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Pinball

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Playboy

gameactive37 mentionsFirst seen Feb 13, 2002Last seen Mar 30, 2026

Profile

Playboy is a pinball game with a complex history spanning multiple manufacturers and eras. It was originally released by Bally as a classic pinball machine, later adapted by Stern around 2002 with digital enhancements and a modesty decal option. The game also appears in Pinball 2000 development history and was used as a donor cabinet for Gamatron conversion kits in the 1980s, demonstrating its availability and relative commonality in the pinball market.

Aliases

Playboy®

Relationships

No relationships

Facts

  • achievementStern game released around 2002highfrom 2002
  • achievementPlayers learned digital tools from Kevin O'Connor and John Yalvese on this gamemediumfrom 2002
  • attributeFeatures modesty decal optionhighfrom 2002

Claims

No claims

Recent Mentions (37)

  • December 1978 Bally machine; early use of pre-existing licensed music in opening melody

    Music In PinballMar 30, 2026
  • December 1978 Bally machine, early example of licensed music in pinball

    Music In PinballMar 30, 2026
  • Ranked #4 on Tim Sexton's top 10 list; features countdown mechanic; iconic but debated inclusion on list

    #131 Time TunnelAug 24, 2025
  • Historical Stern Pinball title with centerfold mechanic; referenced as inspiration for humorous topper discussion

    Interview with Bug from Spooky PinballJul 20, 2024
  • Pinball game designed by George Gomez at Stern

    TOPCast 40: George GomezJun 10, 2007
  • Licensed pinball machine from the era of IP-based game themes in the 1970s-1980s

    Episode 1- Pimp out my Pin!Mar 6, 2021
  • Bally pinball machine released in 1978; designed by Jim Potla with artwork by Paul Farris; primary subject of the episode

Contradictions

  • Existing: Stern game released around 2002vsConflicting: Unreleased Pinball 2000 game never completed before Williams shutdown
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Multiple manufacturers (Bally and Stern versions established)vsConflicting: Mention 1 references 'Highway Pinball's controversial themed machine' which appears to be a different game entirely
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

#41 Playboy - The Classic Pinball PodcastNov 17, 2020
  • Referenced pinball machine; compared to Cirqus Voltaire regarding ball save features

    #42 Cirqus Voltaire - The Classic Pinball PodcastDec 1, 2020
  • Pinball machine; George's buddy Jack purchased one from Betson's

    #71 The OG - The Classic Pinball PodcastJan 11, 2022
  • Vintage pinball machine in green room at NorVa venue in Norfolk

    Rescue 911 + Chill? We get tilted with Liquid Mike’s Zack AlwordenMay 15, 2025
  • Pinball game designed by George Gomez; third iteration of Playboy; Gomez visited Playboy Mansion for research

    George Gomez and Stern 2018Jul 10, 2018
  • Classic pinball machine featured in Borås Open Classic event, played by Rachel Risto

    The Ray Rae Show, Episode 9: The UK Open & Borås OpenOct 23, 2023
  • Pinball machine designed by George Gomez; mentioned in interview regarding mansion theme

    Pinball Heroes: George GomezJan 31, 2009
  • Licensed Bally pinball with Hugh Hefner IP; Paul Faris designed backglass featuring Hefner, Patty McGuire, and girlfriend; required multiple visits to Playboy Mansion for approvals

    Paul FarisAug 19, 2018
  • VPX table that had multiball bug; developers fixed issue after community reporting

    Virtual Pinball: Avatar (Stern 2010)Apr 28, 2020
  • Data East pinball game featuring Hugh Hefner license; successful commercially but not suited for home market

    The Early Years at Data East & Sega Pinball - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball NewsOct 17, 2025
  • Planned Highway Pinball game; in development pipeline; deep root showed no interest in acquiring license

    Episode 61 - Heighway v BattleTechMay 6, 2018
  • Stern pinball machine at the venue

    ROCK ISLAND PUBLIC HOUSESep 30, 2018
  • Classic pinball machine featured on rotating turntable novelty attraction at 2017 Open House

    PINBALL LIFE OPEN HOUSEOct 29, 2017
  • Stern Pinball machine; lot 927, auctioned for $7,800 ($9,917.31 with fees)

    MUSEUM OF PINBALL COLLECTION AUCTIONED OFFSep 27, 2021
  • Stern Pinball's licensed game featuring mechanical centerfold, Playmate calendar mechanics, and Mansion Mania wizard mode

    Keeping AbreastFeb 13, 2002
  • 1978 Bally pinball at venue

    KORONA WORLDOct 31, 2016
  • Proposed pinball machine from Heighway Pinball's abandoned pipeline; virtual/fan-made version exists on YouTube; Stern made a Playboy pinball in 2002

    Playboy Pinball: Does Pinball Brothers Have Another Trick Up Its Sleeve?Jul 29, 2022
  • Pinball machine designed by Jim Patla; listed in his design portfolio from Valley Manufacturing era

    Ep 5 - Jim Patla (Chief Operating Officer)Aug 4, 2020
  • Multiple versions exist (1970s Bally, Data East, Stern DMD); inclusion on Farsight leak raises questions about which version; hosts debate magazine's recent shift away from nudes

    If It Walks Like A Duck, It's PinballOct 28, 2015
  • Stern White Star game (January 2002); designed by George Gomez; adult-themed with interchangeable clothed/nude inserts; final Stern Playboy release

    The Architect – George Gomez Part 2Oct 15, 2022
  • Bally machine ranked #4; known for vibrant pink coloring and iconic Playboy artwork; features drop targets, standup targets, and orbit shot.

    Top 10 Best Pinball Machines of the 1970sAug 17, 2025
  • Historical pinball reference in context of UV lighting effects discussion

    The Pinball Show Ep 156: Hawk TerryJul 2, 2024
  • First consultant contract pinball game Gomez designed for Stern Pinball (before The Sopranos)

    Episode 78 - Sopranos Pinball w/ George GomezApr 14, 2025
  • Old Bally pinball machine that was Miller's first game in the San Francisco league; Miller was unfamiliar with it initially

    Episode 42: Mike MillerMay 22, 2017
  • Unreleased Pinball 2000 game that Keith and team began after Hot at House concept; basic rules started but never completed before Williams shutdown

    TOPCast 63: Keith JohnsonNov 2, 2008
  • Valley pinball game; Paul Ferris artwork; led to his first European travels where he encountered his artwork in Paris bistros

    TOPCast 48: Paul FarisAug 12, 2007
  • Stern game released around 2002 where Hudson learned digital tools from Kevin O'Connor and John Yalvese; features modesty decal option

    TOPCast 46: Margaret HudsonJul 29, 2007
  • Common donor cabinet for Gamatron conversion kits in 1985

    Ultra Rare Gamatron Pinball Conversion Kit for sale! Under 50 made?Nov 7, 2025
  • At Rock-A-Rolla with weak flippers reported by user

    Episode 505 - Utterly StochasticOct 6, 2025
  • First pinball game Gomez designed as contractor for Stern; worked with Dwight

    Drinks with Jack Featuring George Gomez (Part 1)Jan 7, 2026
  • Highway Pinball's controversial themed machine in development; digital version available for viewing

    Episode 44 – Michael Bowyer from AMD: Stern’s Australian distributorMay 21, 2018