Barry Oursler

Barry Oursler (1952–2022) was one of the most prolific and influential pinball game designers in history, creating or contributing to more than 40 titles over the course of his four-decade career. Starting as a protégé of legendary designer Steve Kordek at Williams Electronics in the late 1970s, Oursler quickly made a name for himself with early machines such as Phoenix and the groundbreaking Gorgar, the first talking pinball. His design style—which balanced innovative playfield “toys” with accessible yet challenging gameplay—reached new heights in the mid-1980s with Space Shuttle, often credited with reviving the industry at a time when pinball faced steep competition from video games.

Over the ensuing decades, Oursler continued to push design boundaries with titles like PinBot, Comet, and Doctor Who, introducing mechanical features and licensed themes that shaped modern pinball. He collaborated on various teams, led projects, and navigated the pinball industry’s boom-bust cycles, transitioning seamlessly between design roles and managerial positions. Despite health challenges late in life, he remained an active figure, consulting with emerging companies and mentoring others. Oursler’s legacy is reflected in the enduring popularity of his games, his mentorship of fellow designers, and his central role in pinball’s ongoing evolution. He is fondly remembered by players and peers as a creative force whose innovations continue to define the modern pinball experience.