Steve Ritchie (pinball designer)

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Steve Ritchie at CA Extreme 2009

Steve Ritchie is a renowned pinball designer and video game designer, widely recognized for his significant contributions to the pinball industry. He is often referred to as the "King of Pinball" due to his influential designs and innovative approach to the game.

Early Life

Steve Ritchie was born on February 13, 1950, in San Francisco, California. He developed an interest in electronics and mechanics at a young age, which later translated into his passion for designing pinball machines.

Career

Ritchie's career in the pinball industry began in the 1970s when he joined Atari, Inc. as a pinball designer. His first major success came with the design of the pinball machine Airborne Avenger in 1977.

Williams Electronics

In 1978, Ritchie moved to Williams Electronics, where he designed some of the most iconic pinball machines in history. Notable titles include:

• Flash (1979) - The first pinball machine to feature continuous background sound.
• Firepower (1980) - Introduced the concept of multiball.
• Black Knight (1980) - Featured the first-ever two-level playfield and the "Magna-Save" feature.

Midway Games

In the 1990s, Ritchie joined Midway Games, where he continued to innovate in the pinball industry. He designed the popular The Getaway: High Speed II (1992) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1993) machines.

Stern Pinball

Ritchie later joined Stern Pinball, where he designed several successful machines, including:

• Spider-Man (2007)
• AC/DC (2012)
• Star Wars (2017)

Design Philosophy

Steve Ritchie's design philosophy focuses on creating engaging and challenging gameplay experiences. He is known for incorporating innovative features and technology into his designs, which have set new standards in the pinball industry.

Personal Life

Ritchie is also an accomplished musician and has played in several bands. He continues to be active in the pinball community, participating in events and sharing his expertise with new generations of designers.

Legacy

Steve Ritchie's contributions to the pinball industry have earned him a legendary status among enthusiasts and collectors. His machines are celebrated for their creativity, complexity, and lasting appeal.

See Also

• List of pinball machines designed by Steve Ritchie
• Pinball Hall of Fame
• History of pinball