Quoted from CrazyLevi:

In five years he’ll be talking shit about JJP to any two-bit podcaster who asks.

Quoted from shovelhed:

Just got done playing Star Wars and Spiderman for the last 3 hours. Steve’s pins are just magical flow monsters. No doubt in my humble opinion he’s simply the best. Never thought I would buy a jjp again but Steve gives me hope

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

*Rant post incoming, I apologize in advance lol.
Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices. Modern pinball machines are insanely priced, $6k - $10k+ is a crazy amount of money for a pinball machine of all things. At those prices there's no excuse for a game not to be loaded, to have multiple 3D molds, interactive mechs, full RGB lighting etc.
The fall back stance for some is "All that stuff doesn't make a game fun". Ok, so by that analogy would you pay $50k for a base Mustang just cause it's fun to drive? Would you pay $50 for a pint of Ben and Jerry's simply because it taste good? Hell no you wouldn't lol. There lies the issue with Stern and it's not fun factor (they are a blast to play) but rather that their prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc. I wanted to say consistently as I don't know how Stern can price all of their games the same (the cornerstone games) while some clearly have more features, and code then others.
It's being rumored that Stern is abought to raises prices from $500 - $1k+ based on model to match JJP pricing. Stern can of course do that but they are not matching the JJP feature set (mechs, full RGB lighting, variety of 3D molds), cabinet quality, and game hardware. Going back to the Mustang analogy it would be as if Ford suddenly raised the base price of a Mustang GT from $35k to $60k just because that's what GM charges for a Corvette...then not improving the base vehicle to make it comparable.

Quoted from BrianJ1337:

I don’t think they should match JJP pricing and at the same time I think JJP needs to have better quality control.
I still think it’s fair for JJP to ask for higher pricing on their machines compared to Stern as is.
The asking prices are based off inflation and due to the cost of goods going up in general I think it’s happening in most industries at the moment. Maximizing profits is the nature of the business and the consumer usually pays the price one way or another.
As someone who works in a creative field I understand what that can do to a person over time. Steve will encounter many of the same issues in his new spot (“how can we maximize profits?”), but he’ll have a much higher ceiling now to create under which is awesome and honestly I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do!

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

*Rant post incoming, I apologize in advance lol.
Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc.

Quoted from YeOldPinPlayer:

Notice your claimed deficiencies haven't impacted sales yet. When the tables aren't selling Stern will take more steps to increase sales.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

*Rant post incoming, I apologize in advance lol.
Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices. Modern pinball machines are insanely priced, $6k - $10k+ is a crazy amount of money for a pinball machine of all things. At those prices there's no excuse for a game not to be loaded, to have multiple 3D molds, interactive mechs, full RGB lighting etc.
The fall back stance for some is "All that stuff doesn't make a game fun". Ok, so by that analogy would you pay $50k for a base Mustang just cause it's fun to drive? Would you pay $50 for a pint of Ben and Jerry's simply because it taste good? Hell no you wouldn't lol. There lies the issue with Stern and it's not fun factor (they are a blast to play) but rather that their prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc. I wanted to say consistently as I don't know how Stern can price all of their games the same (the cornerstone games) while some clearly have more features, and code then others.
It's being rumored that Stern is abought to raises prices from $500 - $1k+ based on model to match JJP pricing. Stern can of course do that but they are not matching the JJP feature set (mechs, full RGB lighting, variety of 3D molds), cabinet quality, and game hardware. Going back to the Mustang analogy it would be as if Ford suddenly raised the base price of a Mustang GT from $35k to $60k just because that's what GM charges for a Corvette...then not improving the base vehicle to make it comparable.

