Uncovering the True Designer of the Iconic Konami 'Bacon Strips' Logo

The design of iconic video game logos often carries a legacy that stretches far beyond simple branding, shaping the identity of companies for decades.

One such hallmark is the Konami 'bacon strips' logo, which first appeared in 1986 and persists as a memorable symbol for video game enthusiasts worldwide.

Recently, the origins of this legendary logo have resurfaced in the gaming community, sparking renewed investigation into the individual or team responsible for its creation. Konami, a foundational name in the video game industry, introduced its well-known 'bacon strips' logo during the era when the company was diversifying beyond Japan and entering international markets, including the United States and Europe.

The logo’s immediately recognizable design not only set Konami apart from competitors but also established a visual identity that would become synonymous with quality entertainment across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, alongside many other consoles. Credit for the logo has long been a point of debate, with various names put forward in online discussions and retrospectives.

A tweet earlier this year from user @Marcelllado brought renewed attention to James Cross, founder of the Los Angeles-based design firm Cross Associates, as a potential designer.

Founded in 1963, Cross Associates played a significant role in corporate branding through the 20th century, maintaining offices in several California cities.

The connection to Konami arose from Cross's own 2011 monograph, 'Metaphor: Fifty-Five Years of Work and Play,' where he documented his company’s involvement in helping Konami develop its international image as the company sought to bridge what he described as an "identity gap" as they expanded overseas. In the monograph, Cross explained the guiding philosophies behind the logo: “Our approach had to deliver an abstract, universally appealing design, without connotations tied to any one country or culture,” he wrote.

The objective was a dynamic, memorable symbol that resonated globally—fitting for a rapidly growing name in gaming. However, Cross’s own description left ambiguity regarding the logo’s actual designer, attributing the work to his company rather than himself.

This uncertainty prompted video game writer @VGDensetsu and other historians to seek confirmation of the designer’s identity. After persistent inquiries, Cross eventually corresponded via email to clarify the situation.

Initially, he named Doug Oliver, a talented staff designer whose career achievements were recognized by the Library of Congress and in several major design circles, as the creator.

However, it was later established that Oliver had already left Cross Associates to form a separate agency, Morava & Oliver, before the logo was developed, which cast doubt on this attribution. In a follow-up, Cross acknowledged the error: “Reflecting further, I now believe Ken Rang was primarily responsible for the Konami logo,” he explained, noting that while Doug Oliver had been one of his top identity designers, the timeline did not fit.

Ken Rang, another designer from the era, is credited as likely leading the work on Konami’s iconic mark. Further details about Ken Rang remain limited; he reportedly resides in Oregon and, like many in the industry’s early days, has not maintained a significant public profile.

Efforts continue in hopes of gaining direct confirmation of his role. Through this careful investigation, the story of the Konami 'bacon strips' logo stands as a testament to both the collaborative nature of design and the importance of proper historical recognition in the gaming industry.

For aficionados of video game history and design, the narrative behind this logo underscores the impact a single image can have across hardware generations and gaming platforms, from classic arcade machines to modern Nintendo Switch releases.

As with many legends of the industry, ongoing research ensures that credit is given where it is due, preserving the rich heritage of gaming for future generations.

Konami Cross Associates James Cross Ken Rang Doug Oliver Nintendo