Nowadays, Sega may not be as big a name as Sony or Nintendo when it comes to gaming. However, this company was at the forefront of the industry in the ‘90s. If you were wondering about the history of Sega pinball, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn more about some of the most iconic games and designers from the Sega pinball division.
- Pinball games:36
- Years active:1994-1999
- Status:Not Active
- Location:Chicago, IL, USA
- Website:Sega Pinball Inc. (US)
About Sega Pinball Inc. (US)
Sega Pinball Inc. was established in 1994 when Sega Enterprises acquired Data East Pinball and continued operations in the Chicago suburb of Melrose Park, Illinois. The division was headed by industry veteran Gary Stern, who had been instrumental in founding Data East Pinball in the late 1980s, and Joe Kaminkow, known for pioneering the use of licensed themes in pinball. Under Sega’s ownership, this enterprise preserved one of the few remaining pinball manufacturers during a time of intense contraction in the coin-operated amusement market. Its significance lay in producing themed pinball machines tied to major film and television properties, a strategy that attracted both pinball enthusiasts and broader audiences despite a declining arcade scene.
Over approximately five years, Sega Pinball released numerous titles, with many drawing on blockbuster entertainment licenses to create unique playfield gimmicks and technologically advanced features. Early offerings included Maverick (1994) and Batman Forever (1995), the latter notable for its large dot-matrix display with enhanced graphics. Subsequent games such as Apollo 13 (1995), Baywatch (1995), and Star Wars Trilogy (1997) showcased ambitious design elements and immersive theme integration, with Apollo 13 claiming the largest staged multiball in any pinball machine at the time. This continuous emphasis on tying popular intellectual properties to engaging gameplay allowed Sega Pinball to leave a lasting mark on the mid-1990s era of pinball.
In 1999, mounting financial pressures and shifting corporate priorities led Sega to discontinue its pinball division. The assets and manufacturing rights were purchased by Gary Stern, who then founded Stern Pinball, Inc., effectively carrying on the company’s design team and legacy. Sega Pinball’s closure aligned with an overall industry downturn, yet the division’s portfolio of richly themed titles and technological advancements stands as a testament to its brief but influential role in pinball history.
