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Elizabeth Gieske

personactive34 mentionsFirst seen Feb 19, 2024Last seen May 26, 2026

Profile

Elizabeth Gishki is a multifaceted pinball industry professional who has evolved from volunteer roles to technical development work. She served as a Pinburgh volunteer with a focus on individual player experience, demonstrated expertise in teaching pinball rules during stream content, and has contributed as a code developer on significant pinball projects including the Jaws 50th anniversary update where she implemented 8-bit gameplay code.

Aliases

ElizabethElizabeth Gishki

Relationships

No relationships

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (44)

  • factualmedium

    Elizabeth Gieske may be the first woman in pinball to be a lead programmer for a commercial machine

    Source: This Week in Pinball editorialConspiracy Theory
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske is the first female programmer to lead development of a pinball machine in the entire history of the industry

    Source: Dirtypool hostTransformers Pinball - Dirtypool Reaction Mode Engaged
  • factualhigh

    At release, the game is feature-complete with multiple modes, missions, and multiball variants ready for play

    Source: Stern Pinball gameplay premiere videoTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets The Eye by Stern Pinball Gameplay Premiere
  • factualhigh

    The Energon cube mechanic allows players to choose between easier missions with lower value or harder missions with higher value

Recent Mentions (34)

  • Code designer for Stern Transformers; praised for rule design, progressive gameplay logic, and thematic integration inspired by other games.

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 73 - Does it HAVE to move?!May 26, 2026
  • Programmer for Transformers; handled majority of rules development; worked with Mike Kyzivat on game design

    Transformers by Stern Pinball: A WAR Under GlassMay 23, 2026
  • Lead software developer for Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

    TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern PinballMay 20, 2026
  • Game designer at Stern Pinball; one of two design leads (with Elliot Eismin) for Transformers; friend of the show

    🔴LIVE - Flip N Out With Friends: Transformers Pinball Reveal Day!!!May 21, 2026
  • Lead software developer for Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye at Stern Pinball

    Transformers by Stern Pinball: Game Announcement Breakdown. Streamed from Raccoon City Pinball.May 21, 2026
  • Lead software developer for Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

    TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets The Eye by Stern Pinball Gameplay Premiere

Contradictions

No contradictions detected

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Source: Stern Pinball gameplay premiere videoTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets The Eye by Stern Pinball Gameplay Premiere
  • factualhigh

    Four challenge modes are planned post-launch: Prime Training, Optimus vs. Megatron, a topper mode, and The 40th Anniversary Movie Transformers mode

    Source: Stern Pinball gameplay premiere videoTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets The Eye by Stern Pinball Gameplay Premiere
  • factualhigh

    The game has a hidden message in Transformer language on the side cabinet LEDs of the LE version that Elizabeth Gieske refused to reveal

    Source: Dirtypool host from direct conversation at media eventTransformers Pinball - Dirtypool Reaction Mode Engaged
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske is the lead code designer for Transformers

    Source: Stern media event; hosts spoke with Gieske directlyPinball Junk Drawer Episode 98 - More Than Meets The Eye!
  • opinionhigh

    Transformers Jaws code is widely loved by the community

    Source: Hosts' statement based on community reputationPinball Junk Drawer Episode 98 - More Than Meets The Eye!
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske is the lead programmer on Transformers and previously worked on Jaws

    Source: DonDPP #242 "Transformer's! It's a game!"
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske is the lead software developer for Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

    Source: Stern Pinball official announcement videoTransformers by Stern Pinball: Game Announcement Breakdown. Streamed from Raccoon City Pinball.
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske implemented a training mode to teach new players

    Source: Greg Bone and Ken CromwellSPECIAL - Transformers 'More Than Meets the Eye' Pinball First Impressions
  • opinionhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske worked on Jaws and her code is likely to be the standout aspect of Transformers

    Source: Ken and Greg citing Zach (Pinball Show)SPECIAL - Transformers 'More Than Meets the Eye' Pinball First Impressions
  • factualhigh

    Mike Kizovat, the subject matter expert, brought in his personal Unicron toy and original Transformers collection to inform design

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualhigh

    The game has five main mission modes, each heavily featuring different playfield areas

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Challenge modes will not launch with the game but will be added a few months after release

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Cyber coins earned in main gameplay grant free access to challenge modes at locations

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualmedium

    Frank Welker, the original G1 Megatron voice actor, provided voice work for the new game

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualhigh

    One Shall Fall mode's rules and difficulty change based on which prior missions the player completed

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualhigh

    The Pro, Premium, and LE share the same cabinet; upgraded lighting is an aftermarket accessory

    Source: Loser Kid Pinball Podcast reveal interviewStern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske is the first female lead programmer on a major Stern cornerstone title

