune NIB"
  • factualmedium

    Dune Pinball sales were poor and generated minimal launch excitement compared to Winchester Mystery House

    Source: KanedaFREE SHOW: Episode 1148: Barrels of Fomo Suspends Common Sense And It's Fun To Watch!
  • opinionhigh

    The worm mech is one of the coolest mechs in the last few years

Recent Mentions (0)

No mentions

Contradictions

  • Existing: ~500 units sold (mention 1) vs ~560 units sold (mention 2)vsConflicting: Two different sales figures provided in different episodes
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Manufactured by Barrels of Fun (mentions 4, 10, 11)vsConflicting: Episode 1128 describes it as 'Recent release (presumably Spooky or non-Stern manufacturer)' with uncertain manufacturer attribution
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Dune is Barrels of Fun's second release (evidenced by mentions 21, 22, 31, 33, 35, 37)vsConflicting: Mention 15 identifies Dune as a Spooky title rather than Barrels of Fun
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Chief Business Officer overseeing production; managed sales reaching 720+ units
medium
  • affiliated_withWhite WaterWhite Water's upper playfield design is compared to Dune's playfield approach in design philosophy discussionsmedium
  • Took 6 months to sell quantity that Winchester achieved in 2 days
    high
    from 2025-10-25
  • attributeStrong code recovery despite poor launchhighfrom 2025-12-29
  • attributePredicted to hold value or appreciate if production remains cappedmediumfrom 2025-12-29
  • attributeReceived 'rescue mode' code updatehighfrom 2025-06-18
  • statusPoor sales performance and launch trajectoryhighfrom 2025-08-27
  • statusLimited audience interest in theme contributed to slow saleshighfrom 2025-06-19
  • Source: Joel EngelberthDune Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • factualhigh

    Mini wizard modes are coming soon but not in the game yet

    Source: Joel EngelberthDune Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • factualhigh

    Dune letters are not in the game yet but are coming

    Source: Joel EngelberthDune Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • opinionhigh

    The code quality is high and playfield inserts communicate objectives clearly

    Source: Joel EngelberthDune Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • opinionhigh

    The game has broad appeal including casual/family players

    Source: Joel EngelberthDune Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • factualhigh

    Six harvester battle modes and six prophecy modes are fully implemented

    Source: Joel EngelberthDune Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • opinionhigh

    Watching the Dune films before playing Dune Pinball would improve player engagement with the game's theme

    Source: DonEuro Spooky Trip Report!
  • factualmedium

    Dune sales have been slow initially (~500-560 units) but community perception is improving post-launch

    Source: KanedaSaturday Morning Spectacular!
  • factualhigh

    Dune Pinball features a motorized sandworm that eats the ball and rises for multiball activation

    Source: Host 1Dune Pinball Reaction
  • factualhigh

    The pain box mode is based on the 'move your hand and die' scene from Dune

    Source: Host 1Dune Pinball Reaction
  • factualhigh

    Dune Pinball design team includes David Van Ness (design), Travis Mosman (mechanical engineering), Eric Pripke (programming), Colin McAlpine and Bowen Cairns (rules), John Bergeron (art)

    Source: Host (Zach)The Pinball Show Ep 174: Trough Jam 2025 Phase 2: Dune, King Kong, & More Potter Teases
  • opinionhigh

    Dune Pinball's art direction represents the guest's favorite apron art in pinball history

    Source: Art analysis by DanThe Pinball Show Ep 174: Trough Jam 2025 Phase 2: Dune, King Kong, & More Potter Teases
  • factualmedium

    Dune Pinball features a layout design that pulls inspiration from Black Water 100 with extensive sculpted plastic elements

    Source: Layout analysis discussionThe Pinball Show Ep 174: Trough Jam 2025 Phase 2: Dune, King Kong, & More Potter Teases
  • opinionmedium

    Dune Pinball's early gameplay footage from media events appeared to undersell the game's shootability and fun factor

    Source: Video presentation assessmentThe Pinball Show Ep 174: Trough Jam 2025 Phase 2: Dune, King Kong, & More Potter Teases
  • factuallow

    Dune Pinball sales have performed very strongly following the April 15 trailer release

    Source: Sales performance assessmentThe Pinball Show Ep 174: Trough Jam 2025 Phase 2: Dune, King Kong, & More Potter Teases
  • factualhigh

    Dune Pinball features a dual-monitor back panel design that allows interactive visual storytelling (spice flow, soldiers falling between screens)

    Source: Brian SavageEp 165: Dune Pinball with David Van Es and Brian Savage | Barrels of Fun!
  • factualhigh

    Dune pinball is priced at $11,600 to $12,500

    Source: KanedaKaneda Reacts to Dune Pinball
  • predictionlow

    Dune will depreciate to $8,500 on the secondary market within six months

    Source: KanedaKaneda Reacts to Dune Pinball
  • factualhigh

    Dune has a brown color palette similar to Barrels of Fun's Labyrinth game

    Source: KanedaKaneda Reacts to Dune Pinball