Just rumors and speculation at this point.

Hopefully we will see something at expo.

Looks like Ron is hiring a new Game Developer, and he got almost 3 dozen resumes in the last 24 hours to this job posting whcih is now closed! This is a good sign that they may have turned 'some corner'.

The job was posted as follows:

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site position for a Pinball Game Developer based in Palatine, IL. The Pinball Game Developer will be responsible for programming game mechanics, designing and implementing unique gameplay experiences, and ensuring an engaging and smooth user experience. This role involves collaborating closely with artists, sound designers, and other developers to bring pinball games to life. Additional responsibilities include testing, debugging, and optimizing game performance to meet quality standards.

Qualifications

Experience in Game Development, including hands-on work with game engines and programming languages
Strong understanding of Physics Simulations and Game Design principles
Skills in Visual Effects, Sound Design, and User Interface Integration
Proficiency in Debugging, Optimization, and Code Review
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate ideas effectively
Previous experience in pinball, arcade, or simulation games is a plus
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field
Passion for gaming and understanding of pinball mechanics and history is highly desirable

36 people applied for a job with them even after their track record the last 3+ years?

No way in hell would I apply for that job unless I was a local, even then probably not. Hope the new guy doesn't get burned too.

"Willing to not be paid" wasn't one of the stated qualifications, but given AP's string of unpaid contractors and ex-employees, is absolutely a qualification.

That’s a lot of shoes to fill…

IMG_2456 (resized).jpeg

so they just now got to replacing the one who went to spooky?

Seems crazy they are hiring so many people considering plenty of people in this thread said they would be closing up shop.

Now hiring---- EVERYONE!!

In all serious though, this is great. Looking forward to seeing what they have up their sleeve.

When they let their company trademark lapse and they're being sued for non-payment by contractors and not paying ex-employees, it's an easy conclusion to reach.

The American Pinball trademark is STILL not renewed as of today, so maybe this push is a little premature? The trademark's been dead for a couple months shy of a YEAR now - and it's not DEAD/ABANDONED like many of their game trademarks, the AP trademark is DEAD/CANCELED. Seems like they'd want to get their legal house in order before they went blazing back in with another poorly executed plan.

AP_trademark (resized).jpg

Weirdly, the Oktoberfest pinball trademark is still alive. Legends of Valhalla, too, but RIOT owns that, so not unexpected.

Tech has been hit hard they will have plenty of applicants even if they are not a great company to work for…

There are lots of bad companies people work for … until something better comes along.

Next game announcement: Oktoberfest Remastered!

Honestly, I think with just a bit more polish they could have a moderate hit with GTF. It's weird that they abandoned that trademark and kept the trademark for oktoberfest. But then again, maybe they CAN'T make more GTF because of the legal issues with the payments they stiffed to Nordman and others.

EDIT: It looks like they may have settled with Wingding over the development/licensing fees for GTF. Wingding asked for the case to be closed voluntarily last March, almost 4 months after it was filed. And the filing by the court was "with prejudice" meaning it's done and over.