How Space Invaders Birthed Japanese Games

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Design Icons is a new series from Game Maker's Toolkit, charting the history of game design through influential and important games. Starting with an invasion from space...
Sources
An Intro to Videogame Design History | The Game Design Forum
thegamedesignforum.com/feature...
Retro Gamer UK Issue 185 | Archive.org
archive.org/details/RetroGame...
Creator of SPACE INVADERS talks about problems in development and more | EDAMAME Arcade Channel
• Creator of SPACE INVAD...
Space Invaders at 40: 'I tried soldiers, but shooting people was frowned upon' | The Guardian
www.theguardian.com/games/201...
Tomohiro Nishikado And Hiroshi Aoki Reminisce On 'Space Invaders' And Its 'Extreme' Evolution | Forbes
www.forbes.com/sites/olliebar...
Early Arcade Classics: 1985-1987 Developer Interviews | Shmuplations
shmuplations.com/earlyarcade/
Tomohiro Nishikado - 2000 Developer Interview | Shmuplations
shmuplations.com/nishikado/
The Space Invader | The New Yorker
www.newyorker.com/tech/annals...
Insert Coin to Play: Space Invaders and the 100 Yen Myth | The Numismatist
www.academia.edu/3672374/Inse...
5 Things We Just Learned About ‘Mario’ Creator Shigeru Miyamoto | Rolling Stone
www.rollingstone.com/culture/...
The Atari 2600 History Timeline | Histowiki
histowiki.com/history/technol...
Taito Space Invaders Bezels, Backdrops and CPOs | Aussie Arcade
www.aussiearcade.com/showthre...
The National Space Invaders Championship held by Atari in 1980 | Reddit
/ the_national_space_inv...
Historia SNK | Cultura Neo Geo
www.culturaneogeo.com/histori...
Extra Footage
Atari Commercial
• Atari Space Invaders 1...
Stock Footage: Japan in the 70s
• Japan in the seventies...
Stock Footage: Japan in the 1980s
• Video
Wedding Floss
• The Floss Wedding Danc...
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BEH/

[@5Del]

Space Invaders was the original "it's not a bug, it's a feature" meme

[@st0rmchild]

Probably not. www.wired.com/story/its-not-a-bug-its-a-feature/

[@deus_ex_machina_]

@@st0rmchild It's a great article, I would recommend passers-by to read it, but the relevant section refers to Stanford's Jargon File, a lexicon of hacker-speak and internet acronyms, which noted that the phrase in question was widely, perhaps overused in hacker circles even before 1975, (three years before Space Invaders) when it was added to the file.

[@st0rmchild]

@@deus_ex_machina_ Yeah…my guess is it was coined at either MIT or Stanford at some point in the 60s. I don't remember if that phrase is mentioned, but Hackers (Steven Levy) is the best book I've read about that time period.

[@Rycluse]

1:58 Everyone knows putting a three letter swear word on the score board is the real purpose of high scores

[@onimaxblade8988]

fck.

[@raven75257]

tit

[@NikozBG]

Sht

[@JimKandol]

my brother used KIL and his friend used LIK

[@bonopo]

gay

[@spencerredmon3569]

So I see "It's not a bug, it's a feature" has been a design philosophy since 1978

[@sponge1234ify]

Pretty sure the "Don't fix those that are not broken" philosophy has existed since way longer

[@st0rmchild]

It's probably a lot older than that. My guess is it goes back at least as far as MIT in the late 50s or early 60s.

[@VladlustTV]

Damn the animations and editing were smooth on this video!

[@Kapin05]

They always are, Mark's editing skills are top notch!

[@MK.5198]

I really liked the hyper-chunky chromatic aberration.

[@Eassstt]

This is (more often than not) probably where most of the effort in making these videos goes

[@jroalchemist]

GMTK: I'll be talking about games released in the past 40 years also GMTK: Let's talk about Space Invaders, released in 1978

[@Murgablodazor69]

You should have wrote that Space Invaders was released 41 years ago for people that are kinda stupid

[@Chris-mc2dt]

Sugárzó Palacsinta He all but spells it out, I don’t think the amount of people who aren’t able to get it will be very large

[@Codricmon]

Fake news, I want the money back that I didn't pay!

