Roger Sharpe
Roger Sharpe is a pivotal figure in pinball history, known for his contributions as a designer, author, and advocate. His most famous achievement came in 1976 when he testified before the New York City Council, demonstrating that pinball was a game of skill rather than gambling, leading to the repeal of a 34-year ban. This moment not only restored pinball’s legal status in New York but also influenced similar reversals in other cities. Beyond advocacy, Sharpe became an influential game designer, working with companies like Stern, Williams, and Game Plan. His designs, such as Sharpshooter (1979), incorporated skill-based play elements and thematic artistry, while his broader industry roles—such as Director of Marketing and Licensing at Williams—helped shape how pinball was developed, marketed, and preserved during its transitions from electromechanical to solid-state technology and into the modern era.
Sharpe’s impact extended beyond design into literature and community-building. His 1977 book, Pinball!, remains one of the most comprehensive histories of the game, documenting its evolution and cultural significance. As a competitive player, he helped establish the Professional and Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA) and later co-chaired the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA), which standardized competitive pinball rankings worldwide. Through these efforts, he not only preserved pinball’s history but also fostered its future by engaging new generations of players. His tenure at Williams in the 1980s and 1990s coincided with the industry’s golden era, where licensed properties and innovative game mechanics drove the popularity of machines like The Addams Family and Twilight Zone. Though Williams exited pinball manufacturing in 1999, Sharpe remained an active advocate, helping to license classic games for digital platforms and ensuring pinball’s continued relevance.
Today, Roger Sharpe’s influence is recognized across the industry, with his legacy enshrined in the Pinball Expo Hall of Fame and celebrated in the 2022 biographical film Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game. His work across multiple domains—design, advocacy, marketing, and competition—helped shape modern pinball into a game that balances accessibility with depth. Whether through his innovations in gameplay, his leadership in industry transitions, or his role in legitimizing pinball, Sharpe’s contributions continue to be felt. His passion for the game remains evident, as he continues to support competitive pinball and consult on industry projects, ensuring that the silver ball remains in motion for future generations.
