Steve Ritchie (pinball designer)

Steve Ritchie is an influential American pinball designer, programmer, and voice actor known for his fast-paced, aggressive game designs often featuring a "flow" state where the ball can be kept in constant motion. He is also recognizable for his signature use of callouts, often voicing characters within his games himself.

Ritchie began his career at Atari in the late 1970s, transitioning to pinball design. His early works included notable titles for Atari. When Atari exited the pinball business, he moved to Williams Electronics Games (later WMS Industries) and continued to produce commercially successful and critically acclaimed pinball machines. Following the acquisition of WMS by Scientific Games, and the eventual shift away from pinball production, Ritchie's career continued at Stern Pinball, Inc. where he remains a significant figure.

Ritchie's design philosophy emphasizes player skill and rewarding aggressive play. Many of his games feature challenging shots, intricate rule sets, and memorable themes. He is revered by pinball enthusiasts for his contributions to the medium and his dedication to creating exciting and engaging pinball experiences. His work has had a significant impact on the evolution of pinball design, influencing numerous other designers and shaping the modern pinball landscape.