Chuck Ernst
Chuck Ernst is a veteran of the video game industry turned pinball innovator, best known for spearheading modern animation and display integration at Stern Pinball. After decades in video games working at studios like Midway and Warner Bros., where he served as Technical Character Lead for Mortal Kombat, Ernst joined Stern in 2015 as Computer Graphics Art Director. He brought with him a wealth of experience blending code and art—skills he used to introduce higher-resolution screens, 3D animation workflows, and narrative-inspired visuals to Stern's pinball machines. As a result, games such as Jurassic Park, Deadpool, and Godzilla have garnered praise for seamlessly intertwining fast-paced physical play with immersive on-screen story elements.
Under Ernst’s guidance, Stern transitioned from basic dot-matrix displays to full-color LCDs—an industry-wide shift that expanded what pinball could visually communicate. His team’s animations enhanced themes ranging from rock bands (KISS, Rush) to pop culture icons (Stranger Things, Elvira) by offering cinematic moments that engaged players. Ernst’s dual background in technical and creative disciplines allowed him to scale production efficiently and align narrative elements with pinball’s mechanical features. Today, his influence resonates throughout pinball, cementing a design philosophy that integrates digital spectacle with the tactile fun of the silver ball.
