Barrels of Fun, a Houston-based pinball manufacturing company, was founded in 2021 by Australian film and television industry veteran David van Es and retired collectibles executive Brian Savage. Van Es, who had previously collaborated with Spooky Pinball for seven years, brought his extensive experience in creative production and game design to the new venture. Savage, known for his tenure at Fun Publications, Inc., where he managed the Hasbro-licensed G.I. Joe and Transformers Collectors’ Clubs, contributed his expertise in licensing and manufacturing to the partnership.
In October 2023, Barrels of Fun unveiled their debut pinball machine, Labyrinth, inspired by the 1986 Jim Henson film starring David Bowie. The game features innovative design elements, including two video screens that interact dynamically during gameplay, a first in pinball machine design. Priced at $10,600, the Labyrinth pinball machine is limited to a production run of 1,100 units, emphasizing its collectible nature. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has quickly established Barrels of Fun as a notable entrant in the pinball manufacturing industry.