TCW Podcast Episode 180 - Space Invaders Part II

In part two of our look at Space Invaders we explore the impact of the game on Japan and the world. Space Invaders started off rocky, but operators soon realized that players were crazy for the game. Popularity exploded, and Taito was unable to fulfill the orders coming in. This led to the licensing of popular products to other companies in Japan. A move that would see itself repeated as the golden age of arcades continued. We also clarify the 100 Yen Myth/Truth of Japan. Where the legend came from, and what we think the reality is. Finally, we look at the expansion into the United States and Europe, and how the end of the boom in Japan helped to bring Space Invaders into Europe and other nationalities.

I'm in danger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ZbpxV382U

Space Invaders Attract Mode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvomS1YMV90

Disco Space Invaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byQnpyLod6Y

Best of Yellow Magic Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrBAVAaREd8&t=3s

Jatre Specter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aj8PwZaWLo

IPM Invader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ircX-nH5J9I

Space Invaders and the 100 Yen Myth: https://www.academia.edu/3672374/Insert_Coin_to_Play_Space_Invaders_and_the_100_Yen_Myth

Space Invaders Targets Coins: https://www.academia.edu/2568838/Space_Invaders_targets_coins

Spaces Invaders Part II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul7epE6Fryw

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

TCW Email: [email protected] 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/