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[[File:Vgltoronto.jpg|thumb|alt=A photograph of an orchestra on a dimly lit stage. Above the group is a projection screen with a black, white, and green image of pixel art. The pixel art is of an oval object wearing headphones with eyes and four tentacles. Below the pixel art is the phrase "Video Games Live".|A [[Pixelation|pixelated]] alien graphic used at the concert event [[Video Games Live]]]]
[[File:Vgltoronto.jpg|thumb|alt=A photograph of an orchestra on a dimly lit stage. Above the group is a projection screen with a black, white, and green image of pixel art. The pixel art is of an oval object wearing headphones with eyes and four tentacles. Below the pixel art is the phrase "Video Games Live".|A [[Pixelation|pixelated]] alien graphic used at the concert event [[Video Games Live]]]]


The game—and references to it—has appeared in numerous facets of popular culture. Multiple television series have aired episodes that either reference or parody the game and its elements; for example, ''[[Danger Mouse (TV Series)|Danger Mouse]]'',<ref>{{cite episode| title = Custard| episodelink = List of Danger Mouse episodes#Series 2 (Spring 1982)| series = Danger Mouse| serieslink = Danger Mouse| credits = | network = ITV| airdate= 1982-01-04| season = 2| number = 12}}</ref> ''[[That '70s Show]]'',<ref>{{cite episode| title = Donna's Story| episodelink = List of That '70s Show episodes#Season 4: 2001–2002| series = That '70s Show| serieslink = That '70s Show| network = Fox Broadcasting Company| airdate = 2001-11-20| number = 84}}</ref> ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]'',<ref name="ScrubsEp">{{cite episode |title= [[My Bad Too]]|series= Scrubs|serieslink= Scrubs (TV series)|credits= |network= NBC|airdate= 2008-04-10|season= 7|number= 7}}</ref>, ''[[Chuck]]'',<ref>{{cite episode| title = Spy to you| episodelink = List of Chuck episodes#Season 3: 2009| series = Chuck| serieslink = Chuck| network = nbc Network (US)| airdate = 2009-03-03| season = 3| number = 11}}</ref><ref name="GameLife">{{cite web| url=http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/12/video-games-fut.html| title=Videogames & Futurama, Part 1: Raiders of the Lost Arcade| author= Baker, Chris| publisher = ''[[Wired News]]''| date= 2007-12-17| accessdate= 2008-05-12}}</ref> and ''[[Robot Chicken]]''.<ref>{{cite episode| title = Suck It| episodelink = List of Robot Chicken episodes#Season 2: 2006| series = Robot Chicken| serieslink = Robot Chicken| network = Cartoon Network (US)| airdate = 2006-04-02| season = 2| number = 1}}</ref> Elements are prominently featured in the "Raiders of the Lost Arcade" segment of "[[Anthology of Interest&nbsp;II]]", an episode of ''[[Futurama]]''.<ref>{{cite episode| title = Anthology of Interest II| episodelink = Anthology of Interest II| series = Futurama| serieslink = Futurama| credits = | network = Fox Broadcasting Company| airdate= 2002-01-06| season = 3| number = 18}}</ref> Many publications and websites use the [[Pixelation|pixelated]] alien graphic as an icon for video games in general, including video game magazine ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', technology website [[Ars Technica]], and concert event [[Video Games Live]].<ref name="1UP-10things"/> Video Games Live also performed audio from ''Space Invaders'' as part of a special retro "Classic Arcade Medley".<ref>{{cite web| url = http://games.ign.com/articles/816/816582p1.html| title = Microsoft Brings Video Games Live to London| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| author = [[Microsoft]]| date = 2007-08-28| accessdate = 2008-09-07}}</ref> In honor of the game's 30th anniversary, Taito produced an album titled ''Space Invaders 2008''. The album is published by [[Avex Trax]] and features music inspired by the game.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://spaceinvaders.jp/news/detail/1188686_1819.html| title = 30周年記念 スペシャルコンピレーションアルバム発売!| publisher = [[Taito Corporation]]| year = 2008| language = Japanese| accessdate = 2009-04-06}}</ref> Taito's store Taito Station also unveiled a ''Space Invaders'' themed music video.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://spaceinvaders.jp/blog/blog_detail/1186880_2321.html| language = Japanese| title = ź�舗限定で配信中のアニメーションPVを大公開しちゃいます!| author = 弓削| date = 2008-10-21| accessdate = 2009-04-06}}</ref>
