Episode 111 - The State of Modern Operating

Operators question the 'new games earn best' narrative; boutique & classic games often outperform new Sterns.

Synopsis

Alan (Wedgehead owner) and AJ (Flip a Coin operator, Colorado) challenge the prevailing narrative that new games always out-earn classics. They discuss how modern games dominate location rotation due to availability and marketing hype rather than superior earnings, share real operating data showing boutique games (Dune, Harry Potter, Labyrinth) outperforming recent Stern releases, and argue that mixed-era lineups and older games are more reliable and economical than industry perception suggests.

Highlights

• Modern games dominate location placement primarily because they're easier to acquire and market, not because they inherently earn better than classics
• Dune, Harry Potter, and Labyrinth have been top-five earning games consistently, often outperforming recent high-profile Stern releases
• Older games (pre-LCD, Williams solid states) require different maintenance but are not inherently less reliable than new Sterns when properly maintained
• Stern's InsiderConnect significantly improved earnings after initial skepticism; monthly leaderboards drive player engagement
• Manufacturers don't prioritize operator profitability or serviceability; new release allocation favors LE buyers over location operators
• Stern is the only major manufacturer with dedicated location support programs (Stern Army, Michael Grant), though operator care remains inconsistent
• Keith Elwin designs (Jaws, King Kong, Jurassic Park) significantly underperformed financially despite critical acclaim
• Dune is 'the best game from any manufacturer in at least five years if not longer'

Entities

• Barrels of Fun· company
• Chicago Gaming Company· company
• Jersey Jack Pinball· company
• Stern Pinball· company
• Dune· game
• Dungeons & Dragons· game
• Godzilla· game
• Harry Potter· game
• Jim Henson's Labyrinth· game
• Jurassic Park· game
• King Kong· game
• Metallica (Pro)· game
• Pulp Fiction· game
• Star Wars (LE)· game
• Walking Dead (Remastered)· game
• Flip a Coin· organization
• Wedgehead Pinball Podcast· organization
• AJ· person
• Alan· person
• Keith Elwin· person
• Roads· person