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TEXAS PINBALL FESTIVAL 2017

Pinball News Website·article·analyzed·Apr 6, 2017
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claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.034

TL;DR

TPF 2017 coverage: manufacturer seminars, game reveals, tournaments, and Spooky doc premiere.

Summary

Coverage of Texas Pinball Festival 2017 (March 24-26) held at Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas. The event featured seminars from major manufacturers (Stern, Jersey Jack, Heighway, Spooky, Dutch Pinball, American Pinball, Multimorphic), game announcements including Spooky's Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle and Dutch Pinball's Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary, tournaments, swap meet, and the world premiere of 'Things That Go Bump In the Night: The Spooky Pinball Story' documentary.

Key Claims

  • American Pinball's Houdini: Master of Mystery is a complete redesign from the John Popaduik version shown at Pinball Expo in October 2016, with new game design by Joe Balcer

    high confidence · Direct reporting from 8pm American Pinball seminar at TPF 2017

  • Multimorphic announced first production run of P3 machines with delivery expected in Q3 2017, working with contract manufacturer in Austin area

    high confidence · Direct reporting from 12pm Multimorphic seminar by Gerry Stellenberg

  • Dutch Pinball's The Big Lebowski production stalled due to pricing dispute with ARA (contract manufacturer) over €1,000 increase, with ~40 completed games held in factory

    high confidence · 3pm Dutch Pinball Update seminar with Jaap Nauta

  • Dutch Pinball revealed Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary as second title to raise capital, planned for up to 150 Super Limited Editions by end of 2017

    high confidence · 3pm Dutch Pinball Update seminar announcement

  • Spooky Pinball announced Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle as next title after The Jetsons

    high confidence · Panel discussion following documentary screening on Saturday evening

  • Greg Freres and Dennis Nordman announced third Elvira-themed game to be built by Stern as a 'studio' title

    high confidence · 2pm 'Getting Up with Elvira' panel discussion with Cassandra Peterson

  • Jersey Jack Pinball's Pat Lawlor and Jack Guarnieri collaborated on creating Dialed In! as JJP's third title

    high confidence · 5pm Jersey Jack Pinball Update seminar

  • Stern Pinball categorizes its business into seven strands: Cornerstone titles, Studio Games, Vault Titles, The Pin home models, Contract Games, Virtual Games, and accessories

    high confidence · 7pm Stern Pinball Update seminar by George Gomez

Notable Quotes

  • “Joe Balcer has created his own game design and the title has also changed slightly from Houdini: Master Mystery to Houdini: Master of Mystery”

    Pinball News reporter @ 8pm American Pinball seminar — Indicates significant redesign of American Pinball's debut title since Pinball Expo 2016

  • “The game runs on a P-ROC board and this will remain in the production version, with the team saying it makes sense for a rapid start-up company like American Pinball to get off the ground with an established and capable system”

    American Pinball team @ 8pm seminar — Technical decision to use proven P-ROC platform rather than develop custom board for startup efficiency

  • “Jaap explained the Dutch legal process and said their intended way forward was to build their second title with a new contract manufacturer in the Netherlands called VDL, sell it, and raise enough operating capital to continue production of The Big Lebowski at VDL”

    Reporter summarizing Jaap Nauta's statement @ 3pm Dutch Pinball seminar — Dutch Pinball's strategy to resolve manufacturing dispute and restart Big Lebowski production

  • “The Super LE's would have 100 machines sent to North America and split between DP distributors CoinTaker and Nitro Pinball. The remaining 50 would go to the rest of the world”

    Reporter on Dutch Pinball announcement @ 3pm seminar — Distribution plan for Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary limited edition

Entities

Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) 2017eventGeorge GomezpersonJack GuarnieripersonJaap NautapersonAndrew HeighwaypersonGerry StellenbergpersonJoe BalcerpersonPat Lawlorperson

Signals

  • ?

    business_signal: Dutch Pinball manufacturing dispute: contract manufacturer ARA held ~40 completed The Big Lebowski games hostage over €1,000 price increase

    high · 3pm seminar; Jaap Nauta detailed stalemate situation and pivot to new manufacturer VDL to raise capital

  • ?

    business_signal: Multimorphic announced first production run of P3 machines with contract manufacturer in Austin area, Q3 2017 delivery expected

    high · 12pm Multimorphic seminar by Gerry Stellenberg; eight production machines demonstrated at show in various configurations

  • ?

    community_signal: Extensive autograph sessions with pinball celebrities and designers drawing significant queues; industry figures present included Christopher Franchi (Batman 66 artist), John Trudeau, Mark/Steve Ritchie, George Gomez

    high · Post-seminar autograph table documented with multiple photos of queue and signings

  • ?

    event_signal: TPF 2017 included swap meet, tournaments with multiple divisions and trophies, seminars, autograph sessions, and documentary premiere creating multi-day community gathering

    high · Comprehensive event coverage documenting all major activities March 24-26, 2017

  • ?

    event_signal: Documentary premiere: 'Things That Go Bump In the Night: The Spooky Pinball Story' world premiere at TPF with filmmakers Joel and Dana Reeves present

    high · 8pm Saturday seminar slot; documentary screened again Sunday morning at 10am

Topics

Game Announcements and RevealsprimaryManufacturer Business UpdatesprimaryProduction and ManufacturingprimaryTournament CompetitionsecondaryPinball Design and EngineeringsecondaryIP Licensing and ThemessecondaryCommunity Events and ConventionssecondaryPinball History and Legacy Designersmentioned

Sentiment

positive(0.82)— Coverage is upbeat and celebratory of industry announcements and community gathering. Multiple game reveals and production milestones presented positively. Only negative note is Dutch Pinball's manufacturing dispute, but framed as resolved. Documentary premiere adds cultural legitimacy to the industry.

