would love to hear more about this. The physics look great. Seems like because it's a true 3d environment using the unreal4 engine, it'll make laying things out much easier. #1 thing I hate about both virtual pinballs is that everything is done in 2d with layers and heights. I'm used to designing in 3d in solidworks, and panning around the object to make sure it looks right.

So I have question. You mention this:
" our API supports connectivity of virtual pinball to real world hardware or emulators"

Not sure what this implies. Are we talking about controlling solenoids and shaker motors to make virtual cabinets feel more real, or do you think this can be used similiar to PROC where I test my layout virtually (including building my code), then that same code can be used to run a real pinball game? Or both?

Also from the standpoint of just the simulator, how does it compare to future pinball and visual pinball (beyond the fact that you're creating in a true 3d envoirnment). Can I import new models as needed (for toys for instance, or maybe I want to model my ramps in a 3rd party program)? And if so, what format? (I'm assuming since this is based on the Unreal 4 engine, it needs to be .fbx)?

Sorry, another question (and yes, I'm totally backing this). How will this work for distributing tables. Will it be a file like a map on unreal engine, or something specific you created? Will every user need to install the unreal engine? Is it possible to compile say an executable (like the retro arcade game room), or would that be too large?
http://www.digitalcybercherries.com

very excited to get an early beta when it's ready. I'd be curious, is there limitations on table size? What I'm getting at, could it be possible to create something wacky like the total recall side by side table? Because it's not possible in the current 2 emulators:
TR-pinball.jpg

Not a problem
t_recall_v1[1].jpg

Lots to read, but looks like you have some good positive support from people who are knee deep in simulation supporting this project. Big thing I saw was someone posted a video of converting a pirates of the carribean from future pinball to visual pinball X (because of the improved lighting and ball trails). To me, visual pinball still looks crappier to me (but FP hasn't been updated since it's release). My hope is people wait for this to take off, and convert every table to pinball labs.

More questions:
1. Since your beta simulator is showing a walkable room (as apposed to future pinball where you're either standing in front of the machine, or flying over it), Can I assume it might be possible (very much like retro arcade game room) that at some point I could "build an arcade" where I have a specific row of machines all in the same room, and I walk up to each one (rather than flipping through a menu). If so, how does that work. Will the program do a dumbed down attract mode of each machine until I step up to it (so as to not put the CPU at full load)?

2. Will the room always be generic, or is there a possibility for constructing a custom shaped gameroom, not unlike making unreal maps? And could those custom gamerooms be downloadable just like the games themselves?

bump
13% funded, let's get this thing off the ground!

Thank you so much fore clearing this up (I think I saw you on the vpforum). Sounds like this is a killer program that if gets funded will be a HUGE jump in pinball emulation and the homebrew hobby. This software alone could be a huge boon for pushing the hardware side. Really hope this thread gains traction.

I ran it on my current crappy dual core cpu with a geforce 8400, it's very slow (but so does everything in the U4 envoirnment, or the retro arcade demo, or any modern game released in the last 3 years). I run most tables on future pinball fine, but that just goes to show you how efficient (but cumbersome to program) future pinball.
I have a core i5 desktop 64-bit with 4gb ram and GT730 video card just waiting to get all my software transferred over, should run it fine. Just a heads up for those interested, computer has to be within this decade. For the record, the newer desktop is used, and cost less than $150.

I'm not hopeful based on how kickstarters typically run (and I backed $45). I really want to see this project succeed. What's going to happen to the project if it isn't funded?

68% funded with 40 hours to go.. how the heck can we get people to pledge?

bump!
it's at 79% funded with only 13 hours to go!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820215579/pinball-labs

what happens to this project now? If you have to sell licensed copies to pay for R&D or to license out the engine, I'm good with that!

so I tried to load that japanese pinball simulator, couldn't get it to work because epic's crappy program isn't user friendly. Even if it did work, it won't have what pinball labs had which is interfacing with real hardware. Really amazed this project couldn't find 412 users to fully back it.

agreed... the unreal engine really has superb physics as far as gravity is concerned.. Plus converting a 3d object from another program into the format that U4 needs is far easier than either of the current simulations. It would be so ideal to model everything in solidworks, then start pulling all those objects into a program like this and truly test it out.