The game—and references to it—has appeared in numerous facets of popular culture. Multiple television series have aired episodes that either reference or parody the game and its elements; for example, ''[[Danger Mouse (TV Series)|Danger Mouse]]'',<ref>{{cite episode| title = Custard| episodelink = List of Danger Mouse episodes#Series 2 (Spring 1982)| series = Danger Mouse| serieslink = Danger Mouse| credits = | network = ITV| airdate= 1982-01-04| season = 2| number = 12}}</ref> ''[[That '70s Show]]'',<ref>{{cite episode| title = Donna's Story| episodelink = List of That '70s Show episodes#Season 4: 2001–2002| series = That '70s Show| serieslink = That '70s Show| network = Fox Broadcasting Company| airdate = 2001-11-20| number = 84}}</ref> ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]'',<ref name="ScrubsEp">{{cite episode |title= [[My Bad Too]]|series= Scrubs|serieslink= Scrubs (TV series)|credits= |network= NBC|airdate= 2008-04-10|season= 7|number= 7}}</ref>, ''[[Chuck]]'',<ref>{{cite episode| title = Spy to you| episodelink = List of Chuck episodes#Season 3: 2009| series = Chuck| serieslink = Chuck| network = nbc Network (US)| airdate = 2009-03-03| season = 3| number = 11}}</ref><ref name="GameLife">{{cite web| url=http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/12/video-games-fut.html| title=Videogames & Futurama, Part 1: Raiders of the Lost Arcade| author= Baker, Chris| publisher = ''[[Wired News]]''| date= 2007-12-17| accessdate= 2008-05-12}}</ref> and ''[[Robot Chicken]]''.<ref>{{cite episode| title = Suck It| episodelink = List of Robot Chicken episodes#Season 2: 2006| series = Robot Chicken| serieslink = Robot Chicken| network = Cartoon Network (US)| airdate = 2006-04-02| season = 2| number = 1}}</ref> Elements are prominently featured in the "Raiders of the Lost Arcade" segment of "[[Anthology of Interest&nbsp;II]]", an episode of ''[[Futurama]]''.<ref>{{cite episode| title = Anthology of Interest II| episodelink = Anthology of Interest II| series = Futurama| serieslink = Futurama| credits = | network = Fox Broadcasting Company| airdate= 2002-01-06| season = 3| number = 18}}</ref> Many publications and websites use the [[Pixelation|pixelated]] alien graphic as an icon for video games in general, including video game magazine ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', technology website [[Ars Technica]], and concert event [[Video Games Live]].<ref name="1UP-10things"/> Video Games Live also performed audio from ''Space Invaders'' as part of a special retro "Classic Arcade Medley".<ref>{{cite web| url = http://games.ign.com/articles/816/816582p1.html| title = Microsoft Brings Video Games Live to London| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| author = [[Microsoft]]| date = 2007-08-28| accessdate = 2008-09-07}}</ref> The influential Japanese [[electropop]]/[[synthpop]] group [[Yellow Magic Orchestra]] reproduced ''Space Invaders'' sounds in the 1978 [[Yellow Magic Orchestra (album)|debut album of the same name]] and the 1980 hit single "Computer Game" from the same album.<ref>{{citation|title=[[The Wire (magazine)|The Wire]]|year=2002|issue=221-226|page=44|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=qyFMAAAAYAAJ|accessdate=2011-05-25}}</ref> In honor of the game's 30th anniversary, Taito produced an album titled ''Space Invaders 2008''. The album is published by [[Avex Trax]] and features music inspired by the game.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://spaceinvaders.jp/news/detail/1188686_1819.html| title = 30周年記念 スペシャルコンピレーションアルバム発売!| publisher = [[Taito Corporation]]| year = 2008| language = Japanese| accessdate = 2009-04-06}}</ref> Taito's store Taito Station also unveiled a ''Space Invaders'' themed music video.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://spaceinvaders.jp/blog/blog_detail/1186880_2321.html| language = Japanese| title = ź�舗限定で配信中のアニメーションPVを大公開しちゃいます!| author = 弓削| date = 2008-10-21| accessdate = 2009-04-06}}</ref>


