Meet the Legend: Tomohiro Nishikado

Tomohiro Nishikado, the mastermind behind the arcade phenomenon 'Space Invaders,' is a pivotal figure in the history of video games. His journey from a child in Osaka to a leading game designer is as fascinating as the games he helped create.

From Childhood Creations to Engineering Dreams

Growing up in Kishiwada, Nishikado was always surrounded by materials, thanks to his father's craftsmanship tool business. This hands-on upbringing led him to create everything from simple pinball machines to model trains, igniting his passion for engineering.

"I wanted to be a train driver as a kid, but that dream shifted to making electronic devices in high school, which set me on the path to becoming an engineer," says Nishikado.

Entering the Gaming World

His career began at a company focused on audio equipment, but a serendipitous reunion with an old colleague brought him to Taito's subsidiary, Pacific Kogyo. Initially, Nishikado had to undertake menial tasks before he finally landed in the development team, where his first game, 'Sky Fighter,' became a hit.

Pioneering Arcade Games

During his early years, the gaming industry was dominated by American developers. After analyzing American arcade games like 'Pong,' Nishikado crafted his own versions, starting with sports games that would lay the groundwork for future innovations in video gaming.

The Birth of 'Space Invaders'

The creation of 'Space Invaders' was inspired by the simplicity of Atari's 'Breakout.' Nishikado realized that the essence of a fun game lay not in realistic graphics but in enjoyment. He transformed the concept into a shooting game, cleverly replacing blocks with alien characters, drawing inspiration from H.G. Wells' 'War of the Worlds'.

The Unforeseen Success

Upon its release, 'Space Invaders' caused a gaming frenzy in Japan. While Nishikado felt a mix of relief and pressure, he expressed skepticism about the industry's direction. Limited by the technology of the time, he often wished he could innovate further.

Adapting to Changing Times

After 'Space Invaders,' Nishikado explored various projects, encountering hardware challenges that stymied his creativity. As Taito shifted focus away from video games, he found himself managing rather than developing, yet he ideated concepts like a console where players could be the aliens.

Reflections on the Gaming Industry

Nishikado acknowledges the evolution of video games, emphasizing the importance of core mechanics over graphics. He encourages aspiring developers to learn from older games and focus on creating engaging gameplay rather than getting bogged down by visual aesthetics.

Lessons for Aspiring Developers

"Younger creators should delve into classic games—they’re rich in playable elements that can inspire new innovations. Always prioritize what makes a game fun, and let creativity lead the way before management gets involved," he advises.

Tomohiro Nishikado's story is not just about a game that changed the industry; it's a testament to the power of creativity, adaptability, and the enduring joy of gameplay.