[@ghostderazgriz]

@@Murgablodazor69 Some days I just can't be bothered to math

[@peteypariah6603]

Literally unwatchable

[@Fetteremo]

Wow, so Bubsy3D will finally get the recognition it deserves

[@Chris-mc2dt]

The first game to combine 3D platforming with stand-up comedy

[@grahamwalker2168]

Nowhere near as good as knack 2 though

[@Retku22]

Dunkeyfan, arent you?

[@dingdong1989]

@@grahamwalker2168 We forgetting about SUPER MARIO 2 BAYBEY !!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!

[@AafaqAhmed06]

Space Invaders : The ancestor of cover shooters

[@Gabriel_Cook]

Also the ancestors of ths mooninites.

[@patrickholleman9323]

This is actually something that has been pointed out, academically: thegamedesignforum.com/features/rd_hl_1.html (about halfway down)

[@AafaqAhmed06]

Neat

[@KickyFut]

Gears' great-great-great-great grandfather!!

[@RazorEdge2006]

@@patrickholleman9323 Interesting article. Covers the evolution of shooters from Space Invaders to Half-Life.

[@Table53]

Oh hello, Mark's going old school Love it.

[@tvnalad]

You should do Tetris, it's considered "game design heaven" by many developers.

[@VorpalSlade]

4:38 When you dropped that "...a difficulty curve" it blew my mind

[@misode]

I clicked on this video expecting to learn how to design icons for games, I got something totally different but was not disappointed!

[@GuseMcGoose]

However an episode on icon's would be pretty cool

[@grahamwalker2168]

I saw a video on the original mario and it was basically just graph paper and colouring the squares and uploading that image

[@pugo7925]

Yea, it's like his series Boss-Keys that could be confused about Boss level/difficulty design but it has nothing to do with it.

[@RealRomplayer]

Yeah. It took me the whole 30-seconds-intro to realize that "icon" also has a second meaning in English. Genius title and theme for this new series!

[@raccoonlad]

Feels like a short little Ahoy video, good stuff

[@NikozBG]

Yes this is exactly what it feels like and it's great. Thank you for pointing that out.

[@erickdavid4257]

The next installment of this series would probably be the first game to implement real weapons as a core mechanic.

[@ryanrising2237]

Took me a while once I saw this comment to realise it wasn’t Ahoy. I wonder if that guy’s ok by the way.

[@erickdavid4257]

RyanRising Anyone can produce content documenting history. Gaming Historian does that, too, but all of them have very different approaches and that’s the good part!

[@dragonsinfluence68]

I see a man of culture...

[@darth0tator]

this is gonna be an AWESOME Series :D can't even wait for the next episode :3

[@SlartiMarvinbartfast]

Me too. What an excellent video.

[@VBall1295]

When I saw the title I thought you would be talking about the artist design of the in-game icons used in Space Invaders, but I was pleasantry surprised. I’m always wondering where certain things in games started and this could be a great opportunity to talk about games which may not have been the most popular but set the trends in the industry and led to our favorite games

[@matt4392_]

I saw that Minecraft slide. Would you consider doing Dwarf Fortress, as it had a huge impact on Minecraft and other randomly generated series?

[@tsartomato]

there is umbrella logo basically a clone of alone in the dark

[@danieluranga6872]

Looking forward to more of this series! Your videos are incredibly helpful both in introducing me to great games I've never played, and offering tips on game design in case I ever try my hand at making a game.

[@adambarta8751]

I apreciate the research but even more amazing is the level of detail you put into the video. Making the O look like a loading icon for example. Your channel is a gem of youtube.

[@rafaela00002]

This was great! Can't wait for the next video of the series!

[@TheDuckMaster12]

Never thought about where the difficult curve first popped up, or visualized it that way. Very cool series idea, can’t wait for more!