In 2006, the game was one of several video game related media selected to represent Japan as part of a project compiled by Japan's [[Agency for Cultural Affairs]].<ref name="MediaPlaza">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/action/alieninvasionpart2/news.html?sid=6159315| title = Japan honors NES, PS2, Mario| author = Wyman, Walt| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| date = 2006-10-04| accessdate = 2008-05-09}}</ref><ref name="Japan100">{{cite web| url = http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/hundred/hundred.html| title = Ɨ�本のメディア芸術100選| language = Japanese| publisher = Japan Media Arts Plaza| accessdate = 2008-05-05}}</ref> In the same year, ''Space Invaders'' was included in the London [[Science Museum (London)|Science Museum]]'s Game On exhibition meant to showcase the various aspects of video game history, development, and culture.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/action/alieninvasionpart2/news.html?sid=6159465| title = London museum showcases games| author = Boyes, Emma| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| date = 2006-10-09| accessdate = 2008-05-09}}</ref> The game is also a part of the [[Barbican Centre]]'s traveling [[Game On exhibition]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.barbican.org.uk/bie/exhibitions/game-on| title = Barbicon: Game on| publisher = [[Barbican Centre|Barbicon International Enterprises]]| accessdate = 2010-06-03}}</ref> At the Belluard Bollwerk International 2006 festival in [[Fribourg]], Switzerland, Guillaume Reymond created a three minute video recreation of a game of ''Space Invaders'' as part of the "Gameover" project using humans as pixels.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.notsonoisy.com/spaceinvaders/| title = Space Invaders—Guillaume Reymond—video performance| publisher = NOTsoNOISY| year = 2006| accessdate = 2008-05-22}}</ref> The GH ART exhibit at the 2008 [[Games Convention]] in [[Leipzig]], Germany, included an [[art game]], ''Invaders!'', based on ''Space Invaders''{{'}}s gameplay. The creator later asked for the game to be removed from the exhibit following criticism of elements based on the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19972| title = Creator of Space Invaders-Based 9/11 Art Piece Pulls Exhibit| publisher = [[Gamasutra]]| author = Remo, Chris| date = 2008-08-25| accessdate = 2008-08-25}}</ref> A French [[street artist]] known as [[Invader (artist)|Invader]] made a name for himself by creating mosaic artwork of ''Space Invader'' aliens around the world.<ref name="1UP-10things"/><ref name="Swindle-SI">{{cite web| url = http://swindlemagazine.com/issue03/space-invader-2/| title = Space Invader| author = Fairey, Shepard| publisher = ''[[Swindle Magazine]]''| accessdate = 2008-05-06}}</ref>
In 2006, the game was one of several video game related media selected to represent Japan as part of a project compiled by Japan's [[Agency for Cultural Affairs]].<ref name="MediaPlaza">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/action/alieninvasionpart2/news.html?sid=6159315| title = Japan honors NES, PS2, Mario| author = Wyman, Walt| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| date = 2006-10-04| accessdate = 2008-05-09}}</ref><ref name="Japan100">{{cite web| url = http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/hundred/hundred.html| title = Ɨ�本のメディア芸術100選| language = Japanese| publisher = Japan Media Arts Plaza| accessdate = 2008-05-05}}</ref> In the same year, ''Space Invaders'' was included in the London [[Science Museum (London)|Science Museum]]'s Game On exhibition meant to showcase the various aspects of video game history, development, and culture.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/action/alieninvasionpart2/news.html?sid=6159465| title = London museum showcases games| author = Boyes, Emma| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| date = 2006-10-09| accessdate = 2008-05-09}}</ref> The game is also a part of the [[Barbican Centre]]'s traveling [[Game On exhibition]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.barbican.org.uk/bie/exhibitions/game-on| title = Barbicon: Game on| publisher = [[Barbican Centre|Barbicon International Enterprises]]| accessdate = 2010-06-03}}</ref> At the Belluard Bollwerk International 2006 festival in [[Fribourg]], Switzerland, Guillaume Reymond created a three minute video recreation of a game of ''Space Invaders'' as part of the "Gameover" project using humans as pixels.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.notsonoisy.com/spaceinvaders/| title = Space Invaders—Guillaume Reymond—video performance| publisher = NOTsoNOISY| year = 2006| accessdate = 2008-05-22}}</ref> The GH ART exhibit at the 2008 [[Games Convention]] in [[Leipzig]], Germany, included an [[art game]], ''Invaders!'', based on ''Space Invaders''{{'}}s gameplay. The creator later asked for the game to be removed from the exhibit following criticism of elements based on the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19972| title = Creator of Space Invaders-Based 9/11 Art Piece Pulls Exhibit| publisher = [[Gamasutra]]| author = Remo, Chris| date = 2008-08-25| accessdate = 2008-08-25}}</ref> A French [[street artist]] known as [[Invader (artist)|Invader]] made a name for himself by creating mosaic artwork of ''Space Invader'' aliens around the world.<ref name="1UP-10things"/><ref name="Swindle-SI">{{cite web| url = http://swindlemagazine.com/issue03/space-invader-2/| title = Space Invader| author = Fairey, Shepard| publisher = ''[[Swindle Magazine]]''| accessdate = 2008-05-06}}</ref>

