Google Space Invaders Arcade Game is a browser-based tribute to the legendary 1978 arcade classic, with a clever twist — the letters of the Google logo serve as your protective shields. You control a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, firing upward at waves of descending alien invaders while the colourful G-o-o-g-l-e letters absorb enemy fire and protect your position. It’s a perfect blend of arcade nostalgia and playful Google creativity.
Space Invaders was created by Tomohiro Nishikado in 1978 and became a worldwide phenomenon almost overnight. The concept was brilliantly simple: rows of pixelated aliens march downward across the screen, and you must destroy them all before they reach the bottom. The game’s success was so massive it reportedly caused coin shortages in Japan and is credited with launching the golden age of arcade gaming. Its chunky pixel art and iconic electronic sounds became pop culture touchstones that influenced countless games that followed.
The Google-themed version captures everything that made the original addictive while adding its own personality. The descending alien formations look familiar, the gameplay mechanics are faithful to the source, and the escalating difficulty keeps you on edge. But seeing the Google logo letters crumble under enemy fire as you desperately defend your position adds something new — a visual reminder that you’re playing a tribute rather than just a clone.
This fan-made Easter egg was built on open-source work by N. Landsteiner (masswerk.at), who also contributed to projects like the Google Terminal. It joins a tradition of Google-inspired arcade experiences like Zerg Rush, Atari Breakout, and Pac-Man — games that take familiar mechanics and give them a playful Google spin. The result is something that feels both nostalgic and fresh, quick to pick up but hard to put down.
The game runs entirely in your browser with no downloads required and works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
How To Play Google Space Invaders Arcade Game
Click the play button to start the game. Your laser cannon appears at the bottom of the screen, ready for action.
Use the left and right arrow keys to move your cannon horizontally. You can also use the A and D keys if you prefer. On mobile devices, drag your finger left or right to move.
Press the spacebar to fire at the descending aliens. On mobile, tap the screen to shoot. Your shots travel upward toward the invading forces.
Use the Google logo letters as shields. The G, o, o, g, l, e letters sit between you and the aliens, absorbing enemy fire. But be careful — both you and the aliens can destroy these shields, so they won’t last forever.
Destroy all aliens in each wave to advance to the next level. Different alien types award different point values. The aliens at the top of the formation are worth more than those at the bottom.
Watch for the UFO. A bonus spacecraft occasionally flies across the top of the screen. Hitting it awards extra points, but it moves quickly and requires good timing.
The game gets faster and harder with each wave. Aliens descend more quickly and fire more frequently as you progress. Stay alert, keep moving, and don’t let them reach the bottom of the screen.
You typically start with three lives. Lose them all and it’s game over, but you can always start again and try to beat your high score.