I'd like to see them mix it up and do a widebody. Maybe use some newer technology to bring them up to today's standards. Everything today is networked and computer based. I'd like to see a new platform that connects to the internet and allows for online tournaments and auto updates. Add more RGB LEDs and a big screen.

Can't see why. They've made some AMAZING pins the last 10 years. But hey, to each his own.

I said before in past threads that I hope Stern makes every successful pin in their now "Vault" collection. All I care about is them staying a very healthy company financially so they stay around hiring people and making amazing pins for generations to come.

Why would they change to a "new" business model when the current one seems to be working so well (at least as far as us outsiders can tell)?

As much as you may not like their recent offerings, many don't seem to share that opinion.

I'm kind of stoked to see 2 new titles per year, along with a yearly "Vault" release, and the number of people discussing what they want to see come out of the vault next seems to show I'm not the only one.

As far as the MMr's, seems like a great way to infuse a bit of cash to the bottom line between releases (new and vault).

I think they did a great job on Metallica forced me to buy my first stern nib le. Couldn't be happier

I'd like to see that as well. Looking forward to what Pat designs for JJP .

Widebody? I threw-up in my mouth..

Should Pinside seek a new troll model?

No

What does you not liking their games have to do with their business model?

Yes, but they should offer a web portal for ordering translites, shirts and other cool things. On games they should make a killer pro and cosmetically different LE. Any pro could be made with modular upgrades that can be purchased to make it more LE like. For instance add on toys.

This keeps production optimized etc..,

You must be missing the boat big time!! Most of newer Stern games are a blast to play with much deeper rule sets and such from earlier games. There business model is fine, they are making hand over fist!!!

I wish they'd stop making good games. I want to buy them all but don't have the cash.

I like what they are doing atm.

New pins AND reruns of popular tables. Everybody wins (except "pinvestors").

I like many of Stern's newer games. The main thing I would change is to slow down the introduction of new titles to allow more time for software development. It's hard to wait a year for a game to become fully functional--if it happens at all. I don't mind--indeed, I greatly appreciate--updates and bug fixes, but I wish the company put more emphasis on getting things right before moving on to the next pin. I understand that this is unlikely since they'd make less money, at least so long as we continue to buy their product in an unfinished state.

Honestly, I haven't been too excited with too many of Stern's releases in the past several years. Many of them seem to just recycle previously used layouts.

However, yes, there have been a few really good ones sprinkled in between the "ho-hum" tables.

I think this is an awful idea. Couple remakes here and there, fine, but why look back? Move forward. If you think their recent pins aren't very good then we simply don't agree about what makes good pinball, I think they've made some absolutely great ones.

Luckily there's zero chance of them doing anything of the sort.

Really? Some of the best games are widebody / Superpins IMO. I love STTNG, IJ, TZ, Road Show. Those are some of the top rated games of all time. Maybe I'm predigest because my first game was a Superpin.

Maybe I'm missing something then. I haven't had a chance to play Metallica yet, but I think I've played all of the other recent releases, and I haven't found one that I thought was worth more than a couple of plays. Yes, that's one man's opinion, but while I was at the Pinball Wizard Arcade in NH last weekend (great place btw) there were lots of folks playing WOZ and the classic B/W releases, while the Stern games sat right next to the door basically unused, so I can't be the only one who feels the way I do.

So, you're saying you don't like TSPP, RIBION, LOTR, POTC, AC/DC, Tron, TF, SM, FG, IM, AV, X-Men and who know's what other awesome pins I forgot???

I respect everyone's likes and dislikes, but seriously!? To make the blanket statement you made bro tells me that you're nothing more than a straight up Stern hater and nothing more.

Sorry bro, but Jersey Jack would thumbs you down too if he came in here.

Again, this has nothing to do with their business model. You started a thread about Stern's business model and you're debating everything but.

Come to pinballz arcade in Austin. WOZ gets almost no play when I am there and most of the Sterns are up front at the doors and are being played all the time. Doesn't mean anything and doesn't mean WOZ is a bad machine either. Just giving a different perspective.

I really like the current model. Some hate the 3 versions but being someone that can't afford to "keep up with the Jone's" I need to Pro model I also like that they are planning on making some popular games again to as that means I may be able to afford a lot of pins that before were financially out of reach for me.

Maybe it would help us understand, what are your 5 favorite pins to play?

Edit - I see your collection is mainly EM type machines. This is may be why you don't like Stern games. You seem to be more traditional with pinball. I would say it's due to $$$ but being you own TAF DMD games are in your reach $$$ wise.

But he says he is not trolling....snarf snarf

There business model is working fine. They have survived when others can't or won't. They have employed alot of people and created alot of jobs. To me its a success. Tough act to follow too.

What is needed is what is currently happening: pinball is having a resurgence and Stern are subject to some compelling competition that they haven't seen in the last 15 years. They are also seeing big increases in demand for their games and have ramped up production in response. This is awesome for the industry IMO and will naturally lead to more rapid improvement and increasing likelihood that they try new things.

I think reproducing catalogue titles is a great way to keep their production busy and satisfy the demand from a different segment of the market.

