King Kong is a 2025 Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin featuring the public domain 1933 King Kong character with cell-shaded animation, a dynamic gong mechanism, and spider toy. Released in April 2025 in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition variants ($10,000-$13,000 MSRP), it represents Stern's first unlicensed game in approximately 20 years and uses the Spike 3 platform. Despite strong initial sales and critical praise for shot design and mechanical layout, the game experienced significant secondary market depreciation and community backlash over its art direction, incomplete launch code, and thematic execution—positioning it as a commercial underperformance relative to Stern's promotional expectations.
King Kong's secondary market depreciation is solely due to artistic direction choices
King Kong is forgettable
King Kong won Best Playfield Layout at Twippies
King Kong is #2 on the Lumberjack Johnny's leaderboard
Keith Elwin design; subject of earlier episode debate about memorability; Tony provides nuanced ranking below most Elwin titles but above Avengers Infinity Quest
Stern Pinball machine; Pro and Premium models shipping in April 2026
2025 Stern release experiencing secondary market depreciation due to art style, dropping from $13-15K to $9K LE pricing
Stern 2024 release, significant value collapse (LE down $5k from launch), art package criticized as 'unicorn vomit' across all editions, code praised but aesthetics blamed for poor adoption
Stern Pinball game by Keith Elwin; described as forgettable, with decent ball time but forgettable rules/theme integration.
Stern pinball; recently updated to 0.95 code; Joel actively requests its return to streaming; praised for upper playfield shots
[Triage: The contradiction reflects a temporal progression where the game transitioned from being a Stern project to being acquired and designed by Keith Elwin, changing his role from competitor to designer.]
No linked glossary terms
King Kong will eventually surpass Godzilla once code matures
King Kong's code has been developing well post-release
King Kong's playfield shot design is excellent but thematic personality is weak with repetitive callouts
King Kong's code becomes unstable with each update, breaking existing features
King Kong accessories launching with an additional mode
King Kong is underrated and continues to improve over time despite recent release
King Kong took a $3,500 hit in resale value when sold to dealer
King Kong's design lacks authentic 1930s/old NYC aesthetic and relies too much on contemporary comic book styling
King Kong at Rulo's is the lowest-end model missing Island Gong and Subway Car features
The game is very difficult and punishes single mistakes with ball loss
King Kong Pro is available for play at Raccoon City Pinball
The game includes a multiball feature called 'King Kong Multi-Bow'
Lost Temple, Treasure Hunt, and T-Rex are distinct modes in the game
Time extensions are triggered during gameplay
King Kong has a skill shot mechanic where the player spells 'King Kong' to battle T-Rex
The treasure hunt mode rewards the player with perks
NYC combo mode features double score multiplier and jackpot mechanics
Super mode mechanics exist and boost mode timers
Kong media day included 15-minute solo play sessions for each attendee
Time modes in King Kong create significant player anxiety
Custom 3D-printed mods for King Kong are currently being manufactured
King Kong ramp design punishes missed shots by not returning ball with sufficient force for recovery
King Kong Code 0.85 achieves 735 million points in this gameplay session
Multiball strategy in King Kong improves with continuous ball action rather than trap attempts
King Kong and Avengers share identical art across all production tiers (Pro/Premium/LE)
King Kong pinball is a total flop due to lack of assets and high pricing
King Kong's left outlane is excessively brutal and the game's primary flaw preventing it from being comparable to Godzilla
King Kong pinball has a code bug where the digit '1' and '7' appear identical in match scoring at 70 points, preventing match awards
King Kong LE machines are going for $9,000 and will easily reach that price by end of year
The King Kong gong shot loses economic value on the playfield, costing players $15 per hit
King Kong has mechanical issues that make it an easy pass
King Kong will ultimately be the winning game of the current competitive cycle
Servo motors have 25-tooth splines requiring exact repositioning when arms are removed
King Kong assembly uses three servo motors: left/right body motion and left/right arm servos
Factory calibration values are stored on the node board, not the SD card
Factory reset retrieves calibration from node board if assembly position is unchanged
Software calibration adjustments are stored on the SD card and are lost during factory reset
The factory default adjustment procedure writes current calibration to the node board to preserve settings after factory reset when assembly position has changed
Kong has 15 distinct shots and features, all of which feed strategically to other playfield elements
The Leap of Faith shot on Kong is an homage to Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure's narrow escape mechanics
King Kong's drop targets can be swept in groups of 3-4 fairly regularly during normal play.
Keith Elwin's ball routing design on King Kong uses circuitous paths to slow the ball and enable safe flipper control.
King Kong has more mechanical depth and interesting visual elements than Harry Potter
Stern King Kong has incomplete code at launch and mechanical failures like the gorilla arm falling off
King Kong LE is the third best-selling LE released in the last decade
King Kong fails to meet expectations and is not a great game despite Keith Elwin's reputation for innovation
King Kong had a log diverter issue that was fixed in recent code releases.
King Kong would not have sold nearly as well if credited to another designer like John Borg.
King Kong LE lost $1,100 in value in one week
New graphical service menu debuts with King Kong
King Kong Limited Edition and Premium Edition look visually identical
King Kong will not achieve Godzilla-level emotional resonance or secondary market value retention
King Kong Limited Edition machines are still sitting unsold everywhere in the market
King Kong has a killer layout and is potentially as good as Godzilla, still in early code days
Post-release code updates for King Kong are planned, including T-Rex fight animations
King Kong has zero mechanical rattle or reject issues in its playfield design
King Kong will significantly outsell and outperform Dune in the market
Kaneda has already seen King Kong and believes it is significantly superior to Dune
King Kong will remain in production for at least five years with black and white and SLE variants
King Kong with Keith Elwin is a 'juggernaut' release arriving in approximately one week
Keith Elwin designed King Kong as April Stern cornerstone game
King Kong is the next Stern cornerstone game releasing in April
King Kong Limited Edition sold out instantly at $13,000 and people are now paying $17,000-$18,000 in secondary market
King Kong costs $3,000 more than Godzilla did at launch but may not have $3,000 more in mechanical content
King Kong's dark thematic narrative (protagonist dies) makes it unsuitable as a juggernaut pinball theme compared to celebratory classics
King Kong is most likely next Stern release and probable Spike 3 debut
King Kong will be released within three months from the podcast recording date
King Kong is Stern Pinball's next game, designed by Keith Elwin on Spike 3 with a $600 price increase, releasing in 4-6 weeks
King Kong will sell out on day one despite $13,600+ price point and market uncertainty
Stern's King Kong selection likely based on 1933 public domain version for licensing economy
King Kong would make commercial sense as a follow-up to Godzilla given the monster movie franchise appeal
Stern Pinball game; won Best Playfield Layout and Lyman F. Sheets Award for Best Rules at Twippies
Pinball machine being modified with 'Chad the Glowing Spider' mod
Stern pinball machine; #2 on Lumberjack Johnny's leaderboard; frequently played by Foghorn Leghorn
Stern pinball by Keith Elwin; recent code updates include three NYC modes and treasure map features; Joel interested in streaming updated version
Referenced as exemplar of thematic playfield design; features biplane ramp, gorilla scream, flippable tram car, banana scoop
Recent Stern release driving significant mod activity; multiple mods reviewed in episode
Jersey Jack Pinball game with extensive mod ecosystem; described as 'sleeper' game that may gain appreciation over time; heavy mod development from multiple creators
Game receiving significant design work from Mod Couple; new Skull Island mod announced; additional playfield and topper mods in development
New Keith Elwin-designed Stern pinball machine; island/jungle theme with city elements; Pro and Premium versions available
Stern Premium pinball machine; Mike's alternative to Jaws Premium at similar price point
Keith Elwin recent release; referenced as context for timing of next designer assignment
Stern Pinball game with player choice of 5 modes via screen; example of pure freedom design
Keith Elwin-designed Stern game; recently received code update with new multi-ball modes; Cale's favorite current L1 game
Recent Stern Pinball release; discussed as a major IP alongside Harry Potter for post-blockbuster sustainability analysis
Recent Stern premium release experiencing rapid secondary market depreciation
Recent Stern release experiencing widespread mechanical issues; thread dominated by repair and troubleshooting discussions
Stern Pinball 2025 release designed by Keith Elwin; subject of 35-minute developer stream showcasing gameplay, mechanics, and cell-shaded animation art direction; criticized for tonal inconsistency and art style but praised for shot design and code depth.
