Kaneda Klassic: "Deep Thoughts by Deeproot #3"
Deep Root Pinball leadership outlines ambitious vision, original IP focus, and aggressive 2019 release goals.
Saving the best for last.
Synopsis
This is a retrospective podcast episode ('Deep Thoughts by Deeproot #3') featuring Deep Root Pinball leadership and designers discussing the company's ambitious vision, original IP strategy, and bold promises made circa 2018-2019. Speakers include Robert Mueller (Deep Root founder), Dennis Nordman, Stephen Bowden, and unnamed designers discussing game development philosophy, innovative mechanical features, and aggressive production/pricing goals. The episode captures the company's confidence and narrative at a moment before the delays and eventual collapse that would later define Deep Root's legacy.
Highlights
- Deep Root plans to release more titles in 2019 than any pinball company in history and more than most of the entire industry in one year.
- Deep Root will deliver games to customers in two weeks or less from sale.
- Each game in Deep Root's pipeline contains a novel mechanical feature never done before in pinball.
- Magic Girl will feature a ball that floats in midair without support: described as nearly impossible to achieve until Deep Root solved it.
- Deep Root aims to price games lower than any pinball company while maintaining higher quality.
- Stephen Bowden transitioned from competitive pinball player to Deep Root designer and describes it as 'the best decision I've ever made.'
- Deep Root's designers are creating original IP and narratives rather than relying on licensed themes.
- Dennis Nordman has been designing games for 30 years and is working on two original themes at Deep Root.
Notable quotes
“Pinball is easy. It's just everything that goes into pinball is complex and hard.”
“I've crossed the Rubicon and it's the best decision I've ever made.”
“We will release more titles in 2019 than any pinball company in history.”
“Every family needs a pinball, every pinball needs a family.”
“I don't think the pinball world has ever seen a rule set designer yet at the level that Steve has come in and just pounded things out.”
“Our goal is still to be able to sell a game and get it to a customer in two weeks or less.”
“We're going to have some amazing things at TPF in March.”
“Any pinball machine sold will be profitable.”
Entities
- Deep Root Pinball· company
- Texas Pinball Festival· event
- Magic Girl· game
- This Week in Pinball· media
- Dennis Nordman· person
- John Popaduik· person
- Rob Quinn· person
- Robert Mueller· person
- Stephen Bowden· person
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