Collections Research volunteer Mitch, recently researched Object No. 85/841, Space Invaders arcade cabinet, from the Powerhouse Collection.
This object is an original 1978 Space Invaders arcade cabinet, a machine that helped define the golden age of arcade gaming. Its upright wooden cabinet houses the internal electronics of the game, along with a coin slot designed to accept 20-cent pieces. The front screen, where players once faced wave after wave of alien attackers, is framed by vibrant artwork depicting a cratered lunar landscape, a laser turret and hovering UFOs. Interestingly, the cabinet also features human-like monsters that do not actually appear in the gameplay itself. Designer Tomohiro Nishikado later explained that this imagery likely stemmed from the game’s original working title, Space Monsters.
Released in Japan by Taito in April 1978, Space Invaders quickly became an international sensation. It was distributed in the United States and Europe by Midway Manufacturing, and in Australia by Leisure and Allied Industries later that same year. The gameplay was simple yet revolutionary: players controlled a laser cannon, moving left and right to shoot descending waves of pixelated aliens while aiming for the highest possible score.
Despite its simplicity, Space Invaders transformed the video game industry. It is often cited as one of the most influential and iconic video games of all time. The game pioneered features that are now standard in gaming: the introduction of high scores, the ability for players to dodge enemy fire, and a dynamic, looping soundtrack that increased in tempo as the aliens descended – heightening tension in real time. Its commercial success was extraordinary, reportedly generating $3.8 billion in quarters within its first four years. So immense was its popularity that an urban myth emerged claiming it caused a temporary shortage of 100-yen coins in Japan.
This object evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding many of the childhood thrill of playing Space Invaders in arcades, the excitement of chasing high scores, and the simple joy of gathering with friends!
A huge thank you to Mitch for his thorough research into this remarkable object !
Research and story by volunteer Mitch. Blogpost by Karen Griffiths, (Volunteers Program Officer)