Will Pinball Maintain Its Popularity Over The Years To Come?

If you have read our guide to the history of pinball, you will already know that pinball as we know it is almost a century old while table variants of garden bowling can be traced back to the 16th century. The popular game has also enjoyed huge developments over the decades, not least to mention the introduction and subsequent growth of online pinball.

One of the big questions that many players want to ask is whether people will continue to play pinball over the next decade and beyond. Here’s all you need to know.

Today’s Pinball Game Situation

Pinball is a game that many people associate with a heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. In reality, though, the game has arguably never been more popular.

Firstly, the International Flipper Pinball Association has over 20,000 players enter its official tournaments annually, which includes prestigious tournaments like the World Championship and Championship Series.

Meanwhile, it is reported that sales of new machines have risen by 15-20% every year since 2008. This can be attributed partly to the fact that a generation of arcade players are now positioned to purchase tables for their homes, although there are other factors in play. For example, retro gaming has gained huge popularity in recent times.

Perhaps more tellingly, online pinball game figures highlight that the game is still very popular. While Space Cadet Full Tilt Pinball was removed from Windows computers over a decade ago, it remains a fond memory for anyone who grew up with Microsoft computers in the 1990s and 2000s. Minesweeper and card games like Solitaire were great time-killers, but the digital pinball game was a truly immersive experience enjoyed by millions.

Although that particular title has largely been relegated to history, online pinball games like 24/7 Pinball are still enjoyed by a large community of players. Millions of pinball games are played by players around the world daily.

In addition to browser-based titles for PC and Mac users, pinball game titles can be found as PC downloads, console games (PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch), and mobile apps for smartphones and apps. Interestingly, video versions can be enjoyed as both offline pinball and online pinball.

Why Pinball Remains Popular

Pinball is a game that offers many benefits. First and foremost, it is an immensely enjoyable game that can be picked up by anyone. Moreover, no two games are identical. Even on the same table, each action from hitting a bumper to random bonus selections will alter the outcome of the game. Likewise, the speed of the ball and point of contact with the flipper will subsequently impact the direction and momentum of the ball as it enters the playfield.

When delving deeper into the reasons why people still love pinball, there are several key aspects to consider. Some of the most telling factors are detailed below:

Multi-Generational Accessibility

One of the most obvious reasons for pinball’s ongoing popularity is that it appeals to players of all ages and backgrounds. Having been around since the 1930s, almost everyone on the planet will be of an age where the game was a part of their youth.

Even people who did not have pinball in their youth for whatever reason will enjoy the simplicity of the game. While the playfield may vary from one pinball game to the next, the actual playing parts remain the same;

Plunger (or button) used to launch the ball up the cabinet and into the playfield.

Left button used to control the left flipper (or flippers in some titles).

Right button used to control the right flipper (or flippers in some titles).

Flippers were not introduced until Gottlieb’s Humpty Dumpty in 1947. However, anyone who has played arcade pinball or video pinball in the last 75 years will be familiar with the current fundamentals.

Once the basic rules are understood, playing could not be easier. From young kids to seniors, everyone can enjoy the fast-paced action characterized by Pete Townshend as buzzers, bells, and lights o-flashing.

Similarly, online pinball is amongst the most accessible computer-based games available. With 24/7 Pinball, for example, you only need to use the A (or left arrow), D (or right arrow), and Spacebar buttons on the keyboard. Alternatively, a standard mouse with a left, right, and scroll wheel can be utilized.

A Single Player Game With Multiplayer Competitiveness

Another attractive feature of any pinball game is that it can be played single player while still introducing competitive multiplayer action. On a traditional table seen in an arcade (or other setting), a high-score leaderboard provides a target to beat. Similarly, many online pinball titles feature leaderboards - which could be computer-generated scores or a live leaderboard from other players.

Alternatively, players can compete against friends and relatives on the same pinball table or online pinball game by comparing their scores. Or if you don’t want to compete against friends, tournament play is a great alternative - this could cover the aforementioned International Flipper Pinball Association events or more casual leagues.

While the challenge of beating others is a source of engagement, the truth is that most players find that they are their own biggest source of competition. Pinball is a game of skill while players at 24/7 Pinball can work their way through different difficulties (Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert).

Pinball players can spend years trying to beat their PB scores, not least because each game is different. Whichever type of pinball game is played, players may improve their scores courtesy of several factors, such as;

Improving their hand-eye coordination and reaction skills due to their continued exposure to pinball and timing their button pushes.

Developing tactics specifically designed for the pinball title that they are playing - for example, knowing which bumpers, targets, switches, and playfield components pay the most points.

Relying on a little luck despite the fact that it is a game of skill and strategy.

Unlike other games that may have a set lifespan, pinball provides a continued source of competitiveness that never becomes boring. Whether playing daily or once in a blue moon, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed again and again.

In short, getting into pinball is easy; mastering it is not.

Variety Of Pinball Titles

While the fundamentals of pinball have remained largely the same since 1947, the game remains fresh because there are so many versions available. At 24/7 Pinball, for example, there is a festive variant alongside the traditional casino-themed table. However, there are literally thousands of digital pinball titles to select from. Whether it’s based on a TV show or a hobby, there is never a shortage of solutions.

As well as having unique aesthetic features, each pinball game works slightly differently. The positioning of bumpers, spinners, holes, gates, stoppers, and targets will vary from one game to the next. Similarly, some titles have just two flippers while others will have three or potentially four while the ball size may differ and consequently alter the speed of play. In short, each component on the table will make it play differently.

When considering physical pinball cabinets, imperfections can also influence the play, ensuring each table is unique. For computer-based pinball, it is also possible to change the speed while everything from operating systems to browsers and graphics cards could have a small influence. The contrast between a game with three lives (balls) and five lives can be huge too.

