Joe Balcer

Joe Balcer is a veteran pinball designer whose career spans from the classic arcade era to the modern revival of pinball. Starting at Bally/Midway in the early 1980s, he honed his mechanical and design skills in the factory before becoming a lead designer at Data East, Sega, and Stern Pinball in the 1990s. Notable achievements during this time include Apollo 13 with its record 13-ball multiball and The Simpsons Pinball Party, praised for its deep gameplay and vibrant theme integration.

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In the 2010s, Balcer helped launch Jersey Jack Pinball by designing The Wizard of Oz, the first commercial pinball with a full-color LCD screen. He later co-founded American Pinball, leading the creation of original and licensed designs like Houdini and Hot Wheels. His emphasis on integrating mechanical action with modern technology, combined with his leadership in multiple startups, has significantly influenced pinball’s resurgence and shaped industry standards for immersive gameplay experiences.