Stern cornerstone released April 15; LE variant has depreciated ~$3,000 in three months; Kaneda criticizes poor theme integration and slow sales; game discussed as example of market failure
2025 competitor game that Kaneda predicts people will regret buying once Harry Potter ships
Recent Stern release; host notes it 'didn't do as much as people wanted'
Keith Elwin design; LE edition struggling to sell at $11k secondary market (vs $13k original pricing); described as mediocre seller despite designer pedigree
Recent Stern Pinball release discussed as alternative to Harry Potter, acquired by Retro Ralph for streaming
Rumored Stern cornerstone game designer by Keith Elwin; expected at CES in early January; critical for Stern's market recovery
Stern Pinball machine launching week of April 17th; themed around classic monster; may have both LE and SLE versions
Upcoming Stern Spike 3 game; highly anticipated title mentioned alongside Harry Potter as major upcoming release
Upcoming Stern pinball machine; mentioned by listeners as stronger/more accessible theme competing with D&D for sales
Competing pinball release from another manufacturer launching same day as Dune, creating market cannibalization
Upcoming Stern release with rumored $600 price premium; Kaneda expects high magic but acknowledges expensive positioning
Recent Stern release criticized for poor sales and generic LE artwork; failed to establish market success
Stern title; LE versions dropping to ~$10,000 secondhand, representing ~$3,000 loss for early buyers; artwork chipping issues noted
Stern Pinball machine; criticized for lack of Empire State Building license and minimal movie assets despite $13k price
Upcoming Jersey Jack Pinball game; Kaneda notes it is 'not out yet' and will provide competition window where Potter can dominate collector imagination and spending
Stern cornerstone 2025; sold more units than Star Wars; expected to decline in 2026 without anniversary edition
Stern Pinball's 2025 release launched April 15th at 11 a.m.; part of same-day dealer launch stress
Recent Stern release; fun shot design; code described as 'in flux' with insufficient animations/ancillary content
Stern's current/recent release; progression mechanics differ from D&D; direct competitor with Harry Potter timing
Stern Pinball game expected April reveal (possibly moved earlier); designer/programmer unknown; sales of D&D described as 'okay but not phenomenal'
Jersey Jack Pinball 2025 release; wins Best Toys; nominated across multiple categories; noted as not Elwynn's best layout despite strong rules
Stern game; host notes it's not selling well despite strong IP, suggesting poor execution or market saturation
Latest Keith Elwin design for Stern, recently released, featuring innovative layout and shot mechanics
Stern Pinball's upcoming game designed by Keith Elwin, officially titled King Kong: Myth of Terror Island, releasing April 15th with 933 LE units at $13,000 MSRP
Rumored Stern pinball revival; prototype machines allegedly exist in private collections; details unclear (Skull Island vs. Manhattan destruction theme)
Recent Stern Pinball release; designed by Keith Elwin crew; praised for unique layout and solid code; features subway multiball and log diverter
Stern Pinball release; sales described as 'flatlined'; criticized for quality issues (Kong arms falling off), design flaws requiring third-party mods, and insufficient appeal to justify $13K+ price
Rumored/speculated Stern pinball game; Kaneda predicts black-and-white version based on original 1930s film
Upcoming spring 2025 pinball title with LE variant; subject of market competition with Portal.
Stern Pinball game moved to post-D&D release to compete with Harry Potter
Recent Barrels of Fun release; Kaneda cites it as example of poor LE sales and secondary market depreciation
Upcoming Stern release designed by Keith Elwin; expected to perform well; price predicted at ~$13,600 LE with ~1,000 units produced
Upcoming Stern release; publicly known (Kaneda notes 'everybody knows it's King Kong'); framed as threat to X-Men resale value
Upcoming title predicted to buck value collapse trend alongside Harry Potter, expected to have strong FOMO and instant sell-out
Stern Pinball game; compared unfavorably in sales to Harry Potter; Kaneda predicts it will ultimately win competitive cycle
Rumored next Stern game; Kaneda's predicted choice due to mass-market appeal vs. D&D
Recent Stern release; struggling with sales and mechanical issues (arm servo failures); subject of Kaneda's design criticism
Stern release using radio control servos for Kong arm; requires trimming; controller board issues reported; some units received defective controller boards
Modern pinball machine by Stern; one of the 'hot new games' confirmed to be at GSPF 2025
Pinball machine with strong code appreciated by owners; hampered by licensing constraints preventing use of iconic Kong imagery; artwork by Jeremy Packer; mechanical complexity
Keith Elwin design for Stern; failing to meet expectations; already depreciated $2k+ on LE editions; lacks personality compared to Jaws; predicted to have no second life
Upcoming Stern Pinball release; positioned as 'varsity/major league' game expected to dominate market soon.
Recent Stern Pinball release not selling well, criticized for lacking Empire State Building element and poor theme integration
Rumored pinball game in development pipeline
Keith Elwin design; shipping in ~3.5 months; positioned as major competitor to D&D
Stern Pinball machine; poor sales performance cited; took ~3 weeks to sell one new unit at $10,400
Upcoming Stern Pinball title; Kaneda speculates this is where Stern will introduce Spike3 hardware with larger screen
Stern Pinball; Spike3 platform; mentioned as 'biggest IP ever' in Stern's portfolio
Rumored upcoming Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; predicted third or fourth in lineup after D&D.
