Questions for Tilt: The Battle to Save Pinball

1) What was the big innovation in the 1940s that made all other pinball machines obsolete?

Flippers revolutionized pinball because it changed the gameplay from luck to skill.

2) In the 1970s, what new technological advance brought pinball up to date and enabled another step forward in the industry?

Pinball machines began to incorporate software run by computers to enhance the gameplay.

What types of innovations did it make possible?

It allowed the pinball machine to function like an arcade game. Graphics can be displayed to further entertain the player.

3) Which company specialized in 1970s pop-culture themed pinball machines?

Bally.

4) What technology shook the pinball world in the 70s? Why?

Video games shook the pinball world by extending the capabilities of the machine.

5) By the 1990s, was pinball successful or not?

Pinball had a very popular fanbase in the 1990s. This period marked the pinnacle of pinball's success.

6) What was the key innovation behind "Pinball 2000"?

Pinball 2000 included a video monitor that projected an image that was reflected off the glass surface.

7) What was the problem with the license behind the first major rollout of the Pinball 2000 idea with a major 3rd party license?

The major 3rd party license had their own agenda and did not release the game in a manner that would capitalize on the hysteria that movie fans would display towards movie based merchandise. Also, the license was expensive.

8) Why did Williams decide in the end to shut down its pinball division?

The production price was too high and required too many resources relative to making slot machines. Slot machines sales were bringing in more income as well.

9) Do you think this was a good idea?

Not really. It saved the company a lot of money. However, the technology was not allowed to be advanced since the company did not license the pinball technology to someone else.

10) Does a good idea always guarantee a commercial win?

There are no guarantees for success. It depends on a variety of business factors most of which are beyond the control of the developers. Only the return on investment justifies whether a game can continue to be made.