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America's Most Haunted

gameactive73 mentionsFirst seen Jan 1, 2000Last seen Apr 6, 2026

Profile

America's Most Haunted is Spooky Pinball's inaugural pinball game, launched around 2013 as a parody of ghost hunting television shows. Designed by Ben Heck, the game initially struggled with slow sales but achieved a breakthrough at the Texas Pinball Festival, selling 150 units in one weekend. The machine has demonstrated exceptional durability over its 12+ year lifespan and remains a favorite among players, representing a pivotal title in Spooky Pinball's trajectory from near-bankruptcy to industry dominance.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedBen HeckCo-designed Spooky Pinball's first game with Charlie Emery; mechanical design and playfield innovationmedium

Facts

  • achievementSpooky Pinball's first/launch titlehighfrom 2013
  • achievementNearly failed but sold out at Texas Pinball Festivalhighfrom 2013
  • achievement150 units sold in one weekend at Texas Pinball Festival breakthroughhighfrom 2013
  • attributeOriginal Spooky Pinball IP (not licensed property)highfrom 2013
  • attributePlayfield demonstrates exceptional durability after 12+ yearshighfrom 2013 until 2025
  • attributeParody of ghost hunting TV showshighfrom 2013

Claims (11)

  • factualhigh

    America's Most Haunted sold only 7-8 units in 6-9 months before Texas Pinball Festival, then sold out the remaining 150 units in one weekend at that festival

    Source: BugDirty Pool Podcast - Ep21 - Beetlejuice Brains & Spooky Pinball Logic from Bug
  • factualhigh

    America's Most Haunted sold only 5 units in first 6-9 months

    Source: BugSpooky Pinball Interview | Evil Dead | Texas Chainsaw | Rick & Morty & What's Next For Spooky?
  • factualhigh

    The America's Most Haunted machine acquired has 64,000+ plays on audit with zero playfield damage

    Source: Dave at ULEC Pinball / Kyle verificationPinball 2000 Part 1
  • factualhigh

    America's Most Haunted will be featured on the inaugural Spooky Pinball Twitch stream

Recent Mentions (73)

  • Homebrew game referenced for unique elevator mechanic, which Jeff claims to have broken within 15 minutes at a prior event

    Homebrew Showcase: Pokemon Pinball at Texas Pinball Festival 2026Apr 6, 2026
  • Pinball machine; one of Sterling's top 3 favorite machines.

    A Chat with Pinball Prodigy Sterling MitoskaJan 13, 2026
  • Pinball machine brought to party by Mad Pinball; Don didn't know it was coming

    Don's Pinball Podcast Sunday Livestream! 11/16/2025Nov 17, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball ranked #5; inaugural Spooky title; designed by Ben Heck; jankiest production game; turned company around at Texas Pinball Festival; good durability; funny ghost-hunting theme

    The Pinball Show Episode 176 BONUS: Dennis' Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines Of All Time From Each Company Part 2 (Chicago Gaming Company, Spooky Pinball, & American Pinball)May 21, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball's first game (c. 2014); ranked #8 on the horror game list discussed

    #94 Horror Show 2 - The Classic Pinball PodcastOct 25, 2022
  • Pinball game referenced in comparison to GTF's poor 3D-printed components. Host argues GTF's 3D printing quality is 'worse than America's Most Haunted.'

Contradictions

  • Existing: America's Most Haunted is Spooky Pinball's first/launch titlevsConflicting: Mention 7 references America's Most Haunted for 'side scoop kicker mechanism similar to Beetlejuice design' but Beetlejuice is a later Spooky Pinball title, making this comparison contextually odd and potentially indicating the mention conflates or misidentifies the game
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Game was designed by Ben (Heck)vsConflicting: Mention 0 attributes design to 'Ben' while mentions 3 and 6 specify 'Ben Heck', but mention 2 references 'Ben Heck' updating the game, suggesting he may have been involved post-launch rather than as original designer
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02
  • roleDesigned by Ben Heckhighfrom 2013
  • statusBen Heck announced no further updates due to lack of commitment motivationhighfrom 2019-01-21
  • Source: Spooky Pinball (via Knapp Arcade reporting)Spooky Pinball Launches New Twitch Channel
  • factualhigh

    America's Most Haunted achieved breakthrough sales (150 units in one weekend) at Texas Pinball Festival

    Source: Nick Baldridge (host), confirming with James WillingEpisode 43 - Interview with James Willing 04-21-15
  • factualmedium

