Skip to content

A little history on Game Plan

Game Plan, Inc. was a pinball manufacturer founded in 1978 in Addison, Illinois. The company emerged during the height of the solid-state pinball boom, seeking to carve out a niche in a competitive market dominated by industry giants like Bally, Williams, and Gottlieb. Game Plan initially gained attention by producing cocktail-style pinball machines, compact tables designed for bars and smaller venues. Early models such as Fox Hunt (1978) and Black Velvet (1978) catered to this unique market, helping the company establish itself as an alternative to traditional full-sized machines.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Game Plan transitioned to producing full-sized pinball machines, with notable releases like Sharpshooter (1979), designed by former Bally artist Claude Fernandez. Sharpshooter was the company’s most successful game, selling over 4,000 units. However, despite creative themes and solid engineering, Game Plan struggled to compete with the rapid technological advancements and deep rule sets introduced by larger manufacturers. Financial difficulties and declining sales led to the company’s closure in 1985. Though short-lived, Game Plan left a mark on the pinball industry with its distinctive artwork and innovative cabinet designs, making its machines sought-after collectibles among enthusiasts today.

GobbleHole favicon

Pinballs:

Lady Sharpshooter_1985 05 01

Lady Sharpshooter

Lady Sharpshooter was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1985-05-01
Andromeda_1985 01 09

Andromeda

Andromeda was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1985-01-09
Captain Hook_1985 01 04

Captain Hook

Captain Hook was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1985-01-04
Cyclopes_1985 01 01

Cyclopes

Cyclopes was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1985-01-01
Attila the Hun_1984 01 04

Attila the Hun

Attila the Hun was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1984-01-04
Agents 777_1984 01 01

Agents 777

Agents 777 was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1984-01-01
Sharp Shooter II_1983 01 01

Sharp Shooter II

Sharp Shooter II was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1983-01-01
Super Nova_1982 05 01

Super Nova

Super Nova was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1982-05-01
Global Warfare_1981 06 01

Global Warfare

Global Warfare was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1981-06-01
Pinball Lizard_1980 07 01

Pinball Lizard

Pinball Lizard was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1980-07-01