Hi. I'm Archie from Portland, Oregon (https://www.youtube.com/badmariaprods). I've been thinking how I have more in common with those who've developed what pinball skills they have only in the real world. I've played every type of machine on location since the early 1970s. These are my worthless opinions:

Pinball on location such as a bar, bowling alley or arcade makes for a more authentic experience than at home, in a show, or in a tournament. There's limited time, space, and money, and you have to play the machines as they are. A weak flipper, music that's too loud, or a worn playfield aren't ideal, but definitely more real.

Location play is also more social. You have the opportunity to enjoy watching and playing the games with strangers, and to teach or learn from them. You can do that in a show, too, I guess, but I bet you can't drink or eat there as comfortably. And you're more likely to wait in long lines at a show to play a new game once, than to casually walk up to it.

Playing on location also supports your local bar, bowling alley, or arcade.

Any other thoughts on this?

Hi @parabol420. That's true about Portland, and for a pinball fan it's great. I didn't even consider the part about lack of access. I do hope people get out to more pinball in the wild, even if they have to travel a few miles.

Hey @o-din, you got it!

Hey @jwilson, depends on where you go. Sorry to hear that your experience on location has been bad.