1976

During the mid-1970s, pinball machines begin transitioning from electromechanical systems to electronically controlled machines with digital displays.

Until then, scores were shown using mechanical score reels.
These reels rotated mechanically to display numbers on spinning drums in the backglass.
With the introduction of new electronics, these systems are replaced by digital displays.
For the first time, 7-segment displays show scores electronically.
The new technology allows higher scores and faster score updates.
Game rules can now also be expanded using electronic control systems and microprocessors.
Machines become more reliable and easier to maintain.
This change marks the transition from classic electromechanical pinball to digital technology.
An early example is “Freedom” (Bally, 1976).
Soon after, further electronic machines appear such as “Eight Ball” (Bally, 1977).
This development forms the basis for modern pinball machines with digital displays and more complex rules.