Taito
Notable Games
Company History
Taito Corporation was founded on August 24, 1953, in Tokyo, Japan, by Michael Kogan, a Jewish-Ukrainian businessman. Originally named Taito Trading Company, the company operated jukeboxes and vending machines before transforming into one of gaming's most historically significant arcade developers.
Space Invaders (1978) fundamentally changed video gaming. The game was so popular in Japan that it reportedly caused a national coin shortage. Space Invaders established the shooting game template and demonstrated video games' potential for mass cultural impact. The game's success enabled Taito to expand globally.
Subsequent arcade classics reinforced Taito's position: Bubble Bobble (1986), Arkanoid (1986), Darius (shooter series with distinctive multi-screen cabinets), Puzzle Bobble/Bust-a-Move, and The NewZealand Story. Each title demonstrated design creativity within arcade constraints.
Taito operated arcade centers in Japan under the "Taito Station" brand, providing retail distribution for the company's games. This vertical integration connected development directly to player feedback through arcade operations.
Square Enix acquired Taito in 2005, making the company a Square Enix subsidiary. Under Square Enix ownership, Taito continues arcade operations and occasional game development while managing its classic franchise library. The acquisition reflected industry consolidation as standalone arcade developers faced challenging economics.
Behind the Scenes
Space Invaders' development by Tomohiro Nishikado demonstrated inspired simplicity. The descending alien formation, the increasing speed as fewer invaders remained, and the protective barriers created emergent tension through basic elements. This design elegance produced gaming's first true blockbuster.
Taito's arcade philosophy emphasized approachable concepts with hidden depth. Bubble Bobble appeared as cute platformer but contained complex scoring mechanics and secrets that required extensive study. Arkanoid refined Breakout into polished form. These games earned repeat plays through satisfying core loops.
The multi-screen Darius cabinets demonstrated Taito's willingness to experiment with arcade hardware. Three connected screens created panoramic displays unlike conventional single-monitor setups. This hardware ambition required game design accommodating expanded visual field.
Puzzle Bobble proved that Taito could create new hits decades after Space Invaders. The colored bubble matching mechanics produced accessible puzzle gameplay that succeeded in arcades and on home systems. The franchise demonstrated sustained creativity.
Taito's arcade center operations provided direct player observation. Developers could watch how players approached games, where they struggled, and what created engagement. This feedback loop informed design decisions in ways that publishers without retail operations couldn't replicate.
The Square Enix acquisition reflected changing industry economics. Standalone arcade-focused companies faced declining Western markets and expensive hardware development. Square Enix's resources enabled Taito's continued existence while integrating its franchises into larger corporate structure.
Modern Taito maintains arcade operations in Japan while occasionally reviving classic franchises. The company's historical significance ensures its games remain influential even as active development has diminished.
About Taito
Taito is a defunct game development company founded on August 24, 1953 and headquartered in .
Known for creating iconic titles such as Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, Arkanoid and more, Taito has left an indelible mark on the video game industry.