How these deals usually work is that you need "final" approval on what assets were used and how they were implemented. WMS (Scientific Gaming) wants to make sure that you're not using their marks anywhere or stepping on any properties in a way that they don't want. I can tell you from first hand experience that none of the lawyers at Scientific Gaming know much or care at all about pinball, however the red tape is standard for intellectual property. Pedretti Gaming (and company) also want that signoff/waiver of liability in the event that something comes into question down the road.

Most times you also want an idea of demand to see if its worth the investment, and you don't get an idea of that without some form of announcement/teaser media.

While licensing discussions are underway, you're still wanting to do some field testing to make sure the software/hardware stack holds up. Most times, studios will allow you to produce so many prototypes that are outside of the typical licensing agreement for this purpose. From there, you're working on a bare bones set of code, enough to give the player enough immersion into the theme with the plan to add on more assets later as the studio approves.

Glad to see this happening. Funhouse is definitely a favorite game of mine.

-- Jimmy