Predicted Stern Pinball machine by Keith Owens; expected after X-Men in release pipeline
Recent Stern release; described as total flop due to lack of assets and high price point ($13,000+)
Recent Stern release described as failing to sell. Prices dropping weekly (now at $10,400 NIB). Lacks strong theme moment at start. Compared unfavorably to Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Jaws. Called 'the next Avengers' (flop).
Upcoming title rumored; part of expected release schedule
Stern Pinball limited edition title launching 2025; anticipated to sell quickly but questioned by Kaneda on long-term availability scarcity
Rumored Stern title; Kaneda suggests this should be Spike 3 launch title rather than D&D due to theme strength; Keith Elwin rumored to be designer
Stern Pinball game; expected price increase to $13,600+; competitor to multiple simultaneous April releases; host predicts lower-than-expected sales due to economic conditions
Upcoming game Kaneda mentions speculatively; unknown manufacturer
Recent Stern Pinball release; subject of Kaneda's primary criticism regarding visual design, missing Empire State Building mech, and lack of film licensing
Stern Pinball release by Keith Elwin; LE version at $13,000 did not sell out within week; criticized for narrative incoherence and missing assets
Stern premium game compared by Kaneda as more mechanically impressive than Harry Potter but lacking narrative/story value
Stern pinball game; referenced as example of problematic animation/asset integration with licensing limitations
Recent Stern release criticized for complete absence of licensed assets; Kaneda predicts $3,000 depreciation within months; priced at $13,000 LE
Upcoming Stern Spike 3 game by Keith Elwin; expected April-May release; potential price increase concerns
Stern game by Keith Elwin, anticipated Spike 3 release, expected late 2025
Stern release with incomplete code and mechanical issues; gorilla arm falling off
Stern Pinball title; criticized for poor sales and weak theme translation
Jersey Jack Pinball game; played alongside Harry Potter at Automated; referenced for flipper loudness comparison
Stern game designed by Keith Elwin; underperformed commercially despite pre-release hype; used as foil to Harry Potter's success
Only one machine at Straight Down the Middle show; George waited an hour to play it; new game generating excitement with spectators watching multiball sequence
Rumored Barrels of Fun title with 85% confidence level based on licensing keyword scraping; potentially upcoming pinball game
Rumored Stern pinball machine, rumored designer Keith Elwin, April 2024 release rumored, described as having 'the best artwork on a machine they've ever seen'
Stern pinball machine designed by Keith Elwin; released this week with four flippers, innovative rule set, and strong reception from hosts
Stern pinball with busy, cluttered playfield artwork that Mike finds disappointing despite liking the gameplay
Stern pinball game; Don compares unfavorably to Jaws despite acknowledging it as objectively great
Stern game discussed in context of jungle-themed mods and aesthetic upgrades
Stern Pinball's 2025 King Kong Pro machine being played in this stream; Pro tier variant
Heavily rumored next Keith Elwin designer game; discussed as major release following Harry Potter; host plans to purchase Premium model
Stern Pinball 2025 release; criticized for poor initial shot satisfaction and overall gameplay feel despite innovative mechanical features; multiple plays discussed at location
Keith Elwin Stern design released 2025; identified as major market mover; host expresses anticipation for release despite noting mixed community reception elsewhere
Stern Pinball game; Kaneda wants to play when code is complete
Recent Stern Pinball release; George rates it positively compared to Jaws and Dungeons & Dragons
Modern pinball machine at Back to the Arcade Media venue in Virginia; George spent majority of session time playing this machine
2025 Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; central focus of episode discussing sales shortfall and secondary market depreciation
Stern title mentioned as upcoming/recent release generating excitement in the market
Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; expected early summer; tentative release ~May based on typical Stern 4-month spacing after Dungeons & Dragons
Upcoming Stern game; livestream trailer shown and analyzed
Stern Pinball upcoming/recent release; mentioned in context of media reveal timing competition
Stern Pinball game releasing within four months; priced at $13,500 Pro/$13,000 LE; secondary market resellers asking $17,000-$18,000; central topic of episode discussion
2025 Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; used as comparison point for shot design philosophy and flow state
Referenced as 2025 Stern Pinball release with unique story (unlike Star Wars: Fall of the Empire which uses familiar original trilogy content)
Low-confidence rumor for Keith Elwin design; fits monster movie pattern but timing uncertain post-Jaws
Stern pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; Limited Edition units sitting unsold in market; used as example of weak secondary market absorption
Upcoming Stern Pinball title by Keith Elwin using Spike 3 platform; mentioned as confirmed in production pipeline
Upcoming pinball title (manufacturer/publisher unclear) positioned as competing release in same window as Harry Potter and Predator.
Pinball game with Kevin O'Connor artwork, highlighted as example of his ability to follow style guides on licensed IP
Large VR-enabled pinball/arcade machine; example of oversized game requiring 12-hour reassembly after fitting through narrow doorways
Recently released pinball game (by Stern, per KB context) used as comparison point for wire-form vs plastic ramp aesthetics
Recent pinball release discussed in comparison to Dune; hosts mention King Kong had superior ramp design in their earlier discussion
Monster film franchise; rumored to be next Stern Pinball release according to hosts' closing remarks
Example of auxiliary servo driver board for servo motors
Recent Stern Limited Edition; subject of Cary Hardy's video analyzing LE premium pricing, cabinet artwork (foil decals), sound system, and cosmetic upgrades
Recent Stern game; Walt criticizes as not living up to expectations despite designer Keith Elwin's reputation; contributes to overall disappointment with recent Stern releases
Recent Stern pinball game praised by Walt for excellent flow, shot design, and designer involvement; criticized for brutal left outlane
Referenced in title as featured game but not heavily discussed in tour content itself.
Jersey Jack Pinball title; mentioned as having poor release timing alongside Spooky's Dune
Pro model pinball machine by Stern; features building climb mode, island scenes, multiball sequences, T-Rex battle mode, plunger spring issues, and center-drain design; subject of extended gameplay session
Stern Pinball recent release; criticized for lacking Empire State Building, poor art direction resembling children's book, excessive colorization, $13,000 price point; Kaneda calls it the dumbest Kong interpretation ever
Recent Stern game; subject of community criticism over 1933 film aesthetics vs modern art direction; host defends the game
Third nomination option in the Fantasy Warzone matchup (CNK's nomination)
Rumored 2025 Stern title; not officially confirmed as of podcast recording
Machine in Ralph's collection, received code update, currently neglected due to Evil Dead focus, Ralph noted muscle memory confusion with hidden flipper
In Ralph's collection; hasn't been played since Evil Dead and Harry Potter acquisitions
Stern Pinball; LE $13,600, Premium $10,300-$10,400; expected day-one sellout; Kaneda highly confident in quality; Spike 3 announcement expected
Stern pinball machine designed by Keith Elwin; expected major release competing with Harry Potter in near-term window
Stern Limited Edition game criticized for minimal LE/Premium differentiation and mechanical simplicity; pricing premium of $2,500 over Godzilla
Keith Elwin/Stern Pinball upcoming 2025 title; Kaneda's second highest-confidence bet. Features large mech mechanism.
