Update 109: Mega Christmas Holiday Pinball Tsunami!

Another Thursday is here, and as we get close to the end of the year, we want to take a moment to look back together. This has been a challenging year for us, but also one filled with progress, surprises, and lots of pinball action. And before the year wraps up, we still have one last surprise coming your way!

But first, here’s what we achieved together in 2025:

Throughout the year, we returned with fresh energy and a renewed commitment to updating Zaccaria Pinball on a steady, reliable schedule. Our goal has always been to make the game the best pinball simulation experience for everyone, and we’re proud of how far we've come.

• 18 new Deluxe tables

• 13 Retro tables

• A brand-new game mode

• Expanded general, screen, graphics game options

• A full rewrite of the game’s core systems to prepare Zaccaria for the years ahead

• A completely refreshed menu system that makes customization easier than ever

• A new custom audio backend, replacing the old OpenAL system

• Zaccaria upgraded to a native 64-bit application

• Official and Custom creation tournament support for the community

• A new Quest system

• The Magic Coin system - earn in-game coins and spend them in the Magic Shop (no real money involved!)

• 2 licensed table packs with a total of 8 new tables: Primal Carnage and Postal Brain Damage

• The new EM+ category, starting with 4 tables that blend the charm of classic EM machines with modern gameplay twists

And of course… We officially left Early Access!

We’re incredibly proud of how far Zaccaria Pinball has come this year, and none of it would have been possible without your support, feedback, and passion for pinball.

And the year isn't over yet, and as planned, this is our final update of the year, so let's see what it brings!

This update also includes a number of important fixes and quality-of-life enhancements based directly on community feedback:

• Improved Portrait Mode Rendering Graphics no longer stretch, distort, or become overly pixelated when playing in portrait orientation. Image clarity has been significantly improved.

• Table Selection Sorting Issue Fixed When using Sort by Name (A–Z), selecting a table now reliably opens the correct one on the first try instead of loading the previously highlighted table.

• Survivor Mode Ball Counter Improvements Tables using DMD or video displays now correctly show the remaining lives by reusing the existing Ball: X indicator, bringing them in line with SS and EM tables.

• Camera Mode Controls (Controller) In Photo Mode, LT/RT correctly adjusts the camera elevation (Lower / Higher) as intended.

• Stickers Visibility Fix When the background scene is hidden, stickers placed on cabinets or side tables now hide properly as well instead of remaining visible.

• Achievement Notification Scaling Table task notifications (not tied to Steam achievements) now display at a readable size in portrait mode. Text is no longer oversized, cut off, or unreadable, regardless of notification size settings or ultrawide portrait resolutions.

• Tournament History Quality-of-Life Update You no longer need to scroll back an entire month to view Monthly results, end-of-month standings now appear immediately at the month’s conclusion.

• Customization Quality-of-Life Fix Tilt Sensitivity customization was renamed to Tilt Resistance to better reflect its function. Existing configurations remain intact.

• In-game UI Visibility Fix The UI visibility setting now works correctly. The old three-option setup has been replaced with a slider offering ten levels for more precise control.

• Controller Disconnect Behavior If the game controller disconnects or its battery runs out during gameplay, the game now opens the pause screen automatically. Under Tournament gameplay, this redirects to the in-game menu instead.

• VR Menu Fix A rare issue causing a faint grey menu outline to appear in VR has been resolved. Also non-essential Ingame UI elements will no longer appear in VR mode. The menu element background has also been darkened slightly for easier readability and positioned a bit higher so that it does not collide with the pinball table.

• FixedPOSTALBrain Damaged Fix Fixed an issue where objects in POSTAL: Brain Damaged tables didn’t use the game-accurate pixel graphics. They now display correctly, matching the original game’s style.

In addition to the fixes listed above, several tables received further adjustments and minor improvements. Thank you for all your bug reports and continued feedback!

And here we are, the final month of the year!

Winter has arrived, the air has cooled, this year’s first snow has already come, and honestly… What better time is there to bring out the skis and dive into some winter sports? Exactly. Winter Sports Deluxe has arrived!

Ready, set, slide!

For those who love a great soundtrack, the awesome music tracks from this new deluxe table are available separately if you own the Zaccaria Pinball - Original Soundtrack DLC.

And we’re not stopping there, not even close. Four brand-new EM+ tables are rolling into the arcade, each bringing its own unique flair and retro-modern charm.

Buckle up, pinball pilots! The Supersonic EM+ takes you to the skies, where a daring female ace commands the playfield against a backdrop of fighter jets silhouetted in the sunset. Speed through the Thrust Loop ramp, hit the spot targets, and light up the bonus lamps to prove your aerial mastery.

Next, emerging from the heart of the wild, step into the lost world of the Wood’s Queen EM+, venturing into a hidden jungle, a place where ancient creatures roam in harmony with the present-day wildlife. Towering dinosaurs, mystical beasts, and the echoes of a forgotten era mingle with birds, monkeys, and the whisper of the forest. At the heart of it all reigns the Wood’s Queen, watching over her kingdom with an eternal gaze.

All aboard and pick up speed the Locomotion EM+! Step onto the playfield and feel the rumble of a vintage steam engine as it powers through winding mountain passes. Navigate bridges, tunnels, and signals as you hit key lamps, keeping your train on schedule. Every flip of the silver ball fuels your journey, from the start to the destination, with the thrill of red specials and coal loads that test your timing and precision.

And finally, strap in for Hot Wheels EM+! A classic race car speeds down a sunset-lit open highway, engines roaring and tires burning rubber. Navigate orbits, including the iconic checkered start flag, as you chase the ultimate victory. Hit lamps to turbocharge your run, while aiming for the central Trophy for the ultimate special. Precision, timing, and a need for speed will be your keys to crossing the finish line first!

Just in time for the holidays… while the snow falls and the lights twinkle, a dark cloud approaches, bringing creatures far more fearsome than any Christmas stress! The Blood West franchise from Hyperstrange and New Blood Interactive rides into Zaccaria Pinball, bringing a horde of monstrous, nightmare-inspired creatures ready to challenge even the bravest pinball gunslingers.

Blood West Table Pack comes with Retro, SS, Remake, and Deluxe tables, each packed with faithful, game-accurate graphics and terrifying new challenges. Can you survive the monsters, master the tables, and become the legend of the Blood West?

As the year draws to a close, the entire Magic Pixel team would like to wish you a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year to all pinball fans. We bid farewell for now, and we’ll return next year with renewed energy.

Happy flipping, The Magic Pixel Team

Zaccaria Pinball Winter Sports Deluxe Pinball Table Zaccaria Pinball Blood West Table Pack Zaccaria Pinball EM Table Pack 2 Zaccaria Pinball Original Soundtrack