I started out a couple years ago by getting interested in Visual Pinball and stumbled across the virtual pin cabinets and projects as well as VirtuaPin. I was going to build one or buy a VirtuaPin and add solenoids and shaker motors to make it more realistic.

Finally, I went out and tried some real pinball for the first time in decades. Immediately, I got caught up it the magic of the machine. I bought a Bally SS and regularly hit local places to play newer Sterns.

A few months ago, I drove about 100 miles to hit an arcade with 20 pins and low and belold it had a VirtuaPin. The owner actually tried to sell me the VirtuaPin for a bargain price. I was sooo glad I didn't buy one. Not that it was terrible. It just wasn't pinball. I now play The Pinball Arcade and love it. But it isn't pinball.

We'll see where the technology is in 5 years but I doubt VP will ever replace the physical interaction and social aspect. You know there have been virtual bowling and pool games forever but I doubt you'll see pool tables disappear.