Michael Jackson's Moonwalker Arcade: Sega Developer Shares Rare Insights Into Creation of Legendary Coin-Op
In the pantheon of music and video game collaborations, few unions have left a mark as enduring as the partnership between pop superstar Michael Jackson and Japanese developer Sega.
Released in arcades in 1990, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker was an isometric action game inspired by the artist's 1988 film.
Although it never officially appeared on home systems—the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) and Master System titles are notably different—it remains a significant chapter in both gaming and pop culture history. The development story behind this unique arcade title recently resurfaced, thanks to former Sega staff member Masahito Shimizu (also known as Roppyaku Tsurumi).
Speaking with Shueisha Online, Shimizu detailed how the Moonwalker coin-op came to life, beginning with a remarkably simple A4 proposal.
Initially unfamiliar with Jackson's music beyond the celebrated "Thriller" video, Shimizu admitted that his early involvement was tentative.
"At first, I wasn't very interested and responded rather ambiguously," he told Shueisha Online.
Nonetheless, the development team moved forward, borrowing gameplay elements from Sega's popular Shinobi title as they shaped their vision. The Moonwalker project quickly became a collaborative effort.
"The team started out with many newcomers, and we often had doubts about whether things were progressing in the right direction," Shimizu recalled.
However, the addition of experienced game developers during the project’s mid-stage helped the title gain form and confidence. One particularly striking aspect of Michael Jackson's involvement was his hands-on approach and his consideration for the creative team.
Shimizu recounted regular updates that would begin with "Mr.
Jackson says...", quoting feedback like, "That's great, but what do you think about doing it this way?" and "I want to respect the wishes of the development team." This open and respectful communication style impressed the Sega team and helped foster a positive development environment. A standout moment was Jackson's unique approach to game violence.
As Shimizu shared, Jackson advised the team: "Don't kill your enemies, purify them," revealing the iconic performer's preference for compassion even in digital form.
"He was a man filled with love," Shimizu remarked. Despite the arcade version's often overlooked place in gaming history—largely overshadowed by the more commercially successful Mega Drive adaptation—Moonwalker holds a special place for those who contributed to its creation.
When Jackson passed away in 2009, Shimizu said he was deeply affected.
After viewing the documentary 'Michael Jackson: This Is It,' he found his memories of working alongside the pop legend reaffirmed.
"The Michael in that film is the Michael I remember from our time at Sega.
He collaborated closely, respected our ideas, and never compromised on quality.
Witnessing such a superstar engage with the team so genuinely was inspiring." Today, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker remains a fascinating artifact of arcade gaming history, showcasing Sega's creative risks and the breadth of Jackson's showmanship.
The collaboration not only highlights the possibilities of cross-media partnerships but also stands as a testament to the enduring influence of both Sega and Michael Jackson in the entertainment industry.
Released in arcades in 1990, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker was an isometric action game inspired by the artist's 1988 film.
Although it never officially appeared on home systems—the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) and Master System titles are notably different—it remains a significant chapter in both gaming and pop culture history. The development story behind this unique arcade title recently resurfaced, thanks to former Sega staff member Masahito Shimizu (also known as Roppyaku Tsurumi).
Speaking with Shueisha Online, Shimizu detailed how the Moonwalker coin-op came to life, beginning with a remarkably simple A4 proposal.
Initially unfamiliar with Jackson's music beyond the celebrated "Thriller" video, Shimizu admitted that his early involvement was tentative.
"At first, I wasn't very interested and responded rather ambiguously," he told Shueisha Online.
Nonetheless, the development team moved forward, borrowing gameplay elements from Sega's popular Shinobi title as they shaped their vision. The Moonwalker project quickly became a collaborative effort.
"The team started out with many newcomers, and we often had doubts about whether things were progressing in the right direction," Shimizu recalled.
However, the addition of experienced game developers during the project’s mid-stage helped the title gain form and confidence. One particularly striking aspect of Michael Jackson's involvement was his hands-on approach and his consideration for the creative team.
Shimizu recounted regular updates that would begin with "Mr.
Jackson says...", quoting feedback like, "That's great, but what do you think about doing it this way?" and "I want to respect the wishes of the development team." This open and respectful communication style impressed the Sega team and helped foster a positive development environment. A standout moment was Jackson's unique approach to game violence.
As Shimizu shared, Jackson advised the team: "Don't kill your enemies, purify them," revealing the iconic performer's preference for compassion even in digital form.
"He was a man filled with love," Shimizu remarked. Despite the arcade version's often overlooked place in gaming history—largely overshadowed by the more commercially successful Mega Drive adaptation—Moonwalker holds a special place for those who contributed to its creation.
When Jackson passed away in 2009, Shimizu said he was deeply affected.
After viewing the documentary 'Michael Jackson: This Is It,' he found his memories of working alongside the pop legend reaffirmed.
"The Michael in that film is the Michael I remember from our time at Sega.
He collaborated closely, respected our ideas, and never compromised on quality.
Witnessing such a superstar engage with the team so genuinely was inspiring." Today, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker remains a fascinating artifact of arcade gaming history, showcasing Sega's creative risks and the breadth of Jackson's showmanship.
The collaboration not only highlights the possibilities of cross-media partnerships but also stands as a testament to the enduring influence of both Sega and Michael Jackson in the entertainment industry.
