Computers, Consoles & Video Gaming, Published 22 April 2026, Updated 1 November 2026
If you grew up in Australia in the 70s/80s, chances are your first “gaming table” wasn’t a console at home - it was a Space Invaders cocktail cabinet in a pub, milk bar, or fish‑and‑chip shop. These…
If you grew up in Australia in the 70s/80s, chances are your first “gaming table” wasn’t a console at home - it was a Space Invaders cocktail cabinet in a pub, milk bar, or fish‑and‑chip shop. These glass‑topped beauties weren’t just machines; they were part of the furniture, literally. You’d sit around them with a drink or a bag of hot chips, blasting aliens between conversations.
What most people don’t realise is that many of those iconic tables weren’t imported from Japan at all. When Space Invaders exploded in popularity, demand in Australia went wild, and local companies stepped in. Manufacturers like Leisure & Allied Industries and Leisuretronics began building their own cocktail cabinets - sturdy, stylish, and perfectly suited to Aussie venues.
These homegrown versions often had their own quirks: different artwork, unique control layouts, Australian‑made glass tops, and local coin mechanisms. They weren’t just copies; they were our own spin on a global phenomenon. And because they were cheaper and easier to repair, they became the go‑to machines across the country.
Today, spotting one of these Aussie‑built Space Invaders tables feels like finding a time capsule. They’re a reminder of a golden era when arcades lived in every corner shop, and gaming was a social event shared over a table. A little slice of Australian gaming history - and one that still sparks nostalgia the moment you see that familiar alien march.
Images: By Danny Galaga; Public Domain, By Tomomarusan - CC BY 2.5, Game Screen Shot - Public Domain
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