Revival of Flipper Gambling Devices
Vibrant Pinball Renaissance in Germany's Halls
Dive into the pulsating world of pinball at Flipperhalle Berlin, nestled in the industrial heart of Teltow, on the Berlin border. Pinball is back and thriving, with other German hotspots like Freddy's Pinball Paradise in Hesse's Echzell (approximately 180 machines) and the German Pinball Museum in Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate (150 playable exhibits from 1930 to the present).
"It's my passion, excessively expressed," confesses Jörg Meißner, Flipperhalle Berlin's owner. On weekends, he opens the doors, showcasing his incredible collection. The hall boasts pinball machines from various decades. Meißner arranges them by sound. "The 70s' bell pinball gives little bells a tinkle when you hit it," grins Meißner. In contrast, an enchanting machine like Harlem Globetrotters boasts a complex sound system.
Tracing his fascination back to his teenage years, Meißner started playing pinball at 15 but paused at 16 due to work commitments. However, the spell of the silver ball never left him. In 2005, he officially joined the pinball fandom by purchasing his first machine. "I merely found them captivating and wished to own them," he admits. Eventually, he is said to have amassed over 100 machines within a year.
As a master electrician, Meißner's technical prowess made repairing these vintage machines less daunting. He appreciates old electromechanical machines particularly. "The Wizard, for instance, produces sound entirely without speakers. It merely depends on relays and coils to produce its sounds," he muses, awestruck.
Ancient Balls in Modern Times
"The first patent for a pinball machine was granted in the USA in 1871," enlightens Arne Hennes from the Pinball Museum in Schwerin. The ancient love for ball games predates pinball itself. "Archaeological findings in ancient Roman settlements show stone plates used for marble games," Hennes explains. Bagatelle, a skilful forebear of pinball machines without electronics, was considered an early ancestor of the modern pinball machine.
The first pinball machines featuring flippers debuted in 1947, explains Hennes. This marked a shift from a game of luck to a game of skill, where active intervention became possible.
Meißner clarifies that Flipperhalle Berlin functions as a public playground rather than a gaming hall. "We host families and children's parties. Our guests range between ages 2 and 90, with an impressive number of female visitors too," he confirms. Jörg Lathwesen, chairman of the German Pinball Association (GPA), applauds Meißner's unwavering commitment: "Locations like this allow many machines to be accessible to the public."
Due to the high entry barrier into the pinball hobby, accessible play areas are crucial. Pinball machines typically cost thousands of euros and require ample space. "It's great for young people and young adults because pinball demands reaction, patience, calmness, concentration, and fosters social interaction," Lathwesen emphasizes.
In the early 1970s, pinball machines were prevalent in almost every pub in West Germany. "East Germany allowed pinball machines only at annual fairs," Hennes recalls. Around the turn of the millennium, pinball machines were at the brink of extinction. "Financial viability was no longer possible," Meißner admits. Even video games and home consoles overshadowed pinball about 20 years ago, pushing many manufacturers out of business.
"In 2005, pinball was nearly extinct, with only 10,000 people on the global ranking list. Now we're at 90,000," Meißner reveals, announcing pinball's resurgence. This comeback can be attributed to the retro trend and the shedding of the 'grungy pub image' for years, asserts Lathwesen. The GPA, with around 700 members, advocates for promoting pinball as a cultural asset, sports equipment, and work of art.
Digital Evolution Meets Timeless Delight
GPA chairman Lathwesen remains optimistic about pinball's future despite digitalization. "Digital development brings new possibilities to enhance machines, introducing exciting light effects or storing achieved results," he explains.
In the broader context, pinball continues to captivate fans worldwide, and Germany is no exception. Despite a lack of information about dedicated pinball venues, the retro gaming phenomenon and the growing interest in vintage games suggest a tomorrow ripe for more German pinball halls' emergence.
Other lifestyles in modern times include the resurgence of pinball enthusiasts, who find solace in digital evolution yet cherish the timeless delight of playfields and silver balls. For instance, entertainment venues like Flipperhalle Berlin, Freddy's Pinball Paradise, and the German Pinball Museum offer an escape from the mundane, showcasing a diverse collection of pinball machines spanning decades. These institutions not only cater to the technical interests of hobbyists but also attract families and a wide range of age groups, fostering social interaction and promoting pinball as a cultural asset.
