Playboy

The Playboy pinball machine, released by Bally Manufacturing Corporation in December 1978, was designed by Jim Patla with art by Paul Faris. The backglass depicts Hugh Hefner with 1976 Playmate Patti McGuire and 1977 Playmate Sondra Theodore.

Gameplay-wise, Playboy is a solid-state electronic machine featuring two flippers, three pop bumpers, and two slingshots. The presence of six standup targets, a 5-bank drop target, and a star rollover adds variety, while the unique upper-left kickback lane, known as "The Grotto," provides an additional challenge for players. The machine's maximum score of 999,990 points per player and electronic sound (with an EM knocker) round out the experience. The start-up tune, Grotto tune, and bonus countdown tune resemble portions of Cy Coleman's "Playboy's Theme" from the 1969 TV show "Playboy After Dark."

With confirmed production of 18,250 units and an actual measured weight of 222 lbs, Playboy was a commercially significant release for Bally, pairing a well-known licensed brand with the company's solid-state hardware of the late 1970s.