# Joe Balcer

Joe Balcer is a veteran pinball designer whose career spans from the classic arcade era to the modern revival of pinball. Starting at Bally/Midway in the early 1980s, he honed his mechanical and design skills in the factory before becoming a lead designer at Data East, Sega, and Stern Pinball in the 1990s. Notable achievements during this time include *Apollo 13* with its record 13-ball multiball and *The Simpsons Pinball Party*, praised for its deep gameplay and vibrant theme integration.

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In the 2010s, Balcer helped launch Jersey Jack Pinball by designing *The Wizard of Oz*, the first commercial pinball with a full-color LCD screen. He later co-founded American Pinball, leading the creation of original and licensed designs like *Houdini* and *Hot Wheels*. His emphasis on integrating mechanical action with modern technology, combined with his leadership in multiple startups, has significantly influenced pinball’s resurgence and shaped industry standards for immersive gameplay experiences.

## Snapshot
- Roles: design, mechanics
- Years active: 1993-2020

## Games credited
- Design: [Hot Wheels](/games/pinball/hot-wheels-2020) (2020)
- Design: [Oktoberfest](/games/pinball/oktoberfest-2018) (2018)
- Design: [Houdini: Master of Mystery](/games/pinball/houdini-master-of-mystery-2017) (2017)
- Design: [The Hobbit](/games/pinball/the-hobbit) (2015)
- Design: [The Wizard of Oz](/games/pinball/the-wizard-of-oz) (2013)
- Design: [The Simpsons Pinball Party](/games/pinball/the-simpsons-pinball-party) (2003)
- Design: [High Roller Casino](/games/pinball/high-roller-casino) (2001)
- Design: [Striker Xtreme / NFL](/games/pinball/striker-xtreme-nfl) (2000)
- Mechanics: [South Park](/games/pinball/south-park) (1999)
- Design: [Godzilla](/games/pinball/godzilla) (1998)

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