I think DP will be fine, still have a strong talented design crew. Just like JJP and other company's they will find their groove and things will start to level out.
As for the computer stuff, I am not a computer tech head and probably have some of this wrong, heck I like using a mac (that normally divides people), but where there is a will there is a way and pretty sure regular game pins like the ones that run with proc using a small computer to bascially interface the program with the playfield mechs and lighting won't be a drama in many years to come. I think the pin 2000 is a little different because the game is unique as it needs the monitor graphics to be projected and interface with the game play otherwise it would be a crap player. It comes down to licence crap and how they couldn't be bothered looking after all those with a pinball - maybe PPB will fix this and the pins get a new run of energy.
Have to agree with pinsanity and oldskool - just sit back and enjoy the development - as long as these guys are around for a while then computer replacements will be available and sure they will discover better alternatives if they believe it is required and at least they are pushing the limits. I think a pin with any sort of lcd / video graphics will be impossible without a computer.
Some pins will break new ground and others will stick to old school tech and be limited because of it.
I have seen TBL yet but the pin theme looks cool and the quality outstanding - good on them.
"then computer replacements will be available"
This is the problem - they are NOT available. You cannot buy the PC system that P2K runs on because it is obsolete. Unobtainium. Nucore came along and REMOVED this problem with their open source software which runs on any computer - basically giving the platform a new lease of life with ANY hardware. In fact, there was talk of Wizard Blocks AND Playboy being developed on the Nucore platform. Then someone else came along and copied Nucore, then it all gets messy, and here we are - back at square one.
I agree that we should all look forward to the new developments - and if they MUST use PC based systems - by all means - ENJOY the games !
But IF these systems are developed in the same way as P2K - then expect exactly the same issues down the track.
I agree with you Nino and was my point that pin 2000 is unique but hopefully other companies have taken that on board and using a more generic computer based system so games can be run for a long time and just a matter of loading a program on to it and away they go. But until we know exactly what companies are using we should try to hold back a negative opinion without knowing all the details.