- Pinball games:0
- Years active:1977-1979
- Status:Not Active
- Location:Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
- Website:Fascination Int. Inc.
About Fascination Int. Inc.
Fascination International, Inc. was an American pinball manufacturer founded in 1977 by Joseph Cassioppi, William Thompson, and Eugene Hill, based in Texas. Primarily active from 1977 to 1979, the company specialized in cocktail-style pinball machines, compact designs meant to serve as both gaming units and practical table surfaces suitable for bars and restaurants. Fascination’s pinball machines featured solid-state electronics initially developed by Allied Leisure Industries, from which the company originated. These games were distinguished by their smaller size, interchangeable playfields, self-diagnostic systems, and innovative features like adjustable legs and built-in cup holders.
The company released three notable cocktail pinball machines: Roy Clark "The Entertainer" (1977), endorsed by country musician Roy Clark, featuring two-player gameplay; Circa 1933 (1979), themed around the Roaring '30s; and Eros One (1979), with a Greek mythology theme. Each of these machines shared a similar design and technology framework, relying on artwork and rule variations to distinguish them. An additional title, Eros II, was prototyped but never commercially released.
Despite its unique approach, Fascination International faced significant challenges, including limited demand for cocktail-style pinball machines and reliability issues, leading to difficulties maintaining a competitive presence in the arcade market. Additionally, the company was entangled in controversy due to questionable sales practices and accusations of fraudulent activities, where pinball machines were marketed as investment opportunities promising high earnings that rarely materialized. These issues culminated in legal troubles and financial strain, ultimately resulting in the company's closure in the early 1980s.
Today, Fascination International’s pinball tables are considered collectible novelties among enthusiasts due to their unique designs and niche market appeal, representing an intriguing yet brief chapter in pinball history.