- 34
- Games
- 1988
- First game
Jon Norris is a highly influential figure in pinball design, best known for his innovative contributions at Premier Technology (Gottlieb) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He pioneered mode-based gameplay with Lights...Camera...Action! ,…
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On KineticistAround the Playfield with Jon NorrisGames
Yukon Yeti
20262 ratings so farTurner PinballSoftware only
Merlin's Arcade
20253 ratings so farTurner Pinball
Ninja Eclipse
202494/100 · 26 ratingsTurner PinballSoftware only
High Roller Casino
20013 ratings so farSternAlso Mechanics, Concept
South Park
199974/100 · 6 ratingsSegaSoftware only
Golden Cue
1998Sega
Viper Night Drivin'
1998SegaSoftware only
The X Files
19972 ratings so farSegaSoftware only
Barb Wire
1996GottliebSoftware only
Frank Thomas' Big Hurt
19952 ratings so farGottliebSoftware only
Mario Andretti
1995Gottlieb
Shaq Attaq
19952 ratings so farGottlieb
Stargate
199570/100 · 6 ratingsGottlieb
Waterworld
19951 rating so farGottlieb
Freddy: A Nightmare On Elm Street
19941 rating so farGottliebSoftware only
Rescue 911
19944 ratings so farGottliebSoftware only
World Challenge Soccer
1994Gottlieb
Gladiators
19932 ratings so farGottlieb
Street Fighter II
19932 ratings so farGottlieb
Tee'd Off
19933 ratings so farGottlieb
Cue Ball Wizard
199293/100 · 5 ratingsGottlieb
Operation: Thunder
1992GottliebSoftware only
Super Mario Bros.
19924 ratings so farGottlieb
Cactus Jack's
19912 ratings so farGottlieb
Car Hop
19911 rating so farGottlieb
Surf 'n Safari
19913 ratings so farGottlieb
Deadly Weapon
19901 rating so farGottlieb
Vegas
19901 rating so farGottlieb
Hot Shots
1989Gottlieb
Lights...Camera...Action!
19894 ratings so farGottlieb
Bad Girls
19883 ratings so farGottlieb
Diamond Lady
19882 ratings so farGottlieb
Excalibur
1988Gottlieb
Robo-War
19882 ratings so farGottlieb
About
Jon Norris is a highly influential figure in pinball design, best known for his innovative contributions at Premier Technology (Gottlieb) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He pioneered mode-based gameplay with Lights...Camera...Action!, a design philosophy that has since become standard in modern pinball. His career includes a range of classic titles such as Cue Ball Wizard, Diamond Lady, and Bad Girls, blending player-friendly mechanics with engaging themes. Beyond his individual designs, Norris was instrumental in shaping the rules and software of many Gottlieb machines, making him a key force in the company's final years before its pinball division closed in 1996.
After Premier's closure, Norris worked briefly for Sega/Stern Pinball, but left the industry in 2000 due to workplace conditions. He later applied his game design expertise to casino gaming and redemption machines while remaining active in the pinball community. In recent years, he has re-emerged with new pinball concepts, including Champs Élysées and Golden Buffalo, demonstrating his ongoing passion for innovation. His legacy continues to influence pinball design, particularly in narrative-driven rule sets and accessibility-focused mechanics that cater to both casual players and experts.
Jon Norris's contributions to pinball extend beyond his machines—he has also shaped the way designers think about game balance, player engagement, and storytelling within pinball. As the industry experiences a resurgence, Norris's involvement hints at exciting possibilities for new pinball projects, reinforcing his status as a vital figure in the evolution of the game.
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