Transcript

raw_text · $0.000

**Date:** March 24th - 26th, 2017 **Location:** Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco, 7600 John Q. Hammons Drive, Frisco, TX 75034, USA **Welcome to the start of our coverage of the Texas Pinball Festival 2017. We have been regular attendees to the TPF for many years, and we are back in the familiar surroundings of the Embassy Suites hotel in Frisco, Texas.** The Carl Weathers here is usually pretty nice in March, but this year the Carl Weathers on Friday turned to dark clouds and scattered showers amidst the sunny intervals. ![The Embassy Suites in Frisco](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/1-4.jpg) *The Embassy Suites in Frisco* ![Any doubts we were at the right hotel were soon dispelled](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/4-4.jpg) *Any possible doubts we were at the right hotel were soon dispelled* Fortunately, the rain had cleared before a false fire alarm forced hotel guests outside while the fire marshall checked it was safe to return. ![Two fire trucks showed up](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/2-4.jpg) *Two fire trucks showed up* ![Apparently it wasn't a promotion for Ghostbusters pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/3-3.jpg) *Apparently it wasn’t a promotion for Ghostbusters pinball* The show opened at 5pm, but before that we got a behind-the-scenes look at the games and the people setting up. ![Immediately we are through the door we meet Jaap, Tommy, Suzanne and Andrew](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/5-4.jpg) *Immediately we are through the door we meet Jaap, Tommy, Suzanne and Andrew* ![Charlie from Spooky Pinball sets up the two The Jetsons pinballs along with a Rob Zombie and Domino's](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/6-4.jpg) *Charlie from Spooky Pinball sets up the two The Jetsons pinballs* *along with a Rob Zombie and Domino’s* Ultra-Violet light is often seen as detrimental to pinball artwork, but two games at the TPF are using UV to highlight playfield artwork and models. ![UV lighting for Attack from Mars and Ghostbusters](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/7-4.jpg) *UV lighting for Attack from Mars and Ghostbusters* And Attack from Mars is well represented on Chicago Gaming Company’s stand where three remake models are on display – one LE, one SE and one standard. They sit alongside a Medieval Madness remake. ![The Chicago Gaming booth](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/8-4.jpg) *The Chicago Gaming booth* ![Attack from Mars remake LE](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/9-4.jpg) *Attack from Mars remake LE* ![Attack from Mars remake LE](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/10-2.jpg) *Attack from Mars remake LE* ![Attack from Mars remake LE topper](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/11-2.jpg) *Attack from Mars remake LE topper* Elsewhere in the hall, machines were being set up for the start of the show. ![A display of home machines from Bally and Brunswick](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/12-2.jpg) *A display of home machines from Bally and Brunswick* In other areas of the show hall, machines were being put together. ![Assembling games for the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/13-2.jpg) *Assembling games for the show* ![More games arriving](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/14-2.jpg) *More games arriving* ![Just moving a game often creates problems](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/16-2.jpg) *Just moving a game often creates problems* ![CoinTaker had three Alien games awaiting set-up](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/15-2.jpg) *CoinTaker had three Alien games awaiting set-up* ![Marco had two Batman 66s and three Aerosmiths](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/17-2.jpg) *Marco had two Batman 66s and three Aerosmiths* ![Wizard Enterprises were building their display of lighted pinball items](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/18-2.jpg) *Wizard Enterprises were building their display of illuminated pinball items* ![Lots of pinball bling at Pinball Plating](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/19-2.jpg) *Lots of pinball bling at Pinball Plating* ![Brett Casey Butler of Clear Gem had generously brought his Batman 66 Super LE along for everyone to enjoy ](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/20-2.jpg) *Brett Casey Butler of [Clear Gem](http://www.ClearGem.com/) had generously brought his Batman 66 Super LE* *along for everyone to enjoy* ![Multimorphic had a large display of eight P3 machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/21-2.jpg) *Multimorphic had a large display of eight P3 machines* ![These were in addition to several P-ROC-based games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/22-1.jpg) *These were in addition to several P-ROC-based games* The tournaments were the first part of the show to open on Friday. Qualifying began at 11am in the tournament area at the front of the hall. ![Tournament qualifying is under way](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/23.jpg) *Tournament qualifying is under way* ![Tournament play on Friday afternoon](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/24-1.jpg) *Tournament play on Friday afternoon* ![Tournament trophies up for grabs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/27-1.jpg) *Tournament trophies up for grabs* ![Top trophies](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/25-1.jpg) *Top trophies* ![Trophies for the various divisions of play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/26-1.jpg) *Trophies for the various divisions of play* ![As usual, there was a raffle to win a new game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/28-1.jpg) *As usual, there was a raffle to win a new game* ![Lots of pinball swag available to buy](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/29-1.jpg) *Lots of pinball swag available to buy* Registration for the show could be done online or in person at the ticket counter located just outside the hall. ![The ticket counter](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/30-1.jpg) *The ticket counter* Just along from the ticket counter was Rob Anthony’s room where he had his usual assortment of pinball parts and a board repair service. ![Rob Anthony's Pinball Classics room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/31-1.jpg) *Rob Anthony’s Pinball Classics room* The TPF had a healthy schedule of seminars and screenings. They were mostly held in the seminar room at the far end of the building from where they would be streamed and recorded. ![The seminar room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/32-1.jpg) *The seminar room* However, the very first seminar was held in the bar area at 6pm on Friday to coincide with the manager’s reception which provided free drinks and snacks to hotel guests. 6pm – So You Think You Know Pinball? – Jonathan Joosten and Martin Ayub ![Jonathan and Martin ask the questions](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/33-1.jpg) *Jonathan and Martin ask the questions* This pinball quiz was run by the Editor of Pinball News, Martin Ayub and the Editor of Pinball Magazine, Jonathan Joosten. They asked guests to choose between two possible answers to pinball-related questions. Those who picked the right answer moved on to the next round, and as soon as there were around five players left, they all drew tickets for one of the many prizes donated by sponsors. ![Martin splits the players according to their answer choices](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/34-1.jpg) *Martin splits the players according to their answer choices* At 7pm, the seminars moved to the main seminar room with Dennis Nordman revealing just what he had been working on for the past couple of years. ![The seminar room audience](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/40-1.jpg) *The seminar room audience* All the presentations in the seminar room were captured on a web stream. On Friday there was a problem with the internet connection which made [live streaming](https://www.twitch.tv/texas_pinball) impossible, but the stream was recorded and should appear on YouTube in due course. 