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Shack News Reviews Stern Pinball Insider Connected
Shack News Reviews Stern Pinball Insider Connected 494 315 GAD Vending

(Shack News, August 26, 2021) Pinball has always been kind of a community game when you think about it. Sure, you can really only run the silver ball by yourself, but when you look up at the backboard and see the scores of the best players around, it gives you something to strive for. You and others push and figure out the technique to try to put your score up in that hollowed spot. You might even share tips and strategies on any given game with fellow players. Stern and its fans have cultivated that community passion and interaction over the years, and the company is about to try to give its fans more ways to do so with a new Insider Connected program.

Stern announced the Insider Connected program via an press release on its website on August 26, 2021. This is a program that will be standard on new machines and can be applied to previously released ones via a retrofit kit. There will also be a mobile app. Essentially, any Stern Pinball machine with Insider Connected set up will feature a QR code where users can log the machine via the app and engage in community interaction, Challenge Quests, and other promotions.

With Challenge Quests, Stern Pinball machine owners and operators can set up events and challenges that will allow players to earn loyalty points. Players can also track their progress and chase after game-specific achievements, as well as engaging with other players from the community.

Any Stern game utilizing the Spike 2 LCD system produced after the September launch will ship with the Insider Connected system installed. That means machines like the recent Led Zeppelin and Mandalorian releases can be set up with this program.

With pinball always having had some level of community interaction behind it, Insider Connected seems like a wonderful way to expand pinball past the player standing at the machine at any given time. Stay tuned for more news and updates regarding Stern Pinball as it becomes available, right here at Shacknews.

STERN PINBALL LAUNCHES INSIDER CONNECTED™ PLATFORM
STERN PINBALL LAUNCHES INSIDER CONNECTED™ PLATFORM 494 315 GAD Vending

CHICAGO, IL – August 26, 2021 – Stern Pinball, Inc., announced today the launch of Insider Connected, 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 with 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 free; players can either scan a QR code at the games or go to the Stern Pinball website where they will need to enter an email address and create a password. Once players register for Insider Connected, 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 logs into the machine, they can track their progress, earn new game specific achievements, engage with the player community and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.

Challenge Quests can be issued by operators to drive play at their locations and build player loyalty or by Stern Pinball to highlight a game title or engage the community. When players complete quests, they receive loyalty rewards.

All Stern Spike® 2 LCD games produced after the September launch will ship with the Insider Connected system installed; this includes new runs of previously released titles. Any existing Stern LCD game can be added to Insider Connected by installing a simple, inexpensive retrofit kit available from Stern distributors, dealers and the Stern Store®.

By the end of the year, all 17 Stern Spike 2 LCD system titles will be added to Insider Connected.  At launch seven titles will be supported.  Over the next year the full system with added features will be rolled out.

“Insider Connected will transform how players interact with pinball machines, and operators will benefit greatly from new tools,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball machines and accessories are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors like GAD and dealers around the world.

About Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball.  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 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.

Back to School: Game Night Can Save Your Sanity
Back to School: Game Night Can Save Your Sanity 2048 1365 GAD Vending

Spending more family time always sounded like a great idea – before COVID. Now, hopefully, all the kids are back (physically) in school. But as the novelty of school wears off again, its time to start Family Game Night.

Turn the TV off. Go to an arcade to play. Or add a game to your home. Either way, there are lots of games for all ages.

Going Out to an Arcade? 

There are lots of ways to find the games you want to play. Google, of course. Call GAD – we can give you suggestions for games that are age appropriate. Stern Pinball has their own map of Stern Pinball game locations. Try Pinball Game Map or Pinside. 

Break Up the Boredom and Up Your Game Night At Home

While board games can be fun, they generally don’t always engage the entire family. (Unless you set up an Olympic type marathon tournament that includes board games, pinball, darts, etc.) Why not find a set of games that match your family dynamic? Here are a few suggestions.

Table Classic-Cade

This is the perfect family game for all ages, genders and skill levels. With over 60 classic games, it offers hours of single play, one on one and team play fun.

Games include: Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Mario Bros, Centipede, Galaga, Pong and so many more!

Pinball

A pinball game is a classic, family favorite.

Choose from titles like Hot Wheels, Ghostbusters and The Addams Family for younger audiences. Check out Stranger Things, Jurassic Park and Houdini for a junior high school + age audience. And, consider Metallica, Iron Maiden or Guns ‘N Roses for an older player.