TSPP: It's ok
RBION: It's ok
LOTR: Awesome
POTC: Haven't played
AC/DC: It's ok
Tron: Looks nice, but meh.
TF: Haven't played.
FG: Haven't played
IM: Haven't played, but really want to
SM: Meh.
AV: It's ok.
X-Men: It's ok.
HRC: It plays well, but I'm not crazy about a casino pinball theme.
T3: It's ok
Metallica: Pretty good.
Star Trek: It's ok.
24: Not bad. Interesting layout and toys.
Shrek: Pretty good.
BBH: It's ok.
HD: It's ok.
IJ: Haven't played

For the record, I enjoy the comic book character themes, sci-fi themes, and music themes, but am not thrilled with the end result of some of the tables. They're ok, entertaining to play on occasion, but not something I'll play over and over and over again. They seem to lack the fun element.

That's easy, you just don't want to hear it: they built better rules. Turns out that creates the opposite effect of your opening post, rather than just being fun for a couple quarter drops in an arcade they have long lasting appeal in a home collection. You can play them over and over and find more things to do, new strategies, harder challenges to try and conquer.

I love Bally/Williams games, and I could write an essay about the things Stern does wrong, how they handle the art, etc. But they're simply making better games if you're a game player.

I'm guessing you're not much of a player, and that's fine, you can enjoy this hobby in lots of ways. I'm down for remakes to exist with new titles, whatever the market wants, keep the games and spirit alive for everyone. But don't try and unilaterally turn back the clock.

^Agreed.^

I'd like to make this disclaimer, I LOVE JJP. He's great for our hobby & I think WOZ is a fantastic machine. I also think Hobbit will be even better. BUT, if you're a JJP lover, the LAST thing you should do is question Stern's business model.

BTW, if you look around REAL HARD, you may find a couple of threads with some people just a little upset with JJP's business model. Just sayin'.

I'm almost the exact opposite of what you think, to each his own though...

No looking back, lets keep the trend going for cool, new games.

I sold all my 90's DMD Bally/Williams for the great new Stern titles. Although there is some good 90s stuff, I don't see selling the current Stern titles (AC/DC, MET, Tron, ST, Mustang, etc..) and going back to the Bally/WMS 90s titles. Even what used to be some of my favorite 90s DMD titles just seem too dated now, and I don't have room to keep everything forever.

That being said, I still have a boat load of System 11s that aren't going anywhere.

... and okay, I still have my FT.... I like that game.

Okay boss.

Oh really.

It can be hard to capitalize the R&D costs that went into games like TZ, RS, etc, without having higher prices like WOZ.
It is a toss up between the needs of the market.
Ops, that need cost effective machines to get a return on Investment.
Themed games. that have costs in licensing.
and Regular players/owners, like here on Pinside, where we all have unique tastes.

i too, would like to see things in Innovation. Be it toys, motion sensors, fiber optics, under playfield grid sensors,
even troubleshooting...like WOZ, or Capcom years ago.
All it takes is money, and a market willing to pay for it.

They make decisions now, to be profitable, and to keep people employed at a wage that is competitive.

Id be confident in saying, that no matter what they do, there will always be a "taste great, less filling"
debate.

So for the Op, that isnt a fan of Sterns, and we have many here in Florida, and have had this discussion many times, the answer is for yourself...dont buy them or play them.

But most others are here to disagree, and few would take an arm chair critics position to suggest that the company should change to fit the minority in their needs.

If they can profit from a remake, as we see now, and licensing works, then for money, it will be done.
But other markets do want new, and it seems to suggest they abandon that wont be happening anytime soon.

If it walks like a troll sounds like a troll and smells like a troll.... well then

It is a troll ~

Unfortunately, "Original Titles" would lead to their demise. The "Licensed" model has kept them going for the last 10 years. It has also led to growth in the industry by getting more people interested in looking at pinball machines such as Metallica, Star Trek and AC/DC fans.

As far as I'm concerned, there is no need to hire "some new designers." They have some of the greatest designers in history.

I do, however, wish they would budget a little more money for more creative toys and more sophisticated features.

That sounds like something the Riddler would say.

Now that's a post about business models.

I appreciate your take on those games and like I always say, to each his own. So it's all good.

My suggestion for you...call up Stern and get them to hire you as a game designer. The games you would design would be truly ground breaking and amazing bro. I'm not kidding or being sarcastic either. I would love to see your ideas put into a pin. That would be an incredible machine indeed.

If it ain't broke, why try to fix it?

In case you have been living under a rock, Stern is expanding its operations, which is more than can be said for Jersey Jack at this point in time, in spite of the different technologies used by each manufacturer.

Frankly, I find it laughable that many people on this forum seem to think they know how to do Garry's job better than he does.

I say no but I would like to see them focus on 2 titles a year, invest more feature wise into both games (mainly at Premium / LE level to create more value) and focus on cranking out updates for games. Also if they are not moving towards an LCD for the display a color DMD would be nice.

Class is in session people. Take notes. You can learn a LOT from the OPG.

I personally don't see the draw to widebody. Awkward, slower, and I can fit less of them in my basement.

What's is the big upside? Back when playfields were practically 2 dimensional, I can see the attraction, but not on modern games.

I dislike Taco Bell.
Therefore they should change their business model and sell chicken.

Mr. Sulu, lock phasers on this thread and fire!