If you’ve ever dropped a coin into a glowing arcade cabinet, squinted at a pixelated alien invader, or bopped along to a strange little tune while rotating falling blocks, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Taito—one of the most charming and influential names in gaming history. Taito’s story is a colorful blend of creativity, experimentation, and just the right amount of weird. So grab a soda, cue the chiptunes, and let’s go back to where it all began.
From Vodka to Video Games (Yes, Really)
Taito’s origin story is legendary in the most unexpected way. In 1953, a Russian businessman named Michael Kogan founded Taito Trading Company in Tokyo. But his early ventures weren’t about games at all—they were about vodka imports and jukeboxes. (Imagine telling your parents your favorite arcade company used to make vending machines for booze!)
As jukeboxes gained popularity, Taito shifted into amusement machines like mechanical games and pinball. Although no one knew it yet, the seeds of the arcade revolution were being planted.
The Dawn of Digital Fun
By the early 1970s, Taito pivoted again—this time toward electronic entertainment. They began producing early video games, often releasing Japanese versions of Western hits. But Taito didn’t truly explode onto the world stage until 1978, when they unleashed an alien armada upon humanity.
Space Invaders: The Game That Ate a Nation’s Coins
Space Invaders, designed by the visionary Tomohiro Nishikado, wasn’t just a video game. It was a phenomenon. A cultural quake. A quarter-devouring monster.
As players battled rows of descending aliens, arcades across Japan were swarmed with fans. There were even stories—half legend, half truth—of the game causing a 100-yen coin shortage because so many people were playing. Across the globe, Space Invaders became synonymous with gaming itself.
It was minimalist, tense, and hypnotic. And it cemented Taito as a force to be reckoned with.
80s Weirdness, Innovation, and Pure Arcade Magic
After Space Invaders, Taito could’ve coasted. Instead, they doubled down and made some of the most memorable, oddball, and delightful arcade games of the golden era:
🎈 Bubble Bobble (1986) – Starring the adorable dragons Bub and Bob, this platformer was sugary-sweet and fiendishly fun. With 100 levels and an earworm theme song, it became a sleepover staple.
🧱 Arkanoid (1986) – Not content with regular Breakout, Taito’s version added power-ups, enemies, narrative, and mood. It made block-bashing feel like a cosmic adventure.
👾 The New Zealand Story, Darius, Elevator Action, Rainbow Islands…
The 80s and early 90s were a playground of creativity for Taito. Cute characters, wild concepts, iconic soundtracks—Taito’s catalog was a buffet of imagination.
And of course, no retro arcade was complete without the iconic “Taito” logo illuminated on a cabinet, promising a good time.
Into the 90s and Beyond
As home consoles rose in popularity, Taito adapted by porting favourites to the NES, SNES, Genesis, and beyond. The company eventually became part of the Square Enix family in 2005, but it kept its arcade spirit alive with modern reboots, nostalgia collections, and even new rhythm and puzzle games.
Today, retro fans still celebrate Taito’s library through compilations, remasters, and beloved cabinets restored in game rooms around the world.
Why Taito Endures
Taito’s magic lies in its personality. Their games weren’t the grittiest or the flashiest—they were fun, full of spirit, and endlessly imaginative. They shaped childhoods, defined eras, and inspired countless game developers.
Taito wasn’t just part of gaming history.
Taito made gaming history.
Closing Credits
Whether you’re popping bubbles with Bub and Bob, firing the Vaus paddle in Arkanoid, or taking one more shot at clearing those last Space Invaders, the joy of Taito’s creations is timeless.
So here’s to Taito—an iconic company that proved that simple ideas, quirky characters, and good vibes can leave an impact that lasts for generations.
Blaze Entertainment Taito Arcade Classics Handheld, 17 Games, USB-C, 2.8 inches IPS Display
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