STERN OF THE UNION ADDRESS – MARCH 2020
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03/03/20

STERN OF THE UNION ADDRESS – MARCH 2020

The Stern of the Union Address will be presented on the first Tuesday of every month (holiday and vacation excepted).  Without further ado my fellow pinheads:

 

Stern Pro Circuit Championship:

It’s not too late to secure your ticket to the annual Stern Pro Circuit Championship Final, featuring the world’s top 20 competitive pinball players competing for cash, prizes, and the title of Stern Pro Circuit Champion!  The Circuit Final grand champion will receive a brand new Stern Pinball machine, $5,000 and the iconic Stern Pro Circuit belt.  This year’s event will be held at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Chicago, IL.  BUY TICKETS HERE for this fun event and watch the Stern Pro Circuit Championship Final in person!

 

Steven Tyler Charity Auction:

Steven Tyler had his 3rd Annual Grammy Awards Viewing Party to benefit Janie’s Fund.  Stern Pinball teamed with our authorized dealer CoinTaker to donate an Aerosmith pinball machine.  This machine auctioned for $85,000 with all proceeds going to Janie’s Fund!

 

Heavy Metal Pinball:

Stern Pinball and Incendium have partnered to create a very special game for fans of Heavy Metal.  The game will be produced in very limited quantities and with more details being announced March 20th.

 

Stern Army Updates:

The Stern Army continues to grow with members spreading the gospel of pinball across the globe.  Here are our newest members and the pinball locations they support:

  • Private Vaughan Jones of Australia (Sneaky Baron Bar)
  • Private Darren Dorman of Oregon (Blairally Vintage Arcade)
  • Private Ian Matheson of Canada (Propeller Brewing Company)
  • Private Tony Murphy of Minnesota (Midtown Bar and Grill)
  • Private Don Michalik of Florida (iPinball)
  • Private Russell Linsky of Colorado (North Side Social)
  • Private Connor Stowe of Oregon (Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum)

Congratulations to the following Stern Army members on their promotion from Private First Class to Specialist:

  • Specialist Chris Badyk of Canada (Lamplighter Pub, Bimini Pub)
  • Specialist Joe Said of Maryland (Spinners)
  • Specialist Kyle Seller of Canada (Pub 340)
  • Specialist Hannah Holmberg Hatch of Seattle (The Ice Box)

Congratulations to the following Stern Army members on their promotion from Private to Private First Class:

  • Private First Class Hollie Sara Mills of Australia (Timezone Coolangatta)

For more information and to join the Stern Army, please reach out to SternArmy@sternpinball.com

 

Stern Army Jurassic Park King of the Island Championship Tournament:

Stern Pinball and the International Flipper Pinball Association are teaming up to sponsor a global Stern Army High-Score Tournament on Jurassic Park Pro, Premium and LE pinball machines.  Players can enter by participating in any IFPA-sanctioned Stern Army events that include Jurassic Park in their tournament.  For full details on this exciting championship, visit – https://www.ifpapinball.com/koti/

 

Stern Insider All-Access:

Congrats to Brett from New York, February’s Stern Insider All-Access winner!  Brett received a Guardians of the Galaxy playfield autographed by lead designer John Borg and lead programmer Lonnie Ropp!  Do you have All-Access?  To register and become a Stern Insider, please visit https://sternpinball.com/stern-insider/

 

Escape Nublar All-Access Challenge:

Available only to All-Access Insiders, share your best Escape Nublar Challenge Time for a chance to win an autographed Jurassic Park Playfield!  Challenge ends March 31st.  Do you have All-Access?  To register and become a Stern Insider, please visit https://sternpinball.com/stern-insider/

 

Stern Pro Circuit:

As we gear up for the 2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship, here is a look behind the scenes at Stern Pinball, the pinball industry, and the history behind competitive pinball.  Also check out our SPCC Player Highlight videos featuring finalists Raymond Davidson, Escher Lefkoff, Eric Stone, and Zach Sharpe in addition to this news article featuring Colin Urban!

