Originally an importer of amusement vending machines, Taito transitioned to video games in the 1970s. They achieved massive global success with the release of Space Invaders in 1978, which helped kickstart the golden age of arcade video games. The company continued to produce influential arcade and console titles throughout the 1980s and beyond.
During the early 1980s, the publisher expanded its portfolio across various home computer and console platforms. Key releases from this era include the shoot 'em up
IO (1982) and the early platformer
Chack'n Pop (1984). The company also published
Golf (1984) to appeal to sports enthusiasts.
As home console markets grew, particularly with the rise of third-generation systems, the publisher ported several of its popular properties to reach wider audiences. This strategy led to the 1985 releases of
Space Invaders (1985) and a new version of
Chack 'n Pop (1985) for home systems. During this same year, they published the action-oriented titles
Elevator Action (1985) and the military-themed
Front Line (1985), alongside the action game
Gyro (1985). These releases solidified the company's presence in the home software market, translating their arcade expertise into successful cartridge-based formats and establishing a diverse catalog of genres that sustained their industry presence.