[@monkeyspice2010]

awesome video as always ! Glad to see a new video series I can look forward to!

[@robsonneves6189]

Great work Mark, loved the video and this new series, looking forward to the next one.

[@jamesscott1880]

What a great idea for a series! Really looking forward to watching the rest of the videos as they come out. Thanks for making such great content.

[@AtomBacon]

This is a cool new series. I'm excited to see where you go with this idea.

[@matrikomatriko]

Fantastic video Mark! Looking forward to other videos in this series!

[@ChristopherYabsley]

Strong start to a great series idea! Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@Ryujin713]

Great video, looking forward to the new series!!

[@velashevskyy]

Great choice for such series start! Looking forward for new episodes. Thank you.

[@muzboz]

Cool stuff. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@Ssalamanderr]

Looking forward to the rest of the series! Enjoyed this one a lot.

[@caseyfischer7868]

This series is gonna be excellent! And you putting RE in the intro just got me even more hyped!

[@PsimanUK]

A fantastic first episode of this new series. I really enjoyed it and learnt a couple of new facts along the way. Thanks for making and uploading this video. I look forward to the next one.

[@TheDarkEye]

Awesome idea for a series and nicely done video as always...looking forward for more :)

[@maartenm8734]

Just fantastic, keep this episode up! (I LOVE it)

[@WooperTrooper4]

I think this is going to be my favorite of your series! Great work. Looking forward to more!

[@drakan4769]

0:10 "games from the last 40 years" 0:43 "41 years ago..."

[@Shenanigans07]

My little nephew has a tendency to ask what certain words mean. When the day comes and he asks me "What does 'pedantic' mean?" I'm going to show him your comment.

[@J_E_N_T]

Can't wait for the rest of this series!!!

[@FunkyJay]

Very much looking forward to seeing this series develop. Love your work.

[@AndrewLabelle]

Fantastic episode, hope you do more soon!

[@TheMormegil92]

I love this series already, I wanted to do something like this for such a long time but I'm glad you're tackling it because you're awesome and this series needs to be done well.

[@NoerLuin]

Awesome idea! Already excited for the next video.

[@PrimitiveOs]

Love the concept for this series, keep it up Mark!

[@kaylubproductions4517]

I love this new series! This is what I’ve always wanted from this channel! Please keep making these types of videos!

[@Nikkiflausch]

I'm super psyched about this new series! This is gonna be fun. Also, my favourite Space Invaders reboot is Radiant, which I own for macOS. It looks really great while keeping the feel of the original artstyle, it's got a cute, self-aware, funny story, it adds a small extra mechanic around different weapons, it's obviously longer with more variety in the levels, and it gets more challenging at the end too (which it needs to be at a longer playtime).

[@wonnor53]

The graphic design in this video is on a whole other level, your work has always looked beautiful since the beginning but there's just something about your most recent videos that really set them apart. I also really like this new series, it's super interesting and I'm very excited to see where it goes next!

[@yell0w355]

Great video. Very interesting and informative. The editing is superb. Also great idea for a series, can't wait to see more :)

[@akb8323]

Enjoyed this video and I look forward to the rest of the series. Great work as always GMTK.

[@raxi9619]

Do continue this series! Very interesting and informative stuff indeed!

[@DeformedLunchbox]

Great video and analysis as always!

[@hellobeauworld]

Great idea for a series! Thank you

[@TimmacTR]

Nice format, ideal length, high info density, entertaining....perfection.

[@xystem4701]

Hyped for this series!

[@patrickdoyle3174]

I love Space Invaders, but I didn’t know it had this many ‘firsts,’ let alone anything about the tech behind it. It’s wonderful how you actually explored the game and didn’t just use sales numbers to say how ‘big’ it was. Really looking forward to more of this series. Also, maybe the most beautiful video you’ve made yet, and I think that this channel was already at the top of video presentation.

[@234takashi]

Awesome! So excited by this new series keep up the great work!