For full details on the Stern Pro Circuit presented by eBay, and to keep up with the current standings and schedule, please visit – https://sternpinball.com/stern-pro-circuit/

Upcoming Stern Pro Circuit Events:

Stern Pro Circuit Event Date
 Website
IFPA Pin-Masters 3/6-8 https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournament_pages/pinmasters/
Texas Pinball Festival 3/27-29 https://texaspinball.com/tpf/tournaments/texas-wizards-tournament/
PinFest IFPA Tournament 5/1-2 http://pinfesttournament.com/
YEGPIN Canadian Pinball Championships 5/1-3 https://www.yegpin.com/
Golden State Pinball Festival 5/15-17 http://www.goldenstatepinball.org/tournament/
Cactus Jack’s Silverball Showdown 5/22-24 https://cactusjackssilverballshowdown.com/

 

NBA All-Star Weekend:

Stern Pinball worked directly with Silent House Chicago in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend held in Chicago last month.  We participated in a special fully-immersive music, entertainment and interactive sports experience featuring all of the newest Stern titles.  A captivated and diverse audience including former Chicago Bulls players, Carlos Boozer and Nate Robinson, thoroughly enjoyed the experience!  Attached are a few pictures from the event.

 

Scott Hamilton:

Everyone loves pinball including Olympic gold medal skater, Scott Hamilton!  Check out this article highlighting his personal collection that includes a Black & White Munsters Premium and Batman ’66!

 

Stern Pinball at Toy Fair:

Following pinball’s recent induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame, Stern Pinball attended Toy Fair in New York last month.  It provided an opportunity to showcase the ultimate fun of pinball to over 30,000 global professionals from over 100 countries in attendance, representing the $28B U.S. domestic toy market.  Stern showcased Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Stranger Things pinball machines to attendees.

 

European Parts Distribution:

Stern Pinball announced the appointment of KMS as Stern Pinball, Inc.’s satellite distributor for parts, accessories, and merchandise in Europe.  This will complement our existing distributor network which will continue to sell and distribute parts, accessories, and merchandise.  With their computer software and hardware infrastructure in place, KMS has developed the official parts business website located at www.stern-spareparts.eu.

Please read the press release for additional details.

 

Status of Code:

We are continuously working to update and improve software for our machines.  There are always code updates and bug fixes in various stages of development; we will release them upon update completion.  Here are some of the latest updates and the status of things in the works.  If you would like to join our mailing list for code updates, please send an e-mail to Code.Updates@sternpinball.com.  If you do encounter any bugs please feel free to provide information to bug.report@sternpinball.com

  • Jurassic Park – For all Jurassic Park owners, please make sure you have updated your game to the most current code version (v1.00.0). This update features the final wizard mode: When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth!  This wizard mode can only be achieved through standard gameplay and successfully escaping the penultimate wizard mode, Escape Nublar!  This code still includes the Escape Nublar mini challenge game option.  To activate, players will hold both flipper buttons during attract mode (with credits on the machine or free play enabled) and select “CHALLENGE”. The Escape Nublar Challenge mini game has its own dedicated high score board!
  • Black Knight – For all Black Knight owners, please make sure you have updated your game to the most current code version (v1.01.0). This update contains full topper incorporated code, making our custom, one-of-a-kind animatronic Black Knight toppers interact like no other topper!  It also includes custom interactive speech available exclusively to machines installed with this topper.  This code also features an alternative soundtrack to the gameplay experience available as an adjustment. In addition this code also contains mode balancing, scoring improvements, bug fixes, enhancements and additional polish.
  • Elvira – For all Elvira owners, please make sure you have updated your game to the most current code version (v0.92.0) released last week. Be on the lookout for a new code update later this month.
  • Stranger Things – For all Stranger Things owners, please make sure you have updated your game to the most current code version (v0.86.0). Be on the lookout for a new code update later this month.

 

Accessories:

Check out our Stern Shop for all accessories, collectibles, clothing and more including this month’s featured item, the Stranger Things UV Lighting Kit!  The kit further illuminates the Upside Down during dramatic gameplay events, immersing players further into the alternative dark world of Stranger Things!

All Stern Pinball accessories are also available to purchase from your local authorized dealer – https://sternpinball.com/find-a-dealer/

 

Stranger Things at Texas Pinball Festival:

Marco Specialties, Fun! Billiards and Gameroom Superstore, and Stern Pinball will be presenting Stranger Things pinball at the Texas Pinball Festival 2020! Come by the booth and play Stranger Things (Pro and Premium models) all weekend long with game designer, Brian Eddy!  You might even get a chance to visit the Upside Down!  Sign up for Marco’s mailing list at the booth and you’ll receive FREE SHIPPING on your next Marco Pinball order.