Stern Pinball release expected May 2025; Kaneda expresses concerns about thematic dark narrative vs. juggernaut IP requirements; no designer confirmation but implies Keith Elwin potential.
Keith Elwin-designed upcoming Stern title; Kaneda warns audience not to 'wait and see' on availability
Upcoming Stern Pinball game on Spike 3, designed by Keith Elwin, with $600 price increase, anticipated release within 4-6 weeks; based on classic monster IP; positioned as company's strategic response to recent sales underperformance
Upcoming Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; game title is 'Myth of Terror Island'; expected April release; no movie clips; won't use 1930s art deco aesthetic
Stern Pinball 2025 release. Kaneda expresses curiosity about title; references as incoming game alongside Harry Potter in next two-month window.
2025 Stern release; central case study for LE/Premium parity problem; criticized for identical aesthetics across tiers, lack of magical mechs, secondary market depreciation risk
2025 Stern Pinball game by Keith Elwin; featured prominently at Allentown; Kaneda's primary focus; criticized for weak mechs, disappointing artwork, lazy spider mech; praised for shot layout; LE priced at $13,000; only one cabinet at show with 1-hour wait
2025 Stern Limited Edition ($13,000); only 932 units sold, far below expectations; Kaneda cites as evidence Stern's pricing strategy failure and Keith Elwin's inability to generate demand
Stern Pinball game; Kaneda cites weak Limited Edition sales as not selling out, characterizing it as unsuccessful
Stern Pinball 2025 game with persistent mechanical issues with animatronic gorilla and playfield durability problems
Referenced multiple times in action button discussion; T-Rex bash mechanic and rapid-press button use compared to other games
Recent Stern release; hosts note low visibility/discussion indicating weak market reception; listed as underperforming title alongside D&D and Star Wars.
Stern Pinball machine (Limited Edition version, MSRP $13,000) with release stream just completed; subject of Hardy's review and purchase decision.
Recent Stern release that Carrie mentions she is acquiring; subject of similar brown/muted color palette criticism as Dune
2025 Stern Pinball title by Keith Elwin; subject of Hardy's critical LE review; Limited Edition variant priced at $13,000 with 932-unit production run
Stern Pinball 2025 release; Limited Edition model being analyzed; code version 0.82; designed by Keith Elwin
Stern Pinball machine being modified in video
Pinball machine that Cary Hardy currently owns; plans to sell/replace with Harry Potter; praised skill shot design vs. soft plunge alternatives
Stern Pinball title; used by Hardy as example of game Stern would never mention during previous release sales cycle
Recently released Stern pinball game; Stone Army launch parties scheduled to begin with Kong (mentioned as 'first' Kong launch party in France last week, with June launch in Boston area)
Brand new pinball machine set up in the Haunted Jungle section during Dr. C's visit
Stern Pinball machine being played on Code 0.85 with 735 million point final score; subject of custom 3D-printed mods
New Stern Pinball machine designed by Keith Elwin; features custom art by multiple artists based on 1932 novel
First Stern machine to feature improved diagnostic software; mentioned as positive example of operational improvements
Hardy's current machine; planning sweepstakes; art design complete; considering trading for Harry Potter
Stern Pinball 2025 release; designed by Keith Elwin; based on 1933 public domain film; features gong mech, train multiball lock, Kong toy; available in Pro/Premium/LE variants
Stern Pinball game featuring the animatronic Kong assembly that is the subject of this technical service guide
Stern release scheduled for April 2026 production (Pro/Premium models)
Stern pinball machine; recent reveal event at Stern; subject of positive endorsement by Orby who strongly defends it against Kaneda's criticism; had live stream coverage
Recent Stern Pinball release discussed as currently available on market
Stern pinball machine praised by host for smooth shooting and depth of gameplay
Stern game; rated 9/10 by host; referenced for upper loop shot difficulty; ongoing code improvements
Stern Pinball game; referenced in context of Keith Elwin's tournament-focused design philosophy
Stern pinball machine featuring extensive shot variety, articulated mech, public domain art styling, and Gary Stern Easter egg; subject of positive reception at Media Day
Stern game; Carrie Hardy recently purchased but expressed disappointment and boredom with early code, providing contrast to immediate Harry Potter purchase decision
Stern Pinball game released April 2025; designed by Keith Elwin with team collaboration; subject of enthusiastic praise for art, mechanics, and layout
Stern pinball machine; subject of media day; features spider toy and gong mechanic
Stern Pinball title; code constantly updating; Joel and Jared excited to play again at Expo; accessories announced by Stern
Recent Stern release; mentioned during chat; discussed as requiring extensive tutorial; hosts considering streaming more gameplay
Recent Stern Pinball release mentioned in recent game list; hosts describe as 'fantastic.'
2025 release; praised for animation styling; ranked in honorable mentions for animation and potentially third tier competitors
Recent Stern pinball release; discussed as highly dynamic layout; preferred by hosts over other options
Stern Pinball machine (full title: King Kong - Myth of Terror Island); recently revealed; discussed but not analyzed in detail in this episode
Monster-themed pinball; neither host has played; both pick Old Yeller option
Recent Stern release by Elwynn; experiencing strong early sales and reception; log diverter issue fixed in code; Stern Pro option makes it widely available in location settings.
Kong/King Kong pinball machine; launched at Finney's first week; featured at Mad Pinball events
Classic monster IP with 90-year history; subject of speculation for potential Stern Pinball machine
Likely one of three Monsterverse tables in development for Pinball FX
Stern pinball machine; won Twippy Awards for Best Layout and Best Gameplay
Universal property; only 9 machines made; licensing difficult for Farsight
Recent Stern pinball release; displayed at BPAC just before event; compared to Champion Pub in design
Pinball machine at Pinky & Clyde's Arcade Bar
Pinball machine at Operating Room venue
Recent Stern release at Big E's Sports Grill in Holland
Modern pinball machine at Kirby's FlipSide
Commercial release; Bumpergeist notes artist appears to imitate AI color choices rather than using AI; uses hand-made 3D models
Recent 2025 pinball release present in Inclined to Play Pinball collection
Modern pinball machine present at both The Kickback and I/O Arcade Bar
Rumored as possible next Stern Cornerstone title (January 2025)
Rumored Stern cornerstone game; believed to be Keith Elwin design
Stern Pinball game (predicted/upcoming); likely designed by Keith Elwin; expected to be Spike 3 debut
Rumored Keith Elwin design for Stern; expected April release as second cornerstone of 2025; Trough Jam Phase 2
Rumored Stern Pinball game for April release; allegedly designed by Keith Elwin (unconfirmed)
Game Carl owns and maintains; mentioned for flipper rubber replacement and comparison gameplay
Stern pinball game mentioned during stream. Community member reports potential bug in code where match scoring displays '1' and '7' identically, preventing match awards at 70 points.