In truth, many of the skills developed during pinball are useful for all versions of the games. Nonetheless, the fact that each game plays uniquely means that a new challenge always awaits.

Why Pinball Can Maintain Its Popularity In A New Era

Video games and arcade entertainment have evolved at a rapid pace, especially in the last decade. As such, many previously popular products have become discontinued or obsolete. Some examples include old-generation game consoles, app-based games, and classic games that were replaced by more advanced counterparts.

Mass multiplayer online games, advanced sports simulators, and VR tech have all provided gamers with better opportunities than ever before. Nevertheless, pinball is one of the few games from previous decades that continues to thrive and has the potential to maintain a lasting appeal. Here are some of the reasons why;

Pinball is a mentally stimulating game, in which you will often think several moves ahead as a part of your pinball strategy. Likewise, many players find themselves completing mental arithmetic throughout their game. In turn, this can help slow the process of cognitive decline.

The competitive nature, both in terms of bettering yourself and scores posted by other players, ensures that there is a continuous source of motivation to play again and again.

Pinball is great for hand-eye coordination, developing better reflexes and timing. This makes it ideal for youngsters and seniors alike while adults in their peak years can still benefit from tuning up those skills. Crucially, players will see these rewards whether it’s a traditional or online pinball game.

New pinball games are launched all the time, both in the form of new cabinets and newly developed computer-based variants. While this provides a new challenge, the fundamentals of play remain.

Unlike many games, pinball does not require players to dedicate hours of time in a given session. Even if you only have a few minutes to kill, it is a great way to get your fix of fast-paced gaming.

It is also possible to forget about the game as soon as you quit it for the day. This is unlike many modern games, especially computer games, that demand continued attention and could see your gaming history damaged by a bad game.

There is no need to complete microtransactions or upgrade in-game elements. It is purely a game based on your ability. In theory, a first-time player could set the global high score on a pinball game. It is a truly level playing field, which is a very pleasing break from most modern games.

When playing the game, you do not need to rely on any team players. Likewise, your enjoyment and performance will not be influenced by opponents or other pinball users.

There is no requirement to spend hours researching pinball to enjoy it casually. Moreover, once you have finished, it is unlikely to play on your mind or distract you from other life issues.

Pinball is an inclusive game regardless of whether it’s played on a traditional table or via an online pinball game.

While other games will see their popularity come and go, pinball has the potential to enjoy sustained popularity with its core fanbase and continue to win new fans from different demographics.

Online Pinball Vs Traditional Pinball: Which Will Remain?

When considering the prospective ongoing popularity of pinball games, it’s important to make a distinction between physical pinball cabinets and online versions. Most players enjoy both variants, but the logistics mean that there is a difference between them and their respective futures.

Traditional Pinball

Physical pinball cabinets are great fun and have been enjoyed by millions of players around the world for decades. They are a mainstay of arcades and frequently appear in bars too. It is very likely that they will always have a place in recreational settings while the aforementioned rise in home sales suggests that homeowners with good levels of disposable income will continue to enjoy real-world pinball.

However, there are some potential issues that can hold back traditional pinball, such as;

The average cost of a pinball table is $3,500 to $8,000. Players also need the space for them while some branded machines cost tens of thousands of dollars.

A physical pinball machine does limit a player to only one title. Conversely, an online pinball site will have multiple choices available.

People now have video games and advanced home entertainment features, meaning they don’t have to seek entertainment from arcades like they did in past generations.

The growth of VR and AR sporting activities have seen pinball machines relegated down the list of sought-after machines in various recreational settings.

Fixing broken parts can feel like an uphill battle, which may be off-putting for owners of residential and commercial pinball alike.

It should be noted, though, that kids' tabletop pinball tables are far more cheaper and compact. As such, they offer a good home alternative for players who want some of the benefits without the drawbacks.

As such, physical pinball tables are likely to keep existing, although their reach may decline in the years to come.

Online Pinball

Online pinball is arguably even more likely to retain its popularity and stay an important part of our culture. After all, there are over 3 billion active gamers worldwide while pinball is one of the most accessible games of all. It also delivers almost all of the benefits that traditional pinball brings, with many additional positive points. While it hasn’t been played for as long as traditional pinball, this type of game has existed for over 30 years. So, there is familiarity.

Some of the most telling features that should be considered are;

Online pinball can be accessed from virtually any computer, smartphone, or tablet device within seconds.

When playing online pinball, you don’t have to pay to play like you would a pinball machine in your local bar or arcade.

Online pinball is available in various themes while the ability to change difficult levels promotes even greater versatility.

Online pinball is an ideal option for solo play to cure boredom, especially when you are short of time either at home or in the workplace.

Tracking your scores is easy while you also have the opportunity to compete against friends even when you’re in different locations.

Online pinball also offers added flexibility in the style of play. When paying to play a machine, most people will want to focus solely on getting the best score. When playing virtual pinball, though, there is more freedom. You can use it as a training session to start timing your shots, focusing on specific bumpers or features.

The fact that online pinball is the perfect way to reset your mind or reduce your stress levels within just a few minutes is another telling feature. It is perfectly aligned with modern life, not least because it also offers instant gratification and excitement. When combined with the logistics, it is very likely that this type of pinball will enjoy a sustained future.

Conclusion

While there is no way to predict the future, there is every reason to believe that pinball is set to remain popular throughout the foreseeable future. As traditional pinball machines approach their second century, they continue to provide a great source of entertainment for the home or in arcades and other social environments.

As for online pinball, it is one of the most versatile games that can be enjoyed by casual and competitive players alike. Whether you have a few minutes to kill or wish to develop skills that can translate well to several daily activities, web pinball has you covered.

To start your pinball journey or rediscover an old passion, try 24/7 Pinball now.

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