David Moore

David Moore was a prolific pinball artist active primarily through the 1980s and early 1990s, best known for his vibrant backglass and playfield designs at Gottlieb (later Premier Technology). He worked on over 30 games, including Devil’s Dare, Rocky, Cactus Jack’s, and the licensed Super Mario Bros. pinball—Gottlieb’s first to feature a dot-matrix display. Moore’s style often blended soft airbrush techniques with bold thematic storytelling, giving each game a distinctive look while reinforcing its gameplay theme. During an era when video games were eclipsing traditional amusements, his eye-catching art helped keep pinball visually competitive and engaging.

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Beyond his creative output, Moore played a key role in adapting to industry shifts. When Columbia Pictures sold off Gottlieb’s pinball division in 1984, he stayed on as the company reformed as Premier, providing crucial continuity and art leadership. His willingness to tackle licensed projects—such as Rocky and QBert’s Quest*—demonstrated his versatility, while his meticulous detailing bolstered player immersion. Many of his titles, like Class of 1812, are now cult favorites, prized for their quirky, well-integrated artwork.