Episode 18 - The Susan B. Anthony Years / Bally

PodcastAnalysis updated last monthFeb 19, 202456 min listen

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Kineticist’s take

Bally was the first pinball manufacturer to adopt solid state and hit the ground running
Stern Electronics copied the Bally board system and the companies reached a 'gentlemanly agreement' rather than pursuing litigation
Early pinball manufacturers collaborated on mechanics (pop bumpers, spinners, drop targets) rather than enforcing patents
Star Trek sold 16,000-17,000 units and was designed by Gary Gaten
Kiss (1979) was designed by Jim Patla and sold approximately 17,000 units with a rare symmetrical playfield
Atari produced the first wide body pinball machines before Bally
Paragon (1979) sold over 9,000 units and was designed by Greg Kamek with art by Paul Ferris
Silver Ball Mania sold over 10,000 units, making it the highest-selling non-licensed theme on the list
Space Invaders was sued by 20th Century Fox for unlicensed use of alien xenomorph designs from the film
Jim Patla's games consistently sold 10,000+ units, establishing him as a major driver of Bally's market dominance

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