7pm: Another Homerun From… – Dennis Nordman ![Dennis Nordman](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/35-1.jpg) *Dennis Nordman* Dennis revealed the pitch and bat game he and Paul Reno developed a couple of years ago. It uses an established gameplay style, but adds some new features and retains some pinball-like elements to the design. He also introduced the team who had worked on the game and a second ‘zombiefied’ version with different artwork and sound calls. ![Dennis, Paul and the team](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/36-1.jpg) *Dennis, Paul and the team* The team then unveiled the game, and the second variant with the zombie theme. ![The baseball game is revealled](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/37-1.jpg) *The baseball game is revealed* ![The zombie-fied version](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/38-1.jpg) *The zombiefied version* ![Dennis with the game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/39-1.jpg) *Dennis with the game* Then came the seminar with the team from American Pinball. 8pm: American Pinball Update – American Pinball ![The American Pinball team (L-R)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/41-1.jpg) *The American Pinball team (L-R)* *Jeff Busch, Jim Thornton, Jolly Backer, Dhaval Vasani, Josh Kugler,* *Joe Balcer & Scott Goldberg* The team was here to unveil their new *Houdini* game which is a total redesign from the John Popaduik version of the game showed at Pinball Expo in October. Since then, Joe Balcer has created his own game design and the title has also changed slightly from *Houdini: Master Mystery* to *Houdini: Master of Mystery*. Before the reveal, Scott spoke about the company’s aims and the work they have been doing so far. Joe then talked about his concept for the game, some of the features and how they are linked to the theme, and introduced Jeff who created the artwork and Josh who programmed it. ![Joe Balcer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/42-1.jpg) *Joe Balcer* The game is still very much a work-in-progress with many hardware, software and artwork changes expected before it goes into production. However, we do know that the game runs on a P-ROC board and this will remain in the production version, with the team saying it makes sense for a rapid start-up company like American Pinball to get off the ground with an established and capable system rather than trying to develop their own from scratch. The game was then revealed. ![Joe removes the covers from the game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/43-1.jpg) *Joe removes the covers from the game* ![American Pinball's Houdini: Master of Mystery](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/44-1.jpg) *American Pinball’s Houdini: Master of Mystery* ![The game's backglass with the LCD monitor](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/45-1.jpg) *The game’s backglass with the LCD monitor* There was one final seminar on Friday, and this was with the actor who played Flash Gordon in the movie of the same name. 9pm: Q&A with Flash Gordon actor Sam J. Jones Sam spoke about his acting career including how he got the role in the Flash Gordon movie. ![Sam J. Jones](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/46-1.jpg) *Sam J. Jones* As it had been a long day and the session wasn’t strictly pinball-related we didn’t stay for the whole seminar. We also needed to prepare for Saturday’s full day of events which began bright and early at 8am. 8am: Swap Meet – DFW Pinball & Arcade Club This regular part of the TPF takes place in the car park at the back of the hotel, and is the opportunity for casual sellers to offer games, parts, paperwork and other gaming-related items. ![The Swap Meet at the rear of the hotel](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/47.jpg) *The Swap Meet at the rear of the hotel* ![Manuals, parts bins and playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/48-1.jpg) *Manuals, parts bins and playfields* ![Whole games and assorted parts at the swap meet ](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/49-1.jpg) *Whole games and assorted parts for sale* ![Each new seller's wares are closely inspected](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/50-1.jpg) *Each new seller’s wares are closely inspected* ![Previous years had seen rain and snow on the Saturday morning](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/51-1.jpg) *Previous years had seen rain and snow on the Saturday morning,* *but there was no such problems this year* ![Free pinball cabinets and backboxes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/52-1.jpg) *Free pinball cabinets and backboxes* The first of the day’s seminars began at 11am with Jim Schelberg’s latest Pinball in the Media presentation. 11am: Politically Provocative Pinball – Jim Schelberg ![Jim Schelberg](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/53-1.jpg) *Jim Schelberg* Jim showed a mix of classic and new media clips featuring pinball in one way or another, including several music videos and commercials. 12pm: Multimorphic and the P3: Game On! – Gerry Stellenberg Before the seminar got under way, Gerry invited everyone to enjoy some Texan BBQ food for lunch which he generously provided for all audience members. ![The queue for lunch](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/54-1.jpg) *The queue for lunch* ![Potato, corn, sausage, beef, turkey, onions, chilies, pickles and bread, all with BBQ sauce](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/55.jpg) *Potato, corn, sausage, beef, turkey, onions, chilies, pickles and bread,* *all served with BBQ sauce* ![All washed down with ice tea (natural or sweetened) ](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/56.jpg) *All washed down with ice tea (natural or sweetened)* After many years detailing the development and benefits of the P3 pinball platform, this year Gerry was able to announce that the first production run of P3 machines. ![Gerry announces details of the first production run ](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/58.jpg) *Gerry announces details of the first production run* He detailed how Multimorphic is working with a contract manufacturer in the Austin area so that the first run of machines and assemblies can be built, leading to the second run, orders for which were being taken now with expected delivery in Q3 2017. The first eight production machines were at the show set-up in various configurations to demonstrate the capabilities of the different playfield modules and games. ![Gerry Stellenberg](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/57.jpg) *Gerry Stellenberg* Gerry was joined on stage by Michael Ocean who uses the P-ROC and P3 to teach students to program a pinball game as well as working on some of the other P-ROC game projects out there, and BJ Wilson who talked about some of the P3 software features he has developed for Multimorphic. ![Michael Ocean and BJ Wilson](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/59.jpg) *Michael Ocean and BJ Wilson* Next onto the stage were two brothers with a long history in the pinball design business. 