Lode Runner

A classic puzzle-platformer video game series created by Douglas E. Smith and first published in 1983.

Puzzle

22

Games

1981–2006

Years

19

Platforms

$54.98

Ø CIB

+19.5%

24M change

About

Lode Runner is a highly influential puzzle-platformer series where players navigate maze-like screens to collect gold while avoiding guards. Originating from early prototypes developed between 1981 and 1982, the franchise officially debuted with the release of Lode Runner in 1983. The series is renowned for introducing a built-in level editor, allowing players to design and share their own custom stages.

Douglas E. Smith began developing the concept with Lode Runner (1981), an early prototype written in Fortran. Smith refined the design into Lode Runner (1982) for the Apple II, followed by Lode Runner 128 (1982) and another Lode Runner (1982) iteration. After signing with Brøderbund, the finalized Lode Runner (1983) was released. This landmark year saw multiple versions, including Lode Runner (1983) for the Atari 8-bit family, Lode Runner (1983) for the Commodore 64, and Lode Runner (1983) for the VIC-20, establishing the franchise across the home computer market.

Unlike traditional platformers of the era, the protagonist cannot jump, relying instead on digging temporary pits to trap enemies. This strategic element influenced subsequent game design. Following the success of the 1983 releases, Hudson Soft licensed the game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, introducing the franchise to console audiences and selling over one million copies. The series subsequently expanded into arcades, handhelds, and modern platforms, securing its place as a foundational title in the action-puzzle genre.