Dark day for Pinball

[Strangeways]

Looks like the hard economic times have hit Stern Pinball, the only manufacturer of Pinballs left in the world. No official word yet, but the rumor is that some of the design team have been laid off due to the economic downturn. Very sad news for those affected and I can only hope that it is not the "start of the end" for Stern.

I don't own any later Stern Pinballs, but I've played most of them - and it would truly be sad if CSI is their last game.

No official word as yet, but I think there is more to this developing story.

[felixthadog]

Very sad news for those affected and I can only hope that it is not the "start of the end" for Stern.

I too hope this is just a downsizing exercise, otherwise the future of pinball will be very bleak indeed  #$#

Matthew

[Extra Ball]

Even if they shut down there is still other pinball industry thriving. The focus would move to the commerce of keeping what machines there are alive.
we would hope!

[Strangeways]

I think the industry will still survive. It is just sad that the last mass producer of Pinballs may be on the road to closing down. Stern do manufacture redemption machines, and it is a bigger money earner than pinballs.

Older machines will still change hands and the containers will still flow into Australia. I guess the disappointment could be that no NEW games / themes will eventuate.

[Strangeways]

Reported on www.pinballnews.com

http://www.pinballnews.com/news/sterncuts.html

[pinnies4me]

Hopefully just a sensible downsizing for the economic climate - see this article quoting GS http://www.pinballnews.com/news/sterncuts.html

[Pinball Fixers]

I do think that out-sourcing pinball design, coding and other parts like that is a good idea these days.

It's a shame though that some of the people that have been there since the Data East days are allegedly gone...

I'd say in the coming weeks we will see what Gary's plan is for the company to continue manufacturing pinballs.

[ktm450]

Very disappointing outlook for the future of pinball
Might have to rely on Nick and Nuggy for future NIB pins

[Strangeways]

Very disappointing outlook for the future of pinball
Might have to rely on Nick and Nuggy for future NIB pins

Need to get Gary Stern, CI Team and Nucore in the same room methinks...