Joe Katz is a lead software engineer and rules designer at Jersey Jack Pinball with expertise in pinball code architecture and game mechanics. Since at least 2018, he has been a core member of JJP's development team, serving as lead or co-lead programmer on multiple flagship titles including Willy Wonka, Toy Story 4, Harry Potter, and earlier games like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Wizard of Oz. He is recognized for his technical innovation in areas like music-to-light synchronization and accessibility features, and is also an accomplished competitive pinball player who occasionally contributes to content creation and community engagement.
No aliases
Joe Katz released Willy Wonka code version 2.0 on his own personal time after the game had shipped for years
Joe Katz confirmed the Harry Potter license for Jersey Jack Pinball by posting in Nap's Arcade thread
Joe Katz provided guidance on benefits of completing vs. starting carnival modes on Toy Story 4
Joe Katz served as lead code designer for Toy Story 4
Primary coder for Harry Potter at Jersey Jack Pinball
Jersey Jack Pinball rules/code designer; interviewed in featurette for Harry Potter
Jersey Jack Pinball programmer; Kaneda considers him superior to Keith Johnson; credited with coding best JJP games
Code/rules programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; Kaneda suggests inviting him to focus group sessions for feedback
Lead programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball, designed Wonka Bar Ransom mode for Willy Wonka update
Streamed Willy Wonka gameplay achieving wizard mode during Special When Lit stream
No linked glossary terms
Auto-Restart character power allows restarting Carnival Multiball once after complete drain
Super Spinners mode wheel awards include extra ball as selectable option
Gabby Gabby Frenzy is one of eight wheeler ways to progress toward Gabby Gabby Multiball
Toy Story 4 skill shot is among the most challenging skill shots ever designed
Road Trip Multiball uses drop target knockdowns to lock up to three balls
Carnival modes require character collection that enhances Carnival multiball performance
Rescue Forky mode requires left ramp, jump, and center scoop shots in sequence within one ball
Joe Katz was involved in making/designing Toy Story 4 Pinball
Pinball hobby is growing with visible influx of new players at Pinball Expo 2021
Willy Wonka version 2.0 touched just about every module in the game from version 1.38
Prior to Wonka 2.0, only approximately 5 people in the world had reached the Pure Imagination wizard mode
Joe Katz created Willy Wonka 2.0 largely on his own time while business focused on next game development
Casual pinball players are often afraid to adjust in-game settings to change difficulty
Willy Wonka reveal stream achieved 14,753 concurrent viewers, setting a record for pinball reveal streams
Skype was used as the best technical solution for simultaneous multi-location streaming after exploring other options
JJP plans to have Joe Katz play Kevin Manning in The Hobbit in approximately three weeks after setting up new facility streaming equipment
Joe Katz prefers in-office work for software collaboration on games
Joe Katz deliberately chose not to sync video clips with audio on Willy Wonka and this approach will not change
Jersey Jack Pinball's standard practice includes post-release code updates and rule tweaks based on gameplay feedback and evolution.
Willy Wonka LE production is underway with overseas fulfillment prioritized; domestic shipments will follow very soon.
The game's rules are complete; future updates are possible but not currently planned beyond what exists.
Kid Multiball can theoretically reach 6-ball configuration with 6X multipliers on all jackpots if all five kids are completed and collected.
Default high score of 500K was deliberately set as achievable milestone for average-to-above-average players to feel progression.
Audio/video synchronization during active 30-second mode loops results in fragmented clip audio that contradicts the intended cinematic experience.
Oompa Loompa Odyssey mode was created through experimental UI design process: flipping perspective to face player, then adding live camera feed.
The office facility at Bensonville runs Willy Wonka setup significantly more difficult than the demonstration location.
The Wonka bar collection mechanic is the foundational progression system for Willy Wonka rules
Willy Wonka features five Golden Tickets as the endgame objective, with wizard modes and awards tied to collecting them
Tournament players are driving the pinball industry more than casual players.
Balls in reserve feature allows casual players to enjoy games without sitting idle while skilled players complete extra balls.
Jersey Jack games all feel unique and different from each other across the four releases.
Tia Dama is the optimal Pirates character for players wanting easier Multiball 3 access with 2x value and character-selection flexibility.
Ball saver mechanics in modern games (25+ seconds of flailing) reduce strategic skill requirement compared to System 11 era games.
Jersey Jack will stream with Jack Danger on Valentine's Day showing Pirates CE.
System 11 games (Whirlwind, High Speed) represent the era of pinball design Joe Katz most appreciates.
Tournament players at Dialed In competitions are playing suboptimal strategies focused on Big Bang rather than exploring other mode paths.
Dialed In's mode-dominant scoring was intentional design to make players experience city destruction and avoid dominant timeout strategies.
Jersey Jack's wide-body format was chosen on a case-by-case basis for design fit, not as strategic market positioning.
