Gary Stern talking at the U.K. South Coast Slam last weekend 24/01/10

[Replicas]

Hi all
Thought I would post this from the South Coast Slam that we held last weekend in Worthing. Gary was over for the big techno show in London, but took time out to pop on down to look in and give a talk, Met the guy and had a interesting conversation with the guy. He was a true gent, walking around talking pinball and shaking peoples hands as well as enjoying a few games of pinball.
One of our members filmed the talk from the rear of the room so you might need to turn up your volume to hear it.
As soon as I find soom pictures of the event I will post them up.
Enjoy
Part#1
http://s85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/rusolinio/?action=view&current=00021MTS.flv
Part#2
http://s85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/rusolinio/?action=view&current=00022MTS.flv
Part#3
http://s85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/rusolinio/?action=view&current=00023MTS.flv
Darren.

[ajlaird]

Some great insights here into Stern's philosophy and strategies for making pinball machines.

Key points for me were:

• the acknowledgement that the home market is a critical factor for Stern's survival
• having an investor on board to allow for continued viability, and 'right-sizing' the company to allow it to survive
• trying to broaden the player base by creating machines accessible to the casual player but still appealing to the enthusiast
• keeping costs down by simplifying design to one unique toy per machine
• an increased emphasis on marketing

Another thing I find very interesting was that Stern will buy up licences but may not get to use them - Avatar being a case in point. They actually had Steve Ritchie working on an Avatar design but when it became apparent that they would not be able to complete the machine before the movie was released they canned it.

[Caveoftreasures]

I think they should still make an AVATAR pinball. I am sure the colours would be like Circus Voltaire. You will need sunglasses (not 3d. lol) to look at it.

STERN can still make some great pins without licences i reckon. They need AUSTRALIANS over there on their design/think tank team.

After all, we are a huge market for the USA Stern. 

[EricPinball]

If you like i have some pictures of the saterday

http://gallery.me.com/ericandries#100066