A Luminous Sconfige of Clicking Wonders: A Pinball Renaissance in Germany
Reemergence of Flipper Devices on the Market
Stepping into an industrial building nestled on the border of Berlin and Teltow, you'll find yourself in a realm where the past and present collide in a luminous, clicking universe: Flipperhalle Berlin, home to approximately 50 pinball machines spanning over 200 square meters. From the timeless "Wizard" to the modern "Game of Thrones", the revival of pinball fever is undeniable, with pinball halls springing up across the nation.
Enter the proprietor of Flipperhalle Berlin, Jörg Meißner. To him, the hall is more than a collection of flashy machines; it’s an excessive expression of his hobby, granted to visitors every weekend. The hall houses pinballs spanning the decades, meticulously categorized by their distinctive sounds. The bell pinballs of the 70s, with their charming peals, stand proudly alongside the elaborate sound systems graced by devices like the Harlem Globetrotters.
Meißner's fascination with pinball dates back to his youth. He started playing at 15, eventually halting at 16 when demands of work prevailed. But his enchantment never waned. In 2005, Meißner delved headfirst into the realm of pinball, embarking on a journey that led him to West Germany, Holland, and acquiring multiple machines. His collection allegedly boasted 100 devices a year later.
As a master electrician, Meißner bears a keen understanding of electricity; however, pinball mechanics proved a different beast entirely. Compelled by his admiration for vintage electromechanical devices, he found himself in a world he had to navigate on his own. Meißner notes that the charm of machines like the "Wizard" lies in their ability to generate sounds without speakers, relying instead on relays and coils to produce melodies still as entertaining today.
The roots of pinball can be traced back to ancient Roman games with balls and the precursor 'Bagatelle', a game played on an inclined board without electronics. In 1947, the invention of a machine with flippers revolutionized pinball, allowing active intervention in the game and transforming it into a game of skill rather than chance [1].
Flipperhalle Berlin is less a gaming hall and more a family-friendly space to celebrate birthdays and entertain people of all ages - from children to those with 90 candles on their cake. The industry recognizes the significance of places like this, as many machines would remain tucked away in private collections without opportunities for public access [3].
Regarding pinball's resurgence, Jörg Lathwesen, chairman of the German Pinball Association (GPA), notes that platforms like Flipperhalle serve an essential purpose in making the hobby accessible to the young and young-at-heart. The high entry barrier associated with the hobby is another point to consider, as machines cost thousands of euros and require significant space [3].
In the past, pinball machines were a staple in almost every West German bar, while East Germany allowed only yearly fair appearances. With the advent of video games and home consoles around 20 years ago, pinball began to lose its footing in the market. As a result, many manufacturers ceased operations [1].
Yet, pinball has since seen a remarkable resurgence. According to Meißner, the number of active players has skyrocketed from 10,000 in 2005 to 90,000 today, propelled by factors such as the retro trend and the shedding of the 'seedy bar image' associated with pinball [1].
The GPA, an organization dedicated to promoting pinball as a cultural asset, sports equipment, and work of art, boasts roughly 700 members [2]. Despite advancements in digitalization, Lathwesen remains optimistic about the future of pinball, suggesting that new possibilities introduced through technology can make the machines more engaging, with enhancements like spectacular light effects and the ability to save achieved results [1].
Digitalization Met with Nostalgia
Germany’s pinball community leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of retaining and celebrating retro-inspired experiences, both online and offline [3]. It is not uncommon for specialized media, such as Pinball Magazine, to cater to this ever-growing, dedicated fanbase. The revamped DAP (Digital Animation Awards platform), while centered on video games, occasionally features pinball coverage, extending its reach to the pinball community [2].
Elsewhere, Germany's enthusiasts find a sense of camaraderie in regional and international events, such as the EAG Expo, where German exhibitors and visitors mingle with industry heavyweights like Stern Pinball [3]. The esteemed Pinball Museum, though located in Schwerin, welcomes visitors from near and far to immerse themselves in a world of playable pinball machines, historical exhibits, and social spaces [2].
While Germany does not host the largest European pinball shows, its enthusiasts contribute significantly to the global pinball scene, drawing inspiration and connections from various sources. From collectors’ communities to casual meetups in bars, the revival of pinball culture in Germany is thriving in more ways than one.
In this digital age, Flipperhalle Berlin, a home-and-garden of vintage pinball machines, embodies Jörg Meißner's lifestyle, offering a warp back to a simpler time in entertainment for visitors of all ages. Beyond gaming, the pinball craze echoes throughout Germany, with enthusiasts connecting on platforms like Pinball Magazine and the Digital Animation Awards, celebrating both the nostalgia and the renaissance of the traditional home-and-garden game.
