Jim Patla

Jim Patla is a pivotal figure in pinball history, having designed a string of hugely successful games for Bally in the 1970s and early 1980s. Guided by mentor Ted Zale, Patla balanced mechanical innovation with approachable gameplay and memorable themes, playing a vital role in Bally’s transition from electromechanical to solid-state pinball. Titles like Playboy, KISS, and Centaur boasted creative multi-ball modes, bounce-back outlanes, and evocative backglass art, helping propel Bally to the forefront of the industry. Patla’s vision also advanced licensed pinball themes, forging a business model that remains influential today.

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Beyond design, Patla’s leadership shaped how pinball machines were made and marketed, overseeing manufacturing processes to ensure quality while meeting high production volumes. After weathering significant industry shifts — including the 1980s boom in video games and the eventual closure of major pinball divisions — he reemerged to guide new manufacturers like American Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball. His enduring presence, reflected by a Pinball Expo Hall of Fame induction and ongoing COO responsibilities at JJP, underscores his lasting impact on the craft.