Top 10 Most Influential Arcade Games
Arcade games have played a major role in shaping the video game industry as we know it today. From introducing new gameplay mechanics to inspiring entire genres, these titles made a lasting impact on the arcade industry. Whether you’re exploring the history of these iconic titles or simply looking for the best arcade games near me, this list is a great place to start. In this blog, we’re taking a look at 10 of the most influential arcade games of all time.
1. Pac-Man (1980)
Pac-Man is one of the most well-known arcade games in the world. Developed and published by Namco in 1980, it was a widespread commercial success that generated more than $14 billion in revenue by 2016. Pac-Man remains widely popular today and is commonly listed as one of the greatest video games of all time. Whether you’re chasing a high score or just want a bit of nostalgic fun, this classic still delivers.
2. Donkey Kong (1981)
Released in 1981, Donkey Kong was one of the first platformer games to find commercial success in arcades. Developed and published by Nintendo, this was the first game in the Donkey Kong series. Not to mention, it marked Mario’s first appearance in a video game—although he went by the name Jumpman at the time. Many arcade locations still feature Donkey Kong in free play mode, making it a great game for kids and adults alike.
3. Street Fighter II (1991)
Released by Capcom in 1991, Street Fighter II gained massive attention and success in the arcades. Following the golden age of the arcade, it became the best-selling game and was played by an estimated 25 million people by 1994. Credited as the most important and influential fighting game ever made, Street Fighter II inspired other producers to create their own fighting series. Visit any modern arcade or entertainment center, and you’ll likely find this game ready for action—no need to drop too many quarters anymore.
4. Galaga (1981)
Following the success of Galaxian and Pac-Man, Namco released Galaga in 1981. While they found little luck with their early location tests, by 1987, Galaga was regularly appearing on Japanese and American arcade charts. Even with its slow start, Galaga is still relevant and is widely regarded as a major game during the golden age of the arcade.
5. Space Invaders (1978)
Released in 1978 and developed by Taito, Space Invaders was the first fixed shooter game and the first arcade title to feature endless gameplay. This game is considered one of the most influential video games of all time and served as inspiration for designers around the world.
6. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Mortal Kombat II, developed by Midway and released in 1993, built upon the success of the original with improved graphics, deeper gameplay, and an expanded roster of characters. Known for its brutal finishing moves and edgy tone, it became a staple of arcade culture and a lightning rod for controversy—further cementing its place in gaming history.
7. Centipede (1981)
Developed and published by Atari in 1981, Centipede is one of the most successful games from the golden age of the arcade. By using a trackball for player movement, Centipede helped revolutionize game controls by enhancing precise player movements. It was also one of the first games with a significant female player base, thanks in part to Dona Bailey, one of the creators, who aimed to develop a title that appealed to a broader audience—including women. It’s a fun, family-friendly game that many kids can still enjoy in modern arcade setups.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989)
Released by Konami in 1989, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a four-player beat-’em-up that quickly became a fan favorite. Featuring fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and beloved characters from the popular TV show, it offered an exciting and cooperative arcade experience that drew in crowds of players. It’s perfect for a group of friends looking to drop in and play together.
9. The Simpsons Arcade Game (1991)
Developed by Konami and released in 1991, The Simpsons Arcade Game allowed players to take control of the Simpson family in a side-scrolling beat-’em-up adventure. With its faithful animation style, humorous story, and four-player co-op gameplay, it became a cult classic and a standout in licensed arcade titles.
10. Dance Dance Revolution (1998)
Dance Dance Revolution, developed by Konami and launched in 1998, brought a new level of physical interactivity to arcades. Players stepped in time to music on a pressure-sensitive dance pad, combining rhythm gaming with real-life movement. Its global popularity helped redefine what an arcade game could be and laid the groundwork for future rhythm-based titles. The human element of dancing made this game unforgettable.
The Lasting Impact of Arcade Games
These arcade titles didn’t just shape the industry—they continue to bring fun, nostalgia, and high-scoring excitement to modern arcades and entertainment centers. Whether you’re hunting for prizes, tapping your way to a DDR high score, or introducing your kids to your favorite childhood game, there’s something timeless about arcade experiences.
If you’ve ever searched for where to buy arcade games, it’s worth noting that AVS Companies offers arcade machines, pinball machines, and merchandisers for businesses looking to boost admission traffic and guest satisfaction.
