A Dining of 1970s Video Game Legacy, Serving Up an 8080 Arcade Board
In the golden era of arcade gaming, one American company stood out for its significant contributions to the industry – Gremlin Industries. Originally an electronics business, Gremlin ventured into the world of coin-operated electronic games and wall games, making a name for itself with the release of the popular *Blockade* in 1976.
At the 1976 Music Operators of America Expo, *Blockade* attracted around 3,000 orders, showcasing its popularity. However, the market soon became saturated with similar games from competitors, and challenges like counterfeiting affected Gremlin's sales and production efforts. To adapt, Gremlin repurposed existing hardware to release new games such as *Hustle* and *Depthcharge*, and even licensed some titles to companies like Taito.
Technologically, Gremlin was a trailblazer, using the Intel 8080 microprocessor in their arcade systems. This was a significant advancement at the time, setting the stage for future developments in the industry. Despite their struggles, Gremlin laid important groundwork in arcade gaming technology that continues to influence the field today.
Gremlin Industries' legacy didn't end there. Eventually, the company was acquired by Sega, becoming Sega's American operation. This acquisition allowed Gremlin's legacy to continue within a much larger global gaming corporation, as Sega remains a major player in the video game industry today. While Gremlin as a standalone entity ceased to exist, its technological and market contributions lived on through Sega's expansion in the arcade and home gaming markets.
One of Gremlin's lesser-known creations is the Blasto arcade board, first released in 1978. This piece of retrocomputing hardware is not commonly seen in the pieces discussed on this platform. The Blasto arcade board uses an Intel 8080 microcomputer system and is playable with a pair of Atari joysticks after being set up.
The history of Gremlin Industries is a fascinating and often-overlooked chapter in the story of American arcade game development. The company's journey from an electronics business to a pioneer in the arcade gaming industry, its technological innovations, and its eventual acquisition by Sega, all contribute to a rich and entertaining narrative. For those interested in the history of arcade games, this is a long read that is well worth the time.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Origin | Electronics business turned arcade game pioneer | | Notable Games | Blockade (1976), Hustle, Depthcharge, Blasto | | Technology | Intel 8080-based arcade boards | | Challenges | Market counterfeiting, production issues | | Acquisition | Bought by Sega, became Sega's American arm | | Legacy | Continued influence on arcade gaming via Sega | | Unique Fact | Blasto arcade board uses an Intel 8080 microcomputer system and is playable with a pair of Atari joysticks after being set up. |
In the realm of technological advancements, Gremlin Industries' use of the Intel 8080 microprocessor in their arcade systems marked a pivotal moment in the industry, notably shaping the future of electronics and hardware, thereby influencing the broader lifestyle and entertainment sectors. Furthermore, the repurposing of existing hardware by Gremlin to create games like Hustle and Depthcharge underscores their agility in adapting to market challenges and catering to the evolving tastes of consumers.
