@ourlostarcade.bsky.social
Discovering the arcade's past!
A journey through the history of coin-op. Games, jukeboxes, vending, and more from the 1st century to the 20th!
Also @playhistory.bsky.social
A journey through the history of coin-op. Games, jukeboxes, vending, and more from the 1st century to the 20th!
Also @playhistory.bsky.social
That's a much deeper examination to undertake.
For now, we've situated Spotlight Golf in its pre-War context. But it has a further legacy.
Next time we'll discuss how the electro-mechanical golf course was revived twenty years later.
For now, we've situated Spotlight Golf in its pre-War context. But it has a further legacy.
Next time we'll discuss how the electro-mechanical golf course was revived twenty years later.
November 14, 2025 at 11:30 PM
That's a much deeper examination to undertake.
For now, we've situated Spotlight Golf in its pre-War context. But it has a further legacy.
Next time we'll discuss how the electro-mechanical golf course was revived twenty years later.
For now, we've situated Spotlight Golf in its pre-War context. But it has a further legacy.
Next time we'll discuss how the electro-mechanical golf course was revived twenty years later.
Shannon first began thinking about relays powering an electro-mechanical computer when he saw their use in the Rockefeller Differential Analyzer, which began production in 1936.
Were MIT engineers beat to using relays for computing by the amusement industry?
Were MIT engineers beat to using relays for computing by the amusement industry?
November 14, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Shannon first began thinking about relays powering an electro-mechanical computer when he saw their use in the Rockefeller Differential Analyzer, which began production in 1936.
Were MIT engineers beat to using relays for computing by the amusement industry?
Were MIT engineers beat to using relays for computing by the amusement industry?
The recognition of relays for use as a proto-computational device is significant though.
In 1937, Claude Shannon began working on his master's thesis around the use of relay circuits as a method of computation.
His work was massively important to the beginning of digital computers.
In 1937, Claude Shannon began working on his master's thesis around the use of relay circuits as a method of computation.
His work was massively important to the beginning of digital computers.
November 14, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The recognition of relays for use as a proto-computational device is significant though.
In 1937, Claude Shannon began working on his master's thesis around the use of relay circuits as a method of computation.
His work was massively important to the beginning of digital computers.
In 1937, Claude Shannon began working on his master's thesis around the use of relay circuits as a method of computation.
His work was massively important to the beginning of digital computers.
So I don't consider Spotlight Golf a computer game; the claim has always been hyperbolic. Doron Swade in the book "Exploring the Early Digital" agrees with that assessment.
Still, I hope their machine makes it into the hands of someone who can restore it: I would love to see it in action.
Still, I hope their machine makes it into the hands of someone who can restore it: I would love to see it in action.
November 14, 2025 at 11:19 PM
So I don't consider Spotlight Golf a computer game; the claim has always been hyperbolic. Doron Swade in the book "Exploring the Early Digital" agrees with that assessment.
Still, I hope their machine makes it into the hands of someone who can restore it: I would love to see it in action.
Still, I hope their machine makes it into the hands of someone who can restore it: I would love to see it in action.
Other coin-operated games have had elaborate programming schemes under the hood as well.
While the arbitrary scheme used by Spotlight Golf is very advanced, player piano roll-like systems were not unheard of for coin-op amusements.
While the arbitrary scheme used by Spotlight Golf is very advanced, player piano roll-like systems were not unheard of for coin-op amusements.
November 14, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Other coin-operated games have had elaborate programming schemes under the hood as well.
While the arbitrary scheme used by Spotlight Golf is very advanced, player piano roll-like systems were not unheard of for coin-op amusements.
While the arbitrary scheme used by Spotlight Golf is very advanced, player piano roll-like systems were not unheard of for coin-op amusements.
Relays are a digital *component* and their use in a game like this is extremely early - but not the first.
The Ray-O-Lite Rifle Range used a photo-electric cell to register a digital signal. Early electrical pinball machines also used relays as part of tilt mechanisms.
The Ray-O-Lite Rifle Range used a photo-electric cell to register a digital signal. Early electrical pinball machines also used relays as part of tilt mechanisms.
November 14, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Relays are a digital *component* and their use in a game like this is extremely early - but not the first.
The Ray-O-Lite Rifle Range used a photo-electric cell to register a digital signal. Early electrical pinball machines also used relays as part of tilt mechanisms.