[@NikolaBg35]

Great series! I wish it becomes popular and you get to tell us about all these icons! :)

[@emoldandriel]

Love this new series! Looking forward for more!

[@cormo9058]

Yes yes yes I love this! I cant wait for the rest of the series! Also, the production quality is just getting better and better and I'm hyped

[@darkwatershadow]

I'm super on board with this. Looking forward to seeing where this journey takes us

[@Doran.]

This is a great idea for a series of videos. I always love learning about the history of design. You could even expand this so certain episodes cover especially influential designers. That would be a great way to highlight contributors to the industry (artists, composers, programmers, managers, philosophers, etc.) who may have flown under the radar at their time or been forgotten since.

[@lukelcs8934]

This was a really good video, definitely continue with the series!

[@WangleLine]

This series is already astonishing. Thanks for making these

[@alekbabkin9139]

this is incredibly interesting to watch! Keep making it!

[@projectaroid]

Great video, this is going to be an interesting series. I'm looking forward to future videos.

[@synlinux5809]

Oh man im getting some great G4 Icons memories from this and am looking forward to more content thanks GMTK!

[@khalidsabeq]

Such a good idea for a series, Good luck on the rest of it

[@FruduBuggins]

YEEEEEEESSSS!!!!! I have waited so long for a series like this !

[@profpille7219]

The video looks hella rad! Really liking the effects!

[@Lugmillord]

Really interesting video! I will definitely watch the next ones.

[@Alchatraaz938]

Super excited about this series!

[@baggothree]

This is awesome! I never knew the speed increase was a side effect of limited hardware. Can't wait to see more of this series :D

[@FancyLines]

Already waiting for the second episode!

[@ElChicoBush]

Excelent beginning for a series. I didn't know how important was Space Invaders in the videogame history. Thanks for all your work, Mark.

[@CodyNewhouse]

Well researched. Excellent work top-to-bottom.

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

Holy hell, you really upped the production in this channel! I can't wait to see more!

[@cold_chili3356]

I can't wait for more Design Icons, one of my favourite segments!

[@lytacc]

I love history of videogames, and technology in general, thanks for bringing this series for us!

[@coffeedude]

This such a great idea for a series! You're one of the best channels on KZbin, even more so in the videogame side

[@friendlypunk8975]

I like this! Excited to see the next episodes!

[@Leizcrt]

Duuuude! Best video game related ideas! Love your videos

[@Vesperon]

I'm very excited for this series!

[@Supern0va64]

The fact that you mentioned space invaders extreme is an instant like from me. I absolutely loved both of those games.

[@farty555]

Great video man! Love the design of the sprites too, very iconic

[@pranavgaur660]

I love the production quality of these videos. And of course, the content!

[@mrslake7096]

Great series, excited for it !

[@RandyKnapp]

I am so excited for this series, I think it's going to be amazing!

[@aledro1828]

Cant wait for the next episode!

[@0sac]

very excited for this series!

[@lucio8794]

Looks like an awesome series! Ready for the next one

[@kiranecere8655]

I love this series! I can't wait for episode two!

[@lexfrost6829]

Love this new series, can't wait for more!!

[@glennisgood3]

Mark thank you for all the videos

[@SirArtanis7]

This seems like a good series your making. Hope to see more!

[@CLEANDrumCovers]

Loved the idea for a new series.

[@miamohac1352]

This will help me for my course of Game design tremendously! Thanks! :D

[@corgan0]

Fantastic episode, as always

[@JainaSoloB312]

I can't believe how blatant those TIE Fighters in "Star Fire" were XD

[@Thraim.]

Yeah, they didn't even hide the inspiration in the name. I mean, Star Trek much?

[@WarsPC]

amazing job, glad to understand why and how i was playing galaga on my old system. and i love unintended mechanics.

[@Nee421]

amazing man, looking forward to see more historical decision designs

[@SamScotMosher]

I love this series theme. Can't wait for future episodes!

[@jessman212]

I loved this. Can't wait for more!

[@psychomantisss4655]

New series sounds great!