From the Editor
As we stand on the threshold of a new decade, it may
do us all well to reflect on some of the more important
events of the past decade. In so doing, we may gain
some valuable insight and be better prepared to face the
challenge of the '80s.
The 1970s would have to be called the most
productive and innovative decade the industry ever has
experienced. For most manufacturers, it was a period
earmarked by record sales and production-truly a boom
period for new games. The jukebox , long heralded as the
staple of every route, took a second seat to games in the
'70s. Urban renewal programs, increasing numbers of
fast food restaurants, and discos were the main factors
contributing to the demise of the jukebox.
But the hardest blow came when the once famous
Wurlitzer Corporation discontinued its manufacture of
phonographs in the United States. The industry was
shocked to see one of the country's most established
jukebox manufacturers call it quits. That began a startling
turnaround within the marketplace-operators suddenly
began to focus their attention and dollars toward the
purchase of new games.
The marketplace, consequently, became saturated
with new types of games. Electronic wall games and
foosball were the first to emerge . And although their
popularity has waned , both games still are doing well in
some areas of the country.
Yet the biggest splash of all , however, was the
introduction of the first video games. While Nutting's
Computer Space always will be remembered as the first,
Atari's Pong was the first video game to garner national
acceptance. From that point on, the games became
increasingly important to the operator and are a very
profitable line of equipment . Who would have believed
back then that the highest earning piece today would be
the video game?
If a list were made of the most successful game types
that premiered during the last decade , Brunswick's Air
Hockey game would have to be included . Once the most
profitable piece on any operator's route, Air Hockey has
made its mark on the industry, and, incidentally, is still
with us today.
The '70s also brought with them a new game type in a
new configuration-the sitdown cocktail table. Although
cocktail table games initially were accepted with some
skepticisms, they largely are responsible for opening up
new locations all over the country. A bonus, too, was that
many of the operators who started out with cocktail tables
as a means of gaining a foothold within the industry have
gone on to become very successful full-line operators.
The '70s will .be remembered as a time of transition .
Without a doubt , the most significant technological event
t11at took place during that -time was the change from
electro-mechanical to solid state. Virtually every new
phonograph or game produced today that uses electricity
4
utilizes some form of solid state circuitry. The days of the
screwdriver and pliers are now long gone.
Technological advancements and new games were not
the only events of the '70s. Pinball became almost as
popular as apple pie due largely to its legalization in such
major metropolitan areas as Los Angeles, Chicago , and
New York, which led to a considerable amount of
favorable media attention.
And one result of this better image helped pave the
way for the arcade, another "boom" feature of the
industry in the '70s. The new family-oriented concept
caught on nationwide and before long , major shopping
centers, who once scorned the idea of an arcade ,
welcomed them.
All things considered , the '70s best may be described
as a renaissance period for the industry. It was a decade
of growth. New games, new locations, new legislation ,
and new technology all were contributing factors· to the
boom.
So what's in store for the '80s? Who can say? Let's just
hope that the coming decade will be as beneficial as the
last. For the most part, however, we probably will not see
as many new game types become successful although we
can look for vast refinements in present game types.
Videos and pinball, for example , probably will be the top
contenders for technological polish-look for changes in
the playfield, such as multi-leveled playing surfaces .
Video games will use more color and vivid screen
graphics for a heightened sense of realism. Visual effects ,
special effects, and improved sound effects will offer
players a more realistic challenge.
Economically, we can expect to see prices continue to
rise. Although solid state technology should slow the rate
of increase, inflation will still be with us, which will almost
negate the effect of lower solid state production costs.
This means that play prices in the '80s should increase at
a corresponding rate. And whether we like it or not, we
will need the $1 coin desperately in this decade-by the
time 1989 rolls along , a dollar probably won't even be
worth 25 cents.
While there is a lot of uncertainty about the 1980s ,
there is one thing that you can be assured of-PLAY
METER Magazine, yet another product of the booming
'70s, will continue to keep you in touch with what ' s
happening in the '80s. And as we embark upon our sixth
volume, we wish you all a very prosperous, successful ,
and exciting 1980s.
Welcome to the future.
~ 4.hflally
Jl
Editor and Publisher
PLAY METER, January, 1980