What was the first “Shoot em up”?

The first “shoot ’em up” video game, often credited with defining the genre, is “Spacewar!”, which was created in 1962 by Steve Russell and others at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). While “Spacewar!” involved shooting between two spaceships controlled by players, it was primarily a multiplayer game and not what we typically think of today as a “shoot ’em up.” So most experts if asked would say that Space Invaders was the first Shoot em up and here is a bit of history of one of the most historically important arcade games ever made.

When “Space Invaders” arrived in the UK in 1978, it wasn’t just another arcade game—it was a cultural event that captivated an entire nation, I was only around 10 years old at the time but it did not pass me by. The game’s impact went far beyond the arcades, marking the birth of the shoot ’em up genre and paving the way for the golden age of gaming. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of “Space Invaders” and explore how it transformed the British gaming landscape forever.

The “Space Invaders” arcade cabinet was unlike anything British gamers had seen before. It stood tall, like a beacon of light in smoky arcades, with its black exterior and striking alien artwork that pulled players in. The cabinet’s flashing lights and the eerie green glow of the screen seemed almost futuristic, for me it was the sound that first caught my attention.

The “Space Invaders” cabinet was a marvel of late ’70s technology. Though simple by today’s standards, it was revolutionary at the time.

The cabinet was powered by the Intel 8080 microprocessor, running at just 2 MHz. This was one of the most advanced CPUs available at the time, allowing the game to handle multiple moving enemies on the screen.

A monochrome CRT screen was used to display the game in black and white. However, Taito, the developers, used a clever trick to give the game its signature look: coloured cellophane strips were placed over the screen, transforming the invaders into different hues as they descended.

The arcade cabinet featured a simple yet atmospheric four-channel sound system. The iconic, pulsing “heartbeat” sound that increased in tempo as the invaders approached created a sense of urgency and tension, as I mentioned earlier, this sound is what first caught my attention.

The straightforward controls consisted of two large buttons to move left and right and a single fire button, they used leaf springs which were very simple but are often preferred even to this day by arcade fanatics. This simplicity made it easy for anyone to jump in and start playing, from teenagers hanging out in the local chippy to adults taking a break from the pub or in a seaside arcade. Instructions were not necessary, it took seconds to work out what to do.

When “Space Invaders” hit British shores, it didn’t take long for arcade owners to recognise its potential. However, the cabinet wasn’t cheap, costing around £1,500 to £2,000 (about £8,000 to £10,000 in today’s money). Despite the high cost, the investment quickly paid off, as British arcades experienced a surge in popularity thanks to the game. Its attraction helps generate profit elsewhere in the arcade or pub or wherever it was placed.

Initially, the availability of the cabinets was limited, but as the buzz grew, more and more began to appear in amusement arcades, seaside resorts, pubs, and social clubs across the country. By the late ’70s, “Space Invaders” had become the centrepiece of every arcade from Brighton Pier to Blackpool, or Herne Bay or Margate drawing in crowds like no game before it.

How Popular Was “Space Invaders” in the UK?
The popularity of “Space Invaders” in the UK was nothing short of explosive. Arcades saw unprecedented queues, with players lining up their 10p pieces along the cabinet to mark their place in line. It wasn’t just the young who were captivated by the game; “Space Invaders” became a nationwide obsession that transcended age, gender, and social background.

British tabloids started reporting on the “Space Invaders” craze, and soon, it wasn’t unusual to see the game mentioned on TV shows, in magazines, and even in music. Its popularity was so immense that the game quickly became a part of British pop culture. The distinct sound of the invaders’ march became instantly recognisable, and the phrase “high score” entered everyday language.

For Taito, “Space Invaders” proved to be a monumental success. By the end of 1980, global revenues from the game had reached an astonishing $3.8 billion (equivalent to over £1.5 billion at the time). The UK market contributed significantly to this, as arcades across the country reported record earnings. The game’s success made Taito a household name among British gamers, cementing its status as a pioneer in the industry.

For British arcade operators, the arrival of “Space Invaders” was nothing short of a windfall. A single cabinet could earn up to £100 to £200 a week in busy locations, with some even reporting weekly takings of £500 or more in particularly popular spots. There were stories of machines “breaking” only to find out that the machine was so full of coins the punter couldn’t get another coin into play. This was a considerable sum in the late ’70s, especially considering that many arcade games of the era struggled to bring in a fraction of that amount.

It wasn’t long before British seaside towns, pubs, and amusement arcades were filled with “Space Invaders” machines, each one delivering a steady stream of coins into the hands of delighted operators. Some venues reported that they made back their investment in as little as two months, and from then on, it was pure profit. (Well, apart from the general running costs and a bit of electricity)

“Space Invaders” didn’t just fill the coffers of arcade owners; it inspired an entire generation of British gamers, developers, and entrepreneurs. It was one of the first games to be taken seriously as a competitive pastime, sparking the rise of high-score competitions across the UK. The game’s influence was seen in British pop culture, inspiring clothing, music, and even the early home gaming market as companies began producing “Space Invaders” clones for budding microcomputers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. The most memorable port for me was on the Atari VCS later known as the Atari 2600. I never owned one but plenty of friends did and I couldn’t get enough of it.

The game’s success also contributed to the boom in arcade culture, turning local amusements into social hubs where people of all ages could gather, compete, and bond over their love of video games. “Space Invaders” laid the foundation for the vibrant arcade scene that dominated British high streets and seaside resorts throughout the ’80s.

“Space Invaders” didn’t just conquer the arcades of Britain; it conquered the hearts of the British public. It was the first video game that truly united players across the country, from the bustling streets of London to the quiet villages of Cornwall. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, iconic sound effects, and the thrill of chasing the high score, it captured the imagination of a generation.

By the time the ’80s rolled around, “Space Invaders” had firmly established itself as more than just a game—it was a cultural milestone. It demonstrated that video games weren’t just a passing fad but a form of entertainment with the power to bring people together, spark creativity, and generate incredible profits.

So next time you see a “Space Invaders” cabinet in a retro arcade or spot the game’s iconic aliens on a T-shirt, remember that it all began with this simple but addictive game, Space Invaders.