In addition, Marco will be producing the 3rd Annual TWIPY Award Show with This Week in Pinball on Saturday, March 28th at 7PM at Texas Pinball Festival.  Let’s celebrate the best of pinball together!

 

Belles & Chimes in the News:

Some great media coverage featuring the expansion of the Belles & Chimes organization in Austin, TX.  Read the full article here and click here to learn more about the Belles & Chimes organization.

 

Stern Spotlight – Justin Frait:

“Hello! My name is Justin and I am a Graphic Designer and Production Artist in the Art Department at Stern Pinball. Before working at Stern Pinball, I was a Graphic Designer in the marketing department of a cutting tool company. I’ve been here at Stern since January of 2019 and wouldn’t want it any other way!

When I started here at Stern Pinball I didn’t know much about pinball at all, well that changed very quickly! I was amazed at everything that went into a pinball machine and was instantly hooked. I feel privileged to be able to use my talents and work in an industry such as this. Pinball has become a big part of what I do and I fell in love with the game right away.

My responsibilities here at Stern Pinball change daily. I work on all the marketing materials that are needed for a game launch (images for the website, game flyers, ads, etc.) and the launch party (banner, window cling, coasters, posters, trophy decals and other items). I am also heavily involved in the production art side of it as well (getting art sized for decals, plastics, cabinets, etc.).  I work with all types of different licenses and to realize that is truly amazing. My biggest accomplishment is having a big role in the Star Wars Pin Game. I work with many different people here, but it’s the best company culture I have ever worked for. There are a lot of intelligent and talented people who make Stern Pinball such a great company!

Working here at Stern Pinball I can really call a dream job. Ever since I was young I loved drawing and art. Then going to school for design and ending up working here has been everything I have wished for. (Working around bright colors, fantastic art, awesome video, and great sound effects day in and day out, I don’t think it could get much better.) Plus learning the game of pinball and becoming a better player has made me really respect it more as a beginner coming in!

When I am away from work you can usually find me hanging out and being with my 4.5 yr. old son, Emmett, and doing kid things. I believe that we can all grow older, but we should always be a kid at heart. I like to work out during the mornings, play softball, golf, bowl and fish in the summer and snow ski in the winter. Just being outside as much as possible and spending time with friends, family, my amazing girlfriend, and my dog Wyatt makes me happy!”

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END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA)

