Jun 12, 2026, Gary Stern, President of Stern Pinball in the Chicago suburbs, is 81. His Father, Sam Stern, founded the company.
I have always felt that there were many parallels between the Pinball and Slot Car businesses. An example being that early track lap counters used pinball rollover and scoring mechanisms.
I wanted to post this letter Gary wrote in 1999 as the pinball world was reeling from the closure of Williams Pinball. Many of us found out by reading rec.games.pinball on Usenet back then.
The industry has come a long way from the dark times in the fall of 1999.
The industry has come a long way from the dark times in the fall of 1999.
An Open Letter from Gary Stern (October 27th, 1999)
To: The Pinball Community
By now you have all heard the news regarding Williams' decision to exit the pinball business. Like all of you, we at Stern Pinball are saddened by this news. Williams has been a great competitor and a cornerstone of our industry for decades. Their departure marks the end of an era, but it does not mark the end of pinball.
I want to assure the operators, distributors, and players worldwide that pinball is not dead. Stern Pinball is fully committed to the future of this great game. We are here for the long haul.
By now you have all heard the news regarding Williams' decision to exit the pinball business. Like all of you, we at Stern Pinball are saddened by this news. Williams has been a great competitor and a cornerstone of our industry for decades. Their departure marks the end of an era, but it does not mark the end of pinball.
I want to assure the operators, distributors, and players worldwide that pinball is not dead. Stern Pinball is fully committed to the future of this great game. We are here for the long haul.
There is an irreplaceable magic to the real mechanical action of a pinball striking a rubber ring, flying up a metal ramp, and crashing into a target. No video simulation, no matter how advanced, can duplicate the physics, the tactile feel, and the pure excitement of a real silver ball in motion.
We believe that as long as there are people who love the unique thrill of physical skill games, there will be a market for pinball. We have a lean, dedicated team here in Chicago, and we are already hard at work on our upcoming titles. We are structuring our business to be profitable and sustainable in today's market conditions, ensuring that operators will continue to have reliable, high-earning, traditional pinball machines for their locations.
Do not lose heart. Pinball has survived transitions before, and it will survive this one. With your continued support, we will keep the silver ball rolling.
We believe that as long as there are people who love the unique thrill of physical skill games, there will be a market for pinball. We have a lean, dedicated team here in Chicago, and we are already hard at work on our upcoming titles. We are structuring our business to be profitable and sustainable in today's market conditions, ensuring that operators will continue to have reliable, high-earning, traditional pinball machines for their locations.
Do not lose heart. Pinball has survived transitions before, and it will survive this one. With your continued support, we will keep the silver ball rolling.
Sincerely,
Gary Stern > President, Stern Pinball, Inc.
Thoughts?
