Sega Pinball Inc., operational from 1994 to 1999, marked Sega’s return to the pinball market, having previously dabbled in pinball manufacturing during the 1970s. The division’s origins can be traced back to Chicago Dynamic Industries, founded in 1931, which later became Chicago Coin. Facing financial challenges, Chicago Coin was acquired by Sam Stern in 1977, evolving into Stern Electronics. By 1987, after another acquisition, it transitioned to Data East Pinball Inc. In the midst of financial difficulties, Data East sold the division to Sega in 1994, giving birth to Sega Pinball Inc. Under Sega, the division held about a quarter of the pinball market. Despite a brief resurgence in the early 90s, the pinball industry was on a downward trajectory. By 1999, Sega sold all its pinball assets to Gary Stern, who then established Stern Pinball, Inc., leaving it as the primary major pinball manufacturer for several years and solidifying its legacy in the pinball world.