George Gomez: The Designer Behind Some of Pinball’s Greatest Hits
- Wizard Mod
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18
From Williams Legend to Stern Innovator
Few designers have influenced modern pinball as much as George Gomez. Across more than three decades, he has created machines that continue to rank among the greatest ever made while helping shape the evolution of pinball from the Williams era to today's Stern Pinball.
Unlike many designers who are remembered for a single classic title, George Gomez has consistently delivered outstanding games across multiple generations. From beloved 90s classics to today's biggest releases, his games combine flowing layouts, memorable shots, outstanding themes, and incredible replay value.
It's no surprise that several of his machines remain fan favorites and are perfect platforms for high-quality pinball mods.
Monster Bash: A Timeless Classic
Originally released by Williams in 1998, Monster Bash quickly became one of the most beloved pinball machines ever made.
The combination of classic Universal Monsters, fantastic callouts, smooth gameplay, and unforgettable artwork made it an instant classic. Even decades later, it remains one of the most sought-after games in pinball history.
When Chicago Gaming Company recreated the machine, it gave collectors a chance to own this masterpiece once again.
Our Monster Bash Remake WhizPanels were designed to complement the machine's incredible artwork, extending the visual theme into the speaker panel area while preserving the original style.
Lord of the Rings: One of the Greatest Pinball Machines Ever Made
After Williams closed its pinball division, George Gomez joined Stern Pinball and immediately proved that his success was no accident.
Released in 2003, The Lord of the Rings is still considered by many players to be one of the greatest pinball machines ever created.
Its deep rule set, incredible flow, memorable multiballs, and epic progression perfectly capture Tolkien's world while offering years of gameplay depth.
Even after more than twenty years, it remains one of the highest-rated machines ever produced.
The Sopranos
Released shortly after Lord of the Rings, The Sopranos showed another side of George Gomez's design style.
Built around the hit HBO series, it delivers fast gameplay, satisfying shots, and excellent flow while capturing the atmosphere of the television show.
Although sometimes overshadowed by his larger titles, it remains a very enjoyable machine with a loyal following.
Transformers (2011)
George Gomez also designed Transformers, released by Stern in 2011. The game was produced in several versions, including the Pro, LE Autobots, LE Decepticons, and the highly collectible LE Combo, featuring Autobots artwork on one side and Decepticons on the other.
While Transformers may not rank among his most celebrated titles, it remains a fast and exciting game with spectacular artwork that makes it an excellent platform for custom pinball mods.
We created dedicated products for all four versions, including our Display Panels, allowing owners to perfectly match the unique artwork of each edition.
Batman 66: Built for Incredible Artwork
If one machine perfectly demonstrates how artwork and gameplay can work together, it's Batman 66.
Bright colors, comic-book visuals, toys, and lighting make this one of the most visually striking machines Stern has ever produced.
It also makes an outstanding platform for custom pinball mods.
Our WhizPanels extend the machine's colorful artwork beautifully, making one of Stern's most vibrant games feel even more immersive.
James Bond 007
George Gomez continued delivering outstanding games with James Bond 007.
Inspired by sixty years of Bond history, the machine combines classic spy themes with smooth shot geometry and excellent gameplay.
Our collection of James Bond Pinball Mods helps owners personalize the machine while preserving its premium look.
Pokémon Pinball: A New Generation of Design
George Gomez recently teamed up with Jack Danger to create one of the most anticipated modern releases: Pokémon Pinball.
The result is exactly what many players hoped for, a fast, colorful, approachable game filled with personality while still offering impressive depth.
Its artwork, lighting package, and playfield make it an ideal machine for custom mods.
Some of our favorite upgrades include:
WhizBlades, available in both EL Cut and Full Cut versions, allowing owners to choose whether to showcase Stern's Expression Lighting while dramatically increasing playfield reflections.
WhizPanels, which extend Pokémon's vibrant artwork across the speaker panel area.
WhizAprons, featuring Pikachu bursting toward the player to create an even stronger connection between the player and the game.
Together these upgrades completely transform an already beautiful machine.
A Designer with an Extraordinary Legacy
Very few designers have built a portfolio as consistently impressive as George Gomez.
From Monster Bash and Lord of the Rings to Transformers, Batman 66, James Bond, and now Pokémon Pinball, his machines continue to define what great pinball design looks like.
Whether designing for Williams, Chicago Gaming recreations, or Stern Pinball, George Gomez has repeatedly created games that collectors, competitive players, and casual fans continue to enjoy for decades.
Continue Exploring Our Legendary Pinball Designers Series
Every legendary pinball machine begins with a legendary designer. Our Legendary Pinball Designers Series explores the creative minds behind some of the greatest games ever built, from timeless classics to today's most innovative machines. Along the way, you'll also discover the pinball mods inspired by their iconic creations, helping collectors take these incredible games even further.
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