Top 10 Most Influential Arcade Games
Arcade games have played a major role in shaping the video game industry as we know it today. From introducing new gameplay mechanics to inspiring entire genres, these titles made a lasting impact on the arcade industry. Whether you’re exploring the history of these iconic titles or simply looking for the best arcade games near me, this list is a great place to start. In this blog, we’re taking a look at 10 of the most influential arcade games of all time.
1. Pac-Man (1980)
Pac-Man is one of the most well-known arcade games in the world. Developed and published by Namco in 1980, it was a widespread commercial success that generated more than $14 billion in revenue by 2016. Pac-Man remains widely popular today and is commonly listed as one of the greatest video games of all time. Whether you’re chasing a high score or just want a bit of nostalgic fun, this classic still delivers.
2. Donkey Kong (1981)
Released in 1981, Donkey Kong was one of the first platformer games to find commercial success in arcades. Developed and published by Nintendo, this was the first game in the Donkey Kong series. Not to mention, it marked Mario’s first appearance in a video game—although he went by the name Jumpman at the time. Many arcade locations still feature Donkey Kong in free play mode, making it a great game for kids and adults alike.
3. Street Fighter II (1991)
Released by Capcom in 1991, Street Fighter II gained massive attention and success in the arcades. Following the golden age of the arcade, it became the best-selling game and was played by an estimated 25 million people by 1994. Credited as the most important and influential fighting game ever made, Street Fighter II inspired other producers to create their own fighting series. Visit any modern arcade or entertainment center, and you’ll likely find this game ready for action—no need to drop too many quarters anymore.
4. Galaga (1981)
Following the success of Galaxian and Pac-Man, Namco released Galaga in 1981. While they found little luck with their early location tests, by 1987, Galaga was regularly appearing on Japanese and American arcade charts. Even with its slow start, Galaga is still relevant and is widely regarded as a major game during the golden age of the arcade.
5. Space Invaders (1978)
Released in 1978 and developed by Taito, Space Invaders was the first fixed shooter game and the first arcade title to feature endless gameplay. This game is considered one of the most influential video games of all time and served as inspiration for designers around the world.
6. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Mortal Kombat II, developed by Midway and released in 1993, built upon the success of the original with improved graphics, deeper gameplay, and an expanded roster of characters. Known for its brutal finishing moves and edgy tone, it became a staple of arcade culture and a lightning rod for controversy—further cementing its place in gaming history.
7. Centipede (1981)
Developed and published by Atari in 1981, Centipede is one of the most successful games from the golden age of the arcade. By using a trackball for player movement, Centipede helped revolutionize game controls by enhancing precise player movements. It was also one of the first games with a significant female player base, thanks in part to Dona Bailey, one of the creators, who aimed to develop a title that appealed to a broader audience—including women. It’s a fun, family-friendly game that many kids can still enjoy in modern arcade setups.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989)
Released by Konami in 1989, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a four-player beat-’em-up that quickly became a fan favorite. Featuring fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and beloved characters from the popular TV show, it offered an exciting and cooperative arcade experience that drew in crowds of players. It’s perfect for a group of friends looking to drop in and play together.
9. The Simpsons Arcade Game (1991)
Developed by Konami and released in 1991, The Simpsons Arcade Game allowed players to take control of the Simpson family in a side-scrolling beat-’em-up adventure. With its faithful animation style, humorous story, and four-player co-op gameplay, it became a cult classic and a standout in licensed arcade titles.
10. Dance Dance Revolution (1998)
Dance Dance Revolution, developed by Konami and launched in 1998, brought a new level of physical interactivity to arcades. Players stepped in time to music on a pressure-sensitive dance pad, combining rhythm gaming with real-life movement. Its global popularity helped redefine what an arcade game could be and laid the groundwork for future rhythm-based titles. The human element of dancing made this game unforgettable.
The Lasting Impact of Arcade Games
These arcade titles didn’t just shape the industry—they continue to bring fun, nostalgia, and high-scoring excitement to modern arcades and entertainment centers. Whether you’re hunting for prizes, tapping your way to a DDR high score, or introducing your kids to your favorite childhood game, there’s something timeless about arcade experiences.
If you’ve ever searched for where to buy arcade games, it’s worth noting that AVS Companies offers arcade machines, pinball machines, and merchandisers for businesses looking to boost admission traffic and guest satisfaction.
