Posts By :

Sally Cohen

#DYK: GAD Knows Pinball

#DYK: GAD Knows Pinball 940 788 GAD Vending

GAD sells all types of new pinball games – and we have for 40 years. So, pinball is in our DNA.

Last year, Foo Fighters was our #1 selling pinball game. And, Stern’s creative additions to this game plus their award winning Insider Connected are the reasons why.

This year, there are so many new releases already,  it will be fun to look back and see what game will do the best. However, as of now, John Wick is doing very well. Again, because Stern’s innovations are so fun to play.

And, this year, Stern has reinvigorated a number of classic titles back in to limited production. These titles include Stranger Things, Deadpool, Black Knight Sword of Rage and Iron Maiden Legacy of the Beast. If you want to find out what we have in stock – click this link. Or call GAD to find out so much more about this pinball games.

To find where you can play Stern pinball – click this link.

GAD also knows some of the best games are yet to be invented but we don’t want to forget our past! If you are looking to play any old or new pinball game, there is a great look-up at Pinball Map.

All NEW! Stern’s Godzilla 70th Anniversary Pinball

All NEW! Stern’s Godzilla 70th Anniversary Pinball 523 523 GAD Vending

The all-new Godzilla 70th Anniversary Edition will debut at Stern Pinball’s official booth (#3721) and at the annual Stern Pop-up Arcade at the Marriott Marquis, July 25 – 28.

CHICAGO, IL – July 9, 2024 – Today, in honor of the 70th Anniversary of Godzilla, renowned gaming and entertainment company, Stern Pinball, Inc., has announced some exciting updates for fans of the iconic King of the Monsters, including a new Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium Edition pinball machine and content enhancements across all machines.

One of Stern’s most popular, monster-packed pinball adventures, the Godzilla Pinball Machine allows players to progress through the game as Godzilla, fighting with their allies, Mothra, Rodan, and Anguirus, to battle the Xilien invasion and conquer Mechagodzilla to become King of the Monsters!

To celebrate this platinum anniversary, the team at Stern has created a special 70th Anniversary Premium Edition version of their Godzilla pinball machine. A dynamic black and white edition, the pinball game features special foil greyscale decals on the cabinet, new greyscale color toys and special backglass artwork to commemorate the special anniversary. Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium Editions will be available worldwide.

Godzilla’s 70th anniversary is a huge milestone for the time-honored franchise,” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “In a continuing partnership with Toho, we’re thrilled to be a part of the global celebration by providing an all-new product and content update for all fans to enjoy.”

For Godzilla fans looking for even more kaiju-fighting fun, Stern has created an adrenaline-inducing software update available for all existing models of the game. The update introduces the King of the Monsters via a Challenge Mode. The King of the Monsters Challenge can be accessed through the game mode menu, and features the same standard mode rules as the original Wizard Mode. Players can also compete for the top score in a new ‘High Score To Date’ table added exclusively for this challenge mode.

Pricing and Availability: 

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:

*MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                                         

Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium Edition:                                                   $US 9,699

Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium Edition, along with existing Godzilla Premium Edition and Pro Edition games, and accessories are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world, found here. Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on TwitterInstagramFacebookYouTube and TikTok.

About Godzilla Pinball            

In this monster-packed pinball adventure, players become Godzilla! The evil aliens, the Xiliens, use mind control rays to take control of the monsters King Ghidorah, Gigan, Megalon, Ebirah, and Titanosaurus. The Xiliens are demanding all of Earth’s resources. Godzilla and its allies, Mothra, Rodan, and Anguirus, battle the Xilien invasion with the goal of conquering Mechagodzilla to become King of the Monsters!  To learn more about Stern Pinball’s Godzilla Editions, please visit https://sternpinball.com/game/godzilla/

About Insider Connected

Insider Connected is a comprehensive technology initiative to connect the universe of Stern pinball games. The platform increases player engagement with the games across commercial and home environments.

Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App on iOS and Android. Players can also register at a connected game by scanning a registration QR code on the machine. Once a player registers, they are issued a unique QR Code that identifies that player at Stern pinball games anywhere in the world. When a player scans into the game, they can track progress, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.

About Stern Pinball, Inc. 

Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games, and experiences.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise.  Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.