    America's Most Haunted sold 150 units at MGC

    Source: DeadFlip hostGIVEAWAY HYPE!! Day 4 of TRON!!! April, 2015 - 2 / 2
  • factualhigh

    America's Most Haunted took 2 years to make

    Source: Promotional video narratorAmerica's Most Haunted Pinball Promo
  • factualhigh

    Cabinet is 100% plywood construction

    Source: Heather (promotional presenter)America's Most Haunted Pinball Promo
  • factualhigh

    All ramps are full metal and powder coated

    Source: Heather (promotional presenter)America's Most Haunted Pinball Promo
  • factualhigh

    Game comes with one year warranty

    Source: Heather (promotional presenter)America's Most Haunted Pinball Promo
  • opinionhigh

    The game is easy to service

    Source: Heather (promotional presenter)America's Most Haunted Pinball Promo
  • The Pinball Show Ep 136 BONUS: What I Like, What I Don't, GTF!
    Aug 29, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball's 150-unit limited intro game; used as historical precedent for successful boutique launch

    DPP #37 "Buckle up Punny factory, beat down is coming"Apr 25, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball machine being promoted; 2-year development cycle, designed by Ben Heck

    America's Most Haunted Pinball PromoNov 8, 2013
  • Game previously at North End Pub for ~1.5 years; traded to Mark for Black Knight Sword of Rage; one of 18 locations nationwide

    Episode 105: Stay Positive, Test NegativeNov 18, 2020
  • Spooky Pinball title; Ron Hallett's current favorite Spooky game

    Episode 165 – Orange CrushApr 22, 2021
  • Early Spooky Pinball game; 150 units sold; marked Spooky's initial production struggles

    Episode 814: "Kaneda's Candid Take on Spooky Pinball"Jun 21, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; initially struggled with sales; created pressure to pursue licensed IP

    Rob Zombie Beta Pinball Gameplay - Spooky Pinball VideoCast #3 (podcast 128) (ADULT MODE LANGUAGE)Nov 1, 2020
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; coded by Ben Heck; represents his last coding project before Looney Tunes/TCM

    Looney Tunes/Texas Chainsaw Massacre Q&A LivestreamDec 8, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball title; Bug's top priority for future livestream demonstration

    Scooby-Doo v2023.06.02.15 Gameplay (Find Velma's Glasses)Jun 2, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball machine on location and being played at Ball Crawl III event

    America's Most Haunted Pinball (AMH) at Ball Crawl IIIFeb 10, 2014
  • Spooky Pinball's first game being refurbished; Bug expresses interest in live streaming it as company's first stream

    Halloween 1.11 Code GameplayJun 16, 2023
  • Earlier Spooky Pinball game referenced as mechanical/code template for mode progression system used in TCM

    The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pinball Gameplay IntroductionDec 11, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball game referenced for servo control documentation and switch matrix information

    Servo Change in AMH / Spooky Pinball gamesDec 17, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; struggled initially until 150-unit FOMO strategy succeeded at Texas Pinball Festival

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Feb 28Feb 28, 2026
  • Spooky Pinball's first commercial game; coded by Ben Heck

    Alien Legacy: Game Over, Man! (Future Pinball - Terry Red)Jul 31, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball game with beautiful translite but color wash-out issues in backglass; used as design reference point for discussion

    Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 10: This Month In Pinside (Texas Pinball Festival)Apr 3, 2017
  • Spooky Pinball game; earlier work receiving criticism for layout and shot design

    SDTM Episode 93: Alice Cooper Pinball Machine ReviewMay 27, 2019
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game, had major breakthrough at Texas Pinball Festival selling 150 units in one weekend; parody of ghost hunting TV shows

    Episode 43 - Interview with James Willing 04-21-15Apr 23, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball game designed by Ben Heck; 2009-2012 development; complex code that required library restructuring for Rob Zombie's programmer David Fosma to understand

    Episode 53 – Ben Heck is a heartless money-grubbing bastardJul 23, 2018
  • Spooky Pinball title in production; referenced as they've announced a second title

    METALLICA (PRO) - STERN 2013 #Pinball 09/15/15Sep 18, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball machine created with Ben Heck's technical assistance

    Day 3 of METALLICA Battle Week! Dec. 2014 - 1 / 2Dec 29, 2014
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game; referenced as sold out; discussed in context of franchise success

    Rob Zombie's Spookshow International by Spooky Pinball #Pinball #StreamingJan 16, 2016
  • Spooky Pinball title mentioned during stream; had Bluetooth connectivity.

