For years, Team Pinball has been a cornerstone in the pinball industry, collaborating with Pedretti Gaming and Manufacturing to deliver sophisticated hardware and software solutions. Their contributions have been instrumental in the development of acclaimed kits for titles such as Funhouse and Whirlwind 2.0, as well as a highly anticipated remake of the classic Funhouse machine. Beyond these established projects, Team Pinball has been actively engaged in developing several new titles, most notably a remake of Capcom’s iconic Big Bang Bar. In a significant announcement intended to foster transparency within the pinball community, Team Pinball has opted to publicly detail their perspective on the circumstances that led to their withdrawal from the Big Bang Bar remake project.

Genesis of the Big Bang Bar Remake

The ambitious undertaking to recreate Capcom’s Big Bang Bar began to coalesce in 2022, bringing together three distinct entities, each with a critical role in the complex process of modern pinball machine development. Pedretti Gaming and Manufacturing were slated to handle the crucial manufacturing aspects, leveraging their established expertise in producing arcade and pinball hardware. Team Pinball was designated to provide the intricate software and electronic systems that breathe life into the game, managing everything from gameplay logic to the sophisticated control systems. The third, and arguably pivotal, party in this initial collaboration was Melvin Williams, who was entrusted with all prototyping and redesign work for the game. This division of labor aimed to harness the unique strengths of each party, creating a synergistic approach to recreating a beloved classic.

However, this tripartite collaboration was not destined to endure. Reports indicate that the partnership ultimately dissolved due to irreconcilable disagreements that emerged between Melvin Williams and Pedretti. These disputes, the specifics of which remain largely undisclosed by the parties involved, appear to have created an insurmountable rift in the project’s early stages. At the point of this dissolution, Melvin Williams had successfully completed the initial prototypes and possessed all associated proprietary paperwork and intellectual property related to his redesign efforts.

Team Pinball’s Continued Collaboration and Acquisition

Despite the breakdown in relations between Melvin Williams and Pedretti, Team Pinball found itself in a unique position. The company elected to continue its working relationship with Pedretti Gaming on other ongoing projects. This decision underscored a sustained belief in the partnership, which had, by this point, spanned nearly four years. Team Pinball characterized this period as one of largely positive and productive collaboration, emphasizing a relationship that extended beyond mere business transactions into genuine friendship and mutual respect. They highlighted that even during periods of heightened pressure or challenging production cycles, the interactions remained consistently cordial and professional.

A significant development occurred in October 2024, marking a pivotal moment in Team Pinball’s involvement. With the express agreement and knowledge of Pedretti Gaming, Team Pinball purchased one of the original prototypes for the Big Bang Bar remake directly from Melvin Williams. This acquisition was underpinned by a clear understanding: Team Pinball would undertake the completion of the game, providing the necessary software and electronics expertise. Furthermore, they were to furnish the manufacturing PCB files, a critical component for mass production, in exchange for a royalty fee on each machine sold. This arrangement positioned Team Pinball as a key stakeholder in the project’s continuation and eventual commercialization.

The Prototype Journey and Subsequent Standoff

In early 2025, Team Pinball transported their newly acquired prototype to Pedretti’s facilities, traveling in person to finalize the machine’s development. During this critical phase, Pedretti undertook several physical modifications to the machine. These enhancements included significant updates to the cabinet design and the replacement of the provisional whitewood playfield with the final printed version. It is noted that this final playfield design was itself a product of the earlier collaboration with Melvin Williams in 2022. At this juncture, the Big Bang Bar remake was reported to be nearing completion, with only software refinement and final calibration remaining.

Following the on-site work, Team Pinball and Pedretti continued their collaborative efforts remotely. However, this period of communication was abruptly curtailed. Initially, Team Pinball attributed the communication halt to Pedretti’s production demands related to another project, the Predator pinball machine. Subsequently, they were informed that the Big Bang Bar remake would be postponed to 2026. This delay was accepted by Team Pinball, as they viewed additional time for development and refinement as beneficial to the project’s ultimate success.

The situation took a decisive turn when Team Pinball formally requested the return of their prototype. Their stated intention was to continue polishing and finalizing the software independently, thereby preparing the machine for an eventual production run. They affirmed their commitment to returning the prototype to Pedretti afterward, a practice consistent with their established business cooperation protocols.

Escalating Disputes and Unreturned Assets

The response from Pedretti Gaming regarding the prototype’s return was a categorical "NO." This outright refusal came as a profound shock to Team Pinball, particularly in light of Pedretti’s simultaneous declaration that they had decided not to proceed with the manufacture of the Big Bang Bar remake at all. Adding to the confusion, Team Pinball was subsequently informed that the prototype could be returned, but only if they agreed to cover the costs associated with the cabinet modifications, playfield alterations, and other developmental changes made during the refinement process. Despite the disappointment inherent in this proposition, Team Pinball expressed a willingness to bear these costs to reclaim their prototype, a sentiment that indicated they still recognized the prototype as their property.

After another extended period of silence and stalled communication, Team Pinball received the final, definitive notification: the prototype would not be returned, as it was now considered the property of Pedretti Gaming. This stance directly contradicted their prior communication, which had suggested a financial transaction could facilitate its return.

Financial and Reputational Ramifications

The financial implications of this protracted dispute are substantial for Team Pinball. They estimate their total loss to be in the region of €90,000. This figure encompasses the cost of the prototype purchased from Melvin Williams, the investment in custom electronics, specialized colored DMD frames, extensive PCB development, and the cumulative value of years dedicated to software development.

Reflecting on the sequence of events, Team Pinball expressed a deeply unsettling suspicion. They are left to question whether their role was intended to be limited to bringing the prototype to a near-complete state, only to be subsequently excluded from the project before its final realization. While acknowledging the possibility that this was not the intended outcome, the cumulative experience makes it difficult for them to dismiss this perception.

A Call for Transparency and Community Awareness

At this juncture, Team Pinball has stated that they do not intend to pursue costly legal avenues. However, they maintain that the broader pinball community deserves a clear and unvarnished account of their experience, explaining their disengagement from both the Big Bang Bar project and any other ventures involving Pedretti-branded products.

Team Pinball asserts that they possess documentary evidence, including agreements, screenshots, photographs, and detailed development records, that substantiate their account of events. They emphasize that this public statement is not an attempt to generate unnecessary drama but rather a sincere effort to ensure transparency and to present their side of the narrative to the community.

Furthermore, Team Pinball hopes that this disclosure will shed light on the persistent rumors that have circulated regarding the Big Bang Bar remake over the years. They also believe it clarifies why Melvin Williams’ name has been periodically associated with the project, given his foundational role in creating the prototypes and his possession of original Capcom components and molds. This detailed explanation aims to provide closure and understanding for all stakeholders and enthusiasts invested in the future of pinball development. The implications of such disputes can extend beyond individual projects, potentially impacting future collaborations and the overall trust within the niche but passionate pinball manufacturing ecosystem. The resolution of these matters, or the lack thereof, can influence how creators and manufacturers approach joint ventures in the future, highlighting the critical importance of clear contractual agreements, robust communication protocols, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.