For family favorites across all ages, check out Stern’s The Mandalorian, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Hot Wheels.

Ask us about connecting your Pinball game to the internet. Many of the newer games are internet friendly allowing for remote play against friends, family or internet tournaments!

Golden Tee

Golden Tee 2021 Home Edition is the worldwide hit bar game Golden Tee programmed for home play. With the internet, play tournaments, win best shot of the week or play against friends remote.

Golden Tee PGA is becoming the newest standard for Golden Tee lovers. If you are looking at a new game, the commercial version is available for home purchase.

Darts

Electronic darts has upped the game with electronic scoring and internet tournaments.

Our new favorite is the G3 Galaxy Fire:

  • Larger 24” Monitor
  • Automatic Target Flip
  • Live Remote Play
  • Remote Leagues
  • Glowing Cabinet
  • Made in the USA

GAD can help you figure out the best titles for the ages of your family, the size of your home game room and game selections in your budget. GAD provides quotes that are all inclusive, so you never have any surprises.

GAD Vending provides games to Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and South Dakota.

Stern Pinball – The Mandalorian Rule Sheet
Stern Pinball – The Mandalorian Rule Sheet 2048 1786 GAD Vending

Because some folks like to read the rules – before and/or after they play the game. Others say reading the rules in No Bueno. However you want to play the newest Stern The Mandalorian – here’s you go…..

The Mandalorian Rule Sheet:

This is the way to set some high scores on The Mandalorian pinball machines!  Check out the official rule sheet here! https://sternpinball.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mando-Rule-Sheet.pdf

Best Pinball Tutorials (at least we learned something from these…)
Best Pinball Tutorials (at least we learned something from these…) 684 429 GAD Vending

Best pinball tutorials ever.

Abe does a great job not only showing the skill how-to but the mechanics inside the machine on how it really works. Great series to improve your pinball score on any game.

Thanks, Abe! And at GAD we’ll keep post a pinball tutorial now and again!

Exciting Announcements – Pinball on the way to GAD
Exciting Announcements – Pinball on the way to GAD 410 400 GAD Vending

At GAD we stock pinball games. And so many new titles, levels and various manufacturers – the inbound pinball orders are crazy! Much of what we have coming inbound is already presold. Don’t let that stop you from calling! We have lots on order and can always check with out factory’s’ for dates of production.

At GAD we give you an inclusive quote for any game. This will include the cost of the game, shipping, delivery (or pick up at one of our docks), sales tax and any other extras you need. GAD is expert in payment systems and add-ons for pinball games.

GAD claim to fame is being a quality distributor of games, has an expert service department and a wide stock of parts. While we spend most of our time with commercial customers, our home gamers appreciate the professionalism and knowledge GAD brings to home game rooms.

Here’s just a few of what we have and what’s coming: 

  • Stern  –
    • Led Zeppelin Pro – due in Aug
    • Led Zeppelin Premium – in stock
    • Avengers Pro (Premium all pre-sold) – due in Aug
    • TMNT Premium and Pro – due in Aug
    • Iron Maiden Premium and Pro – due in Aug
    • Guardians of the Galaxy Pro – due in Aug
    • Star Wars Pro and Premium – due in Aug
    • Mandalorian order for August is sold out but more LE, Premium and Pro are in production.
  • Jersey Jack
    • Guns ‘N Roses LE due soon.
  • American
    • Houdini is in stock
    • Hot Wheels and Oktoberfest are coming soon.

 

Pinball Enthusiast? Found a Bug in Your Game? Let us know!
Pinball Enthusiast? Found a Bug in Your Game? Let us know! 410 400 GAD Vending

GAD knows Pinball – and with that how to report errors to our authorized pinball manufacturers. If you encounter a software or hardware issue, let us know. We are happy to help you fix with software update, hardware parts or how to let our factories know of an issue.

To date, we are authorized pinball sellers of Stern, American, Jersey Jack and more!

Here’s how to report a problem to Stern: 

We are continuously working to update and improve software for our machines.  There are always code updates and bug fixes in various stages of development; we will release them upon update completion.  If you would like to join our mailing list for code updates, please send an e-mail to [email protected].  If you do encounter any bugs please feel free to provide information to [email protected].

  • The Mandalorian – For all The Mandalorian owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v0.97.0).
  • Led Zeppelin – For all Led Zeppelin owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.05.0).