    Domino's Spectacular Pinball Adventure, Live from Spooky Pinball. !location #Pinball #StreamingAug 19, 2016
  • Spooky Pinball title, limited production of 150 units, haunted house theme with ghost-based gameplay mechanics, features modes like Theater Ghost, Photo Hunt, War Fort Ghost, Minion Multiball

    America's Most Haunted Hype! #Pinball #Streaming 11/30/15Dec 1, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball original IP game, possibly with Lexi Lightspeed variant mentioned

    Pinburgh Finals (From the back) 08/01/15Aug 4, 2015
  • Pinball game that sold 150 units at MGC; being raffled off with proceeds to charity

    GIVEAWAY HYPE!! Day 4 of TRON!!! April, 2015 - 2 / 2Apr 21, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball game referenced during stream; Jack mentions it was streamed by Buffalo Pinball guys and discusses getting one for Dead Flip

    Bram Stoker's Dracula (Williams 1993) 06/09/15Jun 15, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game; David Van Ess did NOT create LCD animations for this title (unlike all other Spooky games)

    Scott Danesi - Pinball Expo 2018 - Pinball NewsOct 23, 2018
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game; created from 'dream in a garden shed'; launched company trajectory

    Spooky Pinball factory tour 2024! So much space for activities! Pinball!Oct 26, 2024
  • Spooky Pinball game played on location at Travis's arcade; cited as evidence of Spooky's quality but also as basis for mechanical durability concerns

    Spooky Pinball Upcoming Release and the Battle of Online Content For Pinball Manufacturers (Ep.58)Jun 25, 2021
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game from pre-COVID era; originated in garden shed; foundational game for company history

    Spooky Pinball factory tour 2024! So much space for activities! Pinball!Oct 26, 2024
  • Spooky Pinball's first machine; described as relatively simple; 150-unit production run

    Episode 65 - Martin Talks Pins & ConsolesJul 1, 2018
  • Previous Spooky game used as benchmark for 'safe layout' design philosophy

    Episode 208 - Kojima TWIPY MassacreDec 11, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game; initially limited to 150 units due to slow sales; took 3 years to sell out; demonstrates market shift toward licensed themes

    Episode 12 - Domino's, SGDQ 2016, Evo 2016, & Tabletop for KidsAug 18, 2016
  • Spooky Pinball inaugural game; secondary market price appreciation triggered speculation bubble for Rob Zombie

    Episode 105 - 2019 Year-End ReviewDec 30, 2019
  • Spooky Pinball game designed by Ben Heck.

    Episode 110 - COVID-19 & A Dash of SilverballMar 8, 2020
  • Spooky Pinball original game; production locked at 150 units; Spooky indicated interest in revisiting with improved build quality but hosts skeptical

    Episode 174 - Embracer the LazenbyAug 22, 2022
  • Spooky rare game brought to Pinbrew; experienced stuck ball issue requiring 3D printed drop target repair

    Restoration or Restomod - How Fresh is Too Fresh?Apr 22, 2024
  • Spooky Pinball machine; recently acquired by hosts; 64k plays, immaculate condition; appearing at Pinbrew Fest

    Pinball 2000 Part 1Apr 10, 2024
  • Spooky Pinball's first release, limited run of 150 machines all pre-sold; reached half-way production milestone by July 2015

    REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2015Dec 31, 2015
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; 250 units built

    LINKSJan 1, 2000
  • Spooky's first pinball machine, featured in playthrough and discussion

    Spooky Pinball News: A Game that Almost was, Production Update & MoreOct 6, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; featured on inaugural Twitch stream

    Spooky Pinball Launches New Twitch ChannelJun 28, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game; reference point for long-running Scooby Doo rumor persistence

    RUMOR: Next Spooky Pinball Game to Release with Two Themes AgainJul 14, 2022
  • Spooky Pinball game that Ben Heck worked on

    Ben Heck to Begin Coding Spooky Pinball’s Next Next Game This WeekJul 13, 2022
  • Pinball machine for which Medisinyl Mods previously released mod kits

    Full Reveal of Stranger Things Medisinyl Mods CollectionJul 1, 2022
  • Spooky Pinball machine (2014); author describes as 'very uncommon'; first-time play experience for author at this venue

