Space Invaders
A 1978 arcade shooter by Tomohiro Nishikado that began the golden age of arcade games.
Taito released Space Invaders in Japan in July 1978 and overseas through Midway Manufacturing later that year. Designer Tomohiro Nishikado spent a year designing it and the hardware to build it.
By 1982 it had grossed $3.8 billion, with a net profit of $450 million. Taito did not credit a designer at first, because anonymity was part of Nishikado's contract.
Why it matters
Space Invaders ushered in the golden age of arcade video games and the long run of Japan's success in video games.
Key facts
- Released in Japan in July 1978.
- Designed by Tomohiro Nishikado over a year.
- Sold overseas through Midway Manufacturing.
- Grossed $3.8 billion by 1982.
- Net profit of $450 million by 1982.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Space Invaders", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Invaders, accessed October 14, 2026.
- Wikipedia, "Taito", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito, background reading, accessed October 14, 2026.