I had heard that American Pinball was scheduled to have a reveal of its next pinball machine with a simultaneous unboxing of a number of games on location on Saturday morning, but minutes ago images of its next game began to appear on the front page of its website.
As had been speculated, the next AP game is a Barry Oursler-designed, BBQ-themed game, which is officially titled "Barry O's Barbeque Challenge."
For those of you who aren't familiar with Barry Oursler, he is a renowned pinball designer who created dozens of beloved games over the past several decades. He tragically passed away in February of 2022. This game was based upon a design that he started working on for American Pinball before his passing. In an amazing move by American Pinball, all of the royalties from the sale of this game will be donated to Barry's estate to support his family.
The game will be available in two trim levels, the Limited Edition and the Classic. The Limited model will be limited to 100 units and will be priced at $8,495. The LE includes the following exclusive features:
Red Powder Coated Side Armor
Aura Lighting System Pre-Installed
Magic Glass, Shaker
Knocker, Limited BBQ Red Cooking Apron
Limited Edition Brass Plate
The Classic model will be $6,995.
As I mentioned earlier, the game will be on location and ready for the public to play at eleven different venues starting tomorrow, Saturday March 9th. Here's a description of the game from the AP website.
"About Barry O's BBQ Challenge
Overview
American Pinball is proud to announce Barry Oursler's final all-new design, commemorating his illustrious 46-year career in game design. In honor of Barry, we're excited to introduce ‘Barry O’s BBQ Challenge’ - a pinball adventure that captures the essence of summer fun and embodies the spirit of neighborhood BBQ Festivals across America. Available in two delectable editions - Limited and Classic - each game is seasoned to perfection, ready to become the centerpiece of your collection. Commemorating Barry's legacy, the royalties from 'Barry O's BBQ Challenge' will be directed to his estate, supporting his family and continuing his impactful contribution to the world of pinball.
Story & Setting
Crafted with the durability of the finest smokers and featuring vibrant animations, 'Barry O’s BBQ Challenge' promises endless entertainment and joy. This game is a tribute not just to Barry's legacy in pinball design but also to the rich culture of barbecue, making it an essential addition for both pinball enthusiasts and barbecue aficionados.
The development of 'Barry O’s BBQ Challenge' represents a collaborative effort that merges the expertise of seasoned professionals and innovative talents. Steven Bowden spearheaded the creation of the game's complex rules, while Joel Schober and Casey Butler being instrumental in software and engineering and guaranteeing a responsive and engaging gameplay. David Thiel elevated the game's auditory landscape through meticulous sound engineering and the composition of a festive theme soundtrack, complemented by Matt Kern's authentic voice production and his skill at finding amazing voice talent.
Contributions from Steve Bowden, Dennis Nordman and Ryan McQuaid in design assistance played a vital role in refining the game's playfield, creating a compelling and immersive experience. The visual and interactive elements of the game were brought to life under the art direction of Jack Haeger, with Dan Hughes providing the artwork, and animations crafted by Jessica Durbala and Bobby Llereza. The mechanical integrity and design, managed by Zofia Ryan and Mitesh Pithva, along with Benjamin Kibler's project management, ensured the game's seamless operation. Through this collective expertise, 'Barry O’s BBQ Challenge' not only pays homage to Barry Oursler's remarkable legacy but also captures the essence of pinball."
