I think the artwork on all eras of games is equally as good, it's just different for all eras. I love the old EM games and the 80's and 90's too but man look at games like Munsters (especially the black and white), IMDN, GB, MET, AS, BM66 and so many more.

Pinball is art and I hope companies never forget that aspect of pinball.

Centaur and Fathom are probably my favorites in terms of playfield art if I had to pick what I think would be the peak of pinball art. Been enjoying most of the Zombie Yeti art so far and hope he continues, it'd be cool to see what he could do with more freedom in an unlicensed theme.

Heck yes, artwork on older machines is stunning but you need to look at
late 1930's thru 1950's to see the best. This is one reason I've been collecting
them. If the pic comes through; Torchy (left), New Contact, Border Town
and Formation on the right side.
Steve

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In terms of art differences between newer and older pins, I think the biggest difference is the move from backglass to translite. The new art is amazing. It’s just not shown off in the best light with the use of a translite. That’s why, in my opinion, the art on older pins really shines. It’s the backglass that is the difference maker.

I love the art on a lot of these old machines. I think the early solid state era had the best artwork and artist. I have taken to collecting old backglasses to put hang on the wall along with playfields when I can find them. Really looking forward to picking up some pieces at the next show.

Hands down, Paragon is the most beautiful backglass and playfied ever made. I also really like the stencil on art of the era. Its drawing me in and I'm going to be hopefully getting my first pin from this era sometime soonish.

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I used to have a non-pinhead friend who would come with me to bars just to get a drink, and then examine the art on the machines while I played.

Pinball art, in its unique 3d canvas, provides a snap shot of pop culture for the era in which it was produced. In my opinion, a pinball collection is at its heart a fine art collection, with the added benefit you get to play it instead of just view it (Although I must admit I sometimes turn on my pins just to sit with a cold one and enjoy my personnel art gallery.)

Paragon, Centaur, Lost World, Space Invaders... definitely a trend for me

+1, ReadyPO !

I appreciate the art of the machines as well and like the visual appeal of them - preferably turned on!

I also appreciate the art of the engineering that went into arcade games, whether they are EM or solid state. I have an old bowler and I marvel at how much it does with just relays and contacts. It is simply amazing and elegant!

They had to be attractive enough in art as well as game design for someone to put their money into them.

I could not agree more with this topic. That is why 3 years ago I opened a gallery, arcade, and custom frame shop called The Flipper Room. It is a place "Where pinball meets picture framing". We display our games in a setting that highlights or features the art of the machine. We work with artists from the pinball community and also local artists who create works that are inspired by pinball. Each year an artist in the pinball community is commissioned to create a limited release fine art print that we sell online and through the gallery. We see some of the coolest pieces of pinball history come through the frame shop that we get to frame for collectors to hang and enjoy.

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COOL! Do you have a website?
Steve

https://theflipperroom.com/

Classic images

Nice concept!

I feel the same way as some of you but have taken to collecting the actual artwork. Ie 80s/90s games started with actual handmade original artwork . I buy that whenever I can. Hasn’t been cheap but the pieces are incredible IMO. Here’s the Bride of pinbot painting which was a relatively recent addition I was excited about. I’m biased but I think it’s a breathtaking display of skill and wonderful subject matter all at once.

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Stunning. I've always loved this.

Right on... Very cool. We also sell original pinball art in the gallery. It rotates and changes often. Nothing better than original art

Thanks for answering. I missed all the comments after I posted...