Games · 1978
The Space Invaders Invade the Arcades
1978 marks the true birth of arcade culture as Space Invaders triggers a global gaming craze. Meanwhile, microcomputers and second-generation home consoles bring programmable fun directly into living rooms.
- Arcade | Taito | Japan
Space Invaders
Tomohiro Nishikado's iconic alien shooter sparks an arcade boom in Japan and worldwide, forever transforming the video game industry.
- Hardware | Magnavox | North America
Magnavox Odyssey²
Magnavox launches its second-generation home console, complete with a full alphanumeric membrane keyboard and joystick controllers.
- Arcade | Atari | United States
Atari Football
This popular sports arcade game popularizes the trackball controller, leading to intense physical gameplay and high chart earnings.
- Mainframe | Roy Trubshaw | UK
MUD1
Developed at the University of Essex, the first Multi-User Dungeon lays the foundational groundwork for modern online multiplayer RPGs.
- Hardware | Interton | Germany
Interton VC 4000
Germany sees the release of an early European cartridge-based console system, featuring unique analog joysticks with keypad inputs.
- Arcade | Nintendo | Japan
Computer Othello
Nintendo enters the arcade arena with a cocktail table strategy game, laying early bricks for its future video game empire.
- TRS-80, Apple II | Personal Software
Microchess
Peter Jennings' chess program is expanded to microcomputers, becoming one of the very first commercial software hits for home PCs.
- Hardware | Bally Manufacturing | USA
Bally Computer System
Bally releases a high-end home video game system noted for its advanced graphics and arcade-like audio capabilities.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?