Playmatic

Playmatic is a historic Spanish pinball manufacturer founded in 1967 in Santa Coloma de Gramanet near Barcelona by Luis Gimeno Martín, Alfredo Villalba García and Francisco Munte Abelló, and quickly became a prominent maker of electromechanical and solid‑state pinball machines in Spain and international markets. Beginning with electromechanical titles such as North Pole and Rose Winds and later moving into electronics with its first microprocessor‑controlled table Space Gambler in 1977, Playmatic blended American design influences with distinct Spanish artwork and engineering to create durable, playable machines. Over its run the company produced roughly 60–63 titles, including fan favorites like Black Fever (1980) and Spain 82 (1982), and inventive solid‑state designs such as Flash Dragon (1986), which famously featured a built‑in Polaroid camera to photograph high‑scoring players. Playmatic also partnered with electronics firm E.F.O. to form Cidelsa and expanded into video arcade production, broadening its footprint in the coin‑op amusements industry. Faced with rising competition from larger U.S. manufacturers and the rapid growth of video games, Playmatic ceased production in 1987 after releasing final models such as Phantom Ship and Skill Flight, yet its vintage pinball machines remain collectible, sought after by restorers and operators for their vibrant artwork, reliable electronics, and unique Spanish design heritage. Today Playmatic machines are actively traded and supported by pinball communities and restoration resources, making them enduring examples of classic electromechanical and solid‑state pinball design for collectors, arcade owners, and vintage gaming enthusiasts.