Q is for Q*Bert

Full series and process: 90s TOYpography
Website: noahcampdesign.com
Instagram: noahcampdesign

Q*bert is a 2D action arcade game that uses isometric graphics or an "Escher Pattern” of "cubes" to create a pseudo-3D effect. The objective of each level is to reach each cube while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The Q*bert character became known for his "swearing" – an incoherent phrase generated by the sound chip and a speech balloon of nonsensical characters that appear when he collides with an enemy.

Q*bert was conceived by Warren Davis and Jeff Lee under the project named Cubes. Lee's idea for Q*bert's design was for him to shoot things out of his nose, which is why he has a long nose.

The game was one of the most recognized brands from the golden age of arcade games. In 1989, Konami and Ultra Games got together to make a Q*Bert game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). After decades of success, Q*bert appeared in Disney's computer-animated film Wreck-It Ralph in 2012 and later appeared in Columbia's live-action film Pixels in 2015.

I have a confession. Q*Bert is a really hard letter to find a game for. I never played this game, BUT I knew of Q*Bert from pop culture and always thought he was so cute.

Noah Camp
3D Illustration, Typography, & Animation

More by Noah Camp

View profile

  • You might also like