Recent Stern Pinball titles include John Wick, JAWS, Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond, Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man.  A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games, from professional pinball players competing in high-stakes global competitions to novice players discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time.  To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

###

All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

Vending: Empowering Students and Schools with Creative Solutions

Vending: Empowering Students and Schools with Creative Solutions 989 694 GAD Vending

Case Study: Meet Spirit Box

How One CPI Customer is Changing the End Location Game

Service is a pain point that affects the bottom line. This is especially true for operators performing independently. Tasked with overseeing every detail of their machine, from installation to filling to servicing, operators’ costs can be limiting to growth and business expansion. What if there was a way for operators to be hands-off? Enter Spirit Box, the company delivering a business model both beneficial to their company, and the end location.

Rethinking Machine Management

Empowering Students, Streamlining Operations

Spirit Box LLC supplies custom vending machines to high schools as alternatives to their traditional, brick-and-mortar spirit stores. What is unparalleled about Spirit Box is their school program that empowers students to supervise the vending machines, acting as onsite operations and business managers. Philip Baird, CPI customer and VP of Business Development at Spirit Box, explained the genesis and mission of their unique model.

Addressing Brick and Mortar Pains

Security Delivered by Custom Vending Solutions

The custom vending machines and programs were originally deployed in high schools to curtail the pressure and costs that arise in brick-and-mortar school stores. This includes lost and stolen inventory and labor requirements. Spirit Box solves this problem by working with schools to deploy custom equipment outfitted in school colors and graphics that vend school shirts, notebooks, and electronics. With this method, Spirit Box eliminates concerns of a physical school store. It also provides an opportunity to sell higher end merchandise—all within the 24/7, secure convenience of a vending machine.

The Next Generation of Operators

Delivering a Unique Curriculum

Since the start of the program, Spirit Box pairs machine deployments with a full curriculum offered to students as a class or an extracurricular activity. As a part of the curriculum, students are trained on the vending business model from product to inventory to servicing. Through this program, Spirit Box enables the end location (in this case, the students and faculty) allowing his team to be essentially hands-off once the machine is up and running.

Tools for Success

How Spirit Box Ensures Accountability

How does Spirit Box ensure compliance with the end location? By utilizing the CPI portfolio end-to-end with equipment, payment, and software, Spirit Box has the tools and oversight to ensure the success of their program, even without being on site.

  • Customization is Key. The customization of CPI vending machines makes the space a very interactive experience for the students and faculty. The custom graphics and large, interactive touchscreens attract and engage students, while also giving Spirit Box a foot in the door when it comes to making the sale to school administrators.
  • Remote Management Made Easy. Spirit Box utilizes Simplifi, CPI’s device management platform, to track the vending machines’ inventory, payment processing, and service needs. Furthermore, Simplifi gives students opportunities to maintain the machines properly, be it through inventory management or measuring sales.
  • Teach a Tech to Service. Baird knew the right service team was essential to keeping machine maintenance hassle-free and allowing his team to cut down on on-site visits. One of the reasons Baird preferred CPI machines was the “ease of serviceability and response rate” of the Crane Field Service Engineer team. He explained that a good service team aids the ease of dealing with machine issues, with many concerns resolved by a Crane technician walking students through the problem over the phone. Over time, this hands-off approach enables the students to the point where they’re able to resolve issues without any outside support.

What About Profitability?

Results That Speak for Themselves

But what about profitability? With the concern that a hands-off machine experience may lead to theft or lower profits, Baird’s program has proven that autonomy can be beneficial. By empowering the students to manage the machines themselves, they take a personal stake in the success of the machine as they build business skills that can be used in the future. In one case this past year, a school saw a yearly profit of about $35,000 from the student-run vending machines.

The Opportunity for Operators

Reduced Service, Reduced Costs

Spirit Box’s model of empowering the end location to monitor vending machines can be applied to other locations. Machines in apartment buildings, for example, can be serviced by any number of people within the complex, from maintenance and operations staff to administrators. Creating this opportunity for the end location to be responsible for machine maintenance provides end locations with more uptime and customer satisfaction, while, in turn, reducing service costs for operators and machine owners.

