Overview
America’s arcade powerhouse. Midway emerged from pinball to dominate 1990s arcades with games built for spectacle and controversy. Mortal Kombat’s violence drove sales and Senate hearings. NBA Jam’s over-the-top basketball became cultural shorthand. Financial mismanagement ended the company, but their fighting game legacy continued through NetherRealm Studios.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1958 (as Midway Manufacturing).
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois.
- Bankruptcy: 2009.
- Legacy: NetherRealm Studios.
Arcade classics
| Title |
Year |
Impact |
| Mortal Kombat |
1992 |
Cultural phenomenon |
| NBA Jam |
1993 |
Sports arcade |
| Cruis’n USA |
1994 |
Racing |
| NFL Blitz |
1997 |
Extreme sports |
Mortal Kombat era
| Title |
Year |
| Mortal Kombat |
1992 |
| Mortal Kombat II |
1993 |
| Mortal Kombat 3 |
1995 |
| Trilogy/later |
Various |
Financial decline
| Factor |
Impact |
| Arcade decline |
Core market shrink |
| Console transition |
Challenging adaptation |
| Mismanagement |
Corporate issues |
| Bankruptcy |
2009 |
Asset disposition
| Property |
Buyer |
| Mortal Kombat |
Warner Bros. |
| Ed Boon team |
NetherRealm formed |
| Other IPs |
Various |
See also