Are pinball machines about to become extinct?

Let us all lower our heads. This is a very dark day.

Rumor has it Stern Pinball, Inc., one of the last pinball makers left in the world (if not the only one), has laid off a handful of workers and several designers — a move most likely related to the economic downturn in the country right now. This horrible economy combined with the sad state of arcades today does not bode well for the iconic company (makers of classic pinball machines Monopoly and Lord of the Rings).

As a huge fan of pinball (it is the first thing I run to in an arcade) this is very sad news. I know arcades are slowly dwindling, but I always look forward to seeing a hot new pinball machine based on a recent hit movie or television show every time I am fortunate enough to find a random arcade in the middle of nowhere. Not seeing these glorious, blinking, noisy machines anymore is a little depressing to think about.

What do you think? Does this news make you sad? Would you be willing to go into business opening an arcade with me so we can keep pinball alive?

[Via RetroBlast — thanks, Jonathan!]