Vending machines provide an array of business opportunities for operators, distributors, and end locations. While Spirit Box sets a great example of operations for schools, other locations (including residential and retail settings) can provide opportunities for operators looking to expand their reach. Operators should look for ways to position their machines. Not just solutions for product distribution, but positioned for operational efficiency, cost savings, and even a targeted answer to labor shortages.

Enabling the end location to share responsibilities can reduce unnecessary costs, including transportation, service technician fees, and even regular route fill visits. Vending isn’t just for vending anymore. Instead, it is an answer to the growing demands of retail and consumer expectations.

Call GAD Vending to learn more about these and other innovative solutions.

Traveling this summer? Want to find pinball everywhere you go? Easy

Traveling this summer? Want to find pinball everywhere you go? Easy 940 788 GAD Vending

If you are lucky enough to be traveling this summer – and looking for a quick pinball fix – there are resources to help you find any pinball game anywhere you go.

Try these resources:

https://sternpinball.com/pinball-locator/ 

https://www.pinballmap.com/

This is a great way to try a new pinball game before you purchase for your home or office.

If you are looking for a new title that might not be posted yet – give us a call. GAD Knows Pinball

 

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July 1492 988 GAD Vending

So all on our team can have more time with their families and friends to play pinball and Golden Tee, our offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Get Hooked with the Full Line of JAWS Pinball Machine Accessories from Stern Pinball

Get Hooked with the Full Line of JAWS Pinball Machine Accessories from Stern Pinball 1039 539 GAD Vending

CHICAGO, IL – June 11, 2024 Press Release –Stern Pinball, Inc., announces a full line of JAWS pinball machine accessories compatible with the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.  Stern Pinball’s monster hit game JAWS just got better with these newly available upgrades that will take your game to the next level.

Right from the plunge, dive straight into action with a custom sculpted Orca Barrel Shooter Knob as you go shark hunting and bounty collecting.

Fully dress up the inside of your game with the official JAWS Inside Art Blades. Featuring stunning and distinctive hand-drawn artwork by Michael Barnard, these art blades add an entirely new dimension inside this world under glass pinball experience highlighting iconic shark beach attack scenes.

Protect yourself and your game from shark attacks with the official JAWS Shark Bite Side Armor. Featuring the iconic JAWS logo and a laser cut shark bite, you’ll feel safe going back into your gameroom.

Make your game pop with the official Speaker Lighting System accessory. With intelligent RGB LED lighting, your speakers will light up and flash as you go shark hunting, fully integrated and dynamically responsive to game events.

And lastly, get fully immersed into the JAWS universe with the Amity Island Billboard Topper accessory. Featuring a backlit lenticular effect and choreographed lightshows, players can grab their harpoons and help Amity Island save the 4th of July!

“The JAWS pinball accessories will bring out the best of you and your pinball playing experience,” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.  “Become the apex predator with these officially licensed items on your quest to conquer JAWS!”

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: 

Amity Island Billboard Topper                                       $US     999.99

Orca Barrel Shooter Knob                                                 $US     149.99

JAWS Shark Bite Side Armor                                           $US     249.99

Speaker Lighting System                                                    $US     199.99

JAWS Inside Art Blades                                                      $US       99.99

MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                 

JAWS pinball machines and accessories are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

About JAWS Pinball    

Stern’s JAWS pinball games will have players grabbing their harpoons and playing as Quint, Hooper, and Brody to save Amity Island’s residents and the Fourth of July!  As the grizzled fishermen, tackle the most dangerous ocean creatures on the planet.  Tension mounts as you see “blood in the water” from our animated lighting effects.  Fire pinballs at the motorized “Shark Fin” target swimming across the playfield.  Anticipation builds as you navigate the “Orca Boat” upper playfield, featuring a “Lookout Tower” ramp, a ship’s wheel horizontal spinner on the deck, and a “Radio” stand-up target to call for help.  Lookout!  A motorized custom sculpted “Great White Shark” bash toy comes crashing through the bottom of a fishing boat, terrorizing players in this thrilling pinball odyssey.  Will you survive JAWS?!! Learn more about JAWS Pinball herehttps://shop.sternpinball.com/collections/games/products/jaws-pinball

About Insider Connected

Insider Connected is a comprehensive technology initiative to connect the universe of Stern pinball machines. The platform is designed to enhance and extend player engagement with the games across both home and commercial environments. It also presents professional operators of the pinball machines a robust set of tools to drive location play, build player loyalty, analyze performance, make adjustments remotely, and maintain the machines.

Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com. Players can also register at a connected game by scanning a registration QR code on the machine. Once a player registers, they are issued a unique QR Code that can be used to identify that player at any connected Stern pinball machine anywhere in the world. When a player scans into the machine, they can track progress, earn new game specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.

“Insider Connected is transforming how players interact with pinball machines. Operators are benefiting from new tools that drive repeat play and help maintain games remotely while players can earn special entertainment location badges,” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

About Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games, and experiences.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.

Recent Stern Pinball titles include John Wick, JAWS, Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond 007, Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

###

All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

#DYK: GAD has 3 Locations with Lots of Space

#DYK: GAD has 3 Locations with Lots of Space 940 788 GAD Vending

GAD is proud to be celebrating our 40th year in the business of equipment sales and service.

We stock and sell a wide variety of the best equipment in their respected categories.

At GAD’s three locations (Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines), we stock both equipment and parts to support our various lines. We sell to the vending route trade, commercial business owners and to residential customers. All three of our showrooms are also open to the public.

Call us to find out how GAD can help solve your needs!

John Wick: On the Way

John Wick: On the Way 1920 1440 GAD Vending

Delivering another John Wick pinball game!

This John Wick PRO  is going to a local commercial customer in Omaha, NE and is available for play! (Give us a shout and we’ll give you locations where to play).

If you are interested in pinball for your home or office, let us know. We can talk through what you are looking for, age group that will be playing and your favorite movie, music or TV genre you’d like to play.

ABOUT JOHN WICK

Stern Pinball, Inc. announces its newest line of pinball games featuring the world’s greatest assassin, John Wick. Created in collaboration with Lionsgate, players will experience the thrilling and action-packed billion-dollar grossing John Wick franchise with film-inspired mechanical features and artwork alongside Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system. John Wick pinball games are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. The John Wick film franchise is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, along with franchise director Chad Stahelski through his 87Eleven Entertainment production company.

In Stern’s John Wick pinball games, players step into the role of the world’s greatest assassin as he fights to escape his past. As the titular character, players can engage in high-speed car chases and fast-action drifting across the playfield, which incorporates models and artwork inspired by iconic locations from the franchise, including the New York Continental Hotel and the Red Circle Club, all set against a dramatically edge lit New York City skyline. Players can also open John Wick’s weapons crate to reveal a hidden shot target path to retrieve an array of weapons. Players must use the sculpted Blood Oath Marker carefully – or risk the consequences. Players need to survive other assassins, complete jobs for the legendary Factions of the High Table, and eventually take on John Wick’s “Special Assignment!”

To raise the stakes, John Wick pinball introduces Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system, an innovation that brings the frenetic combat of the legendary films to the game. The Stern team has created a primitive video game AI system to control the enemy lights on the playfield, setting the John Wick pinball games apart from prior pinball machines, where all lights were controlled by player actions, timers, and random number generations. In this new AI combat system, enemy icons are responsive to player behavior and will illuminate dynamically around the playfield to challenge the player. The enemies move tactically with this dynamic software to counter player objectives, creating a unique challenge in each game session. The system also features a new action video player that dynamically reflects player action – as you defeat three enemies, you’ll see video clips of John Wick doing the same in the films!

Accompanying the high-quality film and audio assets woven into the gameplay, John Wick pinball games will include custom narration by critically acclaimed actor Ian McShane as Winston and an original score composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera fame. Additionally, pieces of John Wick’s iconic suits used in connection with the production of the films will be included as a franchise artifact in the LE models, courtesy of Lionsgate. The John Wick pinball games will feature original neo-noir style paintings illustrated by acclaimed artist, Randy Martinez.

“Inspired by one of the most iconic and thrilling film franchises of our time, we’re releasing John Wick pinball games with the most advanced technology we’ve ever created,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball, “We can’t wait for players to try out our new combat system and experience the action.”

John Wick pinball games include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in multiple ways.  Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific Achievements, take on special John Wick Quests and complete Faction Contracts to increase their Assassin ranking.

Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through a better player experience, game location discovery, location leaderboards, performance analysis, automatic code updates, and remote diagnostics for easier maintenance.  Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App.  Download it today on iOS and Android.