The Ray-O-Lite Rifle Range used a photo-electric cell to register a digital signal. Early electrical pinball machines also used relays as part of tilt mechanisms.
Their use of the world "digital" to describe the whole function of the device strikes me as a bit presumptuous.
The game on the whole relies on a lot of moving components. Just because it transfers basic electrical signals does not mean qualifies as "digital".
The game on the whole relies on a lot of moving components. Just because it transfers basic electrical signals does not mean qualifies as "digital".
November 14, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Their use of the world "digital" to describe the whole function of the device strikes me as a bit presumptuous.
The game on the whole relies on a lot of moving components. Just because it transfers basic electrical signals does not mean qualifies as "digital".
The game on the whole relies on a lot of moving components. Just because it transfers basic electrical signals does not mean qualifies as "digital".
Let it be said: Spotlight Golf was a remarkable invention. It is more or less a version of Nintendo's Golf in the 1930s.
However, the Australasian Golf Museum has made several claims about its significance that I as a historian think are a bit unwarranted.
However, the Australasian Golf Museum has made several claims about its significance that I as a historian think are a bit unwarranted.
November 14, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Let it be said: Spotlight Golf was a remarkable invention. It is more or less a version of Nintendo's Golf in the 1930s.
However, the Australasian Golf Museum has made several claims about its significance that I as a historian think are a bit unwarranted.
However, the Australasian Golf Museum has made several claims about its significance that I as a historian think are a bit unwarranted.
When the player reached the green, they were given a physical putting station by which to land the final shot, using a simple plate system inside the putting hole.
The roll - containing nine individual holes - could then be moved and the mechanisms reset for the next drive.
The roll - containing nine individual holes - could then be moved and the mechanisms reset for the next drive.
November 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM
When the player reached the green, they were given a physical putting station by which to land the final shot, using a simple plate system inside the putting hole.
The roll - containing nine individual holes - could then be moved and the mechanisms reset for the next drive.
The roll - containing nine individual holes - could then be moved and the mechanisms reset for the next drive.
When in a bunker, the player had to either hit the ball high enough to escape. This required a particular type of shot, so different clubs were provided.
If unable to escape the trap, they could push a button to reposition the ball out of the hole.
If unable to escape the trap, they could push a button to reposition the ball out of the hole.
November 14, 2025 at 10:56 PM
When in a bunker, the player had to either hit the ball high enough to escape. This required a particular type of shot, so different clubs were provided.
If unable to escape the trap, they could push a button to reposition the ball out of the hole.
If unable to escape the trap, they could push a button to reposition the ball out of the hole.
Each golf course was not just an arbitrary picture: It contained four rows of "programmed" data read via electrical contacts.
Combined with the data from the putting reader, it could determine whether or not each player was in a sand pit or even out of bounds.
Combined with the data from the putting reader, it could determine whether or not each player was in a sand pit or even out of bounds.
November 14, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Each golf course was not just an arbitrary picture: It contained four rows of "programmed" data read via electrical contacts.
Combined with the data from the putting reader, it could determine whether or not each player was in a sand pit or even out of bounds.
Combined with the data from the putting reader, it could determine whether or not each player was in a sand pit or even out of bounds.
Each player (yes, it's two players!) have their own separate, colored indicator.
The player furthest from the green is the next to swing, generally whacking the ball into a net to advance it on the playfield.
This is where things really get wild.
The player furthest from the green is the next to swing, generally whacking the ball into a net to advance it on the playfield.
This is where things really get wild.
November 14, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Each player (yes, it's two players!) have their own separate, colored indicator.
The player furthest from the green is the next to swing, generally whacking the ball into a net to advance it on the playfield.
This is where things really get wild.
The player furthest from the green is the next to swing, generally whacking the ball into a net to advance it on the playfield.
This is where things really get wild.
A simple electrical signal is sent through the shot reader to the cabinet.
The duration of the signal determines how far the ball travels vertically on the model course.
A precise location is determined by a light - a "spotlight" if you will - which can be deflected left or right via a mirror.
The duration of the signal determines how far the ball travels vertically on the model course.
A precise location is determined by a light - a "spotlight" if you will - which can be deflected left or right via a mirror.
November 14, 2025 at 10:46 PM
A simple electrical signal is sent through the shot reader to the cabinet.