1pm: Growing up Ritchie – Mark and Steve Ritchie ![Mark Ritchie and Steve Ritchie](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/61.jpg) *Mark Ritchie and Steve Ritchie* Mark and Steve spoke about their upbringings, about how their father and mother behaved and instilled in them both certain values. They continued by describing how they each were introduced to arcade games and pinball in particular, and then how they both became involved in the pinball business, starting at Atari in California before moving to Chicago to join Williams. ![Mark and Steve](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/60.jpg) *Mark and Steve* They then took questions from the audience about events from their youth as well as the background to some of their more recent game projects. Earlier in the day Cassandra Peterson, who is perhaps better known as her alter ego *Elvira: Mistress of the Dark*, was at the show to meet fans and sign autographs for $20 each. A sizeable queue built up to meet Cassandra long before she arrived in the hall. ![The line to meet Cassandra](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/63.jpg) *The line to meet Cassandra* ![Cassandra signs Elvira-related items](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/62.jpg) *Cassandra signs Elvira-related items* After her appearance in the show hall, Cassandra then joined Greg Freres and Dennis Nordman – the design and art team behind the two Elvira-themed games – to talk about the design processes in a panel discussion hosted by Charlie Emery. 2pm: Getting Up with Elvira – Cassandra Peterson, Dennis Nordman, Greg Freres & Charlie Emery ![Charlie, Dennis, Cassandra and Greg](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/64.jpg) *Charlie, Dennis, Cassandra and Greg* Greg and Dennis described how the idea for the first Elvira game – *Elvira & The Party Monsters* – came up, and how they developed the characters in the game to appear alongside Elvira. ![Charlie, Dennis, Cassandra, Greg and a bunch of leapers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/66.jpg) *Charlie, Dennis, Cassandra, Greg are joined by a bunch of leapers* ![A packed seminar room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/65.jpg) *A packed seminar room* The big announcement was that Greg and Dennis’s second game following Whoa Nellie! would be their as-yet-unnamed third Elvira-themed game, following on from *Elvira & the Party Monsters* and *Scared Stiff*. ![Dennis & Greg announced joining up with Elvira again at the seminar hosted by Charlie Emery](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/67.jpg) *Dennis & Greg announced joining up with Elvira again* *at the seminar hosted by Charlie Emery* No date for the game was announced, but it is expected to be built by Stern Pinball as one of their ‘studio’ titles. Next onto the stage at Frisco was Jaap Nauta from Dutch Pinball. 3pm: Dutch Pinball Update – Jaap Nauta There was a lot of news, rumour and speculation surrounding Dutch Pinball’s *T*he Big Lebowski game, and Jaap was here to tell the story of what has happened to the both the game and the company. ![Jaap Nauta of Dutch Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/68.jpg) Jaap Nauta of Dutch Pinball Jaap related the history of the game, the agreements Dutch Pinball has with ARA to build the game, and how those agreements were broken when the price was increased by €1,000 and the agreement to build the remaining games as well as a number of Dutch Pinball’s second game was not kept. He said eventually Dutch Pinball had enough and couldn’t give in to ARA’s demands, which put them in a stalemate situation where ARA had around 40 completed games in their factory but wouldn’t release them until the new, higher price per game was paid. Jaap explained the Dutch legal process and said their intended way forward was to build their second title with a new contract manufacturer in the Netherlands called VDL, sell it, and raise enough operating capital to continue production of *The Big Lebowski* at VDL. Or maybe ARA would see reason and come to a deal. That second title hadn’t been announced until the TPF, but now it was revealed *as Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary.* *![The Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary logo](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/69.jpg)* *The Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary logo* This takes the *Bride of Pinbot 2.0* ruleset and builds upon it to produce a complete game with a new cabinet and remade playfield incorporating the 2.0 modifications. The playfield design is the same as the original *Bride of Pinbot*, but with updated inserts, display, lighting and sound. They plan to make up to 150 Super Limited Editions by the end of 2017, followed by a run of standard games and – hopefully – the remaining *The Big Lebowski* games. *[![The Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary translite](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/70.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/70a.jpg)* *The Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary translite [![Click to expand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/expand2.gif)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/70a.jpg)* The Super LE’s would have 100 machines sent to North A*merica and split between DP distributors CoinTaker and Nitro Pinball. The remaining 50 would go to the rest of the world. The first batch of 25 is scheduled for June 1017.* *![Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/71.jpg)* *Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary* The next speaker was Andrew Heighway of Heighway Pinball. 4pm: Heighway Pinball Update – Andrew Heighway *![Andrew Heighway](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/73.jpg)* *Andrew Heighway* Andrew was back at the TPF to bring the latest news from the Heighway Pinbal*l factory in south Wales and update us on progress on the company’s Alien Pinball title. Three Alien Pinball machines were in the show hall for guests to play.* *![The three Alien Pinball machines in the show hall](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/74.jpg)* *The three Alien Pinball machines in the show hall* Andrew talked about the new facilities at the company’s factory in Ebbw Vale and their production schedule for both *Alien* and *Full Throttle*. You can see Andrew show us around the Heighway Pinball factory in our exclusive Pinball News video shot right before the Texas show. The next speaker at this year’s TPF was Jack Guarnieri of Jersey Jack Pinball. 5pm: Jersey Jack Pinball Update – Jack Guarnieri *![Jack Guarnieri](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/75.jpg)* *Jack Guarnieri* Jack updated the seminar audience on the latest happenings at the Jersey Jack Pinball factory, including production details of *The Wizard of Oz*, *The Hobbit*, and shorty, *Dialed In!*. Regarding *Dialed In!*, Jack told how he and game designer Pat Lawlor met and agreed to collaborate on creating the company’s third title. Jack was joined on stage by Eric Meunier and Butch Peel from JJP who spoke *about the technical aspects of the game, including the lighting system and the upcoming manual for The Hobbit.* *![Eric Meunier and Butch Peel](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/76.jpg)* *Eric Meunier and Butch Peel* After Jack’s seminar there was an autograph session on a table outside the se*mi*nar hall. People queued with items to be signed – such as translites, backglasses, playfields and flyers – or simply to meet the pinball celebrities and talk about their work. ![The queue for the autograph table](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/77.jpg) T*he queue for the autograph table* *![John Trudeau signs a Ghostbusters plastic](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/78.jpg)* *John Trudeau signs a Ghostbusters plastic* ![Batman 66 artist Christopher Franchi signs a flyer for the game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/79.jpg) Batman 66 artist Christopher Franchi signs a flyer for the game *![Steve Ritchie, Mark Ritchie and George Gomez greet guests to the autograph session](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/80.jpg)* *Steve Ritchie, Mark Ritchie and George Gomez greet guests to the autograph table* Once the signing session was over, George Gomez took to the stage in the seminar room for his talk about the happenings at Stern Pinball. 