ATOM Jukebox: Small in Size, Big on Everything Else

ATOM Jukebox: Small in Size, Big on Everything Else 618 361 GAD Vending

Meet the ATOM

The Atom Jukebox, a lightweight powerhouse weighing just 33 pounds, sets a new standard for jukebox technology. Its compact size and portability make it the ideal music companion for any space, from cozy diners to lively bars or expansive entertainment venues. Offering a solo install feature, it eliminates the need to wait for a crew, ensuring a hassle-free setup.

With its competitive pricing and an advanced computer core allowing swift component swaps, the Atom stands as a cost-efficient solution to replace outdated jukeboxes, ushering in a new era of seamless and uninterrupted music entertainment. Step into the future of jukebox technology with the Atom, where innovation and music converge effortlessly.

SMALL IN SIZE, BIG ON EVERYTHING ELSE MEET THE ATOM

The Atom jukebox boasts a small footprint: less than 2′ high and 19″ wide — perfect for venues where wall space is at a premium. At only 33 lbs, this easily transportable and easily shippable jukebox weighs the same as a microwave oven. And if those numbers don’t impress you, this one surely will: a completely straightforward and hassle-free 1-person installation!

Because it’s from AMI, you can count on it to deliver the same sound and quality as previous jukeboxes. The Atom jukebox is a compact, yet complete entertainment package of music, videos, and digital signage.

• Give your venues’ guests access to AMI’s digital catalog of millions of songs, including entire albums, timeless classics, and the newest hits.
• Utilize content filtering to tailor the available music selection at your venues, aligning perfectly with their desired ambiance and vibe.
• Use AMI Ad Manager to craft, plan, and manage your unique advertisements for display on the jukebox and connected TVs.
• Deliver captivating in-venue entertainment with tens of thousands of selectable music videos that play on TVs you connect to the Atom.

DOWNLOAD NOW PLAY MUSIC VIDEOS

• When a patron selects a song that has an available music video, the jukebox UI (or AMI Music app UI) suggests upgrading to the video selection.
• Patrons pay a small upcharge for video selections.
• Selected videos play on the TVs you connect to your Atom.
• AMI’s Music Video On-Demand (MVOD) feature grants players access to the full library of more than 35,000 music videos.

MANAGE YOUR ROUTE

AMI Co-Pilot* makes managing your Atom, and all AMI jukeboxes, easy – no matter where you are. With countless benefits for both operators and location staff, this is one mobile app that does it all.

• Access Jukebox Remote Control Functions.
• Enable and Manage Background Music.
• Create Digital Advertisements.
• Customize the Atom’s User Interface.
• Notify AMI Music App Users.
• Troubleshoot the Jukebox.
• Earn Free Credits with AMI’s Staff Rewards Program.
• Activate Event Mode.
• View Jukebox Connections and Status Reports.
• And more!
*Feature permissions are set and controlled by the Operator Executive.

DOWNLOAD NOW PLAY MUSIC VIDEOS

• When a patron selects a song that has an available music video, the jukebox UI (or AMI Music app UI) suggests upgrading to the video selection.
• Patrons pay a small upcharge for video selections.
• Selected videos play on the TVs you connect to your Atom.
• AMI’s Music Video On-Demand (MVOD) feature grants players access to the full library of more than 35,000 music videos.

Dimensions:
H: 23.25″, W: 18.5″, D: 7.5″; Weight: 33 lbs.

ATOM JUKEBOX TECHNICAL SPECS:
• 18.5″ wide HD touchscreen display for music selection and promotions.
• High-power computer core includes the motherboard, power supply, I/O controller, and a solid-state hard drive
• IR wireless remote control
• 250-Watt, 2-Channel Amp Sound System for immersive, room-filling sound (additional 250-Watt Amp available)
• Broadband connection required for song and music video updates
• Bill acceptor (500-bill capacity)

Stern Tech School: How to Lift Your Playfield

Stern Tech School: How to Lift Your Playfield 662 751 GAD Vending

In this edition of Stern Tech School, Madeleine Benz shows you how to safely lift your playfield!

Of course, if you need assistance, Stern Pinball also has customer support. GAD also offers free phone support for our customers plus we have service techs in some areas that make service calls. GAD has a full parts department to support your needs as well.

GAD knows Pinball