#virtual 33

'Virtual 33'

[MISC] [AUSTRALIA] [MAGAZINE] [1995]

A Hankin & Co was formed in 1955 by Alec Hankin, a pioneering figure in the Australian amusement industry. Alec began his venture by operating amusement games in the Newcastle area, north of Sydney, New South Wales, establishing a foundation that would eventually lead to the creation of one of Australia's most iconic pinball companies. As the business grew, Alec’s sons, Peter and David, joined the company, and by 1965, they had opened their first amusement centre. Over time, Hankin expanded its footprint, establishing centres across Eastern Australia. When Alec passed away in 1974, he left behind a legacy that his sons would carry forward, culminating in the creation of Hankin Pinball. In 1978, David Hankin launched Hankin Pinball with a bold vision of producing high-quality pinball machines that would stand out in both the Australian and international markets. At a time when the pinball industry was dominated by a few major players, Hankin’s entry was ambitious, to say the least. He brought together a team of skilled engineers, designers, and artists—many of whom were local talents, including the son of the local bank manager, who became a major designer for the company. As the founder and driving force of Hankin Pinball, David Hankin was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic Australian-made pinball machines, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of arcade gaming. His vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to quality helped establish Hankin Pinball as a significant player in the global pinball market, even if only for a brief period. (...)Like many companies in the arcade industry, Hankin Pinball Australia faced challenges as the market shifted towards home gaming consoles in the 1980s. The rapid advancement of video game technology and the increasing popularity of home entertainment systems for instance Playstation and Nintendo led to a decline in the demand for traditional arcade machines. Despite producing some of the most memorable pinball machines of the era, Hankin struggled to compete in the changing landscape and eventually ceased production, marking the end of an era. However, the story of Hankin Pinball did not end there. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in pinball, driven by nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship and gameplay that define these machines. Collectors and enthusiasts have sought out Hankin's machines, restoring them to their former glory and sharing them with new generations of players. This revival has seen Hankin Pinball Australia regain its place in the annals of arcade history, with its machines celebrated as vintage treasures that encapsulate the spirit of a bygone era. ~Stephen Smith, Kineticist ("Australian Pinball: The Hankin Story", 9/18/2024)