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Stern’s Venom Pinball Set to Make Waves at Comic-Con

July 12, 2023 By ausretrogamer

Hands up who is going to the Comic-Con International in San Diego next week? If you are, we are very very jelly! Why? Well, apart from being at one of the best Cons in the world, there will also be a new pinball machine unleashed by Chicago based Stern Pinball!

Speculation surrounding the release of Venom, a game that has been shrouded in secrecy for some time, is finally reaching its climax as the renowned comic book-themed pinball machine is set to be revealed at Comic-Con (July 20-23). Designed by the esteemed Brian Eddy, with art by the talented Zombie Yeti, this game has been patiently awaiting its moment in the spotlight.

Sources close to the industry have revealed that Venom was actually ready for launch earlier, but it was shelved temporarily to ensure that James Bond 007, a crucial release for the brand’s 60th anniversary, hit the market on schedule. The strategic decision to prioritize the iconic secret agent’s milestone celebration undoubtedly raised the anticipation surrounding Venom’s unveiling even higher.

Brian Eddy (L) and Dwight Sullivan (R) with Brian’s sophomore Stern title, The Mandalorian

In an exciting turn of events, Orange County Pinballs, a trusted distributor, has confirmed that attendees at Comic-Con will have the opportunity to get their hands on the new cornerstone game. However, contrary to earlier reports, demo games from the show will not be available at a discounted price. It seems that eager fans will have to wait a little longer to bring the pinball action home, as production of the game is projected to commence in September. Nevertheless, the chance to experience Venom firsthand at the convention is an opportunity not to be missed.

Comic-Con attendees are in for a treat as the event’s program guide reveals a must-attend seminar titled “Into the Pinverse: From Comic Book to Pinball.” Scheduled for July 20 at 2:30 PM Pacific Time, the seminar promises a captivating moderated Q&A session featuring industry heavyweights such as Seth Davis (CEO of Stern Pinball), Zach Sharpe (head of Marketing), and Brian Eddy (lead game designer). Pinball enthusiasts and comic book aficionados alike can look forward to gaining unique insights into the creative process behind bringing these beloved characters to life on the pinball stage.

As the excitement builds to a crescendo, Stern Pinball has stoked the flames of anticipation by releasing a tantalizing teaser video for their upcoming game. The footage confirms the long-standing rumor that Venom will indeed be the star of the show, setting pulses racing with its intense gameplay and captivating visuals. To further ignite fans’ fervor, a very limited number of Venom LE (Limited Edition) pinball machines will be available for purchase exclusively on the Stern Store, providing an exclusive opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike to own a piece of pinball history.

The countdown to Comic-Con begins, and pinball enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the reveal of Stern Pinball’s Venom. With a dream team of designers and artists behind the scenes, this new cornerstone title is poised to make waves and leave a lasting impact on the industry. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the pinball universe braces itself for an electrifying new addition.




Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: Art, Brian Eddy, Chicago, Comic Con, Hosting Soon, Marvel, MCU, pinball machine, San Diego, San Diego Comic-Con, SDCC, SDCC 2023, Stern Pinball, Venom, Venom LE, Venom Pinball, Venom Premium, Venom Pro, Zombi Yeti

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game – Official Trailer

February 16, 2023 By ausretrogamer

The official trailer for Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game premiered today on the leading entertainment site, IGN. Watch the trailer below now!


source: IGN

Written and directed by The Bragg Brothers (Austin and Meredith Bragg), Pinball is based on the true story of Roger Sharpe, the GQ journalist and real-life pinball wizard, who in 1976 helped overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball. The film’s all-star cast is led by Mike Faist (Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story), Crystal Reed (Teen Wolf, Swamp Thing), and Dennis Boutsikaris (Better Call Saul, The Bourne Legacy).

The award-winning film will be released in select theaters and on your favorite streaming platforms, including Apple TV, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play, beginning March 17, 2023.

Get flippin’ 😉

[press release supplied by MPI Original Films]




Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Bragg Brothers, Chicago, Crystal Reed, Film, Geek, GQ, Mike Faist, Movie, MPI, New York City, pinball, pinball film, pinball machine, pinball player, Pinball The Man Who Saved The Game, Roger Sharpe

Pinball Expo 2022 – The Homebrew Pinball Machines

October 24, 2022 By ausretrogamer

If you are into pinball and were in Chicago this past weekend, you would’ve no doubt attended Pinball Expo!

Being one of the larger pinball events in the world, among the many things to see, do and play is the homebrew section. The homebrew machines are so good these days that it could lead to a pinball designer gig at one of the many pinball manufacturers in North America – just ask Ryan McQuaid (Sonic Spinball) and Mark Seiden (Metroid Pinball), both are now pinball designers at American Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball respectively!

For Pinball Expo 2022 there were quite a few eye popping and amazing homebrew pinball machines designed and built by enthusiasts that we just had to share with you all. Licensing notwithstanding, do you see any you would like being mass produced? We love the look of Elf, Pokemon and League of Legends!

image source: Pinball Expo via Facebook




Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: American Pinball, Chicago, diy, Homebrew Pinball, homemade pinball machines, Jersey Jack Pinball, League of Legends pinball, Metroid pinball, pinball, Pinball Expo, pinball expo homebrew, sonic spinball, Spooky Pinball, Stern Pinball

Ah the 1980s, We Miss You So Much!

March 27, 2018 By ausretrogamer

Gotta share this video that was posted by video game history guy, John Anderson. Using John’s words, this is, “A 1981 TV news report by WMAQ-TV in Chicago about the makers of Defender (Williams Electronics) and inside the Midway factory assembling Pac-Man arcade cabinets (350 a day!)”.

Ah the 80s, we definitely miss you so much!

A 1981 TV news report about the makers of Defender (Williams Electronics) and inside the Midway factory assembling Pac-Man arcade cabinets (350 a day!) from WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Via: The Museum of Classic Chicago Television. pic.twitter.com/x3fayTqlJw

— John Andersen (@JohnAndersen21) December 18, 2017

source: John Anderson via Twitter

 

Filed Under: History, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 1980s, 80s, 80s arcade, Arcade, Arcade Machines, Chicago, Classic Games, Defender, Galaga, Galaxian, Namco, Old School, Pac-Man, Retro Gamers, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, shmups, Taito, Video Games, vintage games, Williams Electronics

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