Lonnie D. Ropp

Lonnie D. Ropp emerged as a pivotal figure in pinball programming during the 1980s arcade boom. Initially honing his skills at Rock-Ola, he later joined Data East’s fledgling pinball division to develop its first game, Laser War, helping usher in advanced stereo sound for pinball machines. Over the subsequent decades—through Data East, Sega, and finally Stern Pinball—Ropp programmed dozens of titles, notably contributing to Apollo 13’s record-setting 13-ball multiball, plus licensed favorites like Star Wars, The Sopranos, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

His coding style often emphasizes vibrant sound integration, clear objectives, and a balanced appeal for both casual players and dedicated collectors. From collaborating on machine concepts (The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard, Space Jam) to perfecting digital rule sets (Star Trek, Metallica), Ropp’s fingerprints lie in many cherished pinball experiences. His legacy continues at Stern, where he mentors younger programmers, updates classic code, and helps shape the cutting-edge of contemporary pinball design.