I've got a couple machines at work, including a LOTR. LOTR obviously lends itself to long games, which is not ideal (OK, for most people anyway) for a work environment.

Have manufacturers ever considered settings that allow changing to a time-based game for a game like LOTR? I know it would require a lot of code (so maybe only really possible if the mode is programmed in during development), but it would be an awesome addition to a game (really, could be a completely different feel from trying to reach wizard mode). It would certainly be job security for game code programmers, as the mode would require completely different code paths.

Just curious what other people think about this and whether (other than the handful of time-based games I've read about) this has ever been considered by manufacturers.

And, yes, I realize that what I really need is just a machine with shorter game times (like almost any em, for example), but this would clearly be a different experience.

Yes, I meant game times. For LOTR, it would be some sort of timed game (3 min?) that clearly laid out some goals, including the potential for a multiball. Then maybe the game could continue as long as 2 or more balls were in play (extra time!). Obviously, the play would be very different from the full-on ruleset, but the shots are there, so it would just require software and maybe some sound/graphics changes, depending on how substantial the changes were.

Thanks for the responses. It's cool that there are a number of timed game options out there. I have always been an NBA FB fan, but haven't been able to land one.