Mechanical ball projection game devices, including game devices having mechanically-actuated ball loader assemblies, and game devices to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location. Game devices disclosed herein include prize inserts that may be configured to receive one or more of paper currency, gift cards, financial transaction cards, greeting cards, toys, and candy. Mechanical ball projection game devices may include user-controllable features to redirect ball travel, features to guide and obstruct ball travel, and ball projector devices.