Arabian Knights from Pedretti Gaming – the Pinball Rumour Mill
Arabian Knights from Pedretti Gaming – the Pinball Rumour Mill
Rumours have been growing that Pedretti Gaming may remake Williams’ much-loved 1996 pinball machine, Tales of the Arabian Knights.
The speculation increased after Pedretti teased a lamp image on Facebook last month, with the words “After 30 years, the lamp has finally been found. Rub the lamp…. and make a wish. Something magical is about to return.”
And now Pedretti have indeed confirmed that Tales of the Arabian Knights will indeed be their next title.
Why the 1996 Williams Arabian Knights matters
Williams released Tales of the Arabian Knights in May 1996. John Popadiuk designed the pinball machine, while Pat McMahon created the artwork and Louis Koziarz handled the software. The game became one of the most popular late-era Williams titles.
The theme was based on The Thousand and One Nights; a famous collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales, also known as Arabian Knights. Players travel around Baghdad, battle the Evil Genie and rescue the Princess. They must also complete seven tales, which gives the game its structure and lasting appeal. Key features included the magic lamp spinner, magic carpet ramp, bazaar scoop, vertical magnet diverter, genie target and ball-lock mechanism.
A Pedretti remake makes sense
Original Tales of the Arabian Knights pinball machines are now seriously desirable, with just over 3,000 machines believed to have been made in total. And good condition games still command strong money. So, for many buyers, a high-tech 2026 remake could make far more sense than restoring an original condition machine.
Pedretti Gaming have good experience updating classic Bally/Williams titles, including Funhouse: Rudy’s Nightmare and Whirlwind: Total Chaos. Pedretti’s first remake was Funhouse which combining original-style gameplay with updated electronics, LCD displays, RGB lighting and enhanced code.
Major Collectors’ Release
Given Pedretti’s recent track record, if they get the feel, playfield, toys, audio and artwork right, their Tales of the Arabian Knights remake could very quickly become a major collectors’ release.
And did we mention 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the original Williams machine? So, what better time for Pedretti to Open Sesame!
Hear it here first at Pinball Heaven – Pedretti Gaming Official Distributor.
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