The Evolution of the Flipper

Before beginning my story of the flipper I would like to acknowledge the help of three people in my research for this article. My good friend and pinball collector/historian, Sam Harvey (using his vast pinball flyer collection) provided valuable information regarding the various changes by different manufacturers of flipper configurations over the years.

Another friend and pinball historian, Rob Hawkins, provided me with copies of many BILLBOARD magazine ads illustrating the first flipper games by several manufacturers. And last, but not least, Steve Kordek (of Williams/Bally/Midway Games) graciously researched more old BILLBOARD magazines to determine the first flipper game by United Manufacturing (which incidentally was manufactured in the very building where Steve currently works).

What do most pinball historians and industry people believe is the single greatest invention in the history of pinball? The answer is the flipper. The primary reason given for this is that the flipper finally introduced a high degree of "skill" to the game.

This had two results. First, it let the player have more control over his final score, giving him more enjoyment in playing. Secondly, it began to end the argument used by many of the game's detractors that pinball was only a "game of chance" whose primary use was for gambling.