Rumored Stern title with Keith Elwin; Universal monster license; speakers excited about potential given designer's track record
Stern game on location; currently outperforming D&D in monthly coin drop; routed by host
Stern Pinball release; potential Godzilla competitor, killer layout, unfair gate mechanic, Pro/Premium tiers discussed
Stern Pinball's recent release; LE variant failed to sell out instantly; designed by Keith Elwin; available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers
Stern Pinball recent release; Don tracking production rollout (Premiums shipped, LEs sold through, Pros starting next week)
Stern Pinball's King Kong machine; subject of detailed home review after factory pickup
Stern Premium game; features sweepable inline drop targets, upper flipper play area, and Keith Elwin's ball routing design; Don's high score ~400M.
Stern Pinball's new release revealed today (same day as Dune), designed by Keith Elwin, features Pro/Premium tiers with five different toys differentiating the models
2025 Stern release; third-party topper by Electric Playground announced for sub-$800
Stern Pinball game; Don owns Premium (Gold Kong edition); streaming modified version without wire forms; experimenting with powder-coated wire form mods
Stern Pinball; expected release before Ghostbusters Remastered; price increase potentially coming with this release
Stern Pinball title by Keith Elwin; rumored May 2025 release; Spike 3 platform; follows Godzilla, Jaws, Iron Maiden success
Keith Elwin design; Stern cornerstone rumor; expected May 2025 release
Stern L1 release expected late summer/early fall; expected to perform well commercially; likely reason Walking Dead remaster would release separately
Upcoming Stern Pinball cornerstone release; media day April 17th; likely available for public play same weekend; theme/confirmation not officially stated but strongly rumored
Stern's next major release; 1930s-style font; expected late May reveal, June production
Rumored Stern cornerstone game (alternate theory to D&D); Zach notes it's lower-risk pick given Godzilla success
Stern title v0.83 update released; hosts predict it will become 'an effing monster' game; significant code overhaul expected
Stern Pinball's latest release; features unique playfield layout, gong mech, upper flipper design, center post, multiball modes
Ellen's upcoming Stern release; fits her monster designer expertise
Stern Pinball's upcoming/recent release; Jamie scheduled to visit Stern facilities to see game
Stern game; praised as 'super fun right out of the box'; receives regular code updates; compared favorably to D&D
Stern game shown at Allentown, positive feedback on shot design and playability
Stern pinball on pre-order by Neil; described humorously as 'got the banana, ain't got the freaking game'
Cornerstone game from Stern Pinball; public domain IP; released recently; subject to code updates and Insider Connected features
Referenced as having duplicate cabinet art on Premium (criticized issue that appears repeated on Fall of the Empire)
Recent Stern game whose topper is referenced in discussion of expensive accessory pricing trends
Stern pinball game; Premium tier available through rewards program
Recent Stern release; media day format included 15-minute solo play sessions
Stern pinball machine by Keith Elwin released April 2025; Don owned then sold; new accessories announced at Expo featuring gong shooter rod and animated dancing monkey topper
Stern LE criticized for lacking visual differentiation from Pro/Premium versions; repeated criticism pattern for Stern LEs
Stern game; faced criticism for cabinet art/design but praised for gameplay
Stern 2025 release; increasingly appreciated for layout design and mechanical fun; may rival Godzilla long-term with code maturation
Stern title; shoots great but characterized as 'long player' problematic for league play; mentioned in context of inventory issues
Stern Pinball machine; recent code update with '173K' significant code detail; 9-Ball rules referenced; Steve Kirk mentioned as departure
Stern pinball game (Myth of Terror Island), version 0.88 (September update), playfield mech testing and bug fixes
Previous Stern game referenced; subject of 144% tariff cost; media day NDA similar to Star Wars event
Stern game; whitewood playfield auctioned at PAPA 22
Recent Stern LE release; cited as example of collapsed LE value proposition (art-only upgrades, no Expression Lights, no topper, only Invisiglass for $3K premium).
Referenced as example where art direction varied across cabinet tiers
Recent Stern Pinball release; received improved media day structure with dedicated conference room and solo play time for creators
Stern Pinball game with art by Jeremy Packer and others; criticized by community for funky/excessive color palette that doesn't match 1930s art deco aesthetic
Pinball IP used in competitive comparison against Cuphead; presented as more desirable theme
Stern Pinball game; criticized for weak LE differentiation and design aesthetic misalignment with theme
Recent Stern release compared favorably to Harry Potter in terms of mechanical complexity and visual interest
Upcoming Stern game on Spike 3; anticipated $13.6k LE price with $600 increase; strong theme but Kaneda skeptical of execution
Stern Pinball game criticized for cost-cutting, lack of asset licensing, poor art direction, and mechanical issues; poor market performance
Stern release by Keith Elwin experiencing severe secondary market depreciation; code incomplete at launch
Stern game with flatlined sales according to Kaneda
Recent/upcoming release expected to trigger secondary market liquidation of older machines as players trade up
Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; Kaneda predicts it will be Elwin's best work and winner of 7-game comparison
Stern Pinball title; compared unfavorably to Harry Potter CE in appearance
Recent Stern release criticized as 'unexciting' with poor art direction; used as example of creative failures
Stern release criticized by Kaneda as mediocre graphics, insufficient assets, not worth premium pricing
Missing original movie clips per Kaneda; poor art direction; owner-modified version looks 'amazing'; design failure blamed for poor sales
Recent Stern release; Kaneda cites poor art direction and theme execution as primary sales failure reason
Stern Pinball Keith Elwin-designed title; Kerry Hardy's purchase depreciating significantly; subject of art direction criticism
Stern/Elwin game; praised for shot design and flow; criticized for lack of thematic connection
Stern game; Kaneda criticizes art package; community complaints cited
Stern game criticized for colorization art direction ('Skittles puke'); example of aesthetic misalignment with theme.
Stern title; Kaneda predicts would auction down to $10K, contrasting with Beetlejuice valuations
Recent Stern release; did not sell well; contributed to perceived sales decline that forced Walking Dead Remastered acceleration
Recent Stern release; art direction criticized by community; Kaneda notes vitriol over comic book stylization and lack of universal appeal; did not win Kaneda Kudos award
Stern Pinball; $13K MSRP LE; now $9,800; Keith Elwin design; 'King of the Monsters didn't hold' per Kaneda; Ed Robertson competitive game
Stern Pinball machine; compared unfavorably to Godzilla by user
Upcoming Stern release; anticipated within 3 months; high confidence in Elwin design quality
Rumored in development with Keith Elwin; likely 1933 public domain version for licensing economy; Empire State Building playfield mechanic discussed
Secondary candidate for January Cornerstone release; competing with D&D in speculation about which will launch first
Rumored Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Allen; rumored as April cornerstone release (Phase 2)
Stern Pinball's latest flagship release; shipping LEs at brisk pace; early reviews very positive; designed by Keith Elwin; features Kong toy, gong mechanism, spider toy; v0.81 code at launch; LE differentiation concerns over matte black trim and mirrored backglass only distinction; log diverter hold-power fix implemented
Stern Pinball Premium edition now in stock; recent release in production pipeline
Premium model in August production; mentioned as upcoming release; theme licensing from classic IP
Stern cornerstone released in 2024; Premium versions shipping to locations before Pros in May; sales trajectory parallels Jaws' prior year performance despite market rhetoric.
