Mirco Games
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Coin-operated entertainment devices |
| Predecessor | Arizona Automation |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Fate | Acquired by Amstar Electronics in 1980 |
| Headquarters | Phoenix , United States |
| Products | Foosball tables, coin-operated video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games |
Mirco Games Inc. was a manufacturer specializing in coin-operated entertainment devices, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 1973 as a branch of Mirco Inc., the company initially focused on producing foosball tables alongside coin-operated video games. It was at the forefront of introducing microprocessor technology to gaming, notably with The Spirit of ’76, recognized as the first pinball machine commercially available that utilized a microprocessor. In 1980, Mirco Games was acquired by Amstar Electronics.
History
The roots of Mirco Games trace back to Arizona Automation, a company founded by Richard “Dick” N. Raymond and John L. Walsh. After gaining experience at General Electric in Germany, they saw an opportunity to popularize foosball in the United States. Within a year, Raymond purchased Walsh’s stake and expanded production through facilities in both the U.S. and Taiwan, capitalizing on the growing demand for foosball tables and reaching $1 million in sales over four years.
In 1971, Joe Walsh co-established Mirco Incorporated, which specialized in electronic test equipment. To support growth ambitions, Mirco acquired the assets of Arizona Automation and established Mirco Games Inc. on December 26, 1973, transferring employees and product lines to the new entity. To encourage competitive play and promote their product, Mirco Games published Table Soccer Rules and Strategy in 1974, securing approximately 10% of the market share for foosball tables. The appointment of Bob Edgell as marketing director further aided their expansion efforts.
Drawing on their combined knowledge of coin-operated machines and electronics, Mirco broadened its portfolio to include electronic gaming starting in 1973. They produced several Pong-style games such as Champion Ping-Pong and Challenge. By 1975, their revenues had escalated to $7.3 million, with video games accounting for $6.1 million of that total. The company also operated subsidiaries offering test equipment services and had manufacturing facilities located in Australia and Germany.
With new talent recruited from Motorola, Mirco began experimenting with microprocessor technology like the Motorola 6800. In 1975, engineer David Nutting developed a prototype pinball machine powered by a microprocessor; building on this innovation, Mirco’s team created The Spirit of ’76, which debuted at the Music Operators of America trade show as the first commercially produced pinball machine to incorporate a microprocessor. However, early production encountered quality control problems resulting in only 140 units sold before production ceased in 1976. Mirco reentered the pinball market two years later with Lucky Draw (1978). That same year saw the release of PT-109, an early microprocessor-based video game utilizing the Fairchild F8 chip, which also failed to achieve significant commercial success.
In 1976, Mirco collaborated with Fairchild Camera & Instrument to develop a home video game console derived from their Challenge game; however, this partnership deteriorated into legal disputes by 1977. These setbacks contributed to Mirco’s initial financial loss that year, necessitating workforce reductions and salary decreases.
Despite challenges, Mirco continued launching various coin-operated video games spanning genres such as racing, aerial combat, and card games. They also carved out a niche within the “gray market” for gambling-related titles beginning with 21 (1976). Following this trajectory, co-founder John Walsh went on to establish Intermark Industries to distribute comparable gaming products.
Mirco Games’ last product release occurred in 1979; the subsequent year saw both the company and its German branch sold to Amstar Electronics. This acquisition broadened Amstar’s offerings after previous collaborations involving distribution between the two firms.
Foosball Tables
- Champion Soccer (1971), released under Arizona Automation
- Champion Soccer Club (1973), a home-use version by Arizona Automation, not designed for coin operation
- Grand Champion (1975)
- Grand Champ (1975), a non-coin-operated model intended for home use
- Maverick (1975)
- Grand Champion VI (January 1977)
Arcade Video Games
- Champion Ping-Pong (1973), originally launched as Arizona Automation and later under Mirco Games
- Challenge (April 1974)
- Slam (August 1975)
- PT-109 (1975)
- Skywar (May 1976)
- 21 (September 1976)
- Super Stud (December 1976)
- Super 21 (August 1977)
- Formula M Vroom (November 1977)
- Dawn Patrol (June 1978)
- Hold & Draw (1978)
- Break In (1978)
- Hi-Lo Jackpot (1979)
Electro-mechanical Games
- Scramble (June 1975)
Pinball
- The Spirit of '76 (1975)
- Lucky Draw (June 1978)