Open Pinball Database

The Open Pinball Database (OPDB) is a searchable archive of pinball machines with a focus on providing a solid API for software developers who wish to incorporate pinball machine data into their apps.

The goals of OPDB are:

  • To assign unique identifiers (OPDB IDs) to every pinball machine
  • To provide a service and database free of charge
  • To facilitate data sharing between pinball software providers

OPDB is maintained by a small group of volunteers. The majority of the editorial work is by the Pinball Map. The technical development and hosting is courtesy of Match Play Events.

What is an OPDB ID?

Every machine in the database is assigned a unique identifier. This OPDB ID is designed to convey as much information as possible in the ID itself. Each OPDB ID is made up of three parts: A mandatory group identifier followed by an optional machine identifier and an optional alias identifier. A sample OPDB ID looks like: G43W4-MrRpw-A1B7O:

  • G43W4 identifies that this machine belongs to the AC/DC group of machines. The group identifier always begins with{' '} G.
  • MrRpw identifies that this machine is an AC/DC LE machine. The machine identifier always begins with M.
  • A1B7O identifies that this machines is the Back in Black variant of the AC/DC LE machine. The alias identifier always begins with an A.

Assigning each machine an ID consisting of these separate parts it’s possible to see the relationship between machines just by examining their OPDB IDs.

Is there an API?

The Match Play API provides a basic API, but the best way to use the database is to download the full data export.

Which machines are included in OPDB?

Machines in OPDB are limited to pinball machines with powered flippers. In practice that means the database is limited to machines produced after 1948. Bingo machines, pitch-and-bat and other flipperless machines are excluded.