7pm: Stern Pinball Update – George Gomez *![George Gomez](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/81.jpg)* *George Gomez* George told the audience about the games Stern Pinball currently has in production, and the different types of games the company produces which he separated into ‘Cornerstone’ titles – regular in-house designs – Studio Games brought to the company by external designers, Vault Titles remade from previous title when demand is seen, The Pin home models, Contract Games made for, and marketed by other companies, Virtual Games such as the *Stern Pinball Arcade* with Farsight, and their accessories business selling mods, clothing, collectibles and the like. ![George describes the different strands of the business](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/82.jpg) *George describes the different strands of the business* After George there was a break from the seminar format with the world premier of a new pinball documentary. 8pm: Official World Premier of ‘Things That Go Bump In the Night: The Spooky Pinball Story’ The full-length documentary details the creation and business expansion of Spooky Pinball in Benton, Wisconsin, USA through interviews with the team involved in starting and running the business, as well as those creating the games. ![Charlie Emery talks about founding the company](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/84.jpg) *Charlie Emery talks about founding the company* The film was made by Joel and Dana Reeves and they were here to talk about its creation, from concept to shooting and editing. ![Joel and Dana Reeves](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/83.jpg) *Joel and Dana Reeves* ![The audience for the documentary screening](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/85.jpg) *The audience for the documentary screening* After the documentary screening, there was a panel discussion with members of the Spooky team where the company’s next title was revealed as *Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle*. A teaser video has also been produced. For those otherwise engaged on Saturday evening, the documentary was repeated in the seminar hall at 10am on Sunday morning. Let’s return to the main show hall and see how the TPF looked on Saturday evening. ![Into the main show hall](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/185.jpg) *Into the main show hall* ![Nicolas and Timothie Manaud from Pinsound](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/86.jpg) *Nicolas and Timothie Manaud from* [*Pinsound*](https://www.pinsound.org/) ![They had several games fitted with PinSound boards](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/87.jpg) *They had several games fitted with PinSound boards* ![Including these Last Actionn Hero and Tommy games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/88.jpg) *Including these Last Action Hero and Tommy games* ![Game Over Videogames had classic consoles, handhelds and games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/89.jpg) *[Game Over Videogames](https://gameovervideogames.com/) had classic consoles, handhelds and games* ![Flip N Out Pinball had their Escalera stair-climbing handtrucks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/90.jpg) *[Flip N Out Pinball](http://www.flipnoutpinball.com/) had their Escalera stair-climbing handtrucks* ![This stall was selling pinball items to raise money for the family of Jimmy Hefne, owner of Metro Pinball and Video who passed away in October 2016](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/91.jpg) *This stall was selling pinball items to raise money for the family of Jimmy Hefner, owner of Metro Pinball and Video who passed away in October 2016* ![Spooky Pinball brought a Rob Zombie's Spookshow International, two The Jetsons and a Domino's Pizza pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/92.jpg) *[Spooky Pinball](http://www.spookypinball.com/) brought a Rob Zombie’s Spookshow International,* *two The Jetsons and a Domino’s Pizza pinball* ![The Jetsons](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/93.jpg) *T*he Jetsons ![The Spooky Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/96.jpg) *T*he Spooky Pinball stand ![KAHR.US Circuits were selling power supply boards amd volume controls for Williams games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/94.jpg) *[KAHR.US Circuits](http://tpf.kahr.us/) were selling power supply boards and volume controls for Williams games* ![Starship Fantasy had their usual large selection of pinball ramps, playfields and backglasses](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/95.jpg) *[Starship Fantasy](http://www.starship-fantasy.com/) had their usual large selection of pinball ramps, playfields and backglasses* ![Tim at Mezel Mods had numerous ways to enhance your game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/97.jpg) *Tim at [Mezel Mods](https://mezelmods.com/) had numerous ways to enhance your game* ![Lermods also wanted to make your game extra-special](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/98.jpg) *[Lermods](http://lermods.com/) also wanted to make your game extra-special* ![Some of Lermods illuminated add-ons](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/99.jpg) *Some of Lermods illuminated add-ons* ![Kimball's Pinballs was showing two super-blinged games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/100.jpg) *[Kimball’s Pinballs](http://www.kimballspinballs.com/) was showing two super-blinged games* ![Their Ghostbusters had numerous lighting enhancements](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/101.jpg) *Their Ghostbusters had numerous lighting enhancements* ![Playing games can be thirsty work, so there was a bar to provide refreshments](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/102.jpg) *Playing games can be thirsty work, so there was a bar to provide refreshments* ![For more solid refreshment there was also a snack bar](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/150.jpg) *For more solid refreshment there was also a snack bar* ![Prices at the snack bar](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/151.jpg) *Prices at the snack bar* ![Marco Specialties had three Aerosmith and two Batman 66 games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/162.jpg) *[Marco Specialties](http://www.marcospecialties.com/) had three Aerosmith and two Batman 66 games* ![Enjoying the new Aerosmith game on the Marco stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/161.jpg) *Enjoying the new Aerosmith game on the Marco stand* ![Marco Specialties also had a small selection of parts available](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/135.jpg) *Marco also had a small selection of parts available* ![Along with the games and parts Marco Specialties had Stern clothing](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/103.jpg) *Along with the games and parts Marco had Stern clothing* ![The Gulf Coast Pinball Club had a nice selection of quality games to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/104.jpg) *The [Gulf Coast Pinball Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GulfCoastPinballClub/) had a nice selection of quality games to play* ![Pinballz were promoting their three Austin arcade locations](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/105.jpg) *[Pinballz](http://www.pinballzarcade.com/) were promoting their three Austin arcade locations* ![Pinball Plating has lots of shiny and vivid pinball trim parts](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/106.jpg) *[Pinball Plating](http://www.pinballplating.com/) has lots of shiny and vivid pinball trim parts* ![Chrome and gold finishes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/148.jpg) *Chrome and gold finishes* ![Legs of many colours](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/149.jpg) *Legs of many colours* ![Double Danger had a big range of pinball T-shirts](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/107.jpg) *[Double Danger](http://www.ddpinball.com/) had a big range of pinball T-shirts* ![Devin Lawson of Spicy Donut was showing her artwork prints and posters](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/108.jpg) *Devin Lawson of [Spicy Donut](http://spicydonut.com/) was showing her artwork prints and posters* ![Total Pinball Restorations brought their Frontier and Flash Gordon projects](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/109.jpg) *[Total