[syntheweave]

Since the 80's all pinball manufacturers have sought licenses by default and used originals as a "B-theme" if the license falls through. This is the case because it's still a manufacturing business - it needs to be a functioning physical object first - while the theme is a marketing feature, one that needs quick draws for players and known quantities for operators. A license derisks both, so it's nearly obligatory for new games. But if you look at the virtual pinball space it's almost the opposite. While a handful of studios(Farsight, Zen, Magic Pixel) have done licensed reproduction simulations, over the years there have been far more attempts at original IP, since it's all software.

Even Stern has done the occasional original, e.g. Whoa Nellie, Striker Extreme. But it's very clear that they have a formula and don't deviate much from it - the experiments are left to competitors like Jersey Jack and Spooky. Pinball in the past decade has been defined by collector's market dynamics, a generation that, like with retro gaming, wants to buy for the home. So the new games are built more like home games than operator games - lighter builds with less serviceability, price discrimination features (different models with minor elements added or removed) and more of a focus on sheer quantity of elements - ramps, lights, toys - than one or two "centerpieces". It's only going to last as long as that collector's demographic does, after that pinball may go dormant again or find a new way of expressing itself.

[vgeek]

Software only tables do have all types of neat features that can't be matched mechanically-- namely the variety of "mini game" type tables that Zen has used on their own tables. I think the Stern AC/DC sub-table + Banzai Run or Safe Cracker novelty dynamic, cranked up to 11. It is so much easier to do without physical constraints. Physics are so much better vs even 5 years ago, but Virtual Pinball X still doesn't match the real world physics of balls hopping when you hit certain targets, or even the same clinks and thuds. It is light years simpler to run & cheaper than a real table, though.

I never get the different edition value props besides market segmentation. Obviously the Pro/Premium/LE may have different shaker motors, speakers, buttons, but some of the price difference seems excessive. Even more so with Jersey Jack-- especially on the 2nd hand market. Do red rails and legs and a topper make the playing experience worth that much more, or will it be that much more valuable in the future? (Is it like the collectible market, where things made specifically to be collected like modern Star Wars figures, won't ever be as valuable as the originals? Or is it just a bubble where prices revert in another 5 years?) If games like Circus Voltaire have consistent issues with the main feature, how will the home versions with multiples hold up over x,xxx plays?