'' Space Invaders'' is a Japanese shooting video game released in 1978 by Taito. It was developed by

Tomohiro Nishikado is a Japanese people, Japanese video game developer and engineer. He is the creator of the arcade shoot 'em up game ''Space Invaders'', released to the public in 1978 by the Taito of Japan, often credited as the first shoot 'em up and for beginn ...

, who was inspired by other media: '' Breakout'', '' The War of the Worlds'', and ''

Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop-culture Cultural impact of S ...

''. It is one of the forerunners of modern video gaming and helped expand the video game industry from a novelty to a global industry. It was first released as an

arcade game An arcade game or coin-op game is a coin-operated entertainment machine typically installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are presented as primarily games of skill and include arcade v ...

and later remade on different platforms; re-releases include ported and updated versions. Ported versions generally feature different graphics and additional gameplay options, including moving defense bunkers, zigzag shots, invisible aliens, and two-player modes. ''Space Invaders'' is one of the highest-grossing video game franchises of all time. Taito released numerous sequels and spin-offs, many of which have also been remade on multiple platforms, including home consoles and handheld devices. Follow up titles are typically released in celebration of the original's anniversary. The first sequels were primarily released in arcades, while later titles were released on portable devices. Sequels often added

power-up In video games, a power-up is an object that adds temporary benefits or extra abilities to the player character as a game mechanic. This is in contrast to an item, which may or may not have a permanent benefit that can be used at any time chosen ...

s and incorporated new gameplay mechanics—like three-dimensional playing fields, bosses, and rhythm-action—to the original's design. Most titles were released internationally, though some are exclusive to select regions. The games have received different receptions: the Atari 2600 port of the original became the video game industry's first " killer app", while some sequels were regarded as insignificant updates. ''Space Invaders'' and several of its arcade sequels are often included in video game compilations released by Taito. It inspired numerous other games. Many companies created clones that copied its gameplay, with more than a hundred ''Space Invaders'' clones released for various platforms (such as '' Super Invader'' and '' TI Invaders''). Others built upon the original's gameplay (such as '' Galaxian'' and '' Galaga'').

Arcade games

Home console games

Portable and handheld games

Compilations

Other titles

References

External links

Official Taito site

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