Pinball Restorations](http://totalpinballrestorations.com/) brought their Frontier and Flash Gordon projects* ![The DFW Pinball Arcade Club has a great display of pinballs and videos](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/110.jpg) *The [DFW Pinball Arcade Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dfwpinballclub/) has a great display of pinballs and videos* ![KingPin Games had the newest JJP titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/111.jpg) *[KingPin Games](http://www.kingpingames.net/) had the newest JJP titles* ![KingPin Games had two Dialed In! games which were in constant demand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/116.jpg) *KingPin Games had two Dialed In! games which were in constant demand* ![Fun! had a line-up of new and classic games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/113.jpg) *[Fun!](http://pinballandmore.com/) had a line-up of new and classic games* ![Fun! featured new Stern and JJP titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/114.jpg) *Fun! featured new Stern and JJP titles* ![Fun! were also showing the new Stern Pinball HD anti-glare glass](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/160.jpg) *Fun! were also showing the new Stern Pinball HD anti-glare glass* [![Here's a side-by-side comparison (HD glass on the left)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/166.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/166a.jpg) *Here’s a side-by-side comparison (HD glass on the left)* [*![Click to expand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/expand2.gif "Click to expand")*](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/166a.jpg) ![Fun! were also selling the new Attack from Mars remakes at $7,999 for the LE and $7,299 for the special edition](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/178.jpg) *Fun! were also selling the new Attack from Mars remakes at $7,999 for the LE and $7,299 for the special edition* ![Both had the high-resolution colour graphics](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/154.jpg) *Both had the large high-resolution colour graphics, although the standard edition at $6,499 has the original smaller monochrome display* ![Although there were some glitches, they generally looked very attractive](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/155.jpg) *Although there were some glitches, they generally looked very attractive* ![A look under the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/153.jpg) *A look under the playfield* ![American Pinball were debuting their Houdini game at the TPF](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/117.jpg) *American Pinball were debuting their Houdini game at the TPF* ![Game designer Joe Balcer and programmer Josh Kugler were on hand to talk about the game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/152.jpg) *Game designer Joe Balcer and programmer Josh Kugler were on hand to talk about the game* ![There were long lines to play the two Houdini games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/176.jpg) *There were long lines to play the two Houdini games* ![It's not all new games at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/119.jpg) *It’s not all new games at the show* ![You never know who you'll meet at the TPF](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/118.jpg) *You never know who you’ll meet at the TPF* ![Pinball Side Mirrors had some demonstrator games to showcase their products](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/120.jpg) *[Pinball Side Mirrors](http://www.pinballsidemirrors.com/) had some demonstrator games to showcase their products* ![Comic Wreck had books, posters and other prints of sci-fi or horror themes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/122.jpg) *[Comic Wreck](http://comicwreck.com/) had books, posters and other prints of sci-fi and horror themes* ![The Vector crew had an nice mix of electromechanical pinball and arcade games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/124.jpg) *The [Vector crew](https://dallasmakerspace.org/category/vector/) had an nice mix of electromechanical pinball and modern arcade games* ![This Polynesia game looked interesting but sadly seemed to be out of order throughout the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/123.jpg) *This Polynesia game on the Vector stand looked interesting but sadly seemed to be out-of-order throughout the show* ![Bob Herbison had some more of his wonderful EM restorations](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/121.jpg) *[Bob Herbison](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c7c45424e4d40406e434e6c4b414d4540024f4341) had some more of his wonderful EM restorations* ![This stand at the back of the hall is a regular fixture selling assorted marquees as well as manuals, plastics and all kinds of gaming paraphernalia](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/125.jpg) *This stand at the back of the hall is a regular TPF fixture selling assorted marquees as well as manuals, plastics and all kinds of gaming paraphernalia* ![Coin Taker had their regular LEDs but also games from Heighway Pinball and Dutch Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/128.jpg) *[Coin Taker](http://cointaker.com/) had their regular LEDs but also games from both [Heighway Pinball](http://www.heighwaypinball.com/) and* [*Dutch Pinball*](http://www.dutchpinball.com/) ![There were three Alien pinballsto play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/127.jpg) *There were three Alien pinballs to play* ![The long line to play them remained throughout the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/165.jpg) *The long line to play them remained throughout the show* ![CoinTaker also has the Dutch Pinball Brideo fo Pinbot 2.0 on which the new 25th Anniversary edition will be based](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/164.jpg) *CoinTaker also has the Dutch Pinball Bride of Pinbot 2.0 upon which the new 25th Anniversary edition will be based* ![Pinball Refinery had some nicely upgraded games on their stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/129.jpg) *[Pinball Refinery](http://mipinballrefinery.com/) had some nicely upgraded games on their stand* ![Chrome plating, powder coating, additional lighting and more](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/131.jpg) *Chrome plating, powder coating, additional lighting and more* ![Mirco Steffen was at the TPF selling reproduction playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/132.jpg) *[Mirco Steffen](http://highclasspinballs.com/) was at the TPF selling reproduction playfields* ![Pinball Wheezer were selling pinball appareil and cup holders](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/177.jpg) *[Pinball Wheezer](http://www.pinballwheezer.com/) were selling pinball apparel and cup holders* ![Tilt Graphics were promoting their big range of cabinet interior decals](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/130.jpg) *[Tilt Graphics](http://www.tiltgraphicsinc.com/) were promoting their big range of cabinet interior decals* ![William 'Bubba' Flint was presenting a selection of his artworks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/133.jpg) *[William ‘Bubba’ Flint](https://www.facebook.com/flintsworld) was presenting a selection of his artworks* ![Dennis Nordman's Gizmo Game Design presented the two pitch and bat games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/136.jpg) *Dennis Nordman, Paul Reno and Tom Taylor’s [Gizmo Game Design](https://www.gizmogamedesign.com/) company presented their two pitch and bat games* ![Titan Pinball were selling their silicone pinball 'rubbers'](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/138.jpg) *[Titan Pinball](https://www.titanpinball.com/) were selling their silicone pinball ‘rubbers’* ![The History of Pinball exhibit featured an array of pre-flipper mechanical games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/140.jpg) *The History of Pinball exhibit featured an array of pre-flipper mechanical games* ![No power