Revision as of 00:08, 25 May 2011

Space Invaders
A blue arcade cabinet with a screen surrounded by decals. The game controls sit below the screen, while the phrase "Space Invaders" is above the screen.
Japanese version of the Space Invaders arcade cabinet
Developer(s)Taito Corporation
Publisher(s)Midway
Designer(s)Tomohiro Nishikado
Platform(s)Arcade
ReleaseJune 1978[1]
Genre(s)Fixed shooter
Mode(s)Single-player

Template:Nihongo title is an arcade video game designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, and released in 1978. It was originally manufactured and sold by Taito in Japan, and was later licensed for production in the United States by the Midway division of Bally. Space Invaders is one of the earliest shooting games and the aim is to defeat waves of aliens with a laser cannon to earn as many points as possible. In designing the game, Nishikado drew inspiration from popular media: Breakout, The War of the Worlds, and Star Wars. To complete it, he had to design custom hardware and development tools.

It was one of the forerunners of modern video gaming and helped expand the video game industry from a novelty to a global industry. When first released, Space Invaders was very successful and popular. Following its release, the game caused a temporary shortage of 100-yen coins in Japan, grossed US$2 billion in quarters by 1982, and by 2007 had earned Taito over $500 million in profits. Guinness World Records ranks it the top arcade game.

The game has been the inspiration for other video games, re-released on numerous platforms, and led to several sequels. The 1980 Atari 2600 version quadrupled the system's sales and became the first "killer app" for video game consoles. Space Invaders has been referenced and parodied in multiple television shows, and been a part of several video game and cultural exhibitions. The pixelated enemy alien has become a pop culture icon, often used as a synecdoche representing video games as a whole.

Gameplay

A vertical rectangular video game screenshot that is a digital representation of a battle between aliens and a laser cannon. The white aliens hover above four green, inverted U-shaped blocks. Below the blocks is a smaller horizontal block with a triangle on its top.
The player-controlled laser cannon shoots the aliens as they descend to the bottom of the screen.

Space Invaders is a two-dimensional fixed shooter game in which the player controls a laser cannon by moving it horizontally across the bottom of the screen and firing at descending aliens. The aim is to defeat five rows of eleven aliens—some versions feature different numbers—that move horizontally back and forth across the screen as they advance towards the bottom of the screen. The player defeats an alien, and earns points, by shooting it with the laser cannon. As more aliens are defeated, the aliens' movement and the game's music both speed up. Defeating the aliens brings another wave that is more difficult, a loop which can continue indefinitely.[1][2][3][4]

The aliens attempt to destroy the cannon by firing at it while they approach the bottom of the screen. If they reach the bottom, the alien invasion is successful and the game ends. A special "mystery ship" will occasionally move across the top of the screen and award bonus points if destroyed. The laser cannon is partially protected by several stationary defense bunkers—the number varies by version—that are gradually destroyed by projectiles from the aliens and player.[1][2][3][4]

Development

Space Invaders was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, who spent a year designing the game and developing the necessary hardware to produce it.[5] The game's inspiration is reported to have come from varying sources, including an adaptation of the mechanical game Space Monsters released by Taito in 1972, and a dream about Japanese school children who are waiting for Santa Claus and are attacked by invading aliens.[1][6] However, Nishikado has cited Atari's arcade game Breakout as his inspiration. He aimed to create a shooting game that featured the same sense of achievement from completing stages and destroying targets, but with more complex graphics.[5][7] Nishikado used a similar layout to that of Breakout, but altered the game mechanics. Rather than bounce a ball to attack static objects, players are given the ability to fire projectiles at their own discretion to attack moving enemies.[8]

