Bill Grupp
Bill Grupp is an accomplished software engineer whose career in the pinball industry began in 1992 with Williams Electronics. Throughout the 1990s, Grupp contributed significantly to several iconic machines, serving as lead programmer for notable titles such as Congo (1995) and working on classics like Demolition Man (1994), Corvette (1994), and Dirty Harry (1995). His programming expertise helped introduce innovative gameplay features, including novel control mechanisms and complex interactive toys, shaping the direction of pinball design by blending narrative-driven rulesets with engaging mechanical elements. Following Williams' exit from pinball manufacturing in 1999, Grupp transitioned within WMS Industries to develop software for slot machines, where he was credited with several patents relating to digital gaming innovations.
In the late 2010s, Grupp returned to the pinball industry, joining Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) as a Senior Software Engineer. At JJP, he has significantly impacted modern pinball machines such as Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (2019), Guns N' Roses: Not In This Lifetime (2020)—which won multiple industry awards including 2020’s Pinball Game of the Year—and The Godfather: 50th Anniversary (2023). As lead programmer on JJP's Elton John pinball machine (2023), he further solidified his influence by integrating immersive audiovisual experiences and deep, player-friendly rulesets that have become benchmarks for contemporary pinball games.
Throughout his career, Grupp has been recognized within the pinball community for his substantial behind-the-scenes contributions to both game design and technological advancement. His work bridges the analog and digital eras, helping to define modern expectations around immersive gameplay, thematic integration, and software quality. Grupp remains active in the industry, engaging with the pinball community through events and interviews, where he shares his extensive knowledge and continues to influence emerging trends in pinball development.