The duration of the signal determines how far the ball travels vertically on the model course.
A precise location is determined by a light - a "spotlight" if you will - which can be deflected left or right via a mirror.
The duration of the signal determines how far the ball travels vertically on the model course.
A precise location is determined by a light - a "spotlight" if you will - which can be deflected left or right via a mirror.
The game transmits data from the motor attached to the ball tether - kinetic energy, flight, and slice direction - to the game cabinet.
Contact relays read the course of the shot, opening or closing depending on intensity and the straightness of the swing.
Contact relays read the course of the shot, opening or closing depending on intensity and the straightness of the swing.
November 14, 2025 at 10:43 PM
The game transmits data from the motor attached to the ball tether - kinetic energy, flight, and slice direction - to the game cabinet.
Contact relays read the course of the shot, opening or closing depending on intensity and the straightness of the swing.
Contact relays read the course of the shot, opening or closing depending on intensity and the straightness of the swing.
Spotlight Golf contained very state-of-the-art technology for its time, which enabled it to create a unique gameplay experience.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
November 14, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Spotlight Golf contained very state-of-the-art technology for its time, which enabled it to create a unique gameplay experience.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
According to the Australasian Golf Museum, this tech qualifies it as the "first computer game" and maybe the first electronic computer.
Let's investigate this.
Like many promising game fads, Spotlight Golf gradually disappeared without much notice.
It was expensive, distribution was limited, and the UK was on the verge of its most devastating war.
However, Spotlight Golf did leave an impact. Next time, we'll discuss more about its pioneering technology.
It was expensive, distribution was limited, and the UK was on the verge of its most devastating war.
However, Spotlight Golf did leave an impact. Next time, we'll discuss more about its pioneering technology.
November 10, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Like many promising game fads, Spotlight Golf gradually disappeared without much notice.
It was expensive, distribution was limited, and the UK was on the verge of its most devastating war.
However, Spotlight Golf did leave an impact. Next time, we'll discuss more about its pioneering technology.
It was expensive, distribution was limited, and the UK was on the verge of its most devastating war.
However, Spotlight Golf did leave an impact. Next time, we'll discuss more about its pioneering technology.
In 1937, they started exporting the device: To Ireland, Canada, the U.S, and Australia.
The coin-op industry took an interest in the device, but it never became fully automated due to needing attendance for the ball and the net.
Though in Montreal they did try quarter-per-play pricing.
The coin-op industry took an interest in the device, but it never became fully automated due to needing attendance for the ball and the net.
Though in Montreal they did try quarter-per-play pricing.
November 10, 2025 at 10:41 PM
In 1937, they started exporting the device: To Ireland, Canada, the U.S, and Australia.
The coin-op industry took an interest in the device, but it never became fully automated due to needing attendance for the ball and the net.
Though in Montreal they did try quarter-per-play pricing.
The coin-op industry took an interest in the device, but it never became fully automated due to needing attendance for the ball and the net.
Though in Montreal they did try quarter-per-play pricing.
It certainly wasn't a low-class option for the sport.
Costing nearly 70 pounds for the operator and one shilling for nine holes, this wasn't the type of device one would simply find on a boardwalk.
Nevertheless, it made an impression at various exhibitions throughout the country.
Costing nearly 70 pounds for the operator and one shilling for nine holes, this wasn't the type of device one would simply find on a boardwalk.
Nevertheless, it made an impression at various exhibitions throughout the country.
November 10, 2025 at 10:37 PM
It certainly wasn't a low-class option for the sport.
Costing nearly 70 pounds for the operator and one shilling for nine holes, this wasn't the type of device one would simply find on a boardwalk.
Nevertheless, it made an impression at various exhibitions throughout the country.
Costing nearly 70 pounds for the operator and one shilling for nine holes, this wasn't the type of device one would simply find on a boardwalk.
Nevertheless, it made an impression at various exhibitions throughout the country.
Two professional golfers demonstrated the game at the Westminster Savoy Hotel to delighted journalists and onlookers.
EMI emphasized that Spotlight Golf was a perfect rainy-day replacement for getting out on the course.
EMI emphasized that Spotlight Golf was a perfect rainy-day replacement for getting out on the course.
November 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Two professional golfers demonstrated the game at the Westminster Savoy Hotel to delighted journalists and onlookers.
