Scientific Games Invades Skill-Based Slots With A Classic Video Game

Written By Martin Derbyshire on June 15, 2017
space invaders video game

[toc]A Las Vegas-based slot designer has debuted its first-ever slot machine with a skill-based bonus game. Moreover, it’s based on a classic video game too. Nevada’s Scientific Games Corporation launched its Space Invaders slot on June 8. The machine features a skill-based bonus game.

The slot itself is a six-reel, 60-line game. It also features iconic symbols and classic imagery from the Space Invaders video game. Plus, it also has several bonus features, including free games.

Bringing a nostalgic video game to casino slot

The Space Invaders bonus game brings the 1978 classic video game back to life with a playable version of the original alien shooter game. Players control a laser cannon, moving it across the bottom of the screen as they try to shoot down rows of descending aliens. The bonus game also allows players to use their Space Invaders skills to earn credits. Plus, they can advance levels and make a play at one of the game’s multi-level jackpots.

Players can also bypass the slot game entirely. In fact, they can buy their way directly into the bonus game. Plus, the wins are even bigger when a player buys directly into the bonus game.

Japanese video game designer Tomohiro Nishikado is the creator of the Space Invaders video game. Taito started manufacturing and selling it in Japan in 1978. Then, the Midway division of Bally licensed it for production in the United States. Taito still owns the global intellectual property rights of the game, including copyrights and trademarks. Bally Technologies, meanwhile, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation.

The best-selling video game of its time

Space Invaders was the best-selling video game of its time. The 1980 Atari 2600 version of the game was the first title to sell a million cartridges. Plus, it went on to sell two million copies in its first year on the market alone.

Many cite the game as a force behind creating a golden age in video games. Plus, it is at, or near the top of many of the industry’s “most influential games” lists.

“Space Invaders is one of the true classic video arcade games and a childhood favorite for many who grew up in the era of video games,” Group Chief Executive of Gaming for Scientific Games Derik Mooberry said in a news release.

“We are thrilled to bring this iconic game to casino slot game play. Our development team worked diligently to ensure that our first skill-based game featured authentic Space Invaders game play, complete with its familiar alien symbols and correlative music, and we are certain that players are going to be captivated with this compelling new game.”

Slot game already available in New Jersey

The Space Invaders slot machine already launched at casino properties in New Jersey. However, Scientific Games says it will soon be available in Nevada casinos as well as various places where slot machines are legal throughout North America.

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Martin Derbyshire Avatar
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Martin Derbyshire

Martin Derbyshire is an award-winning journalist, video and film producer with a decade of experience covering the brick and mortar casino, poker and iGaming industries. He has produced content for top media outlets including PokerNews, Bluff Magazine and PokerListings, and has crossed the globe scooping stories and interviewing major players in all corners of the high-stakes gambling world.

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