The Taito Taitan: How a Revolutionary Arcade Cabinet Shaped UK Gaming History

The Taito Taitan: How a Revolutionary Arcade Cabinet Shaped UK Gaming History In the dynamic landscape of early 1980s arcade gaming, Japanese developer Taito made a significant impact with the introduction of the Taito Taitan.

Released in 1981 as a UK-exclusive arcade cabinet, the Taitan aimed to redefine the classic arcade experience by offering interchangeable game boards—a concept that would only become standard years later with the JAMMA format.

Taito's ambitious project not only promised versatility for arcade operators but featured a visually striking design that set it apart from other cabinets of the era. The Taito Taitan was created with the assistance of renowned British artist Roger Dean and his brother, Martyn Dean.

Roger Dean, celebrated for his iconic album covers for the progressive rock band Yes and for his legendary design work with the developer Psygnosis (including the acclaimed 'owl' logo), brought a distinctive artistic vision to the Taitan.

Many gamers may also recognize Dean’s contribution to the current Tetris logo, further cementing his influence on gaming culture. Designed to house up to twelve of Taito's most popular arcade titles, the Taitan was produced in two distinct styles: the 'bug' variant and the 'knight' variant.

Both versions featured prominent Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM) heads that sat atop the cabinet—an innovative choice intended to visually echo the excitement of the gameplay within.

This design collaboration between the Dean brothers gave the Taito Taitan a dramatic presence, turning it into a true centerpiece on any arcade floor. However, the ambitious project encountered unexpected challenges.

According to recollections published in the 1984 book Magnetic Storm, Roger and Martyn Dean noted that one major hurdle was the cabinet’s bold color scheme—particularly the vivid metallic green of the 'bug' version.

They explained that many arcade operators in the UK came from showmen and traveling fairground backgrounds, where the color green was traditionally considered unlucky.

This cultural insight, overlooked in the development process, led to resistance from industry insiders and impacted the Taitan's commercial success.

As the Dean brothers succinctly put it, even well-planned projects can falter due to subtle but significant cultural oversights. Despite its limited success and regional exclusivity, the Taito Taitan remains a notable chapter in arcade history.

Surviving cabinets can still occasionally be found in collections throughout the UK, serving as rare reminders of Taito’s innovative vision and the unique artistry of Roger Dean.

For retro gaming enthusiasts and history buffs alike, a deeper dive into the Taitan’s design and legacy is available on Arcade Blogger, complete with archival photographs that capture its unmatched aesthetic. The story of the Taito Taitan is not just a tale of technological innovation, but a case study in how cultural understanding and artistic creativity intersect in the world of gaming hardware.

Its legacy endures as a testament to the ongoing evolution of arcade gaming and the indelible mark left by visionary designers and developers like Taito and the Dean brothers.

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