In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil and Scott discuss various topics related to pinball machines, including their experiences with the new Labyrinth game, the differences in manufacturing and mechanics, the importance of maintenance, and the refurbishing of older machines. They also touch on the arrival of new games like Pulp Fiction and Metallica, the updates in game code, and insights into the pinball industry and future announcements. In this segment of the conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle delve into various aspects of pinball games, focusing on aesthetics, gameplay complexity, and community engagement. They discuss the visual appeal of games, the trend of toppers, and the balance between game difficulty and enjoyment. The conversation also touches on the importance of risk and reward in game design, using X-Men as a case study, and highlights the evolution of technology in pinball. Additionally, they explore the rise of mods and the vibrant community surrounding pinball culture, emphasizing the positive impact of initiatives like Pinside's Secret Santa. In this conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss various aspects of the pinball community, including the challenges faced in online forums, personal achievements in the pinball industry, and the operational difficulties of running a pinball club. They reflect on the importance of game maintenance, the anticipation of new game releases, and the future of American Pinball, emphasizing the need for quality control in manufacturing. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of pinball and the community's passion for the hobby. In this conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss various aspects of the pinball industry, including the long wait for code updates, the fluctuating values of pinball games, challenges in playfield quality, and the impact of material costs. They also touch on the role of influencers in the pinball community, the need for improvements in the UK Championship Series (UKCS), and the importance of supporting local venues and events. The discussion highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the pinball community as it evolves.

summary

In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss the latest happenings in the pinball world, including the anticipated arrival of the Pulp Fiction LE, personal game collections, and the challenges of game deliveries. They delve into the intricacies of building and repairing pinball machines, share insights on new game releases, and reflect on the financial health of their pinball club. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of the pinball industry, including the introduction of redemption games by Jersey Jack Pinball and the importance of consumer engagement in driving the market forward. In this engaging conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle delve into the intricacies of pinball gaming, discussing the importance of game audits, the nostalgia tied to game ownership, and the impact of game design on player experience. They explore industry insights, the significance of pop culture themes in pinball, and the reliability of games from various manufacturers. The duo also shares their thoughts on community opinions regarding new releases and the future of the pinball industry, emphasizing the need for quality themes and gameplay.

takeaways

• Pulp Fiction LE is on its way, creating excitement.
• Game deliveries can be unpredictable, especially around holidays.
• Building and repairing pinball machines can be a complex task.
• New game releases often come with updates and improvements.
• Clubs need to maintain financial health to survive and thrive.
• Challenges in the pinball industry include game reliability and parts availability.
• Redemption games are a controversial topic in the pinball community.
• Consumer engagement is crucial for the future of pinball.
• The market for pinball machines is evolving with new trends.
• Personal collections can become crowded, making it hard to decide what to keep. Game audits help in making informed decisions about game ownership.
• Nostalgia can heavily influence the decision to keep or sell a game.
• If a game isn't played often, it may not be missed if sold.
• A good game needs a decent theme and enjoyable gameplay.
• Reliability issues can deter players from purchasing certain games.
• Community feedback is crucial for game developers to improve their products.
• Themes play a significant role in the purchasing decision for pinball machines.
• The pinball industry has space for both large and small manufacturers.
• Engaging with the pinball community enhances the overall experience.

Sound Bites

• "My wife bought Metallica LE."
• "I just shake my head."
• "Theme is 90% of the purchase."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Great British Pinball Podcast

05:53
Scott's Home Brew Project and Challenges

13:09
Stern's Code Updates and Game Improvements

18:21
Pinball Game Mechanics and Design Challenges

25:22
Club Operations and Financial Insights

33:24
Challenges in Game Maintenance

40:15
The Evolution of Arcades

46:06
Jersey Jack Pinball's New Direction

52:04
Navigating the Pinball Market

58:07
The Evolution of Pinball Design

01:06:18
Concerns Over Reliability in New Games

01:12:27
Artistry in Pinball: A Discussion on Styles

01:19:16
American Pinball's Challenges and Opportunities

01:27:14
Industry Insights and Future Trends

01:33:26
Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Neil and Scott talk all things UK OPEN, Labyrinth and Pinball Expo 2024 covering all the new games and updates for the show - Neil shares his disappointment with ABBA and his amazement of Metallica.