Early enemy designs included tanks, combat planes, and battleships.[5] Nishikado, however, was not satisfied with the enemy movements; technical limitations made it difficult to simulate flying.[5][9] Humans would have been easier to simulate, but Nishikado considered shooting them immoral.[9][10] After seeing a magazine feature about Star Wars, he thought of using a space theme.[5][7] Nishikado drew inspiration for the aliens from H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds—he had watched a film adaptation as a child—and created initial bitmap images after the octopus-like aliens.[5][7][9] Other alien designs were modeled after squids and crabs.[5][9] The game was originally titled Space Monsters, inspired by a popular song in Japan at the time ("Monster"), but was changed to Space Invaders by Nishikado's superiors.[5][7]

Hardware

Because microcomputers in Japan were not powerful enough at the time to perform the complex tasks involved in designing and programming Space Invaders, Nishikado had to design his own custom hardware and development tools for the game.[5][9] He created the arcade board using new microprocessors from the United States.[7] The game uses an Intel 8080 central processing unit, and features raster graphics on a CRT monitor and monaural sound generated by analogue circuitry.[10][11][12] Despite the specially developed hardware, Nishikado was unable to program the game as he wanted—the Control Program board was not powerful enough to display the graphics in color or move the enemies faster—and he considered the development of the hardware the most difficult part of the whole process.[5][9] While programming the game, Nishikado discovered that the processor was able to render the alien graphics faster the fewer were on screen. Rather than design the game to compensate for the speed increase, he decided to keep it as a challenging gameplay mechanic.[7][13]

A photograph of a close-up of an arcade screen. A video monitor rests at the bottom of the image, and the monitor's displayed graphics are reflected onto artwork of a grey moon surrounded by yellow and green colors. The reflected graphics display the phrase "Space Invaders".
Mirrored display and cardboard background of a Midway Space Invaders Deluxe arcade cabinet

Space Invaders was first released in a cocktail-table format with black and white graphics, while the Western release by Midway was in an upright cabinet format. The upright cabinet uses strips of orange and green cellophane over the screen to simulate color graphics. The graphics are reflected onto a painted backdrop of a moon against a space background. Later Japanese releases also used colored cellophane.[3] The cabinet artwork features large, humanoid monsters not present in the game. Nishikado attributes this to the artist basing the designs on the original title, Space Monsters, rather than referring to the in-game graphics.[5]

Impact and legacy

After the first few months following its release in Japan, the game became very popular.[10] Specialty arcades opened with nothing but Space Invaders cabinets,[5][10] and within two years by 1980,[14] Taito had sold over 300,000 Space Invaders arcade machines in Japan[15] and 60,000 machines in the United States,[14][16] where prices ranged from $2000 to $3000 for each machine.[17] The arcade cabinets have since become collector's items with the cocktail and cabaret versions being the rarest.[18] A shortage of 100-yen coins—and subsequent production increase—in Japan is attributed to the game.[5][19][20] By mid-1981, more than four billion quarters, or $1 billion, had been grossed from Space Invaders machines,[21] and it would continue to gross an average of $600 million a year[22] through to 1982, by which time it had grossed $2 billion in quarters[23][24] (equivalent to $4.6 billion in 2011),[25] with a net profit of $450 million[24] (equivalent to $1 billion in 2011).[25] This made it the best-selling video game and highest-grossing entertainment product of its time,[23] with comparisons made to the then highest-grossing film Star Wars,[23][26] which had grossed $486 million[26] in movie tickets (costing $2.25 each on average)[23] with a net profit of $175 million.[26] By 2007,[5] Space Invaders had earned Taito profits of over $.5 billion.[27] The 1980 Atari 2600 version was the first official licensing of an arcade game and became the first "killer app" for video game consoles by quadrupling the system's sales,[3][28] with the game selling over a million units on the console.[29]

