Qix
1981 · Puzzle · Arcade
Overview
Qix (1981) is Taito's abstract territory game, designed by Randy and Sandy Pfeiffer: draw lines to claim the screen while dodging the swirling Qix.
Deep Dive
In Qix the player's marker leaves the screen's edge to draw lines across the empty field, and closing off an area claims it — the goal is to fill a set percentage of the screen. The Qix, a restless tangle of moving lines, destroys the marker if it touches an unfinished line, while Sparx patrol the borders. Lines drawn slowly score more than fast ones. The concept had no real precedent in the arcade and was later reworked in games such as Volfied.
Developer Story
Qix was designed by husband-and-wife team Randy and Sandy Pfeiffer at Taito America in 1981. Players drew lines to claim territory on the screen while avoiding the Qix — an abstract entity of spinning lines. The concept was entirely original with no precedent in arcade games. The game required a mental model completely different from shooting or racing games, and attracted a dedicated following among players who enjoyed its abstract puzzle quality.
Did You Know?
- Qix was designed by a married couple — Randy and Sandy Pfeiffer — making it one of very few golden age arcade games with female design involvement.
- The Qix itself is a purely abstract entity — a set of moving lines — with no game-world explanation for what it is.
- Drawing a "fast" line (using the fast button) scored fewer points than a slow line, creating a risk-reward calculation around drawing speed.
- The concept has been reimplemented dozens of times, most famously as Volfied and Gals Panic.
Sources & further reading
- Qix — Wikipedia
