Now now... Back to the thread:
The licence for Stern to build more Stevie Ritchie 2012 design ACDC machines has expired. If Stern wanted to do a vault edition of that, it would require a new contract with ACDC. There is nothing stopping Stern doing that except that I expect ACDC would request new artwork to reflect where the band is today.
I was refereeing to a completely new playfield design, under a completely new licence.
Why is this a good idea for Stern:
- The ACDC theme is likely the largest selling pinball machine in the ‘hipster erra’. If a new ACDC theme produces 20% of sales of the 2012 licence, it would likely still be a solid production run.
- I would guess at least 20% of pinheads who bought 2012 ACDC would by a new ACDC.
- They already have a recent relationship with the ACDC licensee (presumably a good one).
Why is this good for ACDC:
- Any pinball is good for the licence, provide the artwork reflects what they want it to. A pinball machine is a billboard for the licenses. No licensee would say no to advertising that they get paid for, unless they feel it will harm their brand.
- ACDC have years between albums, and have a new line up. It would be in their interest to have a new ACDC machine themed on their current album Rock or Bust.
I never had interest in ACDC, until the I played the Stern pinball. From that I thought I’d buy and listen to their latest release Rock or Bust. I loved it. It’s the first album of theirs that I had ever heard and I’m now a fan. There would be more like me – why would ACDC say no. Why would any pinball company not pursue a new licence.
Admittedly, the pinball company may not like the idea of a rock pinball machine that is specific to a single album. But in this case you could really do another ACDC ‘greatest hits’ theme, as was done for the 2012 machine. A RoB is an opportunity for the first time ever that a complete album was put onto a pinball machine.
I did pass on some of these thoughts to Stern a few months ago. I didn’t get a response, and nor did I expect a response. But with Crafty has a ‘portal’ to Stern, and if enough interest is shown here (or pinside), then perhaps we should push for it. If there is a good vibe for a RoB, I expect Stern (or any pinball manufacture) would like to know.
…and what is an extra: Everyone named Rob would find it interesting! [ie RockOrBust = ROB].
