Payday

Payday, manufactured by Brunswick Manufacturing Company in 1932, is an early example of pinball machines from the pre-flipper era. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) payout game, it predates the electromechanical elements that would become standard in later models and predates flippers entirely, which were not introduced to pinball until 1947.

The gameplay of Payday is relatively straightforward, consisting of a simple set of bumpers, rails, and targets that guide a steel ball as it falls through the playfield toward scoring holes, typical of early payout-style pinball where the player earned credits or payouts rather than replays. While lacking in complexity compared to modern pinball games, the mechanical simplicity of Payday makes it an intriguing study for enthusiasts seeking to understand the evolution of pinball design.

Unfortunately, little information is available about the designer or notable features of Payday. Its design and art are typical of early mechanical pinballs, with a straightforward aesthetic that reflects the period's industrial influences. Dating to 1932, it provides a tangible link to the nascent days of pinball, just as the medium was first taking shape.