I think what this thread should be asking, in a less tone-deaf and clunky way, is:
“What are some themes and ideas that might appeal to a wider audience or a new generation to bring younger people into pinball before the currently targeted demographic ages out of pinball and/or ages out of being alive?”
I think one that I saw might be valid, like Rick and Morty - in terms of maybe breathing some life into location-play. Sure, that demo isn’t buying home-use pins, but neither was I at their age. But as soon as I could, I did. That fan base is fanatical. You see that whole thing with the McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce? Google that. Could help go a step toward pins on location in some form.
Trailer Park Boys, that might do well.. I don’t like the show much, but I’d understand that’s trying to cast a wider net. If it was made to be fun/funny it would get play at bars and pubs from non-pinheads.
Some manufacturer needs to not play it safe - the discussion shouldn’t be, “how can we keep our current home use demo liking the games we put out that they’ll buy anyways,” but rather, “now that pinball is back from the brink of extinction, how can we start to expand it’s appeal again in different ways by maybe taking some chances?”
Dialed In seems like a step in that direction somewhat - it’s something different and tryin some new things! Whether it has an impact, who knows, but some things I see coming out seem like manufacturers playing it very very safe.. a couple risks might be needed to extend pinball for the future, rather than lazily playing it safe and same.