Pinball Construction Set (EA Gatefold Collection)

“Pinball Construction Set,” developed by Bill Budge and published by Electronic Arts (EA) in 1983, is recognized as one of the pioneering games in the genre that allows players to create and customize their own gaming experiences. This game provided tools for designing and playing custom pinball tables, introducing a novel concept at the time.

Initially, the game was released for the Apple II under Bill Budge’s own publishing label, BudgeCo, featuring unique packaging artwork that depicted various components of a ‘pinball table’ (such as flippers, silver balls, and coloured paints) arranged in a large plastic tray. Later, when Bill Budge joined Electronic Arts, they republished the game with new cover art by the design agency Steinhilber, Deutsch & Gard. This packaging, in a square format typical of other EA releases from that period, creatively blended photographed elements (such the hands) with painted ones (the reflective ball) in a collage style.

“Pinball Construction Set” was a significant success for EA and played a crucial role in establishing the publisher’s reputation for producing quality products.