Quoted from tiltmonster:Admittedly I still feel like a noob in this hobby, even though I've owned a pinball machine for over 13 years, the Pinside forum is still relatively new for me, but I always assumed the excessive costs of a NIB pin was related to the licensing and paying for the rights to use art work, copy rights, voice overs, music... I really like the idea of an original theme like DI but shouldn't it cost much les than a Hobbit or Wizard Of Oz because they don't need to pay for these types of things?
When you get a license you also get the artwork, voice acting, even playfield toy molds, and even free marketing based on the brand name alone. You even get the music with the band themed machines. And now with LCD screens you don't even need custom DMD work. Just use the Blu-Ray scenes of a movie/show and some standard 3D animations and transitions. Licensed games are no doubt cheaper than an original theme that is done from the ground up. Especially now because the free advertising of a "Hobbit" or "Game of Thrones" license is enormous.
Most companies that license to JJP and Stern don't really ask for much money because it's more of a prestige thing at this point to have a pinball machine. Real big money licensing for games is made with slot machines or other mass produced items. And of course video games, clothing, toys, and so on. Pinball is extremely niche and mostly for prestige. These companies know that they are simply getting a small return for loaning out their artwork and music and so on for a small project that they aren't competing with because they don't own a pinball company.
Carlisle, PA
