EP 14 - Jack Guarnieri, Bill Grupp, and Steve Ritchie

Summary

Jersey Jack leaders discuss Elton John Pinball success and licensing strategy.

Ken Cromwell hosts Jersey Jack Pinball founder Jack Guarnieri, lead programmer Bill Grupp, and designer Steve Ritchie to discuss Elton John Pinball's release and Jersey Jack's licensing strategy. Guarnieri explains the criteria for selecting licenses (global appeal, licensor understanding, team interest, available assets), how the process has evolved across nine licenses, and emphasizes Jersey Jack as a 'market maker' bringing new audiences to pinball. Grupp details the technical and collaborative effort behind Elton John rule set, custom sound design matched to song keys, and his experience working with Ritchie's meticulous design process. Both highlight the game's positive reception and emotional impact on players.

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