Electric Gates

Electrically controlled gates that open or close based on game logic, routing the ball along different playfield paths depending on the current game state. Unlike passive Ball Return Gates, electric gates are driven by solenoids and can change position mid-play in response to completed objectives or timed events. They enable designers to reward progress by unlocking new ball routes or blocking off high-value areas until certain conditions are met. Stern has used electric gates on modern machines such as Game of Thrones (2015) and Deadpool (2018), where they dynamically alter shot paths during multiball and mode play.