Greg Kmiec

Greg Kmiec is a pioneering pinball designer who rose to prominence at Bally during the 1970s and 1980s, an era when pinball was transitioning from electromechanical to solid-state technology. Beginning his career under the mentorship of veteran designer Ted Zale, he soon became known for introducing unique mechanical features in each of his titles. Most notably, Kmiec designed or contributed to more than 30 games, some of which — like Wizard! and Captain Fantastic — exceeded 10,000 units sold, a testament to his ability to blend compelling themes with innovative gameplay.

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Among his most influential creations is Xenon (1980), Bally’s first talking pinball machine, featuring a female-voiced soundboard, futuristic artwork, and a translucent tube shot that wowed players. He also developed signature elements like the in-line drop targets on Paragon (1979) and incorporated subtle “Easter eggs” (including a lone red post) in many of his designs. Inducted into the Pinball Expo Hall of Fame in 1999, Kmiec remains revered for his creative approach, for helping shape the early solid-state era, and for leaving a lasting mark on pinball design and culture.