The below interview was taken from the PinGame Journal website.
Iron Man Classic: A Q&A with Gary Stern
PGJ: How did the idea of doing an Iron Man Classic come about?
GS: This particular Iron Man Classic Pinball machine is part of an ongoing process to make a more affordable "home use only" game for consumers who want to get into pinball.
PGJ: What makes this game different from the Iron Man Pro pinball?
GS: We have engineered a new cabinet and modified the programming. We also removed some major mechanisms like the coin door and other items making it exclusively for home use. The retail price will be close to $1,000 less than our Iron Man Pro pinball. The game plays a bit longer but is fun for novices and skilled players alike.
PGJ: Will there be a "Classic" version of all of Stern's new pins?
GS: Not necessarily. We will continue to serve our core coin-op as well as collector markets by making commercial grade pinball machines. We refer to our commercial location machines as Pro models and our high-end, limited-run versions as Premium models. Our focus is to have three levels of pins, each for a different market; the street location, the home novice and the home collector. However, some titles will be Pro only and some may be manufactured also as Premium or Classic.
PGJ: Why not just continue making one type of machine?
GS: We have found through market research that all types of people love pinball. A few issues that prevent people from owning pinball machines are price, availability and service. By creating different levels of games at different price points, we're giving more consumers the chance to buy their first game. It opens up new channels of distribution for Stern. We have created a worldwide service network making it easier for any of our customers to get their pins repaired if need be.
PGJ: While we're talking, tell me about your current game, Avatar, and its cool backglass.
GS: We are very proud of this pinball game. It's based on the biggest grossing movie of all time, has stunning artwork featuring a 3D backglass and custom speech that makes this game an A+ title.
PGJ: Can you talk more about the 3D artwork on the translite?
GS: Since the Avatar movie was such a great 3D spectacle, we felt it was a must to have a 3D element in the game. The translite was created with a lenticular process, so no special glasses are needed to see the effect. The end result is truly stunning and must be seen in person to appreciate.
PGJ: Stern has recently added Jody Dankberg as its Media Specialist. How do you feel about the use of social media to promote your company?
GS: It has become obvious in this new digital age that new means of promotion are necessary. We have created Facebook, Twitter and Youtube pages along with a newly designed website with the consumer in mind. Many of our games end up in the home. Social media is the best way to let everyone know what we are doing at the moment and encourages them to follow our progress. The Stern Community is growing steadily with new users added daily to our pages and forum. We will continue to provide new content regularly to keep things fresh.
PGJ: Speaking of the web site, you added an online merchandise store. How it that going?
GS: The new online store has been a great success. The clothing and accessories are being shipped all over the world and the customer feedback is really positive.
PGJ: Will you be selling anything else on the store besides clothing and accessories?
GS: Yes. We will eventually be selling new and used pinball games direct from the Stern website along with a complete parts selection. This will allow customers to buy direct from the factory, if they desire. Our goal is to provide more options for customers while continuing to support our current distribution network.
PGJ: Thanks for the comments, Gary. See you at Pinball Expo!
GS: Any time, Jim. Thanks for helping get the Stern message out.
NOTE: Gary Stern will be speaking at The Pinball Expo in Chicagoland on October 21st at 1:15 pm. Jody Dankberg will be speaking at 3 pm. Don't for get to stick around between the two for the PGJ video presentation Pinball In The Media Continues featuring many brand new clips as well as classic favorites. I can sum up the reason to attend in two words: FREE POPCORN.