EMI emphasized that Spotlight Golf was a perfect rainy-day replacement for getting out on the course.
EMI emphasized that Spotlight Golf was a perfect rainy-day replacement for getting out on the course.
A fuller explanation of the mechanics can be found by researchers working with the Australasian Golf Museum, who've done much work in attempting to preserve this game.
www.ausgolfmuseum.com/media/
The game, called Spotlight Golf, premiered for the British public in May 1936.
www.ausgolfmuseum.com/media/
The game, called Spotlight Golf, premiered for the British public in May 1936.
November 10, 2025 at 10:32 PM
A fuller explanation of the mechanics can be found by researchers working with the Australasian Golf Museum, who've done much work in attempting to preserve this game.
www.ausgolfmuseum.com/media/
The game, called Spotlight Golf, premiered for the British public in May 1936.
www.ausgolfmuseum.com/media/
The game, called Spotlight Golf, premiered for the British public in May 1936.
Relays were not a new invention in the 1930s, but recent advances in relay technology were entering telephone systems becoming feasible for use in industrial applications.
For the golf game, relays allowed for the reliable tracking of different 'states' of the game.
For the golf game, relays allowed for the reliable tracking of different 'states' of the game.
November 10, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Relays were not a new invention in the 1930s, but recent advances in relay technology were entering telephone systems becoming feasible for use in industrial applications.
For the golf game, relays allowed for the reliable tracking of different 'states' of the game.
For the golf game, relays allowed for the reliable tracking of different 'states' of the game.
He partnered with Frank Allen Mitchell, an engineer who had done extensive work on phonographs for Columbia Phonograph before beginning work for Electrical and Musical Industries, or EMI.
His invention prior to working with Simon had involved a cutting-edge use of electrical relays.
His invention prior to working with Simon had involved a cutting-edge use of electrical relays.
November 10, 2025 at 10:25 PM
He partnered with Frank Allen Mitchell, an engineer who had done extensive work on phonographs for Columbia Phonograph before beginning work for Electrical and Musical Industries, or EMI.
His invention prior to working with Simon had involved a cutting-edge use of electrical relays.
His invention prior to working with Simon had involved a cutting-edge use of electrical relays.
This separation of literal space from the 'play area' was a big conceptual leap for arcade games.
But this version of the electric-powered golf machine never saw the light of day. It took a few more years of tinkering before Simon's invention came to fruition.
But this version of the electric-powered golf machine never saw the light of day. It took a few more years of tinkering before Simon's invention came to fruition.
November 10, 2025 at 10:21 PM
This separation of literal space from the 'play area' was a big conceptual leap for arcade games.
But this version of the electric-powered golf machine never saw the light of day. It took a few more years of tinkering before Simon's invention came to fruition.
But this version of the electric-powered golf machine never saw the light of day. It took a few more years of tinkering before Simon's invention came to fruition.
Remarkably, this information could then be displayed.
The golf course - represented by a rolled-up sheet on a rotating drum - would move according to where the player had reached in the course. A pointer indicated where precisely on the 'map' a player had reached.
The golf course - represented by a rolled-up sheet on a rotating drum - would move according to where the player had reached in the course. A pointer indicated where precisely on the 'map' a player had reached.
November 10, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Remarkably, this information could then be displayed.
The golf course - represented by a rolled-up sheet on a rotating drum - would move according to where the player had reached in the course. A pointer indicated where precisely on the 'map' a player had reached.
The golf course - represented by a rolled-up sheet on a rotating drum - would move according to where the player had reached in the course. A pointer indicated where precisely on the 'map' a player had reached.
First patented in 1933, his golf simulation did more than just measure swing strength.
Using a golf ball attached to a tether, players could whack the ball into a net and have it registered by the device. Gears and electrical components could transcribe how far the swing would have gone.
Using a golf ball attached to a tether, players could whack the ball into a net and have it registered by the device. Gears and electrical components could transcribe how far the swing would have gone.
November 10, 2025 at 10:17 PM
First patented in 1933, his golf simulation did more than just measure swing strength.
Using a golf ball attached to a tether, players could whack the ball into a net and have it registered by the device. Gears and electrical components could transcribe how far the swing would have gone.
Using a golf ball attached to a tether, players could whack the ball into a net and have it registered by the device. Gears and electrical components could transcribe how far the swing would have gone.