Fun and games
In the modern world of high-tech gaming, pinball machines might seem a little old-fashioned, yet they can still be found in all sorts of venues, from dingy bars to brightly lit arcades, for people to play and enjoy.
In the past, a range of manufacturers were associated with the flashy machines, but now the industry is dominated by one: Stern Pinball, which boasts it is "the only maker of arcade-quality pinball games in the world".
A worker at Stern Pinball assembles a pinball machine at the company's factory in Melrose Park, just outside Chicago, Illinois.
Another employee puts aside one of the boards used in the assembly of the machines, which have long been a staple of arcade halls.
The aim of the game is to flick balls at certain targets to score points. Pinball machines are now flashy and electronic, but the amusement has its origins in a much older parlour game known as bagatelle, dating from the 1700s.
A worker assembles small figurines used in some of the games.
Stern produces pinball games with all sorts of different themes, from the band Metallica to the movie Avatar.
An employee assembles the wiring of one of the machines. According to Stern, it was in the late 1970s and 80s when pinball machines first became electronic.
Wires hang down at the factory.
A worker follows a harness diagram to map out the wiring used to assemble a game.
A worker opens up a box of ball bearings.
Lights glow in front of an employee assembling one of the machines.
A worker tests out one of the games.
