Overview
Data East created arcade games with personality. BurgerTime’s culinary chaos, Karate Champ’s fighting tournament, Bad Dudes’ 80s action—each had distinctive character. They were not always innovators, but their games delivered solid entertainment with memorable moments.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1976.
- Headquarters: Japan.
- Style: Varied arcade genres.
- Closure: 2003 (bankruptcy).
Notable arcade titles
| Title |
Year |
Genre |
| BurgerTime |
1982 |
Platformer |
| Karate Champ |
1984 |
Fighting |
| Karnov |
1987 |
Platformer |
| Bad Dudes |
1988 |
Beat-em-up |
| RoboCop |
1988 |
Run-and-gun |
| Caveman Ninja |
1991 |
Platformer |
BurgerTime
| Element |
Appeal |
| Concept |
Build burgers while avoiding food |
| Enemies |
Hot dogs, eggs |
| Mechanic |
Walk over ingredients |
| Charm |
Absurd premise |
Karate Champ
| Innovation |
Impact |
| Dual joystick |
Complex moves |
| Fighting game |
Pre-Street Fighter |
| Tournament structure |
Match format |
Bad Dudes
| Aspect |
Character |
| Premise |
Rescue the President |
| Gameplay |
Belt-scrolling brawler |
| 80s aesthetic |
Peak action movie homage |
Licensing success
| License |
Year |
| RoboCop |
1988 |
| Captain America |
1991 |
| Various anime |
Throughout |
Company decline
| Factor |
Impact |
| Arcade decline |
Core market shrinking |
| Console transition |
Less successful |
| Competition |
Crowded market |
| Bankruptcy |
2003 |
See also