needed to play these games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/139.jpg) *N*o power needed to play these games ![Goofy and Fleet](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/142.jpg) *Goofy and Fleet* ![Two table-top games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/141.jpg) *Two table-top games* ![Sam J. Jones was often to be found on his stand signing autographs and talking to guests](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/143.jpg) *Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon) was often to be found on his stand signing autographs and talking to guests* ![The Multimorphic stand was showing multiple P3 machines in various configurations to show off its capabilities](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/190.jpg) *The Multimorphic stand was showing multiple P3 machines in various configurations to show off its capabilities* ![Next to the Multimorphic stand was a row of P-ROC-powered custom games including this work-in-progress Total Annhiliation machine...](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/144.jpg) *Next to the Multimorphic stand was a row of P-ROC-powered custom games including this original work-in-progress Total Nuclear Annihilation machine…* ![...and two Buffy the Vampire Slayer machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/189.jpg) *…and two Buffy the Vampire Slayer conversion games* ![Doom was another P-ROC custom game on display](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/146.jpg) *Doom was another P-ROC custom game on display* ![The unreleased third Pinball 2000 title Wizard Blocks is being made using a P-ROC](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/147.jpg) *The un-released and un-finished third Pinball 2000 title, Wizard Blocks, is being made using a P-ROC* ![Passionately Rivalicious had a big selection of sports clothing](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/145.jpg) *[Passionately Rivalicious](http://www.passionatelyrivalicious.com/) had a big selection of sports clothing* ![This perspex Super Straight was a popular attraction](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/163.jpg) *This Perspex Super Straight was a popular attraction* ![The games were pretty busy throughout the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/181.jpg) *The games were pretty busy throughout the show* ![Although it was mostly about the pinball, there were plenty of video games too](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/180.jpg) *Although it was mostly about the pinball, there were plenty of video games too* ![Wizard Enterprises were showing their pop bumper nightlights and illuminated backglasses](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/179.jpg) *Wizard Enterprises were showing their pop bumper night lights and framed illuminated backglasses* ![Rockin' Robin were selling pop art posters](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/182.jpg) *[Rockin’ Robin](https://heyrockinrobin.tumblr.com/) were selling pop art posters* ![More shiny bling for your game at Pinball Plating and More](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/183.jpg) *More shiny bling for your game at* [*Pinball Plating and More*](http://pinballplatingandmore.com/) ![If you wanted an oscilliscope, multimeter, wave generator, logic probe or othertest equipment, Arcade Components had you covered](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/184.jpg) *If you wanted an oscilloscope, multimeter, wave generator, logic probe or other test equipment, [Arcade Components](http://www.arcadecomponents.com/index.html) had you covered* ![It's almost a tradition to pair these two at any pinball show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/187.jpg) *It’s almost a tradition to pair these two at any pinball show* ![VP Cabs had a gazebo display of assorted virtual pinball cabinets](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/186.jpg) *[VP Cabs](http://www.virtualpinballmachinesrus.com/) had a gazebo display of assorted virtual pinball cabinets* Here’s our exclusive Thirty Minute Tour video of the show hall which was shot on Sunday morning. | | | --- | | | | The Pinball News Thirty Minute Tour of the Texas Pinball Festival 2017 | At the end of the show on Sunday afternoon, there were numerous presentations for the Best-in-Show awards in various categories at a ceremony hosted by Ed Vanderveen and Bill Morrison. ![Plaques and rosettes for the winners](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/159.jpg) *Plaques and rosettes for the winners* ![Bill announces the winners](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/158.jpg) *Bill announces the winners* The awards were chosen by the TPF team of Bill Morrison, Keith Holbrook, Scott Martin and Rich Wiski and went to: | | | --- | | **Best Video Game** | | Star Wars – Kevin Moore | | | | --- | | **Best Antique** | | World’s Fair Jigsaw – Chris Schnick | | | | --- | | **Best 1960s** | | Cow Poke – Howard Isaacson | | | | --- | | **Best 1970s EM** | | Grand Prix – Lonnie & Robin McDonald | | | | --- | | **Best 1970s Solid State** | | Night Rider – Jeff Bolich | | | | --- | | **Best 1980s** | | Fathom – Wesley Goodin | | | | --- | | **Best 1990s** | | Congo – Lonny Payne | | | | --- | | **Best Modern** | | Iron Man – Gary Stuart | | | | --- | | **Best Original** | | Farfalla – Josh & Jennifer Tidmore | | | | --- | | **Best Restoration** | | Freddy: A Nightmare on Elm Street – West Texas Ballers | | | | --- | | **Best Custom** | | Buffy the Vampire Slayer – David Nelson | | | | --- | | **Grand Champion** | | The Machine: Bride of Pinbot – Kevin Moore | ![Kevin Moore receives his Grand Champion award](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/172.jpg) *Kevin Moore receives his Grand Champion award* ![The winning game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/173.jpg) *The winning game with hand-painted artwork* The show finished with draws for cash prizes for those who brought machines, and the grand Pinball for Patriots prize draw for a virtual pinball from VP Cabs. ![VP Cabs' virtual pinball machine](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/188.jpg) *VP Cabs’ virtual pinball machine* ![Ed looks for a volunteer to draw the prize](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/168.jpg) *Ed looks for a volunteer to draw the prize* ![The tickets are given a spin](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/170.jpg) *The tickets are given a spin* ![The winning ticket is picked](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/169.jpg) *The winning ticket is picked* ![The lucky winner takes home the VP Cabs game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/171.jpg) *The lucky winner takes home the VP Cabs game* The show then wrapped up and the breakdown of machines and stands could begin. ![Show's over folks!](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/174.jpg) *S*how’s over folks! ![Load 'em up!](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/175.jpg) *Load ’em up!* We’ll be back with to complete this report with the results of the tournaments and our closing thoughts, but until then we’ll just thank the Texas Pinball Festival organisers Ed, Kim, Paul and Ken for their help and hospitality. ![Ed & Kim Vanderveen, Paul McKinney and Ken Kemp](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/tpf-2017/167.jpg) *Ed & Kim Vanderveen, Paul McKinney and Ken Kemp*
Greg Freresperson
Dennis Nordmanperson
Cassandra Petersonperson
Stern Pinballcompany
Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP)company
Spooky Pinballcompany
Dutch Pinballcompany
American Pinballcompany
Multimorphiccompany
Heighway Pinballcompany
Chicago Gaming Companycompany
Mark Ritchieperson
Steve Ritchieperson
Houdini: Master of Mysterygame
Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castlegame
Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversarygame
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personnel_signal: Pat Lawlor collaborated with Jersey Jack Pinball and Jack Guarnieri on Dialed In! as JJP's third title

