STERN OF THE UNION ADDRESS – DECEMBER 2020
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11/25/20

STERN OF THE UNION ADDRESS – DECEMBER 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:

 

Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™:

Stern Pinball announced today the availability of the Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™, a new stylish, affordable, and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home.

Based upon the highly successful Star Wars™ Original Consumer Pin™, Stern’s new Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ celebrates the iconic comic artwork from the Star Wars galaxy.  Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ immerses players in the dynamic Star Wars™ universe. The Pin™ is packed with features that provide players with an irresistible game experience including select speech and footage from the original Star Wars™ trilogy, color-changing playfield inserts, a custom sculpted Death Star, and a custom sculpted and interactive TIE fighter.

Visit the official Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ game page for full details.

 

The Making of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Stern Pinball presents a behind the scenes look at the making of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball.  Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, trained in the art of ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei, Master Splinter. Is New York City ready for these radical reptile brothers? With a sick sewer lair and tough friends like April O’Neil and Casey Jones, the Turtles are about to face evils more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have ever imagined. In this pinball adventure players will go to battle as the Turtles fight villains like Shredder, the Krang and loads of super-powerful mutants, to become the heroes they were destined to be, and have loads of fun along the way!  Check out the video here and COWABUNGA!!!

 

Stern Insider Pinball Podcast:

Available for all Stern Insiders, listen to this new panel discussion with the Stranger Things team including lead programmer Lonnie Ropp, associate game developer Mike Vinikour, and lead game designer Brian Eddy! They discuss their journey to 1.0 Code and transporting players into the Upside Down pinball-style on episode 9 of the Stern Insider Pinball Podcast!

All episodes can be found here after logging into your Insider account –https://sternpinball.com/account/

 

Stern Insider Pinball Podcast – The Raymond Files:

Available to All-Access Insiders, listen to several episodes of the Raymond Files!  Software Engineer and current #1 ranked pinball player in the world Raymond Davidson dives deep into the rules behind Avengers: Infinity Quest.  These episodes explore several topics such as SUPER MODES, THE GRID, THOR AND IRON MAN MULTIBALL, GEM QUESTS, HAWKEYE, CAPTAIN MARVEL, MYSTERY AWARDS, WIZARD MODES, AVENGER AND GEM PERKS, TROPHIES AND TROPHY MANIA on these bonus episodes of the Stern Insider Pinball Podcast!

All episodes can be found here after logging into your Insider account –https://sternpinball.com/account/

 

Iron Maiden:

While it’s exciting that there was a new Iron Maiden LIVE concert album that dropped on November 20th, we were too busy being distracted by what’s behind Bruce Dickinson in this video announcement!

 

PlayStrongTM:

Do you have a PlayStrongTM pinball story to share with the world?  Send your inspirational message and pictures to Insider@sternpinball.com for a chance to be featured across Stern’s social media channels in addition to winning exclusive Stern swag and merchandise!  Check out these incredible #PlayStrong stories featuring DJ Drama, Brian “Q” Quinn from Impractical Jokers, actress Darby Camp, a tribute to the late Alex Trebek, and a special appearance by world pinball champion, Escher Lefkoff on the Austin Talent Show!

 

Heavy Metal:

Check out this video of Heavy Metal pinball machines rolling off the production line!

 

Pinball at Dave & Busters:

Pinball is back at Dave & Busters in a big way!  Check out this video showcasing a new test setup highlighting the game LCD and a live view of the playfield on independent monitors.  Much more to come with this initiative so stay tuned!

 

Dead Flip Pinball Streaming:

Make sure you are subscribed to Jack Danger’s Dead Flip channel to watch some special streams including last month’s streams of Avengers, Beatles, Deadpool with George Gomez and Tanio Klyce, and some tips on breaking down a pinball machine for transport!

 

Gameroom of the Month:

Congrats to Steve Kneeream of Pennsylvania on being named the recipient of Gameroom of the Month!  Do you have a special home gameroom you want to share with the world?  Leave a photo comment on this Facebook post and you may be our next winner!  Not on social media?  Not a problem!  You can submit your incredible gameroom directly to Insider@sternpinball.com for your chance to win an exclusive Stern Swag Pack!

 

Stranger Things Autographed Cards:

Included in the next 50 games of Stranger Things Pro machines is a special gift from the Upside Down! Contact your local dealer or distributor in time for the holidays while supplies last! https://sternpinball.com/buy-a-game/

#StrangerThings #TheFind #UpsideDown #PinballFun #PlayStrong

 

Stranger Things 1.0:

It’s gonna be okay.  Remember, Bob Newby, Superhero.  Miss the special 1.0 Stranger Things stream with Dead Flip and the design team where a few lucky viewers won Demogorgons?  Not to worry, catch a replay of this special stream here!

 

Pinball Rental Program:

Stay entertained by staying inside with the latest Stern Pinball machines!  Even if your local bar or arcade is temporarily unavailable, there are plenty of opportunities to play the newest Stern games.  Contact your local authorized Stern dealer for more information on renting your very own Stern pinball machine where available!  https://sternpinball.com/find-a-dealer/

 

Stern Army Updates:

The Stern Army continues to grow with members spreading the gospel of pinball across the globe.