Potential Stern pinball theme discussed as strategic follow-up to Godzilla; has historical Data East pinball prototype precedent
Stern pinball machine; Tom owns Pro version; praised as best Stern game since Jaws; .82 code version; NYC mode placeholder
Stern Pinball game with Pro/Premium/LE tiers; focus of detailed gameplay and tier analysis; praised for layout and shot accessibility
New Stern Pinball release previewed at Stern Media Day (episode timeframe appears to be late 2024/early 2025); available in Pro and Premium trims; features Kong backbox figure and magnet-driven spider toy; unanimously praised by hosts
Upcoming Stern pinball machine arriving at Quarter Drop in couple of weeks; replacing Jaws Pro; positioned next to Godzilla Premium
Stern game criticized for artwork style in community; example of subjective criticism affecting sales perception
Keith Elwin design for Stern; launching soon; Brian Eddy's team working on it while Venom/Jaws incomplete
Upcoming Stern Pinball release designed by Keith Elwin; media day April 17, 2025; public play April 17-19 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Stern Pinball game revealed in April 2025; recently on location and showing at dealerships
Paul's ideal pinball theme (original 1930s black-and-white film version); not yet made but aspiration for future game
New Stern Pinball release by Keith Elwin; uses 1923 public domain source material; features advanced playfield layout with multiple ball paths, Kong mechanism, and spiral shots; generates mixed response on code/theme execution
Stern Pinball release designed by Keith Elwin; Pro/Premium/LE variants; failed to sell out LE in initial run; secondary market experiencing weakness
Stern Pinball release; LE allocation sold out within one hour at Mad Pinball; additional units obtained; Premium tier sold particularly strong; used to demonstrate disconnect between social media sentiment and actual sales.
Stern release by Keith Elwin; shoots well but lacks Jaws' nostalgia and movie integration advantages; compared unfavorably to Jaws by hosts
Recent pinball release; LE model. Don owned and sold it (currently getting makeover). Described as 'great theme' despite not being tied to specific movie version.
Rated S-tier by both raters; reviewed together previously; strong shooting mechanics praised
Stern game; strategic release timing between Jurassic Park/Jaws; 5+ year production run anticipated; black/white and SLE editions planned for long tail
Recent Stern release; criticized by collectors for art direction but profitable for operators; used as example of theme vs profitability tension
Premium collector title mentioned as potential trade-up game alongside Godzilla and Jaws as buyers shift from high-tier established titles to Pokemon.
Stern pinball game; first Stern unlicensed game in ~20 years; leverages public domain 1933 character status.
Recent Stern release; Josh mentioned as example of not asking BOM/design questions on reveal day
Stern LE; MSRP $13,000; depreciated $4,000+ on secondary market
Recent Stern game with pigtail ramp that makes biplane sound effect; praised for sound choreography making shot feel better
Included in Season Shillings giveaway as banner prize
Recently produced Premium machines referenced as context for art collaboration approach used on Fall of the Empire
2025 Stern Pinball machine where Jamie first met Craft Brew Sally and Foghorn Leghorn at public event
Stern release that arrived in better condition than Fall of the Empire; RPC has show unit with functioning magnetic save
Received 'Big Apple' update (August 13) adding Manhattan Rampage/Window Shopping modes; Electric Playgrounds announced King Kong topper.
2025 Stern release featured prominently at expo; attendee favorite
Stern Pinball machine in Don's collection; outgoing to make room for Harry Potter; receiving Terror Island Banana Company custom modifications and armor work
2025 Stern Pinball release designed by Keith Elwin, public domain unlicensed theme, praised for shot connectivity and ball path design
Speculated Stern pinball machine by Keith Elwin; hosts predict May reveal based on production schedule analysis
Rare prototype pinball; Chris mentions restoring 'a couple' of these
Stern Pinball's latest release (July 2025); discussed as third best-selling LE in decade; premium features Kong animatronic and left-side spider mechanic; Pro version praised despite fewer differentiating features vs. Premium
Stern Pinball game; Josh Roop recently acquired through trade-in with Flipping Out Pinball
Stern Pinball game receiving 'Skull Mountain' mod
Stern Pinball's King Kong: Myth of Terror Island game; Pro model variant being played in stream
Referenced as superior Pro variant mechanically despite cosmetic/toy issues; used as primary comparison point for Fall of the Empire's inferior execution
Premium edition available in rewards program
Used in PAPA World Championship grand finals; part of UK Pinball Open game bank
Recent Stern release mentioned as having standout mechanical features (wow mechs) that Fall of the Empire lacks by comparison
Mentioned in poll response as example of Stern's design/execution problems alongside Uncanny X-Men and Fall of the Empire
Stern game where Seth (CEO) provided design input; George discusses managing non-pinball industry input in design process
2025 Stern game that refined portal lock concept called 'island locks' with similar three-multiball structure
Stern release; 2025 nominee
Recent Stern game designed by Keith Elwin; failed to earn for operators; AJ reports 'fell on its face'
Keith Elwin game with prominent center ramp; ranked lower on Pinside Top 100 than his non-center ramp titles; example of good design despite center ramp
Stern Pinball machine available at Reboot
Recent Stern Pinball title cited as contrasting layout style with different mechanical focus than Pokémon
Recent Stern title; criticized as weak license compared to Jaws; has mini-upper flipper similar to Jaws
Recent Stern release; referenced by Gonzo as comparison for spider multiball mode
Recent Stern release referenced as 'meh release' with poor sales; precedent for lackluster performance
Keith Elwin design for Stern ranked #5 worst; criticized for biplane ramp difficulty and inconsistent shot execution
Referenced for mechanical precedent of ball lock mechanism similar to proposed waffle maker toy
Recent Stern release; comparison point for artwork clarity ('climb' arrows explicitly labeled vs Star Wars ambiguity)
Stern Pinball recent release mentioned alongside other current games
Stern Pinball game version 0.85; subject of gameplay stream with multiple modes, treasure hunts, and multiball features
Stern's 2025 unlicensed release; Keith Elwin design; felt underdeveloped at launch despite innovative mechanics
Stern title; animatronic topper available for Pro owners; alternative toppers available from third-party manufacturers
Stern Pinball, Keith Elwin design; S-tier ranking; speaker owned Pro model, praised for upper playfield design on standard cabinet, Congo mode references, code maturity
Tournament game where Jack Slovac achieved 1 billion+ score using sustained 2x multiplier strategy; includes pterodactyl/island lock mechanic
Recent Stern release mentioned as design comparison; features upper playfield juggling mechanics similar to Winchester layout concepts
Recent Stern release; host sarcastically references as 'goddamn masterpiece' in comparison to Star Wars' uninspired design
Stern game in streamer's collection; compared unfavorably on leg bracket quality (plastic bits vs. metal on Avatar)
Stern Pinball Pro model being demonstrated and retired from Raccoon City Pinball location
Recently installed at Fork River venue; Mike has played it elsewhere but excited to try it at this location
Stern Pinball game being launched at event; featured in dedicated launch party tournament
Modern Stern game; ranked #4; featured for Cross the Chasm mode with high-speed upper flipper tennis-rally combos between corkscrew and cliff ramp
Stern release; complex ruleset with aggressive gong mech rejection issue; hosts modded Pro version with swinging gong mod
