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Q*bert

Q*bert is a 1982 arcade action puzzle video game developed and published by Gottlieb.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Q*bert is a 1982 arcade action puzzle video game developed and published by Gottlieb. It is known for its isometric pyramid playfield, in which the player changes cube colours while avoiding enemies and hazards. The game became one of the best-known arcade titles of the 1980s and spawned ports and later remakes.

Gameplay

The player guides Q*bert across a pyramid of cubes, changing their colour by landing on each. Each stage is completed by converting the required cubes while avoiding enemies and other obstacles.

Development and release

Q*bert was developed and published by Gottlieb and released in 1982 as an arcade game. It is associated with Warren Davis, Jeff Lee, and David Thiel in its design, art, and audio work.

Reception and legacy

The game became one of the most recognizable arcade titles of the 1980s. It was ported to multiple home platforms and inspired later re-releases and remakes.

Ports and remakes

Q*bert was adapted for several home computers and consoles, including popular 1980s systems. Later versions and remakes extended the game’s lifespan beyond the arcade era.

Key facts

  • Q*bert is an arcade video game first released in 1982 by Gottlieb.
  • The game uses an isometric view to present a pyramid of cubes in pseudo-3D.
  • The player controls Q*bert, who changes cube colours by jumping on them.
  • Gameplay includes avoiding enemies and hazards while completing each stage.
  • The game was widely released on home systems and later received remakes.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Q*bert?
Q*bert is an action puzzle arcade game released in 1982.
Who developed Q*bert?
Q*bert was developed and published by Gottlieb.
What is the objective in Q*bert?
The player changes the colour of cubes on a pyramid by hopping on them while avoiding enemies and hazards.
Why is Q*bert visually distinctive?
It uses an isometric perspective to create a pseudo-3D look.
Was Q*bert ported to home systems?
Yes. It appeared on several home computers and consoles after its arcade release.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q*bert
    Supports: Basic identification, release year, genre, gameplay, and development credits.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q*bert
    Supports: Arcade release, gameplay objective, popularity, and home system ports.
  3. The International Arcade Museum — https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/q-bert
    Supports: 1982 release, gameplay description, and arcade context.
  4. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1565343
    Supports: Identification as an action puzzle arcade game first released in 1982.