    Source: Stern Pinball design credits and Kineticist analysisStern Pinball Reveals Transformers: More than Meets the Eye Pinball
  • factualhigh

    Optimus Prime vs Megatron mode provides the first true head-to-head simultaneous two-player experience with split-flipper action

    Source: Software lead presentationTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball
  • opinionhigh

    The game is loaded with Stern Pinball cutting technology that seamlessly blends physical and digital gameplay

    Source: Software lead presentationTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball
  • factualhigh

    Players can earn Cybercoins to unlock exclusive challenge modes including Prime Training

    Source: Software lead presentationTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball
  • factualhigh

    The game includes a special mode featuring Stan Bush's 'The Touch' to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Transformers movie

    Source: Software lead presentationTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball
  • factualhigh

    Missions in the game are inspired by major story arcs from the original 1984 Transformers animated TV series

    Source: Software lead presentationTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball
  • factualhigh

    The game includes voice acting from Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Frank Welker as Megatron and Soundwave from the original 1984 series

    Source: Software lead presentationTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball
  • predictionmedium

    Elizabeth Gieske's code work on future games will drive collecting demand comparable to Keith Elwin designer premium.

    Source: OrbeezPNP 672- Transformers 5 Rad 1 Bad
  • opinionmedium

    Elizabeth Gieske's code explanation ability may exceed Ray Day's in clarity and accessibility.

    Source: OrbeezPNP 672- Transformers 5 Rad 1 Bad
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske implemented a new wizard mode on Walking Dead Remastered in addition to refining Lyman Sheets' original code

    Source: Greg Bone (Flippin' Out podcast) and EnzoPNP 653- Enzo Joins: Walking Dead REMASTERED Top 5 Rad+ Beetlejuice & The Office
  • factualhigh

    There is a significant shortage of qualified pinball technicians even in Chicago, the pinball capital

    Source: Panel speaker, Stern Pinball software developerWomen in Pinball - Working in the Industry - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball News
  • opinionhigh

    Visibility of women in pinball roles naturally creates pipeline for more women to enter industry

    Source: Panel speaker, paraphrasing Gloria SteinemWomen in Pinball - Working in the Industry - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball News
  • factualmedium

    Elizabeth Gieske was the primary coder responsible for Jaws' immersive rule set quality

    Source: HostThe Pinball Show Ep 175 BONUS: Dennis' Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines Of All Time From Each Company Part 1 (Stern Pinball & Jersey Jack Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske is assisting with D&D coding

    Source: Cary HardyStern Pinball's Dungeons and Dragons: I Played It...
  • factualhigh

    Dungeons & Dragons has 11,000 speech lines of dialogue, approximately 36 times more than Jaws

    Source: Direct statement during interviewDPP #168 "Stern Dungeon and Dragons media day!"
  • opinionhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske intentionally designed single-ball modes that are poor for multiball as a design philosophy to provide gameplay variety

    Source: Direct statement about design goalDPP #168 "Stern Dungeon and Dragons media day!"
  • opinionhigh

    The stealth mode is Elizabeth Gieske's favorite rule she designed for D&D

    Source: Statement during interview: 'My favorite rule, actually... the stealth missions'DPP #168 "Stern Dungeon and Dragons media day!"
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth Gieske expressed interest in creating more mini-modes for other Stern games beyond Jaws

    Source: Direct comment on Retro Ralph's contentEpisode 14: “Pinball Expo 2024 HYPE!”
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth finished fourth at Pinsonati after winning a tiebreaker match on Stars to advance from qualifying

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • opinionhigh

    Tap passing is Elizabeth's favorite flipper skill and provides strong satisfaction when executed successfully

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • opinionhigh

    Good commentators should focus on supporting all players rather than second-guessing their decisions or game mode choices

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • factualhigh

    Eric's basement contains extensive collection of rare 1990s Gottlieb games including Excalibur, Bad Girls, Big House, and Gold Wings

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • factualhigh

    Louisville Arcade Expo will use pump-and-dump card format for tournaments for the first time in 2024

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth gained access to free pinball machines at Rec Bar during COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and significantly improved her skills through dedicated practice

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • factualhigh

    Elizabeth practiced commentary by watching tournament streams and mimicking commentary before being invited to commentate at Pinsonati

    Source: Direct statementEpisode 356: Elizabeth Gieske
  • May 22, 2026
  • Lead programmer on Transformers Pinball, first female to lead development of a pinball machine in industry history; also programmed Dune; asked by Dirtypool about hidden Transformer language messages on LE cabinet

    Transformers Pinball - Dirtypool Reaction Mode EngagedMay 22, 2026
  • Lead programmer on Stern's Transformers; possibly first female lead programmer on a commercial pinball machine

    Conspiracy TheoryMay 22, 2026
  • Lead coder for Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

    Is Grateful Dead Pinball in the Works? First Official Stern Transformers Gameplay StreamMay 22, 2026
  • Lead coder for Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