Quoted from Elvishasleft:

Thats my favorite part of these type of comments... people ignore the fact that Stern games are selling out and backordered and have been for how long?
Bitch all you want about lack of "stuff" in the games way more people are happily buying them than complaining.
Not every one cares how much crap is stuffed in a cabinet if the game sucks.
Star Wars got tons of shit when it came out for being barren but id own or play that game before any JJP.
I hope SR can bring that kind of playability and speed to a JJP game.... its needed.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

*Rant post incoming, I apologize in advance lol.
Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices. Modern pinball machines are insanely priced, $6k - $10k+ is a crazy amount of money for a pinball machine of all things. At those prices there's no excuse for a game not to be loaded, to have multiple 3D molds, interactive mechs, full RGB lighting etc.
The fall back stance for some is "All that stuff doesn't make a game fun". Ok, so by that analogy would you pay $50k for a base Mustang just cause it's fun to drive? Would you pay $50 for a pint of Ben and Jerry's simply because it taste good? Hell no you wouldn't lol. There lies the issue with Stern and it's not fun factor (they are a blast to play) but rather that their prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc. I wanted to say consistently as I don't know how Stern can price all of their games the same (the cornerstone games) while some clearly have more features, and code then others.
It's being rumored that Stern is abought to raises prices from $500 - $1k+ based on model to match JJP pricing. Stern can of course do that but they are not matching the JJP feature set (mechs, full RGB lighting, variety of 3D molds), cabinet quality, and game hardware. Going back to the Mustang analogy it would be as if Ford suddenly raised the base price of a Mustang GT from $35k to $60k just because that's what GM charges for a Corvette...then not improving the base vehicle to make it comparable.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

*Rant post incoming, I apologize in advance lol.
Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices. Modern pinball machines are insanely priced, $6k - $10k+ is a crazy amount of money for a pinball machine of all things. At those prices there's no excuse for a game not to be loaded, to have multiple 3D molds, interactive mechs, full RGB lighting etc.
The fall back stance for some is "All that stuff doesn't make a game fun". Ok, so by that analogy would you pay $50k for a base Mustang just cause it's fun to drive? Would you pay $50 for a pint of Ben and Jerry's simply because it taste good? Hell no you wouldn't lol. There lies the issue with Stern and it's not fun factor (they are a blast to play) but rather that their prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc. I wanted to say consistently as I don't know how Stern can price all of their games the same (the cornerstone games) while some clearly have more features, and code then others.
It's being rumored that Stern is abought to raises prices from $500 - $1k+ based on model to match JJP pricing. Stern can of course do that but they are not matching the JJP feature set (mechs, full RGB lighting, variety of 3D molds), cabinet quality, and game hardware. Going back to the Mustang analogy it would be as if Ford suddenly raised the base price of a Mustang GT from $35k to $60k just because that's what GM charges for a Corvette...then not improving the base vehicle to make it comparable.

Quoted from zombieyeti:

I do have better things to do - but I can rant too
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I need to interject as I like Steve and consider him a friend - but am pretty disappointed in his choice to throw shade in this way to give fuel to any false argument… I do realize that his take is simply jjp-friendly marketing/buzz propaganda. It was a jjp podcast after all…
He has a new signature on his checks now - he has to get you excited - all part of the deal I’m sure. And that’s perfectly fine btw.
But taking this opportunity to paint an anti-stern sentiment is dishonest and intentionally misleading. (Not saying Steve’s intent was this)
First off - creative problem solving is what pinball is all about. Please just look at any Elwin game as an example. Elwin projects have had the shortest development times (7months tops) while Steve’s have had the longest (12 months minimum).
Secondly, Designers choose their licenses and lead the projects direction. Not all licenses are equal in flexibility.
Thirdly, Stern mgmt doesn’t come in and stir the pot for a few extra bones. That is a fantastic myth I see purported as fact on pinside far too often.
In fact - George is notorious for giving his designers more than what they need to see their vision come to fruition. He even jumps in to help design parts and fix problems to keep the teams rolling.
If anyone hasn’t realized that I continue to happily work with Stern because of the people and the process, make a note now
I hope Steve can make an amazing game with jjp and have no doubt he will - so unless he’s making the same or less financially now at jjp, his reason to leave was ultimately a large check with a number that he liked
Nothing wrong with that btw - but don’t use his words in a propaganda piece to talk trash about good people.
And now I’ll crawl back in my hole until the next game is done… I promise!