    ARCADE REPORT: Richmond Pinball Collective - Richmond, VA (July 2021)Aug 21, 2021
  • Spooky Pinball's first commercial game; produced approximately 150 units; paranormal investigative show theme; features magnet ghost, drop targets, swinging door mech, VUCK, jump ramp, elevator dumbwaiter mech

    DPP #6 "News update from Spooky Pinball! Location review ULEK in Michigan! Pinball storytime!"Jan 17, 2023
  • Jersey Jack Pinball title; part of Dr. Cosson's Gold Coast collection; example of premium modern games

    The Money ShotSep 13, 2016
  • Spooky's inaugural title; mentioned as not making top 5 despite host appreciation

    Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines From Spooky Pinball (SDTM, 2025)Mar 11, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball's first release (150 units); referenced as foundational to company's customer relationship philosophy

    Spooky Pinball Update - Quarter 2 of 2024Jun 21, 2024
  • Spooky Pinball's early release; referenced in context of mechanical design question marks vs. new layout confidence

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 46: 2023 CrossOver With LoserKidsDec 21, 2023
  • Spooky Pinball's inaugural game; set up at midnight launch event for attendees to play

    Enzo x Don’s Pinball Podcast – DEEP DIVE into Spooky’s BEETLEJUICE Pinball! 🍎🪲Nov 18, 2025
  • Spooky's first official release; transported to Don's launch party; used to showcase Spooky's trajectory

    DPP #217 "Beetlemania is here!!"Nov 17, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; Kaneda called it 'ugliest game in all of pinball' at launch; breakthrough at Texas Pinball Festival; demonstrates Spooky's evolution

    Episode 1152: "Beetlejuice Buyer #1,000 Just Got F@#KED!"Oct 27, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball's first major release; featured Rob Zombie as follow-up; acknowledged by Charlie as mechanically imperfect but rules-strong

    Episode 31 – Charlie Emery from Spooky PinballFeb 19, 2018
  • Earlier Spooky Pinball title; first machine Luke built upon joining Spooky; used to establish production scaling (built 2 per week solo at peak)

    The Pinball Show Ep 67: Zach Interviews The Spooky Pinball Team + GIVEAWAY!Jul 12, 2021
  • Chicago Gaming Company title designed by Ben Heck; praised for code/rules; criticized for animations/callouts quality

    The Pinball Show Ep 45: AP's Facelift, TWIPY Snubs, & Steel PenniesJan 4, 2021
  • Spooky Pinball's first commercial game (2013), original theme based on ghost hunting reality TV shows. Designed by Ben Heck. Initial slow sales breakthrough at Texas Pinball Festival (150 units). Excellent durability track record.

    We Are Pinball #41 "The Spooky Episode with Bug and Luke!"Jul 30, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball game; listed as one of Sterling's favorite machines

    A Chat with Pinball Prodigy Sterling MitoskaJan 8, 2026
  • Referenced for side scoop kicker mechanism similar to Beetlejuice design

    Beetlejuice by Spooky Pinball: Fomometer goes to 11. Ranted from Raccoon City Arcade.Nov 15, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball's first game; Roto Dave purchased unit #77; referenced as beginning his role as New Zealand distributor/representative

    Rob Zombie Pinball Tutorial - Danni TeachesNov 28, 2025
  • Spooky's original IP game (2013); slow initial sales, breakthrough at Texas Pinball Festival with 150 units sold in one weekend

    Spooky Pinball Interview | Evil Dead | Texas Chainsaw | Rick & Morty & What's Next For Spooky?Aug 21, 2025
  • Vintage Spooky Pinball game transported by Mad Pinball via school bus for event display

    Beetlejuice Party RecapNov 14, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball game brought to midnight release event by Fresh crew; 12+ year old title showing exceptional playfield durability; designed by Ben Heck

    Say My Name 3X and It's Showtime!Nov 19, 2025
  • Spooky Pinball's first/launch title; parody of ghost hunting TV shows; designed by Ben; nearly failed but sold out at Texas Pinball Festival

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep21 - Beetlejuice Brains & Spooky Pinball Logic from BugDec 2, 2025
  • Spooky pinball game; Ben Heck previously updated; announced no further updates due to lack of commitment motivation

    Episode 77 – This Flippin FranchiJan 21, 2019
  • Spooky Pinball game from 12 years ago; referenced to show company's 12-year trajectory from near-bankruptcy to current dominance

    Kaneda's Spooky Shill Spectacular! Nov 15Nov 16, 2025