Stern, price, collectors, and nostalgia. As much as people hate Stern, operators are making money, people are playing, leagues are thriving, and more people are interested. I am by no means a Stern fanboy, but without Stern I don’t think pinball would have survived. For that I am grateful (despite the current cost cutting situation). I applaud Jersey Jack and Spooky for making some incredible games, but ultimately they are intended for the private collector which is still a great thing for the hobby. I plan on buying a TNA, Wonka, and BKSOF this year. I am 36 and love where this niche passion is heading. The more people that are getting into collecting, the more it drives prices. Spend your money the way you want. I’m tired of people bashing companies and their choices. It’s all working and more companies are willing to throw their hat in the ring. It’s all good for pinball. One of my best friends told me about 8 years ago that, “owning any pinball machine is better than not owning a machine.” I truly believe that with the right friends and good drinks that it’s better than just about anything you can buy for your game room.

I agree with you, but if the continuation of the hobby didn’t exist; would parts, playfields, cabinet decals backglasses/translites and ramps continue to be produced? Just 5 years ago it was almost impossible to find anything for “B and C” level games. Now you can get parts for just about anything. Companies have realized there is money to be made on 30+ year old games. I don’t think that would have happened if there wasn’t a demand post 2000+ pinball. In 2001 if I were to sell a routed Fathom do you think someone would have paid $5,000+ knowing that parts were unobtanium or do you think that the reassurance of knowing the parts are there have driven the price? Sure, the cost may be worth exponentially more for a huo machine that’s 25 years old, but if you truly could only “restore” the machine without manufacturing your own parts or paying an extreme premium, it could have changed the entire industry.