Quoted from zombieyeti:

I do have better things to do - but I can rant too
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I need to interject as I like Steve and consider him a friend - but am pretty disappointed in his choice to throw shade in this way to give fuel to any false argument… I do realize that his take is simply jjp-friendly marketing/buzz propaganda. It was a jjp podcast after all…
He has a new signature on his checks now - he has to get you excited - all part of the deal I’m sure. And that’s perfectly fine btw.
But taking this opportunity to paint an anti-stern sentiment is dishonest and intentionally misleading. (Not saying Steve’s intent was this)
First off - creative problem solving is what pinball is all about. Please just look at any Elwin game as an example. Elwin projects have had the shortest development times (7months tops) while Steve’s have had the longest (12 months minimum).
Secondly, Designers choose their licenses and lead the projects direction. Not all licenses are equal in flexibility.
Thirdly, Stern mgmt doesn’t come in and stir the pot for a few extra bones. That is a fantastic myth I see purported as fact on pinside far too often.
In fact - George is notorious for giving his designers more than what they need to see their vision come to fruition. He even jumps in to help design parts and fix problems to keep the teams rolling.
If anyone hasn’t realized that I continue to happily work with Stern because of the people and the process, make a note now
I hope Steve can make an amazing game with jjp and have no doubt he will - so unless he’s making the same or less financially now at jjp, his reason to leave was ultimately a large check with a number that he liked
Nothing wrong with that btw - but don’t use his words in a propaganda piece to talk trash about good people.
And now I’ll crawl back in my hole until the next game is done… I promise!

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

I give you Deep Root, heighway, Dutch pinball...

Quoted from TheLaw:

Skit-B?

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

Stern could learn some lessons from those guys !!!
The creativity ran wild !

Quoted from thechakapakuni:

Who’s Vonnie D?

Quoted from zombieyeti:

I do have better things to do - but I can rant too
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I need to interject as I like Steve and consider him a friend - but am pretty disappointed in his choice to throw shade in this way to give fuel to any false argument… I do realize that his take is simply jjp-friendly marketing/buzz propaganda. It was a jjp podcast after all…
He has a new signature on his checks now - he has to get you excited - all part of the deal I’m sure. And that’s perfectly fine btw.
But taking this opportunity to paint an anti-stern sentiment is dishonest and intentionally misleading. (Not saying Steve’s intent was this)
First off - creative problem solving is what pinball is all about. Please just look at any Elwin game as an example. Elwin projects have had the shortest development times (7months tops) while Steve’s have had the longest (12 months minimum).
Secondly, Designers choose their licenses and lead the projects direction. Not all licenses are equal in flexibility.
Thirdly, Stern mgmt doesn’t come in and stir the pot for a few extra bones. That is a fantastic myth I see purported as fact on pinside far too often.
In fact - George is notorious for giving his designers more than what they need to see their vision come to fruition. He even jumps in to help design parts and fix problems to keep the teams rolling.
If anyone hasn’t realized that I continue to happily work with Stern because of the people and the process, make a note now
I hope Steve can make an amazing game with jjp and have no doubt he will - so unless he’s making the same or less financially now at jjp, his reason to leave was ultimately a large check with a number that he liked
Nothing wrong with that btw - but don’t use his words in a propaganda piece to talk trash about good people.
And now I’ll crawl back in my hole until the next game is done… I promise!

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

I never used his words to trash talk about good people at Stern, just what Steve said seemed like an indication that creativity and designs may have been held back by game budgets.

Quoted from paul_8788:

It feels like you are contradicting yourself here. Unless you don't consider "Stern management" to be good people.
Business people are always going to want it to get done faster, and cheaper. Creative people are always going to want to have unlimited time and budget. How well you balance the two will determine if you have a successful company or a Deeproot.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

I never knew criticism was propaganda and or could be labeled as trash talking good people. Criticism doesn't mean anyone is bad and I never once said that.

Quoted from paul_8788:

Disingenuous. You pretty much stated that Stern management is more concerned about profit than about making a good game. Not exactly a compliment. Maybe that isn't what you meant, but it is sure how it came off.

