Episode 16 - David Van Es (Barrels Of Fun Pinball) / Pokemon + Beetlejuice!
WE ARE OFFICIALLY BACK FOR SEASON TWO - And we have a great episode. CEO and "Mischief Maker" David Van Es joins us to talk about his epic life journey, leading him to now head up Barrels Of Fun pinball, the people behind "Labyrinth", "Dune", and most recently the instant sell out - "Winchester Mystery House". Does he give a massive hint about the next Barrels game - YUP! Ian and Shane also discuss playing Pokemon at the Stern media day, and their thoughts on the latest games to hit the street - Beetlejuice, and Winchester Mystery House. NEED A GAME? Pokemon anyone? Maybe you need to get on the list for the next BoF game? Hit up MAD PINBALL... the best customer service, and not too hard on the eyes either. info@madpinball.com and tell 'em we sent you for a free shirt and free shipping on a Stern when you buy a pinball machine!
Kineticist’s take
Nudgecast explores 2026's major pinball releases and interviews David Van Es on design, immersion, and Barrels of Fun's vision.
Synopsis
In this Nudgecast episode, hosts Ian Jacoby and Shane Toll discuss three recently released major pinball titles: Pokémon, Beetlejuice, and Winchester Winchester Mystery House: highlighting what they see as a historic moment for the hobby. David Van Es (CEO and Chief Mischief Maker of Barrels of Fun) shares his creative journey from Australian childhood through film and entertainment to pinball design, explaining how his love of immersive storytelling shapes Barrels of Fun's unique design philosophy.
Entities
- Barrels of Fun· company
- Jersey Jack Pinball· company
- Mad Pinball· company
- Spooky Pinball· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- Silverstein· company/band
- Beetlejuice (Spooky)· game
- Dune (Barrels of Fun)· game
- Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun)· game
- Pokémon (Pro)· game
- Winchester Mystery House (Barrels of Fun)· game
- Nudge Magazine· organization
- David Van Ess· person
- Ian Jacoby· person
- Karl DeAngelo· person
- Retro Ralph· person
- Shane Toll· person
- Tanya (Stern code designer)· person
- Private Function· person/artist
- D82· venue
- Electric Bat· venue
- Lit· venue