Lead programmer on Willy Wonka; appeared on Special When Lit stream to answer community questions about design decisions
Code designer for Elton John Pinball
Competitive pinball player and Jersey Jack Pinball developer; pushed for additional gameplay complexity (boosters, Slash Solo modes) during Guns N' Roses development
Rules designer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball who led Harry Potter rules design; moderating stacking mechanics relative to typical JJP levels
Rules designer at Jersey Jack Pinball; posted about Harry Potter license in Nap's Arcade thread (rumored)
Programmer on Willy Wonka; appeared as guest on FNO stream last week
Willy Wonka designer; praised for innovative code implementation and thematic moments like Wonka's room lighting
Rules designer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; mentioned in context of Jersey Jack's design philosophy on stacking mechanics (from KB, not in content)
Rules designer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; featured in 14-minute gameplay video that host analyzed
Implied lead programmer/code designer for Harry Potter; metaphorically criticized as wearing 'all his clothes at once' regarding code complexity
Lead programmer on Harry Potter at Jersey Jack Pinball; worked with Eric Minor on casual-friendly rule design and scene timing
Code designer at Jersey Jack Pinball; praised as superior to Elwin/Minier for restraint
Designer/developer demonstrating Toy Story 4 Pinball gameplay and explaining rules
Rules/code programmer for Harry Potter pinball ruleset at Jersey Jack Pinball
Programmer/rules designer at JJP; collaborated with Duncan Brown on Gamechanger feature implementation
Lead programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; worked with Eric for 10 years; tournament-experienced player; collaborates on rules and code design for Harry Potter
Lead programmer on Harry Potter at JJP; collaborated with Meunier on rules and accessibility design; played movie modes for 800M+ scoring example
Rules designer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; led code implementation on Harry Potter; reportedly worked without days off for ~1.5 years
Lead Game Programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball for Willy Wonka; responsible for rule set and code implementation
Jersey Jack Pinball designer/developer; quoted regarding wizard mode accessibility and rules design philosophy
Game programmer and voice of Crazy Bob character in Dialed In
Rules designer at Jersey Jack Pinball; contributed to Elton John game design; mentioned as part of harmonious software team
Rules programmer and lead designer at Jersey Jack Pinball; experienced pinball player; collaborated daily with Olaf on animations; primary input for rules and shot design on Harry Potter and Elton John.
Lead software engineer/rules designer for Toy Story 4 Pinball
Jersey Jack Pinball programmer/rules designer; involved in Harry Potter code refinement; Orbital Albert expresses confidence in his future contributions
Lead programmer/rules designer on Harry Potter at Jersey Jack Pinball; previously worked on Willy Wonka; known for dedication to code refinement post-release
Lead software designer on Harry Potter; known for rules work that avoids heavy multiball emphasis
Software programmer for Wonka
Rules designer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball, credited as collaborator on Willy Wonka design
Software designer for Toy Story 4 gameplay
Software Game Lead for Harry Potter Pinball
Likely game designer; host expresses wish for UI improvement to Joe Katz
Referenced as source for carnival multiball strategy discussion with Zach
Discussed regarding benefits of completing vs starting modes on Toy Story 4
Lead programmer/coder for Willy Wonka at Jersey Jack Pinball; explained rules, modes, and design decisions during stream.
Coder for Toy Story 4 pinball machine
Software designer at JJP; provides commentary on other team members and game reception
Lead programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball for Harry Potter
Rules and code designer for Harry Potter Pinball; credited in design team
Jersey Jack Pinball presenter/designer demonstrating Elton John gameplay and explaining UI/rule basics
Lead code programmer for Toy Story 4
Jersey Jack Pinball software team member; acquired PlayStation 5; impressed by DualSense controller haptic feedback; mentioned in context of console gaming discussion
Pinball content creator who provided playthrough video of Toy Story showing game mechanics
Rules designer credited for Harry Potter rules implementation; mentioned in context of JJP design team
Rules designer at Jersey Jack Pinball, credited with code work on Harry Potter
Rules designer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; worked on Harry Potter code
Code designer at Jersey Jack Pinball; leading design code team on Harry Potter; credited with better-coded JJP games (Willy Wonka)
Game programming lead for Harry Potter Pinball at Jersey Jack Pinball
Lead code designer for Toy Story 4; narrated gameplay walkthroughs in official release video
Jersey Jack decision-maker on Scorebit/connectivity integration; hosts discuss his apparent enthusiasm for online connectivity features
Jersey Jack Pinball programmer who designed Wonka 2.0 code update
JGP employee; tournament player; mentioned as part of JGP's competitive design consideration for GNR.
Jersey Jack Pinball code designer for Harry Potter; created complex light show and multiball stacking mechanics
Jersey Jack Pinball rules designer/programmer on Harry Potter; described as uncomfortable on camera but knowledgeable about code
Code designer for Harry Potter at Jersey Jack Pinball; distinct from Keith Johnson
Lead programmer for Harry Potter; described as working extensively without recent time off
Rules programmer/coder for Willy Wonka; responsible for game software at 60% completion at reveal; mentioned as expert on technical specifications
Rules designer/programmer at JJP who designed/contributed to Pirates of the Caribbean and other titles; collaborative design partner with Keith.
Software/rules designer at Jersey Jack Pinball; part of three-person development team praised by Ritchie; veteran pinball player; handles high-end game features.
Programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball; competitive pinball player; worked on Wizard of Oz, Hobbit, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Dialed In; provided Crazy Bob voice work; focus on rule set design and software innovation.
Code/rules designer on Harry Potter pinball
Software engineer/programmer at Jersey Jack Pinball, latest Willy Wonka code version credited to him
Lead programmer on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; implemented 2.0 code update reducing difficulty for better accessibility
Lead software developer on Willy Wonka; prefers in-office collaboration over remote work
Software developer at Jersey Jack Pinball; participant in Twitch battles as commentator and potential future competitor; involved in streaming setup technical solutions
Jersey Jack Pinball programmer; competitive pinball player described as 'monster'; mentioned as actively playing The Last of Us 2
Jersey Jack programmer who assisted Bill Grupp with rules design and brainstorming on Elton John
Content creator producing Toy Story 4 gameplay videos that Josh's autistic son watches to calm down for sleep
JJP programmer; spent 80 man-hours on Live and Let Die light-show synchronization; set quality bar for music-to-light integration
Harry Potter Pinball team member; example of mechanical engineer involvement in licensing projects
JJP coder; coded Elton John and Wonka (praised); confirmed to be coding Harry Potter; seen as producing better code than Keith Johnson
Software engineer at Jersey Jack Pinball