Hi Guys, a few days ago someone posted a question at a Facebook group about games being able to be on WiFi.
This got me thinking... I mean we know that games will sooner or later being able to connect online. Also I think George Gomez said in the past, Stern games running on Spike2 will be able to connect online soon.
So I would like to discuss what we actually expect also what would we like to see?
I will share my thoughts.
-Software updates.
Of course the main focus of this online thing are software updates. No matter how it's done, I could imagine the game checks for updates every power up and also frequently while idle. If a software update is available, the game will either just notify you with a message or automatically install it. Depending on what the game has been set to do before.
-Competition.
Also competition is one of the main focuses. So I think there will be online leaderboards. So you can see where you are ranked at and what other players where able to score. But in order to work properly, the leaderboard should be able to keep apart Pro and Premium/LE games. Since the different models can score different because of modes being altered or entire playfield and mechs missing.
-Bug reports.
What about games sending bugs directly to the manufacturer. Let's say the game crashes during gameplay wouldn't it be nice if the game automatically reports it online. So the software team, can see the terms and conditions while the game crashed, to make it easier to patch issues.
-Playing together.
Instead of playing against each other, what about playing together? For example let's say Stern made a Grand Theft Auto 5 based Pinball game. I think we all know GTA since it's one of the worlds best selling games... Imagine doing a mission which involves a group of 4 people playing Pinball. While someone is busy stealing a getaway vehicle his teammate is battling enemies, while others are busy stealing some money, gear or whatever... Sound like fun to me. I got this idea from playing GTA:Online Heists. Of course this wouldn't work with a standard 1/3Ball rule. But if you change the 1/3Ball rule to team lives it works. That means if you start the "Mission" you begin with 3 team lives. As soon as someone drains the team live decreases for all players. If the team lives counter is at 0 and someone drains again. The mission is failed for all. Thats just something I had in my head... I don't know if its just me but I like this idea. It's not always about competition.
EDIT: The main focus of any Pinball machine still is local single player with standard 1/3Ball rules of course! The playing together thing should be available via adjustment, in attract mode. Like Escape Nublar on JP.
-Remote access/Service App
Well I am not an operator. But I think it would be nice to have an application for a computer or phone. Where you can see what's going on with your game. Like bookkeepings how much the game earned in a certain time frame, how many games have been played etc... Also wouldn't it be nice if the Pinball machine sends you a message asking for a service? Where it tells you this switch, sensor, node... is broken, so you know what you have to oder or bring to the machine to service it. The game could also send a message to let you know "Hey there is new software update waiting for you. Do you want me to install it for you?" So location games could be updated if the game is idle for a certain amount of time. Also change adjustments remotely would be nice, let's say game prices are 1/2 this weekend. Or increase extra balls etc... Game manufacturers could also send messages to this app. To let you know there is a technical service bulletin available for your game with serial number XY.
-Bluetooth/Player App
What about an App where you could create a player profile. With a picture, name, initials. Which connects to the game via Bluetooth and automatically shares your info with the game, so you no longer have to enter your initials. Also display the name so you will never forget if you were Player1 or Player3 in a multiplayer game. Also a little report bug feature, where you can write down bugs you experienced while playing and send them directly to the developers. If the "playing together" feature will ever be available. It would be awesome if you could connect a headset to your game or phone and join a little chat room in this app. So you can communicate with your teammates. "Hey I am unable to make that shot" "Hey you suck, get those enemies out of my way" "Sorry I have to leave my game caught on fire"
These are just some ideas I had. I am curious what ideas you guys might have. Also hear some feedback what you guy think about mine. Hopefully Stern, JJP and other manufactures read this. So they get an idea what we like to see from them.
Best regards
Maximilian