    Is Grateful Dead Pinball in the Works? First Official Stern Transformers Gameplay StreamMay 22, 2026
  • Lead code designer for Transformers pinball; first lead position; previously worked on Dungeons & Dragons and Jaws; praised for Jaws code quality

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 98 - More Than Meets The Eye!May 21, 2026
  • Lead programmer on Transformers pinball; previously worked on Jaws as game designer

    DPP #242 "Transformer's! It's a game!"May 21, 2026
  • Software lead for Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye game code

    STERN REVEALS NEW TRANSFORMERS GAMEMay 21, 2026
  • Co-designer of Stern Transformers pinball; lead designer on rule architecture, mode progression, and player experience; pioneering female lead co-designer in pinball industry

    Stern Pinball's Transformers | Reveal PodcastMay 20, 2026
  • Lead programmer on Transformers: More than Meets the Eye; first lead programmer role (previously contributed to Jaws and D&D: Tyrant's Eye code teams)

    Stern Pinball Reveals Transformers: More than Meets the Eye PinballMay 20, 2026
  • Code/rules programmer for Transformers; previous work: Jaws; implementing training mode and Cyber Coins feature

    SPECIAL - Transformers 'More Than Meets the Eye' Pinball First ImpressionsMay 20, 2026
  • Code designer at Stern, credited with creating Prime Training Challenge feature and explaining Cybercoins wallet system

    PNP 673- Why The Prime training Challenge On Transformers Is A GamechangerMay 20, 2026
  • Pinball code designer working on Transformers; praised for clarity in explaining code mechanics and rule design; subject of enthusiast reverence comparable to designers like Keith Elwin and Ray Day.

    PNP 672- Transformers 5 Rad 1 BadMay 15, 2026
  • Lead Programmer on Transformers pinball, first lead coder role

    Leaked CheddarMay 15, 2026
  • Co-hosted and commentated the 2024-25 SPCF livestream alongside Jack Danger on Stern Pinball's YouTube

    The Score Card: Pro Circuit ShowdownsNov 16, 2025
  • Pinball code/rule expert; hung out with Ian Jacoby at Chicago bar gathering; frequently discusses game code

    Episode 3 - Elizabeth Weinberg / Ian visits Stern Pinball!Jan 16, 2025
  • Involved in Jaws (Stern) design/development

    Ep 78: RumoursFeb 19, 2024
  • Code designer for Stern, created 'Shark is Broken' mini-mode for Jaws; open to designing more mini-modes for other games

    Episode 14: “Pinball Expo 2024 HYPE!”Oct 14, 2024
  • Coder on Jaws; credited with much of the game's immersive rule set quality; community anticipates her future work

    The Pinball Show Ep 175 BONUS: Dennis' Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines Of All Time From Each Company Part 1 (Stern Pinball & Jersey Jack Pinball)May 6, 2025
  • Lead coder for Jaws Pinball; appeared on Flippin' Out Pinball stream discussing the game

    The Pinball Show Ep 155: Drowning Ferrets, Throwing Babies, & Sensual Plastic SculptingJun 17, 2024
  • Pinball community member present at Enterrium event; identified as part of 'stern trio' with Spiteri and Danger

    Sternfluencers 2: The DnDnDnDening (Dungeons n dragons n dudes n drugs)Jan 16, 2025
  • Stern Pinball coder assisting on D&D; gathered feedback during Hardy's play session and took notes on needed changes

    Stern Pinball's Dungeons and Dragons: I Played It...Jan 11, 2025
  • Code support contributor on Jaws; hosts debate pronunciation of name

    Jaws Pinball ReviewJun 22, 2025
  • Software developer at Stern Pinball; rules design and coding on JAWS and D&D pinball; remote worker in Kentucky; works in daily Product Development Zoom meetings

    Women in Pinball - Working in the Industry - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball NewsOct 19, 2025
  • Co-programmer of D&D rules alongside Dwight Sullivan

    Episode 236 - D&D For You and Me!Jan 5, 2025
  • Women's pinball tournament player who achieved a billy on Jaws at TPF; noted for strong flipper skills

    PNP 613- Tim Sexton Leaves+ TPF 5 Rad 1 VERY Bad+ Is Potter FOMO Magically Dissapeared?+ Keri Wing Soars!Apr 1, 2025
  • Code developer credited with significant updates to Jaws 50th including 8-bit gameplay code

    WAP 50!! Part 2 "The rest of the Best of 2025!"Dec 23, 2025
  • Pinburgh volunteer focused on individual player experience

    Episode 83 – Neil McRae’s Bright Pinball FutureMar 11, 2019
  • Participant in stream playthrough, teaching moment for Raymond about rules

    Avengers: Infinity Quest Pinball Vault Celebration StreamMay 22, 2025