BALLY MIDWAY Meaning and
Definition
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Bally Midway refers to a notable American manufacturer and distributor of arcade video games and pinball machines. The term is a combination of two company names, Bally Manufacturing Corporation and Midway Manufacturing Company. Bally Midway was active during the heyday of the arcade gaming industry, primarily operating from the 1970s to the 1980s.
Bally Manufacturing Corporation, founded in 1932, initially focused on developing innovative pinball machines. In 1969, they entered the expanding market of electronic arcade games by acquiring Midway Manufacturing Company, which specialized in such games. The merger of these two industry leaders resulted in the formation of Bally Midway.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Bally Midway thrived, introducing several groundbreaking arcade games, including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Galaxian, and Ms. Pac-Man, among others. Their innovative and high-quality games played a crucial role in the growth and popularity of arcades during this era.
However, following the video game market crash of 1983, Bally Midway faced financial difficulties. Ultimately, the company split into two separate entities in 1988: Midway Games retained the arcade and video game development operations, and Bally Manufacturing focused on other ventures.
The term "Bally Midway" is frequently used to denote the era of classic arcade gaming and the iconic games produced by the company during that period. It has become synonymous with the nostalgia and fond memories associated with the golden age of arcades.
Etymology of BALLY MIDWAY
The word "bally midway" does not have a clear etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. "Bally" is a slang term that originated from the British theater scene in the early 20th century. It was used to describe a stage performance that was filled with lively and boisterous behavior to entertain the audience. "Midway" refers to the area in a fair or carnival where various games, rides, and attractions are located.
The phrase "bally midway" is commonly associated with the American entertainment company Bally Midway Manufacturing Company. Founded in 1969, the company specialized in the production of arcade games and pinball machines. The name "Bally Midway" was likely chosen to capture the excitement and energy of both the theatrical "bally" performances and the vibrant "midway" attractions found in fairs and carnivals.
