08/16/2025
TL;DR: What if we made original, license-free virtual pinball tables that are free for the community to download (like VPX tables), but since we own them, we could also legally use them in commercial cabinets at arcades and barcades?
So here’s the thought — commercial use of virtual pinball is usually a no-go because of licensing. But I came across a Pinball FX2 Championship Edition machine that was meant for Dave & Buster’s before COVID killed the rollout. It was set up for pay-to-play, but the project flopped and disappeared.
That got me thinking: why not try again, but with our own original tables? If the art, rules, and sounds are all original, licensing issues disappear. Even better — those tables could still be released to the community for free download (just like other VPX or original builds), but since we’d own the IP, we’d also be free to run them in coin-op setups.
I know some top table authors do this purely for passion, but maybe a few would be open to collaborating if the project is original and has the potential to live both in homes and in commercial arcades. “Pizza Time” showed people will rally around original designs.
The home market is flooded with overseas builds and overpriced cabinets, so selling only to individuals is getting tougher. But a location-based commercial model (fun centers, arcades, barcades) could open a whole new lane — especially here in Florida where there are plenty of those venues.
What do you all think — crazy idea, or worth testing?