Congratulations to the following Stern Army members on their promotion from Specialist to Corporal:

  • Corporal Brad Steinke of Minnesota (BlainBrook Bowl)
  • Corporal John Bowes of North Carolina (Boxcar Bar + Arcade)
  • Corporal Sean Bueter of North Carolina (Reboot Arcade Bar)
  • Corporal Augustus Eustis of Massachusetts (Southern NH Pinball Club)
  • Corporal Schuyler Lane of California (The Dip)
  • Corporal Barry Gluckstein of New York (Pocketter Billiards & Sports Bar)
  • Corporal Kevin Grillo of Georgia (My Parent’s Basement)
  • Corporal Bruce Nightingale of New York (The Silverball Saloon)
  • Corporal Mike Frasca of Maryland (Crabtowne)
  • Corporal Mark Carvey of Rhode Island (Flip Side Pinball Bar)

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

  • Specialist Eric Sutton of North Carolina (Bill’s Front Porch and Cape Fear Wine & Beer)
  • Specialist Jason Lynch of Australia (Empire Alternacade & Events)
  • Specialist Dan Bitterlich and Justin Lafreniere (Quazar’s Arcade and Peacock Billiards)
  • Specialist David Andersen of Colorado (Pinball Jones)

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

 

Stern Insider All-Access:

Congrats to Julie from Washington, November’s Stern Insider All-Access winner!  Julie received a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles playfield autographed by lead game designer John Borg and lead game developer Dwight Sullivan!  Do you have All-Access?  To register and become a Stern Insider, please visit https://sternpinball.com/stern-insider/

 

IFPA Challenge Rankings (ICR):

In order to provide a competitive alternative in the current climate, the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) announced the implementation of the IFPA Challenge Rankings (ICR) for all players leading to the inaugural IFPA Challenge Rankings Championship!  For full details, standings and prize information, please click here to learn more and connect with other players around the world!

 

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

  • Avengers: Infinity Quest – For all Avengers owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v0.94.0) 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 (v1.00.0) released last week. This code contains numerous game enhancements, additional polish, adjustments, system updates and bug fixes.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage – For all Black Knight owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.02.0) released last week. This code update includes game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature!
  • Elvira – For all Elvira owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.01.0) released last month.
  • Deadpool – For all Deadpool owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.05.0) released last month. This code update includes numerous game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature

 

Elvira’s “Hooray for Santy Claus”:

Owners of Elvira are in for 25 days of special treats from Santa just in time for the holidays!  Make sure your system clock is set to the right date and keep a close ear (or eye!) while playing the Santa Claus Conquers the Martians haunt mode from December 1st to the 25th!

 

Shelter, Inc. 2020 Gala Fundraiser:

Stern Pinball collaborated directly with Shelter, Inc. on their Home is Where the Heart Is Gala fundraiser, helping raise over $40,000 for this incredible cause and organization!

 

brand eins Stern Pinball Feature:

The world renowned German publication brand eins took a deep dive into the world of manufacturing at Stern Pinball.  Check out the full article here!

 

Engineering Updates:

Stern Pinball’s website has been updated with a new item on our support page.  You can download the official SPIKE™ System Manual and additional supporting documents here.  This comprehensive manual covers a SPIKE™ system overview, in-depth look at the SPIKE™ system and node guide, backbox identification, identifying connectors and parts of the CPU board, interconnect diagrams, navigating the diagnostics menu, updating software instructions, how to create a complete SD card, troubleshooting flowcharts and node board status LED table/node board and bus test.

In addition, we have added an option for updating code that utilizes the SPIKE system, enabling owners to create SD cards without assistance from dealers, distributors, or technical staff.  Learn more about this time-saving option.

 

Accessories:

Check out our Stern Shop for all accessories, collectibles, clothing and more including this month’s featured items, the holiday special for All-Access members!  Today is the last day for All-Access members to take advantage of 10% off apparel while supplies last!  Free domestic shipping on orders of $50 or more on all Stern merchandise and accessories.

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

 

Stern Pinball Augments and Enhances Sales Team:

Stern Pinball has announced the promotion of Ryan Cravens to General Manager of Parts, Accessories, and Merchandise.  Ryan excelled at his previous position serving as the Director of North American Commercial Sales and will bring unique perspectives to his new position.

Stern Pinball also announced the hiring of Evan Kirby in the role of Director of North American Commercial Sales.  Stern added Evan to expand the reach of all Stern Pinball products in the commercial channel.

Read the full press release with additional details for Ryan here and Evan here.  Please join us in welcoming Eddie to the Stern team and congratulations to Ryan on his promotion!

 

Stern Spotlight – Evan Kirby:

“Having grown up in the amusement industry, some of my fondest memories growing up took place at the arcade. From being heckled by Rudy while playing Funhouse, to watching in amazement at the insanity that was Mortal Kombat, there are so many highlights for me powered by quarters being pumped into machines.  Joining Stern Pinball as the Director of North American Commercial Sales is such an honor and privilege for me not only because of how great a company they are, but also because of Stern’s rich history within the industry!”

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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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