New D&D Pinball Machine “The Tyrant’s Eye” (First Look)

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Over the past few years, Dungeons & Dragons has seen some pretty unusual cross brand collaborations, appearing on everything from postage stamps and shoes, to Hawaiian shirts and hand bags. Now, a new official D&D pinball machine can been added to the list of quirky cross promotional products.

Coming out in late 2025, “Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye” is a high-end pinball game that will feature a combination of traditional physical components with video game style interactive screens and digital elements. It also marks the first time in almost 40 years that a D&D pinball game has been officially released to the public.

So just when will D&D pinball wizards be able to get their flippers on this new machine? Below, we roll into all the details.

What is “Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye”?

The Tyrant’s Eye is a new D&D pinball game that’s being produced by US-based Stern Pinball Inc. under an official license from Wizards of the Coast. In the game, you take on the role of members of the Dragonshield Guild, a new group of adventurers from the Forgotten Realms setting. Your goal is to defeat the dragon queen Tiamat, while also battling against powerful forces that include the beholder crime lord Xanathar and an ancient red dragon known as Rath the Relentless (who in the game is voiced by Star Trek actor Michael Dorn). While playing the game, you’re able to explore unique dungeon levels, battle monsters (including a lich, owlbear, mimic and pinabll devouring gelatinous cube), collect treasure and explore multiple different endings and characters.

The game is a mix of both the standard pinball elements of flippers, bumpers and lighting, along with high-res LCD screens, LED lighting and other interactive components, including an animatronic dragon that reacts to your actions and features what Stern describes as “omnidirectional impact sensing technology.” In this sense, like other modern pinball machines, it’s essentially a combination of video game and physical play. Notably, you can also play cooperatively, sharing your progress and unlocking new features using Stern’s Insider Connected App (which is available for both iOS and Android).

The game also features original art by popular fantasy illustrator Vincent Proce, with music from noted video game composer Cris Velasco. It also includes dialogue from a number of Hollywood actors and D&D actual play stars, including Kevin Smith, Matt Mercer, Laura Bailey and Marisha Ray.

The game itself comes in three versions: a Pro Version (that retails for $6,999 USD) a Premium Version (that retails for $9,699 USD) and a Limited Edition (that retails for $12,999 USD). The latter is limited to just 740 models (in honor of D&D’s original release in 1974) and includes additional details and artwork along with an unpgraded audio system and anti-reflection glass.

The price point for all three models, however, likely means that only serious collectors are going to get their hands on them, although it’s possible you may seem them at places like Dave & Busters, sports bars, arcades or other locations where video games and pinball machines are found. We also known that the machines are configured for North America as they operate on 60 cycle electricity, which means they likely won’t be available in the UK, Australia and most of Europe, as these countries use incompatible 50 cycle electricity.

Who is Stern Pinball Inc.?

Stern Pinball, Inc. is an American company based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, who is known for their high-quality pinball machines that are designed to appeal to both casual and dedicated players. The company has been producing pinball games since the 1970s and has worked with a number of major brands, including Star Wars, Marvel, Jurassic Park and Stranger Things. It’s produced recent titles for popular franchises including John Wick and The Mandalorian.

The company is also known for combining traditional pinball gameplay with new technology, including high-res screens, special effects and online connectivity for leaderboards and other video game-style mechanics. In addition to being one of the few remaining dedicated pinball manufactures, Stern has also be active in supporting and reviving interest global interest in pinball, including supporting recent tournaments, leagues and local events.

What other D&D Pinball Games have been released over the years?

It may be surprising to learn that over the past 50 years only one official Dungeons & Dragons pinball machine was ever produced. The game was simply entitled “Dungeons & Dragons” and was released in 1987 by the now defunct Bally Manufacturing.

Notably, the machine repurposed the now iconic Larry Elmore art known as “The Ancient Red” (sometimes referred to as “the Warrior”), which was featured on the D&D basic set “red box” produced in 1983. The game itself featured three flippers, four pop bumpers, and a unique “Ball Eater” target mechanism that simulated the teleportation spell. The machine has since become a relatively sought after item among pinball collectors.

Final Thoughts

It’s great to see that pinball is still alive and well, and that it’s getting another chance to collaborate with the Dungeons & Dragons brand. And while the new Stern machine’s hefty price tag means it’s probably not something more D&D fans are going to be able to pick up, there is the chance you may see it in the wild at local businesses which still sport arcade cabinets and pinball machines, so start saving up your quarters now.

Below is also a short teaser video which Stern produced which showcases the upcoming game.

More D&D Video Game Coverage

For more on the latest Dungeons & Dragons digital titles, visit our D&D Video Games page.