Stern Pinball machine being modified; subject of tutorial focuses on Pro Edition tier
Stern Pinball's King Kong machine; video focuses on Pro Edition's mechanical limitations and community mod solution
Stern game Gonzo has extensive personal experience with; used as comparison point for complexity and mech count
Referenced via Chad's video about transitional pinball machines
Stern Pinball 2025 title; experiencing sales struggles per Enzo; drain monster issues for casual players; surplus parts leading to recycled accessories (plunger as gong, animated Kong topper); Enzo traded King Kong for Tales from the Crypt + NBA Fast Break; two hosts note gameplay engagement issues
Recent Stern release; referenced for lacking pop bumpers, contrast with Star Wars pop bumper inclusion
Recent Stern release; described as difficult with harsh geometry; short ball times; represents design philosophy different from Star Wars approach
Stern Pinball title implicitly criticized for ball survival/drain issues compared to Evil Dead; separate critical video promised
Stern recent release; praised for shooting quality but criticized for theme execution and art direction; production issues with arm mechanics
Referenced as comparison point for large animatronic/toy design at release
Stern Pinball game featured at PinFest; used for charity play fundraising for Sarcoma research
Stern title offered as alternative to European customers unable to purchase Star Wars
Recent Stern release; compared for LE side armor quality (hieroglyphic patterns mentioned)
Pinball game available at the expo; discussion about which unit to play with differing opinions on machine quality
Stern Pinball 2025 release; subject of widespread community criticism regarding artwork aesthetic
Stern Pinball game removed from Hardy's collection due to lack of engagement despite mechanical quality; sold to distributor at market value with $3,500 loss
Previous Stern release referenced as example of new accessory delivery timeline acceleration
Stern title Hardy owned/played at distributor location around time of Harry Potter Arcade Edition display
Recent Stern LE with matte lock bar/armor finish; foil art blades inside; compared to Pokemon LE packaging
Game Don sold to finance house down payment
Stern Pinball game three months post-release; LEs selling for ~$10k despite incomplete code; used as comparison point for limited long-term appeal
Topper criticized as undersized ($1,000+ item); design comparison point for Stern accessory strategy
Stern Pinball licensed game; receiving third-party Electric Playground topper launching Tuesday; mentioned in context of LE production challenges and market performance issues
Referenced as example of complex game layout with upper playfield and mechanical depth; used as contrast to Star Wars' simplicity
Stern game; comparison point for layout quality vs. Star Wars; topper donated by The Electric Playground for Don's Expo contest
Stern release with new interactive topper featuring broken chains motif ($1,399); accessories selling well with toppers as best-seller; mixed community feedback on topper design choices
v.85 'Big Apple Update' code release trending sales up; Premium variant out of stock at Stern; September production run planned
Stern Pinball release; referenced as best Stern game of 2025 in comparison discussion
Recent Stern LE that did not sell out; found at RC Willey with discount pricing; part of pattern of recent Stern LE underperformance
Stern 2025 release; Ralph owns it, disputes negative community sentiment, but acknowledges topper QA issues and premium pricing concerns
Referenced as example of modern game complexity requiring extended skill development
2025 Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; features punchback, three ramps jammed on one side, complex ball paths, biplane ramp, inline gate removal issues, gong mechanic that scares some players; Pro and Premium models are visually/functionally similar
Pinball title referenced as favorite game of year with minimal mechs but strong shot layout; Pro version has only kickback target
2025 Stern Pinball designed by Keith Elwin; initially dismissed for artwork, gaining appreciation for exceptional playfield layout and shot paths; described as underrated and having extended learning curve
Andrew Wilkerson's previous project; banana combo systems influenced Pokemon EV evolution secret combo methodology
Stern LE game down 14% from $11,600 average; mechanical quality praised but theme appeal poor
Stern Keith Elwin design; vertical up-kicker launching ball into glass; quality control adjustments needed out of box
Stern Pinball release; featured at Expo in LE variant; part of discussion about recent Stern releases and design quality
Primary game analyzed in episode; criticized for lacking strong moments, unclear/washed-out callouts, and insufficient theme immersion despite interesting mechanical elements like T-Rex mode and Dead Eye shot
Stern Pinball game; non-fan layout designed by Keith Elwin; featured as example of controllable long-play non-fan layout with four safe return feeds
Stern game with internal code name 'Rodeo' (possibly referencing Greg Ferris's last rodeo); code name visible on CAD printout blueprints during factory tour
Stern Pinball game referenced as comparison for multiball complexity and accessibility
Stern Pinball game; Electric Playground released topper ahead of Stern's official release
Stern game at Gebhardt's Beer Culture with reported ball sticking issue by spider
Stern game at Rulo's, lowest-end model lacking Island Gong and Subway Car toys
Stern game with documented drive arm mechanical issue that blocks gong shot in production
Stern 2025 release; hosts praise fun factor and cool shots; second-place play statistics at Appleton location
Comparative example of inadequate asset roster (missing Arnold Schwarzenegger footage); criticized for incomplete licensing assets
Keith Elwin design that underperformed community expectations; artwork praised but criticized for comic book aesthetic; failed to generate sustained hype preceding Star Wars
Stern Pinball title; criticized for insufficient LE differentiation and artwork issues
Stern game with launch party hosted by The Pinball Studio this year
Stern Pinball 2025 release, #3/#5 on respective lists; ranked as best layout of 2025 but criticized for artwork and code quality
Stern 2025 release; described as sales disappointment relative to projections
Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin; scheduled for Expo seminar discussion
Host won launch party with 220 million points
Stern Pinball designed by Keith Elwin; featured in tournament with adjustable difficulty settings and drop target mechanics
Stern title; secondary market depreciation to 'sub $10,000' range; failed to meet expectations relative to Stern's promotion
Stern Pinball release; winner of best shots/layout despite criticisms; praised for mechanical design but criticized for limited personality/voice acting
Commercial failure cited with example of unsold LE unit; criticized art direction consistent with The Walking Dead issues
Upcoming Stern release; positioned as more mainstream theme; expected to trigger secondary market collapse of D&D LE
Expected Stern release in May; positioned as next major cornerstone title after D&D
Recent Stern release under-performing in sales and criticized for mechanical flaws and design quality
Stern release; criticized for 'My Little Pony' and 'rainbow puke' aesthetics; Kaneda calls artwork 'inappropriate for the theme'
Stern game with 20 units on floor; noted as lower interest than Star Wars in terms of quantities
Stern release; positioned as visually inferior to Beetlejuice
Upcoming competing pinball game; Kaneda predicts it will significantly outsell Dune; claims to have seen it under NDA
Stern title; creatively designed without movie assets unlike Godzilla; described as underwhelming; had third art package issue on Pro trim
Stern game releasing in approximately one week; designed by Keith Elwin
Recent Stern Pinball title. Kyle was involved in community engagement and influencer tours during its release.
