History of Bomberman: From 1983 to Today

For over 40 years, Bomberman has been dropping bombs and blowing up blocks. What started as a simple tech demo for a BASIC compiler became one of gaming's most enduring franchises, with over 70 games across every major platform.

This is the story of how a little white robot with bombs became a gaming icon.

Origins at Hudson Soft (1983)

The Bomberman story begins at Hudson Soft, a Japanese video game company founded in 1973. Originally a radio and electronics shop, Hudson pivoted to personal computer products and eventually video game development.

In 1980, Hudson programmer Shinichi Nakamoto created a simple game as a tech demo for Hudson's BASIC compiler. This prototype—featuring a character placing bombs in a maze—would later become Bomberman.

The NES Era (1985-1989)

The game that truly established Bomberman came in December 1985 when Hudson Soft released Bomberman for the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom/NES).

This NES version, programmed by Shinichi Nakamoto, dramatically expanded on the original concept. It introduced many elements that became series staples:

• Power-ups: Fire Up, Bomb Up, Speed Up, and special abilities
• Multiple enemy types: Different AI behaviors and speeds
• 50 stages: Progressive difficulty across multiple worlds
• The iconic character design: The robot-like Bomberman we recognize today

The NES version reached North America in January 1989 and became a cult classic. Its simple-to-learn, difficult-to-master gameplay resonated with players worldwide.

Birth of Multiplayer (1990)

The feature that would define Bomberman's legacy arrived in 1990 with the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine version. For the first time, Bomberman supported up to 5 players simultaneously.

This multiplayer mode transformed Bomberman from a solid single-player puzzle game into a legendary party game. The chaotic battles—where players strategically bomb each other while avoiding their own explosions—created memorable gaming moments and heated rivalries.

The European version of this game was released as "Dyna Blaster"—one of several alternate names the series used in different regions before standardizing on "Bomberman."

The Golden Age: Super Bomberman (1993-1997)

The Super Nintendo era marked Bomberman's golden age. The Super Bomberman series delivered five main entries between 1993 and 1997, each refining the formula and adding new features.

During this era, Hudson also released Saturn Bomberman (1996) for the Sega Saturn, which pushed multiplayer to an unprecedented 10 players with two Multitaps. It remains one of the most beloved entries in the franchise.

The 3D Era (1997-2000s)

The Nintendo 64 era brought Bomberman into 3D. Bomberman 64 (1997) was the first fully 3D game in the series, featuring action-adventure elements alongside the traditional bomb-laying gameplay.

This was followed by Bomberman Hero (1998), which took an even bigger departure—it was a 3D platformer with no multiplayer mode, focusing entirely on single-player action. While divisive among fans, it showcased the franchise's willingness to experiment.

Throughout the 2000s, Bomberman appeared on virtually every platform:

• Game Boy/Game Boy Advance: Portable versions maintained the classic formula
• PlayStation/PS2: Multiple entries including Bomberman Land party games
• Xbox 360: Bomberman Live (2007) brought online multiplayer to consoles
• Mobile: Various mobile adaptations

The Konami Era (2011-Present)

In 2005, Konami acquired a 55% controlling stake in Hudson Soft. The acquisition completed on April 1, 2011, and on March 1, 2012, Hudson Soft was officially merged into Konami Digital Entertainment.

Hudson Soft—the company that created Bomberman, Adventure Island, and co-developed the Mario Party series—ceased to exist as an independent company after nearly 40 years.

Legacy and Impact

Over 40 years and 70+ games later, Bomberman's influence on gaming is undeniable:

• Party gaming pioneer: Before Mario Party, Bomberman was THE multiplayer party game
• Simple yet deep: Easy to learn controls with strategic depth that still holds up
• Accessible to all: Players of any skill level can enjoy Bomberman
• Cultural icon: The white bomber character is instantly recognizable worldwide

The franchise's impact extends beyond its own games. The "bomb in a maze" gameplay has inspired countless indie games and fan projects, keeping the Bomberman spirit alive even during gaps between official releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Bomberman first released?

The original Bomberman (called "Bomber Man" or "Bakudan Otoko" in Japan) was first released in July 1983 for Japanese home computers like the NEC PC-8801 and MSX. The more well-known NES version came out in December 1985 in Japan.

Who created Bomberman?

Bomberman was created by Hudson Soft, a Japanese video game company. The game was developed by Yuji Tanaka, Toshiyuki Sasagawa, and Shinichi Nakamoto. Hudson Soft was later acquired by Konami in 2011.

Who owns Bomberman now?

Konami currently owns the Bomberman franchise. Konami acquired a controlling stake in Hudson Soft in 2005 and fully acquired the company in 2011. Hudson Soft was merged into Konami Digital Entertainment on March 1, 2012.

How many Bomberman games are there?

There are over 70 Bomberman games across various platforms. This includes main series games, spin-offs, and portable versions released between 1983 and today.

When did multiplayer Bomberman start?

Multiplayer was introduced with the TurboGrafx-16 version in 1990. This version supported up to 5 players and established the competitive multiplayer mode that became the series' defining feature.