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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.

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Pinballs:

Sharpshooter_1979 05 01

Sharpshooter

Sharpshooter was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1979-05-01
Vegas_1979 01 08

Vegas

Vegas was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1979-01-08
Family Fun_1979 01 04

Family Fun!

Family Fun! was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1979-01-04
Star Trip_1979 01 04

Star Trip

Star Trip was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1979-01-04
Old Coney Island_1979 01 01

Old Coney Island!

Old Coney Island! was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1979-01-01
Real_1978 05 01

Real

Real was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1978-05-01
Camel Lights_1978 05 01

Camel Lights

Camel Lights was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1978-05-01
Foxy Lady_1978 05 01

Foxy Lady

Foxy Lady was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1978-05-01
Black Velvet_1978 05 01

Black Velvet

Black Velvet was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1978-05-01

Rio

Rio was manufactured by Game Plan and was released 1978-01-01