Couple of points that need correction ;
Williams and Gottlieb were cashed up when they closed their doors. They did not go broke. The industry completely changed. Williams moved funds to their slot machine division - which still exists today. Stern have NEVER been in a "cashed up" position to close their doors, and would need a Few more AC/DC "big sellers" in quick succession to do so. Remember, Stern almost went broke until investors stepped in a few years ago.
Even in the 70's, Stern didn't innovate from EM to SS. They simply copied Bally's boardset to the point that the basic board sets can be swapped into a Bally. That set the tone for Sterns future that would end up continuing into today. No innovation, and no originality. Stern have been LAZY since the competition moved on to better things (in terms of their Business model). So Stern set the standard, and complacency set in. Ironically, along comes JJP, and Stern lift their game (AC/DC). Stern have always been followers, and never leaders. Stern can never be compared to the "big boys" - Williams, Gottlieb and Bally.
I might sound critical of Stern, but I'm simply correcting some assumptions on the thread. I would LOVE to own a NIB Stern one day. I'm glad they stuck around while the others moved in to a more profitable industry.
Things are "hotting up" because JPP have arrived. Now let's see Stern's response to the competition. Hopefully it won't be the price rise per unit I keep hearing about
