Space Invaders: The Arcade Classic’s Ongoing Popularity

The gaming world has experienced plenty of developments in the past few years. The possibilities offered by mobile, PC and console have reached new heights and we all now have a range of options available to us.
However, against this backdrop, it is interesting to note how retro gaming continues to attract a lot of attention. Classic characters and titles remain a major draw to some gamers and recent headlines have highlighted how one old-school game is still particularly popular and continues to inspire pop culture and fashion.

Iconic Title

Few retro games are as iconic as Space Invaders. Britannica explains how the title was created back in 1978 and produced by the gaming company, Taito Corp. The arcade game was very much regarded as a major development, with its gameplay revolving around players fighting off a host of aliens.

Space Invaders went on to become a full-blown phenomenon, and in 2015 it was number one on Insider’s list of the top-grossing video games of all time. The article stated it was thought to have brought in around $13.9 billion, putting it ahead of the likes of Pac-Man and Street Fighter II.

The game has even had an impact away from the video gaming world, with its influence extending to areas such as online slots. Buzz Bingo, for instance, features Inspired Gaming’s Space Invaders title in its mix of themes. The game includes nods to the original title, such as the cannon and icons like joysticks, flying saucers, and the pixelated alien invaders. It is not the only retro-inspired game on the site either, as it also includes the likes of Rubik’s Cube, demonstrating the enduring popularity of retro gaming.

Makeover Time

If you thought Space Invaders appearing in the online slots world was surprising, did you ever expect to see a watch inspired by the gaming classic?

Pixel perfect. 🕹👾

All the functionality you know and love from our Timex T80 combined with the iconic pixelated alien “INVADERS” — and a soundtrack that’ll transport you right back to 1978.https://t.co/NWxIBt26b5 pic.twitter.com/tjlZ295sVU

— Timex (@timex) January 28, 2022

The Pop Insider recently revealed how Timex has launched a redesign of its T80 digital watch, with the timepiece getting a complete Space Invaders makeover. The website explains how the watch is available in gold, silver and black and includes the famous logo, aliens and the laser on its face. More aliens are engraved on the back. The theme even extends into the audio element of the watch, as it can play the game’s soundtrack.

Enduring Classic

Many classic titles and characters have emerged from video gaming through the years, but Space Invaders is undoubtedly an enduring classic. Its influence on the industry has been significant, but it has also had a massive impact across the wider domain of popular culture.
With that and the current retro gaming trend in mind, it makes sense that Timex has released this themed watch now. It is another interesting chapter in the remarkable Space Invaders story, and it will be fascinating to see what might come next.