# Sci-Fi-Themed Pinball Machines Stern Pinball Inc. Boasts a Stranger Things Pinball Machine By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-12-30 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-pinball-machine References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2019/12/stern-stranger-things-pinball-machines) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ahf2Be1f_o&feature=emb_title) The Stranger [Things](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-x-stranger-things) pinball machines gamify and build on the immense popularity of the [Netflix](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-puzzle-tales) original sci-fi series. The series boasts three distinct options – the Pro, the Premium, and the Limited Edition. The games are designed by Brian Eddy who is a well-regarded professional in this category. He is returning from a 20-year hiatus. The Premium and Limited Edition version of the Stranger Things pinball machines boast a central screen and a unique projector system. A special feature of the product is a “magnetic ball lock system, […] which keeps the ball hovering at a certain position.” This element of gaming design is meant to mimic the telekinetic powers of Eleven. In addition, the Stranger Things pinball machines are complete with “official dialogue, sounds, and music from the first two seasons.” Image Credit: Slash Gear ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Movie/tv-themed Pinball Machines:** With the success of Stranger Things pinball machine, designing pinball machines themed after popular movies and TV shows could attract more fans and increase sales. - **Incorporating Technology in Pinball Machines:** Adding innovative features and technological advancements such as the magnetic ball lock system creates a new gaming experience and increases the marketability of pinball machines. - **Nostalgia-driven Gaming Design:** Designing pinball machines that appeal to people's sense of nostalgia, such as the use of iconic TV series or movie references, could create a strong emotional connection and result in increased sales. ### Who This Affects Most - **Entertainment:** Creating pinball machines based on popular movies and TV shows in the entertainment industry could attract more fans, drive sales and increase revenue. - **Gaming:** Incorporating new features in pinball machines by using technology for gaming design could create disruptive innovation opportunities and enhance the gaming industry. - **Manufacturing:** Designing and manufacturing pinball machines with unique, nostalgic and innovative features could create opportunities for manufacturers to expand their market potential and increase revenue. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cinematic Shark Pinball Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stern-pinball-jaws-pinball-machine.md) - [All-Digital Pinball Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyshock-21c-digital.md) - [Digitized Pinball Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skillshot-fx-digital-pinball.md) - [Sci-Fi Show-Themed Basketballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spalding-1.md) - [Sci-Fi Series-Inspired Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-puzzle-tales.md) - [Sci-Fi Show-Inspired Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monopoly-stranger-things.md) - [Science Fiction Sports Equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spalding-x-stranger-things.md) - [4K Display Arcade Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-pinball-machine.md) - [Global Pinball Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/global-pinball-network.md)