History of Digital Games

Chapter 7

Japan, 2D Game Design and the Rebirth of Consoles (1983–1995)

Japanese Games and Game Companies in the Early 1980s

Japanese arcade and console manufacturers experienced tremendous growth throughout the 1980s relative to the contracting North American market. Arcade games continued to be in demand throughout the 1980s as Japan’s concentrated population was able to sustain dedicated game centers. The heavy reliance on train stations created spaces where large segments of the population spent time waiting, an ideal setup for arcade games. Japanese arcade manufacturers continued to push new game concepts and technologies, defining the post-Golden Age arcade, as well as shaping the console market. Japan’s home console market was relatively ...