News

Stern cites progress in flipper game renaissance

February 13, 2020

An international series of launch parties is planned for Stern's new Stranger Things flipper game beginning on Feb. 14, with events planned across the U.S. and in Finland, based on the hit Netflix series, according to the Stern of the Union report.

These events are hosted in conjunction with the International Flipper Pinball Association in Arlington Heights, Illinois and the Stern Army, Stern's official street team of brand ambassadors. The Army works in partnership with IFPA to organize tournaments and leagues in public locations.

The Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate New York, meanwhile, now offers a course on interactive games and media, Stern reported. For the final exam, students brought their creations to Rochester's Strong National Museum of Play and invited visitors to play their physical and virtual pinball machines. The museum, founded in 1969, houses the International Center for the History of Electronic Games and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. It opened a permanent exhibit called The Pinball Playfields early in 2016.

Stern Pinball advised flipper-game enthusiasts that its Black Knight Ransom Championship, a high-score tournament administered by the Stern Army, will end on Feb. 29, 2020. The tourney, organized by Stern and IFPA, is being played on Black Knight Sword of Rage Pro, Premium and LE machines. 

Stern Pinball offers flipper game enthusiasts the opportunity to become members of its Insider All-Access cohort. Annual dues are $29.99, and enrollment provides access to "everything Stern," including a Stern Insider All-Access Merchandise Box that contains an exclusive T-shirt and more; early access to the newest games and to Stern Insider-only events; and first dibs on limited-edition merchandise and giveaways. 

Also available only to All-Access Insiders is a tutorial series, "Sharpshooting with the Pros." The latest episode highlights tips and tricks for playing Stern's Jurassic Park game, plus a sneak peek at the final wizard mode, "Escape Nublar."