STERN PINBALL

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

This limited software license Agreement (“Agreement”) applies to your use of Stern Pinball Software pre-installed on a Stern Pinball Machine and any Authorized Updates made available to you. BY USING YOUR STERN PINBALL MACHINE, YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, do not use your Stern Pinball Machine or any Authorized Updates. Please read this entire Agreement, which governs your use of the Stern Pinball Machine, Stern Pinball Software and all Authorized Updates. ADULT CONSENT TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MUST BE AN ADULT OF THE LEGAL AGE OF MAJORITY IN YOUR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE. YOU ARE LEGALLY AND FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ACTIONS USING YOUR STERN PINBALL MACHINE AND SOFTWARE AND ACCESSING OR USING ANY ONLINE GAMING PLATFORM, INCLUDING THE ACTIONS OF ANYONE YOU ALLOW TO USE AND ACCESS TO YOUR MACHINE AND ANY ASSOCIATED ACCOUNT. YOU AFFIRM THAT YOU HAVE REACHED THE LEGAL AGE OF MAJORITY, UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE LEGAL AGE OF MAJORITY, YOUR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST CONSENT TO THIS AGREEMENT. DEFINITIONS.
  1. “Stern Pinball Machine” means a Stern Pinball arcade game machine.
  2. “Stern Pinball Software” means software (including but not limited to firmware) pre-installed in the Stern Pinball Machine, including all Authorized Content and any Authorized Updates that Stern Pinball may make available to You from time to time.
  3. “Authorized Content” means all Stern Pinball and third-party owned software and content incorporated into or used with the Stern Pinball Software or otherwise embedded in or utilized by a Stern Pinball Machine, including but not limited to graphics, images, music, vocals and voices.
  4. “Authorized Update” means an update to the Stern Pinball Software distributed by Stern Pinball or otherwise made available by Stern Pinball, including for download on its web site.
  5. “Unauthorized Content” means all content, including but not limited to limited to graphics, images, music, vocals and voices, that does not comprise Authorized Content or an Authorized Update.
  6. “Unauthorized Software” means any software (including but not limited to firmware) not pre-installed by Stern Pinball on a Stern Pinball Machine or that does not comprise Authorized Content or Authorized Update.
  7. “You” means the purchaser or current owner of a Stern Pinball Machine.
LICENSE. Stern Pinball hereby grants You a nonexclusive, non-transferable, limited, and revocable right and license to use one copy of the Stern Pinball Software and Authorized Content and any Authorized Update solely for your personal use, or that of your patrons and customers if you are a commercial entity, for playing a single Stern Pinball Machine. The Stern Pinball Software, Authorized Content and Authorized Updates are licensed, not sold, to You, and no ownership rights are transferred by this Agreement. The Stern Pinball Software Authorized Content and Authorized Updates are protected by U.S. and international copyright. All rights not explicitly granted to you in this Agreement are reserved by Stern Pinball.
  1. As a condition to this Stern Pinball Software license, You agree that:
    1. You will not copy, reproduce, alter, replace, distribute, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, display, perform, create derivative works based on, or otherwise modify the Stern Pinball hardware or Stern Pinball Software or any Authorized Update, in whole or in part; and will not commercially exploit any of the foregoing.
    2. You will not use or install any Unauthorized Content or Unauthorized Software. Use of Unauthorized Content or Unauthorized Software may result in your Stern Pinball Machine ceasing to work permanently and/or losing access to Stern Pinball’s online game network, either immediately or after a later installed Authorized Update.
    3. You will not create, develop, distribute or assist anyone else in creating, developing or distributing any Unauthorized Content or Unauthorized Software intended for use with a Stern Pinball Machine, whether to add to or modify the gameplay, any audio content (whether music, sound or voice), or any video content of any Stern Pinball Machine, or to gain advantage in any online or other game modes, or otherwise.
    4. You will not share any Stern Pinball Software, Authorized Content or Authorized Update with any other person or company and will not permit anyone else to access or copy any Stern Pinball Software or Authorized Content or Authorized Update installed on your Machine for any purpose.
    5. In view of the rights held by third-party owners of Authorized Content (e.g., music and video clips), Stern does not have the legal authority to give permission to stream the gameplay of Stern Pinball Machines.
    6. You will not attempt to defeat or circumvent any anti-piracy, security, and/or technical measures to control access to the Stern Pinball Software, features, functions or content, prevent unauthorized use, or otherwise prevent anyone from exceeding the limited license rights granted under this Agreement, “Security Measures”. Attempting to defeat or circumvent any Security Measure may result in your Stern Pinball Machine ceasing to work permanently either immediately or after a later installed Authorized Update.
    7. Stern Pinball may update the Stern Pinball Software from time to time without further notice to You, for example, to update any anti-piracy, security, and technical measure.
PRIVACY POLICY Your use of the Stern Pinball Machine, Stern Pinball Software and any Authorized Updates are subject to Stern Pinball’s Privacy Policy which can be found at https://sternpinball.com/privacy-policy/   WARRANTY EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, THE STERN PINBALL SOFTWARE, AUTHORIZED CONTENT AND AUTHORIZED UPDATES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWABLE UNDER LAW, STERN PINBALL DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, STERN PINBALL DOES NOT WARRANT THAT OPERATION OF THE STERN PINBALL MACHINE OR ANY ONLINE OR CONNECTED GAME NETWORK WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES STERN PINBALL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES; ANY LOSS OF DATA, PRIVACY, CONFIDENTIALITY, OR PROFITS; OR ANY INABILITY TO USE THE STERN PINBALL MACHINE, STERN PINBALL SOFTWARE OR ANY AUTHORIZED UPDATE. THESE EXCLUSIONS APPLY EVEN IF STERN PINBALL HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THESE DAMAGES, AND EVEN IF ANY REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. Some countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to You. These terms apply to the maximum extent permitted by law and unless prohibited by law. These terms do not change your rights under the laws of your country if those laws do not permit that change. TERRITORY AND CHOICE OF LAW This License is valid only in the country in which you purchased your Stern Pinball Machine. This License will be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A., regardless of conflict of laws principles. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Cook County, Illinois, U.S.A. for the resolution of any dispute regarding this Agreement or the subject matter of this Agreement and to waive any jurisdictional, venue, or inconvenient forum objections to such courts. This Agreement may be updated by Stern Pinball from time to time with the current version posted at www.sternpinball.com/EULA. Your continued use of the Stern Pinball Software an Authorized Update after an updated Agreement has been posted constitutes your acceptance of all of its terms.
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