Overview
America’s arcade powerhouse. Midway emerged from pinball to dominate 1990s arcades with games built for spectacle and controversy. Mortal Kombat’s violence drove sales and Senate hearings. NBA Jam’s over-the-top basketball became cultural shorthand. Financial mismanagement ended the company, but their fighting game legacy continued through NetherRealm Studios.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1958 (as Midway Manufacturing).
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois.
- Bankruptcy: 2009.
- Legacy: NetherRealm Studios.
Arcade classics
| Title | Year | Impact |
|---|
| Mortal Kombat | 1992 | Cultural phenomenon |
| NBA Jam | 1993 | Sports arcade |
| Cruis’n USA | 1994 | Racing |
| NFL Blitz | 1997 | Extreme sports |
Mortal Kombat era
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Mortal Kombat | 1992 |
| Mortal Kombat II | 1993 |
| Mortal Kombat 3 | 1995 |
| Trilogy/later | Various |
Financial decline
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| Arcade decline | Core market shrink |
| Console transition | Challenging adaptation |
| Mismanagement | Corporate issues |
| Bankruptcy | 2009 |
Asset disposition
| Property | Buyer |
|---|
| Mortal Kombat | Warner Bros. |
| Ed Boon team | NetherRealm formed |
| Other IPs | Various |
See also