Game designer Shigeru Miyamoto considered Space Invaders a game that revolutionized the video game industry; he was never interested in video games before seeing it.[30] Several publications ascribed the expansion of the video game industry from a novelty into a global industry to the success of the game. Edge magazine attributed the shift of video games from bars and arcades to more mainstream locations like restaurants and department stores to Space Invaders.[31] Technology journalist Jason Whittaker credited the game's success to ending the video game crash of 1977, which had earlier been caused by Pong clones flooding the market, and beginning the golden age of video arcade games.[32] According to The Observer, the home console versions were popular and encouraged users to learn programming; many who later became industry leaders.[20] 1UP.com stated that Space Invaders showed that video games could compete against the major entertainment media at the time: movies, music, and television.[10] IGN attributed the launch of the arcade phenomenon in North America in part to Space Invaders.[33] Game Informer considered it, along with Pac-Man, one of the most popular arcade games that tapped into popular culture and generated excitement during the golden age of arcades.[34] IGN listed it as one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Games" in 2007, citing the source of inspiration to video game designers and the impact it had on the shooting genre.[35] In 2008, Guinness World Records listed it as the top-rated arcade game in technical, creative, and cultural impact.[2]

As one of the earliest shooting games, it set precedents and helped pave the way for future titles and for the shooting genre.[35][36] Space Invaders popularized a more interactive style of gameplay with the enemies responding to the player controlled cannon's movement,[7] and was the first video game to popularize the concept of achieving a high score,[1][19][35] being the first to save the player's score.[35] It was also the first game where players were given multiple lives,[37] had to repel hordes of enemies,[10] could take cover from enemy fire, and use destructible barriers,[38] in addition to being the first game to use a continuous background soundtrack, with four simple chromatic descending bass notes repeating in a loop, which was dynamic and changed pace during stages,[39] like a heartbeat sound that increases pace as enemies approached.[40] It also moved the gaming industry away from Pong-inspired sports games grounded in real-world situations towards action games involving fantastical situations.[41] Whittaker commented that Space Invaders helped action games become the most dominant genre on both arcades and consoles, through to contemporary times.[42] Guinness World Records considered Space Invaders one of the most successful arcade shooting games by 2008.[19] In describing it as a "seminal arcade classic", IGN listed it as the number eight "classic shoot 'em up".[33] Space Invaders set the template for the shoot 'em up genre,[41] inspiring the development of arcade games, such as Williams Electronics' Defender and Namco's Galaxian and Galaga, which were modeled after Space Invaders's gameplay and design,[43][44] an influence that extends to most shooting games released to the present day,[10] including first-person shooters such as Wolfenstein,[45][46] Doom,[47] Halo[48] and Call of Duty.[49] Space Invaders also had an influence on early computer dungeon crawl games such as Dungeons of Daggorath, which used similar heartbeat sounds to indicate player health.[40]

Remakes and sequels

Space Invaders has been remade on numerous platforms and spawned many sequels. Re-releases include ported and updated versions of the original arcade game. Ported versions generally feature different graphics and additional gameplay options—for example, moving defense bunkers, zigzag shots, invisible aliens, and two-player cooperative gameplay.[3] Ports on earlier systems like the Atari home consoles featured simplified graphics, while later systems such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and PlayStation featured updated graphics. Later titles include several modes of gameplay and integrate new elements into the original design. For example, Space Invaders Extreme, released on the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable, integrated musical elements into the standard gameplay.[50][51] A spin-off for WiiWare, Space Invaders Get Even, allows players to control the aliens instead of the laser cannon.[52] In 1980, Bally Midway released a pinball version of the game. However, few elements from the original game are included, and the aliens instead resemble the xenomorphs from the film Alien; Bally Midway was later sued over the game's resemblance to designs by H. R. Giger.[53] Different ports have been met with mixed receptions; the Atari 2600 version was very successful while the Nintendo Entertainment System version was poorly received.[3]

Taito has released several arcade sequels that built upon the basic design of the original. The first was Space Invaders Part II in 1980; it featured color graphics and new gameplay elements, and added an intermission between gameplay. According to the Killer List of Video Games, this was the first video game to include an intermission.[54][19] This version was released in the United States as Deluxe Space Invaders (also known as Space Invaders Deluxe), but featured a different graphical color scheme and a lunar-city background. Another arcade sequel, titled Space Invaders II, was released exclusively in the United States. It was in a cocktail-table format and featured a competitive two-player mode. During the summer of 1985, Return of the Invaders was released with updated color graphics, and more complex movements and attack patterns for the aliens.[3] Subsequent arcade sequels included Super Space Invaders '91, Space Invaders DX, and Space Invaders '95. Each game introduced minor gameplay additions to the original design. Like the original game, several of the arcade sequels have become collector's items, though some are considered rarer.[18] In 2002, Taito released Space Raiders, a third-person shooter reminiscent of Space Invaders.[55][56]

