"If you research the past, you can understand the present, and predict the future."
The greatest challenge for large scale DI success is getting more than a few wealthy homeowners to buy one.
Popularity is based on "word of mouth" in the public eye.
That is a very large hurdle now.
We are talking a price range of $8-12K.
Remaining operators are balking due to cost, except in high traffic areas, or dedicated remaining locations, and time to manufacture remains completely inconclusive.
Using Pinball 2000 is an improper comparison based entirely on market, operator, and manufacturer current circumstances.
I never understand why people state that Pinball 2000 was a failure, as this was not what occurred.
Read the history of the game, watch "Special When Lit" DVD, it will explain some of the aspects of the industry at the time.
That is just a simple way to learn the history.
Ultimately, this particular machine will be marginally successfully at minimum purely due to the current "buzz feed" on the hobby.
However, it will take more than 1000 machines for it to make its mark as a milestone in pinball history.
Otherwise, it will be simply known as "another JJP machine", regardless of this being the best of his offerings to date.