Wendell McAdams
Wendell McAdams was a significant figure in the pinball industry, contributing to game design, innovation, and business leadership across multiple decades. Beginning his career in the 1960s at Bally Manufacturing, he worked alongside industry pioneers and contributed to electro-mechanical pinball designs that introduced creative playfield mechanics. Seeking greater influence, he moved to Chicago Coin, where he played a leading role in designing and engineering new pinball machines, including the notable Juke Box (1976) and Stampede (1977). As the industry transitioned to solid-state technology, McAdams helped guide this shift at Chicago Coin (which later became Stern Electronics), designing hybrid EM/SS games such as Disco (1977). His designs were known for integrating engaging themes with evolving gameplay mechanics, contributing to the development of features that would influence pinball for years to come.
In 1978, McAdams co-founded Game Plan, Inc., where he led the company’s pinball division, focusing on innovative cocktail-style pinball machines designed for bars and casual settings. Under his leadership, Game Plan introduced modular cabinet designs, allowing multiple titles to be produced efficiently, as seen in Foxy Lady (1978) and its variants. As market demands evolved, McAdams guided Game Plan into full-sized pinball production, resulting in Sharpshooter (1979), one of the company’s most successful machines. His work during this period showcased a strong grasp of both technical innovation and business strategy, positioning Game Plan as a competitive manufacturer during a turbulent time in the industry. However, as video games surged in popularity during the early 1980s, Game Plan struggled to sustain operations and eventually ceased production in 1985.
McAdams’ influence extended beyond individual game designs; he played a crucial role in bridging the electro-mechanical and solid-state eras of pinball, mentoring future designers and shaping the creative and technical direction of the companies he worked with. His contributions earned him recognition in the Pinball Expo Hall of Fame (1995) and a commemorative trading card in 2014, solidifying his legacy in the history of pinball. Today, many of his machines remain sought after by collectors, and his approach to theming, modularity, and innovative playfield mechanics continues to inspire modern pinball design. His career serves as an enduring example of adaptability and creativity in an industry that has evolved through multiple technological and cultural shifts.