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

I’m not sure if you guys are happier that steve is coming to JJP or happier that he’s talking shit about stern.
Get a grip folks!
The noob brand tribalism around here is frankly bizarre.
Ps: steve talks shit about every former employer. For about 45 years now. Atari. Williams. Stern. Stern again. Not news, stop pretending it's some kind of shocking "gotcha" insight confirming all of your worst suspicions about the inner workings at Stern. In five years he’ll be talking shit about JJP to any two-bit podcaster who asks.
If you guys knew your history beyond the last 3 years you’d know this.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

*Rant post incoming, I apologize in advance lol.
Steve's critical comments of Stern are pretty much confirmation from one of the top designers in pinball that Stern management has been limiting game creativity due to wanting to make maximum profit regardless of the high asking prices. Modern pinball machines are insanely priced, $6k - $10k+ is a crazy amount of money for a pinball machine of all things. At those prices there's no excuse for a game not to be loaded, to have multiple 3D molds, interactive mechs, full RGB lighting etc.
The fall back stance for some is "All that stuff doesn't make a game fun". Ok, so by that analogy would you pay $50k for a base Mustang just cause it's fun to drive? Would you pay $50 for a pint of Ben and Jerry's simply because it taste good? Hell no you wouldn't lol. There lies the issue with Stern and it's not fun factor (they are a blast to play) but rather that their prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc. I wanted to say consistently as I don't know how Stern can price all of their games the same (the cornerstone games) while some clearly have more features, and code then others.
It's being rumored that Stern is abought to raises prices from $500 - $1k+ based on model to match JJP pricing. Stern can of course do that but they are not matching the JJP feature set (mechs, full RGB lighting, variety of 3D molds), cabinet quality, and game hardware. Going back to the Mustang analogy it would be as if Ford suddenly raised the base price of a Mustang GT from $35k to $60k just because that's what GM charges for a Corvette...then not improving the base vehicle to make it comparable.

Quoted from zombieyeti:

Elwin projects have had the shortest development times (7months tops) while Steve’s have had the longest (12 months minimum).

Quoted from JodyG:

So does Elwin get a bigger BOM because he can finish a game in 7 months?

Quoted from vicjw66:

About as unsatisfying as the new clear that Hayfarmer is delusional about. Diamond plate is way better. You take a treasure cove polishing kit to an old diamond plate play field and it will polish up just as shiny as the new clear, but without all the issues and inferior chemical makeup.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

There lies the issue with Stern and it's not fun factor (they are a blast to play) but rather that their prices are not consistently justified by enough features, mechs, code, cabinet quality, etc.

Quoted from Frax:

CRRAAAAAAAZY

Quoted from Haymaker:

I'll send HEP a message and let him know he needs to switch over to diamond plate. Thank you for your wisdom.

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

I’m not sure if you guys are happier that steve is coming to JJP or happier that he’s talking shit about stern.

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

It's as predictable as noobs comparing pinball machines to cars.

Quoted from TreyBo69:

If Pat Lawlor made Dialed In when given carte blanche to make a game, I look forward to Steve's version of excess

Quoted from Bublehead:

Yeah, I thought I might need therapy after paying $8300 for my MBrLE NIB, and as it turns out, that was a bargain. I've started collecting Gottlieb wedgehead EM's now. You can still find them for under a grand... even under $500 when lucky.

Quoted from Darscot:

Steve is 71 and people still think he is chasing a pay cheque. At 71 you do what makes you happy.

Quoted from Darscot:

Steve is 71 and people still think he is chasing a pay cheque. At 71 you do what makes you happy. I don't know how old Lyman is but there is not always some grand conspiracy people retire and move on. If Stern didn't give Steve a piece of the pie he owes them nothing. People take this fanboy shit way too far.

Quoted from flynnibus:

He's also worked a lifetime in an industry w/o pensions. Some people gotta keep working simply because they can't afford to not work, not be without insurance, etc. We don't know his situation - but this ain't canada

Quoted from Darscot:

I honestly never considered that a possibility, having to work at that age just doesn't even compute in my brain. Your whole system down there makes no sense to me.