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Melvin

person16 mentionsFirst seen Oct 7, 2024Last seen Feb 2, 2026

Profile

Melvin is a Dutch Pinball designer/founder and close personal friend of Kaneda who played a pivotal role in creating Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. He holds leadership positions at both Dutch Pinball and DPX (Dutch Pinball Xtreme), where he manages game design, production logistics, and holds patents for innovative technologies like side armor lighting. Beyond Alice, Melvin has been involved in multiple game projects including Big Bang Bar and Back to the Future, and has become a trusted industry voice known for transparency and advocacy within the pinball community.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • affiliated_withPedretti GamingWorking with Melvin on Big Bang Bar prototype development and classic game remakesmedium
  • foundedDutch PinballMelvin is the designer/founder and lead of Dutch Pinballmedium
  • designedAlice's Adventures in WonderlandMelvin created Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and manages its lighting systems and codemedium
  • affiliated_withKanedaClose personal friend of Kaneda; advocated for Kaneda at Expo and collaborated on game reveals and content creationmedium
  • designedBack to the Future

Facts

  • achievementHolds patent for side armor lighting technologyhigh
  • achievementCreator of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland pinball machinehighfrom 2024
  • achievementDeveloper/designer of Big Bang Bar prototype for Pedretti Gaminghigh
  • affiliationAssociated with Deeproot Pinballmedium
  • affiliationDPX representativehigh
  • attributeClose friend of Kanedahigh
  • roleInvolved in Back to the Future pinball developmentmedium

Claims (7)

  • factualmedium

    Melvin from Deep Root Pinball is involved in American Pinball's Circus Voltaire project

    Source: DennisEpisode 269 - Friends Are Optional
  • predictionmedium

    Melvin has future projects in development following DXP separation

    Source: DavePinball Mod Talk: Episode 31 (Part 1, skip to part 2 for the MODS!)
  • factualhigh

    Alice in Wonderland's upper playfield requires achieving progression rather than providing tutorial entry mechanism

    Source: Melvin explained mechanic to Josh at ExpoEp 151: Pinball Expo 2024 Recap
  • factualhigh

    Melvin completed unfinished elements of J-Pop's original Alice in Wonderland foam core design

Recent Mentions (16)

  • Dutch Pinball associate; reported source for Alice topper failure count (35 units)

    We Are Pinball #52 "Triple Threat with Kaneda!"Feb 2, 2026
  • Dutch Pinball designer/owner; creator of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland; described as close friend

    Kaneda's Sunday Morning Service!May 26, 2025
  • Associated with Dutch Pinball; provides buffer for production; manages Alice lighting systems

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectular December 20Dec 21, 2025
  • Involved in Alice game; defended Kaneda at Expo by threatening to withdraw game if Kaneda was kicked out

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular! August 2Aug 3, 2025
  • Referenced as being involved with Back to the Future development; Kaneda implies his involvement will elevate game quality above current industry standard

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular September 13Sep 14, 2025
  • Lead at Dutch Pinball; contacted Kaneda for reveal partnership; stated no additional Alice production will occur

    Kaneda's Alice Reveal Party!

Contradictions

  • Existing: Melvin is a Dutch Pinball designer/founder/lead (mentioned in episodes 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 15)vsConflicting: Episode 11 describes Melvin as a 'Deeproot pinball associate' rather than Dutch Pinball
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Melvin is described as Dutch Pinball designer/owner and lead (mentions 2, 7, 8)vsConflicting: Mention 1 describes him as 'Deeproot pinball associate' rather than Dutch Pinball affiliate
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Melvin is the designer/creator of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (mentioned in episodes 2, 6, 12, 14)vsConflicting: Episode 1 references 'Back to the Future promises for Alice owners' suggesting Back to the Future may be his primary focus, with unclear primary game attribution
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Involved in Back to the Future development with implications for product quality elevation
medium
from 2025
  • roleManages Alice lighting systemshighfrom 2025
  • roleDesigner/founder of Dutch Pinballhigh
  • Source: Joel citing Carrie Hardy's reveal streamTriple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 56 - Alice, Avatar, X-Men, Expo LET'S GO
  • factualhigh

    Melvin designed Alice in Wonderland in 8 months and self-funded all R&D without pre-orders

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1008: "Dutch is at the Crossroads"
  • factualhigh

    Melvin publicly promised all Alice customers will receive their game in 2025 or get a refund

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1008: "Dutch is at the Crossroads"
  • factualhigh

    Melvin created Alice in eight months

    Source: KanedaKaneda's Alice Reveal Party!
  • Oct 7, 2024
  • Designer/founder of Dutch Pinball; Kaneda's close friend, describes as 'no BS' and confirms topper delay reporting

    Episode 1129: "Star Wars LE Will Be $18,000"Aug 29, 2025
  • Dutch Pinball leader; described by Kaneda as one of his best friends

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Dec 27Dec 28, 2025
  • Contact at Dutch Pinball; provided refund data for Alice in Wonderland

    Episode 1179: "American Pinball Needs To Burn The Past"Jan 21, 2026
  • DPX representative; holds patent for side armor lighting that Stern's Spike 3 may infringe upon

    Episode 1156: "Stern is The Walking Dead"Nov 5, 2025
  • Associated with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland code; Kaneda questions what is in Melvin's design vision

    Saturday Morning Spectacular!Nov 10, 2024
  • Manufacturer who allowed Kaneda and Carrie access for Alice's Adventures content creation

    Kaneda Discusses Barrels and Stern Launching On Top of Each Other.Apr 7, 2025
  • Alice designer; Kaneda claims to have discussed collector value with him

    Saturday Morning Spectacular!Nov 3, 2024
  • Dutch Pinball team member referenced as making Back to the Future promises for Alice owners

    Episode 1178: "Brand Building in Pinball"Jan 15, 2026
  • Deeproot pinball associate who advocated for Kaneda with Expo management, providing logistical support during coverage

    Kaneda @ Expo!Oct 19, 2024
  • Developer/designer; created Big Bang Bar prototype for Pedretti Gaming

    Episode 1141: "Spooky Said Whaaaaaaaaat?"Sep 26, 2025