Code names of Stern pinball machine

If you've ever opened the coin door of a Stern Pinball machine or lifted the playfield, you may have noticed a sticker along the edge of the playfield. This sticker typically features a name and some numbers. Interestingly, the name displayed is not the official title of the game, it’s often something entirely different, or loosely related in a creative way.

playfield code name

That name is actually the internal project codename used by Stern Pinball during the game's development. Like many manufacturers, Stern prefers to keep details about licensed properties and upcoming releases confidential. To avoid prematurely revealing a game’s theme or license, they use these internal names instead of the official titles.

The official license name is only disclosed once the game is publicly announced and available for purchase. Using a codename minimizes the risk of leaks or accidental disclosures. For example, Stern shares these names with subcontractors when ordering specific parts. It’s much safer to request playfields or plastics using a project name than to reference the actual license.

Occasionally, these project names leak and spark speculation about future titles. Take Jaws, for instance, it was rumored for years because several earlier machines had codenames that hinted at it. These subtle clues often fuel excitement and discussion among pinball enthusiasts.

playfield code name

Below is a comprehensive list of Stern Pinball machines and their corresponding internal project names:

  • AC/DC – Grinder
  • Aerosmith – Toys
  • Avengers – Peel
  • Avengers Infinity Quest – Watson
  • Batman 66 – Shark
  • Beatles – Purple Martin
  • Black Knight Sword of Rage – Paris
  • Deadpool – Guy
  • Dungeons & Dragons – Rope
  • Elvira – Curves
  • Foo Fighters – Falcon
  • Game of Thrones – Politico
  • Ghostbusters – Harold
  • Godzilla – Spectre
  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Furry Hats
  • Iron Maiden – Egypt
  • James Bond 007 – Stick
  • James Bond 007 60th Anniversary – Twig
  • Jaws – Vertigo
  • John Wick – Waffles
  • Jurassic Park – Jaws
  • Jurassic Park home edition – Minnow
  • KISS – Star
  • Led Zeppelin – Ranger
  • Metallica – James
  • Metallica Remastered – Jimi
  • Munsters – Grandpa
  • Mustang – Biscuit
  • Rush – Finn
  • Star Trek – Bill
  • Star Wars – Cinnabun, then Donut
  • Star Wars Home – Munchkin
  • Stranger Things – Goonies
  • The Mandalorian – Jennie
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Jason
  • Uncanny X-Men – Treehouse
  • Venom – Chewie
  • Walking Dead – Dinner Time
  • WWE – Dudes

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