Space Invaders II

Space Invaders

Company type	Video game franchise
Industry	Video games
Founded	1978
Founder	Tomohiro Nishikado
Products	Video games
Owner	Taito

Space Invaders is a fixed shooter video game launched in 1978 by Taito, with design credits to Tomohiro Nishikado. Drawing inspiration from sources such as Breakout, The War of the Worlds, and Star Wars, it was instrumental in transforming the video game industry from a niche amusement into a worldwide phenomenon. Originally developed as an arcade game, it was subsequently adapted and enhanced for multiple platforms, frequently incorporating improved visuals and gameplay features like mobile defense bunkers, zigzag firing patterns, hidden aliens, and two-player capabilities. Space Invaders remains one of the top-grossing video game franchises globally.

Taito has produced a wide array of sequels and derivative titles, many of which were reimagined for home consoles and portable devices. The earliest follow-ups primarily targeted arcade venues, while later entries shifted focus toward handheld systems. These versions introduced new gameplay elements such as power-up mechanics, three-dimensional arenas, challenging boss fights, and rhythm-based action to expand upon the original concept. While most releases were distributed internationally, certain editions were confined to specific regions. The original Atari 2600 adaptation became the industry's inaugural "killer app", although some sequels received varied critical responses. A number of arcade sequels have been included in Taito’s compilation collections.

The franchise gave rise to numerous imitators; by the early 1980s, more than one hundred clones of Space Invaders existed across different platforms (examples include Super Invader and TI Invaders). Other developers built upon its foundational gameplay, notably spawning the successful Galaxian series.

Arcade games

{{Video game titles|

Portable and handheld games

{{Video game titles|

Compilations

{{Video game titles|

Other titles

Title	Details
Space Invaders × Pac-Man Original release date(s):	Release years by system: 2005 – Mobile phone
	Notes: A crossover compilation blending characters from Taito's Space Invaders and Namco's Pac-Man. Available for a limited time through NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service. Launched to commemorate Namco's 50th anniversary alongside Pac-Man's 25th.
Yawaraka Sensha vs Space Invaders Original release date(s): November 2006	Release years by system: 2006 – Mobile phone
	Notes: An Adobe Flash-based title developed by Taito that combines elements from Space Invaders and Livedoor's Yawaraka Sensha (やわらか戦車) animation series.
Space Invaders Pinball Original release date(s): 2007	Release years by system: 2007 – Mobile phone
	Notes: A pinball-themed mobile game created by Taito incorporating elements from Space Invaders.
Minna de Invaders Original release date(s): 2007	Release years by system: 2007 – Mobile phone
	Notes: A mini-game collection featuring aliens from Space Invaders. Comprises four mini-games released between 2007 and 2008: Invader Bound, Invader Chain, Invader Catcher, and Invader Click.
Space Invaders World War Original release date(s): April 2008	Release years by system: 2008 – Web browser
	Notes: A Flash-based massively multiplayer online game tracking players’ scores from 193 countries. Operated between April 18, 2008 and September 30, 2009. Italian fashion brand 55DSL launched a themed t-shirt alongside the game's release.
Arkanoid vs. Space Invaders Original release date(s): May 17, 2017	Release years by system: 2017 – Android, iOS 2020 – Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
	Notes: The inaugural crossover between the Arkanoid and Space Invaders franchises. Originally released as a free-to-play title on the LINE platform. Features Taito characters from other series as power-ups. Later reissued in compilations for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4; the Switch edition supports handheld mode exclusively.
Space Invaders Gigamax Original release date(s): January 12, 2018	Release years by system: 2018 – Event 2020 – Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 2024 – Arcade
	Notes: The first entry in the series to accommodate up to ten players simultaneously. Debuted during the franchise’s 40th anniversary; distributed by Live Interactive Works and available at select events. Known as Space Invaders Gigamax 20 at Huis Ten Bosch theme park with support for up to twenty players. Re-released as Gigamax 4 SE on Switch and PS4 supporting up to four players within compilation sets. Arcade version titled Gigamax R allows up to six players concurrently.

See also

• Galaxian, a successful shooter inspired by Space Invaders, released by Namco in 1979.
• Galaga, the sequel to Galaxian.
• Defender, an influential shooting title influenced by Space Invaders, launched by Williams Electronics in 1980.

External links

• Taito Official Website
• Archive of Taito's Space Invader Titles via archive.org