American Pinball is combining two distinctly American pastimes in American Pinball’s next machine: pinball and barbeque. Barry O’s Barbeque Challenge Hot Sauce and Hot Rods is also the final game designed by the late pinball innovator Barry Oursler, giving the project added significance as a tribute to his career.
Two editions of Barry O’s Barbeque Challenge
This is American Pinball’s sixth release, following Galactic Tank Force. The barbeque and grilling theme appears to be unusual territory for pinball, and the company has once again chosen an original concept rather than a licensed property. While licensed themes often attract attention, an original setting can give designers more freedom to shape the rules, artwork and overall identity of a game.
The machine will be offered in Classic and Limited editions. The Limited Edition is restricted to 100 units and includes a red cooking apron featuring the game’s artwork, providing a practical collector item alongside the machine.
The Classic edition is priced at $6,995, placing it around the level of a Stern Pro. However, the two versions share the same playfield and gameplay features, meaning the Classic offers the play experience typically associated with a Premium model.
Royalties will support Barry Oursler’s estate
American Pinball has also connected the game’s commercial success with Oursler’s legacy. Royalties from Barry O’s BBQ Challenge will go to his estate, helping support his family while recognising his contribution to pinball.
Royalties from the game will be directed to Barry Oursler’s estate, commemorating his legacy, supporting his family and continuing the impact of his work in pinball.
Some locations have already secured a machine, with additional units heading to sites that pre-sold them. The announcement indicates that certain operators may have been able to reserve games through distributor relationships before seeing a finished machine.
For readers considering a pinball machine for a venue, this kind of location-based placement sits alongside the broader choices covered in RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide.
Inside the barbeque-themed playfield
The playfield uses cooking details throughout its design, including pop bumpers styled as grills. Its rules were led by Steven Bowden, with Joe Schober and Casey Butler contributing to software and engineering to deliver responsive gameplay.
David Thiel handled sound engineering and composed the themed soundtrack, while Matt Kern worked on voice production and voice talent. Steve Bowden, Dennis Nordman and Ryan McQuaid assisted with refining the playfield design.
Jack Haeger directed the art, with Dan Hughes creating the artwork. Jessica Durbala and Bobby Llereza produced the animations. Zofia Ryan and Mitesh Pithva managed the mechanical design and integrity, Benjamin Kibler handled project management, and pinball player and voice actor Jeff Teolis provides the game’s announcing.
A natural fit for venues and bar arcades
A barbeque-focused machine could suit restaurants built around grilling, as well as bars and arcades that already offer a pinball line-up. It may also appeal to operators looking to add a distinctive original theme rather than another licensed property.
For Australian operators planning a broader entertainment space, RETROCADE’s arcade machines and racing arcade collection offer other formats to consider alongside a full-size pinball machine.
American Pinball has indicated that machines are already placed at some locations, while more are expected to reach pre-sold sites. The company’s official location announcement confirms that some venues are already part of that rollout.
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