Space Invaders for the Atari 2600 is a seminal arcade-style shoot 'em up game, representing the fixed shooter genre. Originally released in 1978, this home console adaptation hit market shelves in 1980. Players control a laser cannon, moving horizontally across the bottom of the screen while blasting descending alien invaders to prevent them from reaching the planet's surface. The gameplay loop involves dodging projectiles from the aliens and hiding behind destructible shields for cover. As players eliminate rows of extraterrestrial foes, the invaders accelerate, increasing the challenge and urgency of the game.