The History of Pinball Part 2: The Rise of the Solid-States

Summary

The video traces the evolution of pinball during the 1980s, highlighting the industry's struggle against the rise of arcade video games. As pinball manufacturers like Williams, Gottlieb, and Stern experimented with hybrid pinball-video games and new features, they faced increasing competition and economic pressure. Despite initial failures and the eventual decline of some manufacturers, the pinball industry found ways to adapt, with creative designs and cost-effective models. By the late 1980s, pinball experienced a resurgence, thriving in a niche of its own, distinct from video games, and marking a new era of innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pinball manufacturers struggled to compete with the rising popularity of arcade video games in the '80s.
• 😀 As arcade games became more sophisticated, pinball machines had to become increasingly complex, raising their cost and making maintenance harder.
• 😀 Some pinball companies, like Stern, experimented with unique designs like 3D playfields (e.g., *Orbiter 1*), but these often had limited success.
• 😀 Hybrid pinball/video games, such as *Baby Pac-Man* and *Caveman*, were attempted but generally did not appeal to either pinball players or gamers.
• 😀 To stand out, some companies like Zakaria introduced innovative features like playfields that raised and lowered during gameplay (e.g., *Time Machine*).
• 😀 Gottlieb's rebranding to 'Millstar' was a misstep, drawing criticism from industry veterans for the unnecessary change and poor execution.
• 😀 The pinball industry was in decline by the mid-'80s, but companies like Williams successfully adapted and revived interest with games like *Space Shuttle* and *Comet*.
• 😀 The shift to home console gaming, particularly with the NES, threatened arcades, but pinball found a niche and survived in the face of this competition.
• 😀 The development of alphanumeric displays in pinball machines, such as in Waiko's *F Tour*, was an important technological milestone, though not always executed well.
• 😀 Companies like Premiere failed to make a lasting impact, creating games that were poorly received, especially due to the use of photographs instead of traditional artwork.
• 😀 Despite the industry's downturn, pinball experienced a resurgence in the late '80s, driven by innovations like better ramps, improved technology, and team-based development.

Q & A

Why did the pinball industry struggle during the 1980s?

The pinball industry struggled in the 1980s due to the rise of arcade video games. Video games like Pac-Man gained popularity, leading to a decline in interest for traditional pinball machines, which were becoming more expensive and harder to maintain.

What was the significance of the game 'Orbiter 1' by Stern?

'Orbiter 1' by Stern was notable for its unique design, featuring a 3D playfield modeled after the moon. It stood out as an innovative and different approach to pinball during a time when many machines were similar to video games.

How did Gottlieb try to compete with Bally's success?

Gottlieb tried to compete with Bally's success by creating a triple-level game and introducing new, innovative designs like the game 'Devil's Dare.' They also released a hybrid game called 'Caveman,' combining pinball with video game elements.

What was 'Baby Pac-Man' and why was it significant?

'Baby Pac-Man' was a hybrid game that combined traditional pinball with elements from the popular video game Pac-Man. It was one of the more successful attempts at merging pinball and video games, though it was essentially a simplified version of Pac-Man.

What role did the company Zacharia play during the decline of pinball?

Zacharia continued to innovate during the decline of pinball by introducing features like speech and advanced playfield mechanics, such as the time-changing section of the 'Time Machine.' They were known for adding unique elements to their games.

How did pinball manufacturers adapt to the changing market?

Pinball manufacturers adapted to the changing market by creating cost-effective machines and incorporating new technology, such as speech, ramps, and more intricate designs. Companies like Williams released cheaper versions of their classic games to appeal to operators and players.

What was the importance of ramps in pinball design?

Ramps became an important feature in pinball design, as they added new dimensions to gameplay. Designers like Barry Ousler used ramps as a central mechanic in games like 'Comet,' making them a defining feature in many classic pinball machines.

Why did the pinball industry experience a resurgence in the late 1980s?

The resurgence of pinball in the late 1980s was due to improvements in design and technology, making pinball machines more engaging. Despite the rise of home consoles, pinball was able to carve out a unique niche in the arcade world with new features like ramps, speech, and more interactive gameplay.

What was the impact of the game 'Space Shuttle' on the pinball industry?

'Space Shuttle' by Williams was a major hit, helping to revitalize the pinball industry. It was a licensed game featuring NASA's space shuttle, and its success demonstrated that pinball could still compete with arcade video games.

What led to the downfall of companies like Gottlieb and Premier?

Companies like Gottlieb and Premier struggled due to poor management decisions, such as rebranding and failing to adapt to the changing market. Gottlieb's name change to 'Milstar' and Premier's reliance on photograph-based artwork in their pinball machines led to poor reception and a lack of lasting legacy.