It bothers me that people make assumptions and predictions about how games that are not even out yet (like MMR or even Stren's Mustang pin) will affect the overall market. They could both be flops, they could both be great and industry changing revelation titles. Once the games are out and for sale to play, people will then know if those relases will affect the hobby. Until then, it's pure speculation. Nothing more.

I would like to say that the biggest game changer in recent years that I took notice of was the prices TronLE was fetching. It was a smart move by Stern and showed them that a popular and fun playing pin can be transformed into a money making cash cow. If that LE release hadn't been a sellout, I don't think they would have broke out with 3 different pin models like they have now (Pro,Premium,LE).

So, say what you want about what prices might do in the future (speculation). Stern definataly changed the hobby, for better or worse, with the 3 different levels of pinball experience that a consumer can purchase. Much like the recent retro classic car remakes with the Charger/Mustang/Camaro having many different models/options. They have those model choices for money making reasons.

You are wrong on both counts to assume these things will be a success or a failure until they begin to sell. A preorder is not a sale; all deposits are fully refundable still. You have no way of knowing these things. Think about why Rolling Stones was a flop and AC/DC was a great success? I can tell you that it didn't have anything to do with preorders or the bands! Now how would you have known that 5 years ago?

All companies have the possibility to make flops and bad products no matter how reliable or succesful previous items were made or how well they sold.