Recent Stern Ellie release with disappointing cabinet artwork and unsold inventory despite heavy promotion
Stern Pinball 2024 release designed by Keith Elwin with art by Zombie Yeti, launched via Stern Army network strategy
Stern release; criticized by Kaneda for overcrowded, rainbow-colored playfield; compared unfavorably to Jaws
Stern game with art by Zombie Yeti; Kaneda criticizes playfield art color palette as 'abomination'; failed to license Empire State Building despite being cheap to potentially obtain
Stern release; unlicensed theme; manufacturing defects (falling arms); code incomplete; secondary market soft
Upcoming Stern release mentioned as competing title in imminent release pipeline
Recent Stern release; underperforming sales; compared negatively to Avengers; LE priced at $8,500; uniform art package criticized
Stern pinball game receiving strong playtest feedback, comparable or superior to Godzilla in quality assessment
Upcoming game (designer unclear); Kaneda is pre-listing; predicts instant sell-out if old-school 1930s artwork style; high hype
Stern Pinball upcoming release; designed by Keith Elwin; arriving same window as Potter; perceived as competitive threat to Barrels
Stern Pinball game described as major commercial flop, compared to Avengers; Keith Elwin's biggest failure since prior underperformance
Recent Stern game used as example of quality game that did not sell out; LE pricing failure case study
Recent release that lost hype momentum after Harry Potter launch; historical comparison for FOMO dynamics
Recent Stern release; sales significantly underperformed projections; leftover cabinets being reused for Star Wars
Stern game cited as second in three-game losing streak; described as not a huge hit
Stern game criticized for lacking iconic Kong imagery and missing thematic elements
Stern game by Keith Elwin. LE not selling out as expected; code incomplete (6-8 months from completion). Criticized for childlike presentation, lack of terror, and pricing. Secondary market showing weakness.
Stern Pinball game by Keith Elwin, criticized for lack of major mechanical feature (Kong on building) and quality issues
Recent Stern Pinball release featuring prominent animatronic assembly with servo-driven arms
Stern game with weak sales according to Kaneda; suggests Stern moving on to Star Wars
Stern game; explicitly stated as not a hit
Recent premium pinball release mentioned in comparison to Predator
Upcoming Stern Pinball release designed by Keith Elwin; expected after Dungeons & Dragons
Stern flagship title 2 of 3 misses; criticized for lack of memorable mechanical features (gong shot cited as weak example of innovation)
Stern Pinball's upcoming release (April 17th media day); designed by Keith Elwin; rumored to be 'loaded' with features
Next Stern release where new graphical service menu will debut
Stern release mentioned as alternative purchase option competing with Potter and other new releases
Stern pinball game, criticized for recycled artwork and toy durability issues (masturbating gorilla arms)
Game by Keith Elwin that was speculated to be Stern's next Cornerstone title before D&D announcement
Stern Pinball licensed game heavily criticized for missing licensing of imagery, empire state building, poor design execution, mechanical issues, juvenile presentation
Stern game assigned to Keith Elwin; Kaneda questions why Star Wars wasn't assigned to him instead
Likely Stern's next game announcement (uncertain between D&D and King Kong); reveal expected within 3 weeks at CES
Upcoming Stern title by Keith Elwin; first Spike 3 game
Stern title expected April-May 2024; designer Keith Elwin; follows D&D release
Upcoming Stern title; positioned as game before next John Borg designs
Described as assetless themed game with poor community reception; characterized as 'day late and dollar short'
Upcoming Stern release expected to impact D&D secondary market pricing and dealer inventory
Stern game set for April 17 reveal; packed with toys (13 toys mentioned); timing conflict with Barrels
Stern Pinball game; characterized as failed competitive response
Primary focus: incomplete code, art differentiation problems across variants, romantic narrative execution critique, secondary market pricing predictions
Stern game with 'niche cult following' but doesn't appeal broadly; mentioned as new game option
Stern title; Kaneda cites as example of game that failed partially due to cartoon aesthetic instead of iconic imagery
Stern title; unfavorably compared to Harry Potter when placed side-by-side
Recent game at Logan Arcade; divisive among hardcore players who criticize it as over-toyed and overly complicated; Chad defends it
Referenced as a game people enjoy at shows but don't want to own; similar positioning challenge as Dune
Stern recent release; grouped with Star Wars as underperforming in current market
Stern title by Keith Elwin; underperforming sales; significant secondary market depreciation expected; poor artwork aesthetics criticized
Keith Elwin design. Failed to sell well despite being considered great by Ed Robertson. Kaneda attributes failure to poor theme integration (lacks Empire State Building, subway doesn't fit narrative).
Stern Pinball release with problematic gorilla mech; criticized for mechanical reliability and pricing ($10,000-$13,000)
Stern game; criticized for lacking assets/magic compared to earlier Godzilla
Unrealized Stern project that was 'ripped out from under' art lead; acquired by competitor (Elwin)
Stern release criticized for lazy design choices, reused mechanisms, and tone-deaf marquee messaging ('I love bananas')
Stern Pinball 2025 release; heavy reliance on animations rather than physical playfield integration
Recent Stern release for which accessories and a new mode are launching
Game that failed to generate expected excitement; contrasted with Winchester's Mystery House success; cited as example of unmet collector expectations
Primary focus of episode; newly released Stern game with strong gameplay but criticized artwork and narrative design
Upcoming Stern Pinball release; facing community backlash and anti-Stern sentiment; referred to by community as 'Bing Bong Ellie'
Stern Pinball upcoming release; designed by Keith Elwin; features cell-shaded animation, dynamic Kong Gong toy, spider mechanics
Stern title criticized for excessive ball-out-of-sight passages; thematic comparison to Pokemon's accessibility
[Triage: The game's release status progressed from announced/upcoming (April 2025 expectation) to released (October 2025 reference as 'recent release'), representing a natural temporal progression rather than conflicting claims about the same period.]