The game and its related games have been included in video game compilation titles. Space Invaders Anniversary was released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and included nine Space Invader variants.[57] A similar title for the PlayStation Portable, Space Invaders Pocket, was released in 2005.[58] Space Invaders, Space Invaders Part II and Return of the Invaders are included in Taito Legends, a compilation of Taito's classic arcade games released in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.[59][60] Super Space Invaders '91, Space Invaders DX and Space Invaders '95 were included in Taito Legends 2, a sequel compilation released in 2006.[61]

A photograph of an orchestra on a dimly lit stage. Above the group is a projection screen with a black, white, and green image of pixel art. The pixel art is of an oval object wearing headphones with eyes and four tentacles. Below the pixel art is the phrase "Video Games Live".
A pixelated alien graphic used at the concert event Video Games Live

The game—and references to it—has appeared in numerous facets of popular culture. Multiple television series have aired episodes that either reference or parody the game and its elements; for example, Danger Mouse,[62] That '70s Show,[63] Scrubs,[64], Chuck,[65][66] and Robot Chicken.[67] Elements are prominently featured in the "Raiders of the Lost Arcade" segment of "Anthology of Interest II", an episode of Futurama.[68] Many publications and websites use the pixelated alien graphic as an icon for video games in general, including video game magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly, technology website Ars Technica, and concert event Video Games Live.[10] Video Games Live also performed audio from Space Invaders as part of a special retro "Classic Arcade Medley".[69] The influential Japanese electropop/synthpop group Yellow Magic Orchestra reproduced Space Invaders sounds in the 1978 debut album of the same name and the 1980 hit single "Computer Game" from the same album.[70] In honor of the game's 30th anniversary, Taito produced an album titled Space Invaders 2008. The album is published by Avex Trax and features music inspired by the game.[71] Taito's store Taito Station also unveiled a Space Invaders themed music video.[72]

