Tracing its roots to the 1930s, Stern Pinball, Inc. (SPI) stands as the world’s oldest and premier designer and manufacturer of arcade-quality pinball games. Originally intertwined with the birth of modern pinball through Sam Stern’s influential role at Williams Electronics, the company solidified its place in the industry by the 1940s when Sam acquired half of Harry Williams’ pinball company.

In the following decades, alongside other Chicago-based pioneers, SPI played a part in advancing pinball with myriad innovations. The rise of video games in the late ’70s and ’80s saw Gary Stern, Sam’s son, establish Data East Pinball, which evolved into Sega Pinball before being rebranded as Stern Pinball, Inc. under Gary’s ownership.

The 1990s marked a golden era for pinball, with Stern Pinball and its counterparts launching iconic titles. Today, headquartered near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Stern Pinball leads the industry in design and innovation, connecting pinball enthusiasts globally.