Playmatic

Playmatic was founded in 1967 in Santa Coloma de Gramanet near Barcelona, Spain, by Luis Gimeno Martín, Alfredo Villalba García, and Francisco Munte Abelló, all previously involved with local pinball production at Cedes S.A. Their early pinball machines, such as North Pole and Rose Winds (both circa 1967), were electromechanical designs that adapted popular American concepts to the Spanish market. By the late 1970s, Playmatic had transitioned into solid-state pinball, developing its first electronic table, Space Gambler (1977), which introduced microprocessor-controlled scoring and logic. The company also collaborated with electronics firm E.F.O. (Electrónica Funcional Operativa S.A.) to form Cidelsa and produce video arcade games, marking Playmatic’s broader foray into coin-operated amusements.

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Over nearly two decades, Playmatic built approximately 60 pinball titles, many of which garnered a following in domestic and international markets. Games like Black Fever (1980) and Spain 82 (1982) showcased vibrant artwork, reliable electronics, and an assortment of play features. Notably, Flash Dragon (1986) included a built-in Polaroid camera that photographed high-scoring players, illustrating the company’s flair for creative concepts. Despite these innovations, the global shift towards video games and strong competition from larger U.S. manufacturers eventually strained Playmatic’s operations. The company ceased production in 1987, releasing its final pinball models, Phantom Ship and Skill Flight, shortly before closing. Though no longer active, Playmatic left a legacy of inventive design and contributed significantly to the growth of pinball in Spain.