Quoted from jawjaw:

I don't remember pinball ever being that popular to begin with - at least where I grew up. The popular games that I remember where games like Street Fighter. Those always had a crowd around and constant play but that was never the case for pinball. Back then, I liked pinball but was never good at it or knew any rules. It usually cost more to play pinball so I did not play that much. I even worked at arcades for a while and don't remember pins being played all that much. Of course, I snuck a free game every now and then.
Today, I am surprised that pinball is still alive. Before I got into the hobby, I didn't even know there were new machines being produced. Pins are more expensive than ever but not only is Stern cranking out games but so are other startups. I don't think it matters that kids are not into pinball - it's not like they are going to buy a machine.