In 2006, the game was one of several video game related media selected to represent Japan as part of a project compiled by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs.[73][74] In the same year, Space Invaders was included in the London Science Museum's Game On exhibition meant to showcase the various aspects of video game history, development, and culture.[75] The game is also a part of the Barbican Centre's traveling Game On exhibition.[76] At the Belluard Bollwerk International 2006 festival in Fribourg, Switzerland, Guillaume Reymond created a three minute video recreation of a game of Space Invaders as part of the "Gameover" project using humans as pixels.[77] The GH ART exhibit at the 2008 Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, included an art game, Invaders!, based on Space Invaders's gameplay. The creator later asked for the game to be removed from the exhibit following criticism of elements based on the September 11, 2001 attacks.[78] A French street artist known as Invader made a name for himself by creating mosaic artwork of Space Invader aliens around the world.[10][79]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Kevin Bowen. "The Gamespy Hall of Fame: Space Invaders". GameSpy. Retrieved 2010-01-27.
  2. ^ a b c Craig Glenday, ed. (2008-03-11). "Top 100 Arcade Games: Top 5". Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008. Guinness World Records. Guinness. p. 237. ISBN 978-1-904994-21-3.
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  4. ^ a b Seabrook, Andrea (2008-04-12). "Replay: the Evolution of Video Game Music". All Things Considered. National Public Radio. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Classic GI: Space Invaders". Game Informer (177). Cathy Preston: 108–109. 2008. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Williams, Kevin. "Arcade Fantastic – Part 1". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2007-11-09. Retrieved 2008-09-19. {{cite web}}: no-break space character in |title= at position 17 (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Retro Gamer Staff. "Nishikado-San Speaks". Retro Gamer (3). Live Publishing: 35.
  8. ^ Loguidice, Bill (2009-01-09). "The History of Pong: Avoid Missing Game to Start Industry". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2009-01-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e f Kiphshidze, N; Zubiashvili, T; Chagunava, K (2005). "The Creation of Space Invaders". Edge (154). Future plc: 7–13. ISSN 1512-0112. PMID 18323584. Retrieved 2008-05-05. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  12. ^ Morris, Dave (2004). The Art of Game Worlds. HarperCollins. p. 166. ISBN 0060724307.
  13. ^ Glenday, Craig, ed. (2009). "Record-Breaking Games/Space Games". Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition. Guinness World Records. p. 98. ISBN 978-1-904994-45-9.
  14. ^ a b Dale Peterson (1983), Genesis II, creation and recreation with computers, Reston Publishing, p. 175, ISBN 0835924343, retrieved 2011-05-01, By 1980, some 300,000 Space Invader video arcade games were in use in Japan, and an additional 60,000 in the United States.
  15. ^ Jiji Gaho Sha, inc. (2003), Asia Pacific perspectives, Japan, vol. 1, University of Virginia, p. 57, retrieved 2011-04-09, At that time, a game for use in entertainment arcades was considered a hit if it sold 1000 units; sales of Space Invaders topped 300,000 units in Japan and 60,000 units overseas.
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  17. ^ "Video arcades rival Broadway theatre and girlie shows in NY", InfoWorld, vol. 4, no. 14, p. 15, 12 April 1982, ISSN 0199-6649, retrieved 2011-05-01
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  19. ^ a b c d Craig Glenday, ed. (2008-03-11). "Record Breaking Games: Shooting Games Roundup". Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008. Guinness World Records. Guinness. pp. 106–107. ISBN 978-1-904994-21-3.
  20. ^ a b Richards, Giles (2005-07-24). "A life through video games". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  21. ^ Glinert, Ephraim P. (1990), Visual Programming Environments: Applications and Issues, IEEE Computer Society Press, p. 321, ISBN 0818689749, retrieved 2011-04-10, As of mid-1981, according to Steve Bloom, author of Video Invaders, more than four billion quarters had been dropped into Space Invaders games around the world
  22. ^ "Video Warriors on the Screen", New Scientist, vol. 95, no. 1317, p. 377, 5 August 1982, ISSN 0262-4079, retrieved 2011-05-01, But this is 1982, and the game Space Invaders — as the Disney handout enviously reminds us — grosses over $600 million a year.
  23. ^ a b c d "Making millions, 25 cents at a time". The Fifth Estate. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. November 23, 1982. Retrieved 2011-04-30.
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  25. ^ a b "CPI Inflation Calculator". Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2011-03-22.
  26. ^ a b c "Space Invaders vs. Star Wars", Executive, vol. 24, Southam Business Publications, p. 9, 1982, retrieved 2011-04-30, They compare this to the box office movie top blockbuster Star Wars, which has taken in only $486 million, for a net of $175 million.
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  28. ^ Kent, Steven (2001). Ultimate History of Video Games. Three Rivers Press. p. 190. ISBN 0761536434.
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  31. ^ Edge Staff (2007-08-13). "The 30 Defining Moments in Gaming". Edge. Future plc. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  32. ^ Whittaker, Jason (2004). The Cyberspace Handbook. Routledge. p. 122. ISBN 041516835X.
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  37. ^ Brian Ashcraft & Jean Snow (2008), Arcade Mania: The Turbo-charged World of Japan's Game Centers, Kodansha International, ISBN 4770030789, retrieved 2011-05-01, Space Invaders offered a novelty: players had three lives. Those who got good at the game could play for as long as they could keep from being blown to bits.
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  45. ^ Strickland, Ronald (2002). Growing Ip Postmodern: Neoliberalism and the War on the Young. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 112–3. ISBN 0742516512. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
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  63. ^ "Donna's Story". That '70s Show. Episode 84. 2001-11-20. Fox Broadcasting Company. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ "My Bad Too". Scrubs. Season 7. Episode 7. 2008-04-10. NBC. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  65. ^ "Spy to you". Chuck. Season 3. Episode 11. 2009-03-03. nbc Network (US). {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ Baker, Chris (2007-12-17). "Videogames & Futurama, Part 1: Raiders of the Lost Arcade". Wired News. Retrieved 2008-05-12. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  67. ^ "Suck It". Robot Chicken. Season 2. Episode 1. 2006-04-02. Cartoon Network (US). {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  68. ^ "Anthology of Interest II". Futurama. Season 3. Episode 18. 2002-01-06. Fox Broadcasting Company. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
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  73. ^ Wyman, Walt (2006-10-04). "Japan honors NES, PS2, Mario". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
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