high · 5pm Jersey Jack Pinball Update; Jack Guarnieri described how he and Pat Lawlor 'met and agreed to collaborate'

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    announcement: Stern Pinball and designer collaboration: third Elvira-themed game announced with Greg Freres and Dennis Nordman, to be produced as Stern 'studio' title

    high · 2pm 'Getting Up with Elvira' panel; Cassandra Peterson (original Elvira actress) participated

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    announcement: American Pinball unveiled complete redesign of Houdini: Master of Mystery with new game design by Joe Balcer, using P-ROC platform

    high · 8pm American Pinball seminar; game revealed after detailed design philosophy presentation

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    announcement: Dutch Pinball revealed Bride of Pinbot 25th Anniversary as second production title, planned for up to 150 Super Limited Editions by end of 2017

    high · 3pm Dutch Pinball Update seminar; playfield design based on original Bride of Pinbot with 2.0 modifications

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    announcement: Spooky Pinball officially announced Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle as next title following The Jetsons

    high · Panel discussion after documentary screening revealed Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle with teaser video produced

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    product_strategy: Jersey Jack Pinball in active production/delivery of The Wizard of Oz and The Hobbit; manual development mentioned for The Hobbit

    high · 5pm Jersey Jack Pinball Update seminar with Jack Guarnieri, Eric Meunier, and Butch Peel

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    technology_signal: American Pinball's decision to use established P-ROC platform rather than develop proprietary board for startup efficiency and rapid deployment

    high · 8pm American Pinball seminar; team stated P-ROC 'makes sense for a rapid start-up company to get off the ground with an established and capable system'