What’s so great about Jersey Jack Pinball? Let’s list a few…..
What’s so great about Jersey Jack Pinball? Let’s list a few….. 430 617 GAD Vending

While GAD has been a vending and game equipment distributor for over 30 years, its just recently that we’ve proudly added Jersey Jack Pinball to our authorized distribution.

Why would a successful distributor like GAD ask Jersey Jack for a distributorship? Let’s name just a few….

  1. Guns N’ Roses pinball is absolutely a smash hit! Jersey Jack has created a game unlike any other and it has made GNR fans (like us) excited for this game. Available in Collector’s, Limited and Standard Editions, GAD is committed to pre-ordering games for fans – and for inventory availability to our region.
  2. Jersey Jack is a leader in the pinball industry.
  3. Jersey Jack’s games are lots of fun for the entire family. Take Pirates of the Caribbean. There are 3.25 sextillion game play versions – and we want to play every one of them. That doesn’t even scratch the surface of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Wizard of Oz.
  4. GAD knows pinball – and how to fix these machines. Jersey Jack is a natural fit to our sales and service departments.

If you want pricing, to know where a Jersey Jack pinball game near you, what we have in stock or just general questions about pinball, GAD is here to answer questions. And, the first answer is YES – we sell to both commercial arcades and home buyers.

8 Pointers for Pinball Profits
8 Pointers for Pinball Profits 652 844 GAD Vending

Pinball games have been a favorite entertainment machine since its introduction in 1931. “Pinball” came from the steel silver ball traveling across wooden pins. Since, pinball has inspired an entire industry and a pop culture phenomenon.

To buy a new pinball machine is an investment. Whether for your commercial arcade, bar or restaurant – or your home game room, a pinball game comes in various levels from lots of manufacturers at a variety of costs. The final cost is dependent on the game title itself, shipping, delivery, sales tax and payment acceptance system. Payment systems include the basic coin acceptors to the newest digital payment acceptance. GAD can help you determine the best payment system for your environment.

GAD Knows Pinball Pricing. Ask us for a firm quote that includes all your costs.

To maximize your pinball game profit:

  1. Brighten – energize a dark corner (and make sure there are no bright glare to make game play annoying).
  2. Patron building – Use pinball machines to draw patrons deeper into your bar and keep them longer.
  3. No broken machines – make sure you have a regular maintenance schedule with GAD Vending. GAD can help you diagnose, get the parts and when needed do the repairs – many of our pinball customers prefer to do their own repairs (YouTube videos are an excellent resource). As a stocking authorized distributor, we have the common parts to keep your machines playing.
  4. Quarters – place an ATM and/or a coin changer near your pinball machines. GAD know tips for securing your money handling equipment.
  5. Variety – swap your pinball machines regularly. GAD occasionally has used pinball machines or can help you with creative ways to rotate your pinball machines.
  6. Pinball Junkies – don’t wipe high scores! Pinball players are competitive and want to show off their scores. Go even further and host pinball tournaments. Stern Army and the IFPA have resource to assist you in setting up and running tournaments.
  7. Cleanliness – keep pinball machines clean – especially the glass. Make sure you check with GAD for the right kinds of cleaners so you don’t damage the graphics.
  8. Free Game – let players enjoy a free game!

When you are thinking of new pinball machines in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and South Dakota – give your local GAD Vending sales rep a call (or our main office at 402-553-2812).

Want to know more about how your Stern Pinball Machine is made?
Want to know more about how your Stern Pinball Machine is made? 281 362 GAD Vending

So many great articles have been written about Stern Pinball. And this article by Riot Fest is definitely in that category.

Written by a true pinball enthusiast, Bailey Davis, you can just feel the passion for pinball. And the review of the Stern Pinball manufacturing line is impressive.

Check out the article at https://riotfest.org/2021/07/stern-pinball-photo-tour/.

 

GAD Vending

Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending) is your premier marketer of vending equipment and amusement games in Mid America.  The company has been operating for over 30 years with offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Grimes, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines.

Omaha

6161 Grover Street, Omaha,
NE 68106

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

Kansas City

3230 Roanake Road, Kansas City,
MO 64111

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

Des Moines

2105 SE 37 Street, Grimes,
Iowa 50111

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

Greater America Distributing

© 2023 Gad Vending. All Rights Reserved.

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